Differential assembly, drive axle assembly and vehicle

Abstract

The embodiment of the utility model provides a differential assembly, a drive axle assembly and a vehicle. The differential assembly comprises a first shell, a second shell and an oil baffle piece. The first shell is connected to the second shell and encloses to form a containing cavity; the first shell is provided with a conical surface structure, the oil blocking piece is connected to the end of the conical surface structure, and a gap is formed between the inner wall of the oil blocking piece and the outer wall of the first shell. A liquid inlet is formed in the position, corresponding to the gap, of the first shell, a curve flow channel is formed in the inner side of the first shell, a liquid outlet is formed in the second shell, and lubricating liquid can be conveyed along the liquid inlet, the curve flow channel and the liquid outlet. Lubricating liquid can be conveyed along the curve flow channel in the first shell, the curve flow channel forms a bent lubricating liquid conveying path, so that the lubricating liquid can be conveyed in a curve mode, the conveying path of the lubricating liquid in the differential mechanism is prolonged, the conveying time of the lubricating liquid in the differential mechanism is prolonged, all parts in the differential mechanism have long lubricating and cooling time, and the service life of the differential mechanism is prolonged. And the lubricating effect on all parts in the differential assembly is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of vehicle technology, specifically relating to a differential assembly, a drive axle assembly, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] The drive axle assembly is one of the core transmission components of a vehicle's powertrain. The drive axle assembly usually contains a differential assembly, which is used to make the wheels on both sides rotate at different speeds to adapt to different driving conditions such as steering.

[0003] In existing technology, lubrication channels are provided inside the differential housing to lubricate the various components within the differential. However, these lubrication channels are typically linear, resulting in poor lubrication performance of the differential. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of the above problems, the present invention is proposed to provide a differential assembly, drive axle assembly and vehicle that overcomes or at least partially solves the above problems.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this application is implemented as follows:

[0006] This application provides a differential assembly, which includes: a first housing, a second housing, and an oil baffle.

[0007] The first housing is connected to the second housing and together form a receiving cavity;

[0008] The first housing has a conical structure, the oil baffle is connected to the end of the conical structure, and there is a gap between the inner wall of the oil baffle and the outer wall of the first housing;

[0009] The first housing has a liquid inlet at a position corresponding to the gap, and the inner side of the first housing has a curved flow channel. The second housing has a liquid outlet, and the lubricant can be transported along the liquid inlet, the curved flow channel and the liquid outlet.

[0010] Optionally, the curved flow channel includes a plurality of grooves connected in sequence, so that the lubricant forms a plurality of curved paths within the first housing;

[0011] The curved flow channel extends along the direction from the inlet to the outlet on the inner wall of the first housing.

[0012] Optionally, the liquid outlet is inclined.

[0013] Optionally, the first housing includes a first ring portion and a second ring portion connected to the first ring portion, wherein the diameter of the second ring portion is larger than the diameter of the first ring portion;

[0014] The first ring portion has the conical structure near the second ring portion, and the inner side of the second ring portion has the curved flow channel.

[0015] Optionally, there are multiple curved flow channels, which are circumferentially spaced on the inner side of the second ring.

[0016] Optionally, the diameter of the conical structure increases sequentially along the direction from the first housing to the second housing.

[0017] Optionally, the differential assembly further includes a cross shaft disposed within the receiving cavity, the cross shaft having an opening that communicates with the curved flow channel.

[0018] Optionally, the taper of the conical structure can be any value between 0 and 60°.

[0019] This application also proposes a drive axle assembly, which includes the aforementioned differential assembly.

[0020] This application also proposes a vehicle that includes the aforementioned drive axle assembly, or the aforementioned differential assembly.

[0021] In this embodiment, the differential assembly includes: a first housing, a second housing, and an oil baffle; the first housing is connected to the second housing and forms a receiving cavity; the first housing has a conical structure, the oil baffle is connected to the end of the conical structure, and a gap is provided between the inner wall of the oil baffle and the outer wall of the first housing; the first housing has a liquid inlet at a position corresponding to the gap, and a curved flow channel is provided on the inner side of the first housing; the second housing has a liquid outlet, and lubricating fluid can be transported along the liquid inlet, the curved flow channel, and the liquid outlet. In this way, during differential operation, lubricant can flow in through the gap between the oil baffle and the first housing, and enter the first housing of the differential through the inlet at the gap. The lubricant then travels along a curved flow path within the first housing, creating a tortuous lubricant transport path. This curved flow path extends the lubricant's path and time within the differential, allowing for longer lubrication and cooling times for the various components. This significantly improves the lubrication effect on the internal components of the differential assembly, substantially reduces internal wear, and extends the differential's service life. Finally, the lubricant exits the differential through the outlet, forming a lubricant circulation, carrying away heat from the differential, reducing impurities, and lowering the internal temperature of the differential. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this utility model will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0023] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of a differential assembly described in an embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another cross-sectional structure of a differential assembly described in an embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first housing of a differential assembly according to an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 4 This is another structural schematic diagram of the first housing of a differential assembly described in the embodiments of this application;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the first housing of a differential assembly according to an embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 6 This is a partially enlarged structural diagram of the first housing of a differential assembly according to an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second housing of a differential assembly according to an embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the cross shaft of a differential assembly according to an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an oil baffle component of a differential assembly as described in an embodiment of this application.

[0032] Reference numerals: 10 – First housing; 20 – Second housing; 30 – Oil baffle; 11 – Conical structure; 12 – Liquid inlet; 13 – Curved flow channel; 21 – Liquid outlet; 14 – Groove; 15 – First ring; 16 – Second ring; 40 – Cross shaft; 41 – Opening; 17 – Left half-shaft wheel; 22 – Right half-shaft wheel; 23 – Planetary gear; 24 – First gasket; 25 – Second gasket; 26 – Third gasket. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The embodiments of this utility model will now be described in detail. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments in this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0034] The terms "first" and "second" in the specification and claims of this application may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more. Furthermore, in the specification and claims, "and / or" indicates at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0035] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and are not intended to 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 this utility model.

[0036] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0037] Reference Figures 1 to 9 The diagram shows a structural schematic of a differential assembly according to an embodiment of this application. The differential assembly may specifically include: a first housing 10, a second housing 20, and an oil baffle 30.

[0038] The first housing 10 is connected to the second housing 20 and together form a receiving cavity;

[0039] The first housing 10 is provided with a conical structure 11, and an oil baffle 30 is connected to the end of the conical structure 11. A gap is provided between the inner wall of the oil baffle 30 and the outer wall of the first housing 10.

[0040] The first housing 10 has an inlet 12 at a position corresponding to the gap, and the inner side of the first housing 10 has a curved flow channel 13. The second housing 20 has an outlet 21, and the lubricant can be transported along the inlet 12, the curved flow channel 13 and the outlet 21.

[0041] In this embodiment, during differential operation, lubricant flows in through the gap between the oil baffle 30 and the first housing 10, and enters the first housing 10 of the differential through the inlet 12 at the gap. The lubricant then travels along the curved flow channel 13 within the first housing 10, forming a curved lubricant transport path. This allows for curved transport, extending the lubricant's path and time within the differential, thus providing longer lubrication and cooling time for the various components. This significantly improves the lubrication effect on the internal components of the differential assembly, reduces wear within the differential, and extends its service life. Finally, the lubricant exits the differential through the outlet 21, forming a lubricant circulation, carrying away heat from the differential, reducing impurities, and lowering the internal temperature of the differential.

[0042] For example, in the embodiments of this application, the first housing 10 can also be called the tooth surface side differential housing, and the second housing 20 can also be called the tooth back side differential housing. The two together form a receiving cavity for accommodating components such as the left half-shaft wheel 17, the right half-shaft wheel 22, the planetary gear 23, the cross shaft 40, etc.

[0043] In this embodiment, the oil baffle 30 is disposed on the outside of the first housing 10 and connected to the conical structure 11. The gap between the oil baffle 30 and the first housing 10 is used to allow lubricant to flow in. For example, the oil baffle 30 can be an oil baffle cover with a ring structure, which has a good fit with the first housing 10. It can be made of silicone or rubber, etc. In this embodiment, the specific type and material of the oil baffle 30 are not limited.

[0044] Optionally, in this embodiment, the curved flow channel 13 includes a plurality of sequentially connected grooves 14 to form multiple curved paths for the lubricant within the first housing 10; the curved flow channel 13 extends along the direction from the inlet 12 to the outlet 21 on the inner wall of the first housing 10. This allows the oil to be transported along the multiple grooves 14 on the inner wall of the first housing 10, in the direction from the inlet 12 to the outlet 21. Specifically, the grooves 14 are recessed towards the outer side of the first housing 10. Thus, the multiple sequentially connected grooves 14 form the curved flow channel 13, allowing the lubricant to be transported sequentially along each groove 14, further extending the lubricant's transport path and time within the differential, and improving the lubrication effect on the various components inside the differential assembly.

[0045] In this embodiment, optionally, the outlet 21 is inclined to allow the lubricant to be discharged by centrifugal force. Since the differential rotates around the axis of the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 during operation, it generates centrifugal force on the lubricant flowing inside. Therefore, by inclinedly setting the outlet 21, the lubricant can be discharged more smoothly under the action of centrifugal force. For example, in this embodiment, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the outlet 21 can be tilted upwards, or it can be tilted downwards. The number of implementations in this application is not limited in this respect.

[0046] For example, in this embodiment of the application, the tilt angle of the outlet 21 can be 30°, 45° or 60°, etc., and can be set according to actual needs. This embodiment of the application does not limit the specific tilt angle of the outlet 21.

[0047] Optionally, in this embodiment, the first housing 10 includes a first ring portion 15 and a second ring portion 16 connected to the first ring portion 15. The diameter of the second ring portion 16 is larger than the diameter of the first ring portion 15. The first ring portion 15 is provided with a conical structure 11 near the second ring portion 16, and a curved flow channel 13 is provided on the inner side of the second ring portion 16. During the operation of the differential assembly, the lubricating fluid is usually transported along the direction from the first housing 10 to the second housing 20. Therefore, the diameter of the first ring portion 15 is set to be smaller, and the diameter of the second ring portion 16 is set to be larger. The conical structure 11 is provided in the first ring portion 15 to facilitate the lubricating fluid to flow into the first housing 10 from the inlet 12 along the conical structure 11 under the action of centrifugal force, which has a better transmission transition effect. In addition, the curved flow channel 13 is provided on the inner side of the larger diameter second ring portion 16, so that the curved flow channel 13 has a larger setting area, which facilitates the formation of a longer path curved flow channel 13.

[0048] In this embodiment, optionally, there are multiple curved flow channels 13, which are circumferentially spaced on the inner side of the second ring portion 16. This allows multiple curved flow channels 13 to be formed on the inner side of the second ring portion 16 in a direction parallel to the axial direction, further extending the transmission path and time of the lubricant within the differential, and improving the lubrication effect on the various components inside the differential assembly.

[0049] For example, in the embodiments of this application, the multiple curved flow channels 13 can be symmetrically distributed or uniformly distributed. The specific distribution method of the multiple curved flow channels 13 is not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0050] Optionally, in this embodiment, the diameter of the conical structure 11 increases sequentially along the direction from the first housing 10 to the second housing 20, so that the lubricating fluid enters the inlet 12 from the gap through centrifugal force. Thus, during the operation of the differential assembly, since the lubricating fluid is transported along the direction from the first housing 10 to the second housing 20, the diameter of the conical structure 11 is set to increase sequentially along the direction of lubricating fluid transport. This facilitates the transport of the lubricating fluid from the position with a smaller diameter to the position with a larger diameter under the action of centrifugal force, thereby allowing it to enter the first housing 10 more quickly and effectively through the inlet 12, improving the lubrication effect.

[0051] In this embodiment, optionally, the differential assembly further includes a cross shaft 40, which is disposed within a receiving cavity. The cross shaft 40 has an opening 41 that communicates with the curved flow channel 13. This allows lubricant to be transferred from the curved flow channel 13 to the cross shaft 40, forming a lubricant micro-circulation, further lubricating the cross shaft 40 and allowing the lubricant to more fully penetrate the surfaces of the components requiring lubrication, thus further improving the lubrication effect. This can also significantly reduce wear inside the differential assembly, greatly extending the lifespan of the differential assembly and the entire drive axle.

[0052] For example, the opening 41 is set on the longitudinal axis of the cross shaft 40. The opening 41 can be in the shape of a waist-shaped hole. In addition, the opening 41 can also be rectangular or elliptical, etc., and can be set according to actual needs. The specific type of the opening 41 is not limited in this embodiment.

[0053] In this embodiment, the receiving cavity formed by the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 may also be provided with components such as a left half-shaft wheel 17, a right half-shaft wheel 22, and planetary gears 23. For example, the cross shaft 40 has a left half-shaft, a right half-shaft, an upper half-shaft, and a lower half-shaft. The left half-shaft wheel 17 can be installed on the left half-shaft of the cross shaft 40, the right half-shaft wheel 22 can be installed on the right half-shaft of the cross shaft 40, and the planetary gears 23 are installed on the upper and lower half-shafts of the cross shaft 40.

[0054] For example, in the embodiments of this application, the differential assembly may further include a first gasket 24, a second gasket 25, and a third gasket 26. The first gasket 24 is connected between the left half-shaft wheel 17 and the first housing 10, the second gasket 25 is connected between the right half-shaft wheel 22 and the second housing 20, and the third gasket 26 is connected between the planetary gear 23 and the first housing 10, thereby enabling the left half-shaft wheel 17, the right half-shaft wheel 22, the planetary gear 23, and the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 to have a better sealing effect.

[0055] Optionally, the taper of the conical structure 11 can be any value between 0 and 60°. This allows the lubricating fluid to enter the first housing 10 more quickly and effectively through the inlet 12 under the action of centrifugal force when it enters the inlet 12 along the conical structure 11. For example, the taper of the conical structure 11 can be 30°, 45°, or 60°, etc. The specific value of the taper of the conical structure 11 is not limited in this embodiment.

[0056] In summary, the differential assembly described in the embodiments of this application may include at least the following advantages:

[0057] In this embodiment, the differential assembly includes: a first housing, a second housing, and an oil baffle; the first housing is connected to the second housing and forms a receiving cavity; the first housing has a conical structure, the oil baffle is connected to the end of the conical structure, and a gap is provided between the inner wall of the oil baffle and the outer wall of the first housing; the first housing has a liquid inlet at a position corresponding to the gap, and a curved flow channel is provided on the inner side of the first housing; the second housing has a liquid outlet, and lubricating fluid can be transported along the liquid inlet, the curved flow channel, and the liquid outlet. In this way, during differential operation, lubricant can flow in through the gap between the oil baffle and the first housing, and enter the first housing of the differential through the inlet at the gap. The lubricant then travels along a curved flow path within the first housing, creating a tortuous lubricant transport path. This curved flow path extends the lubricant's path and time within the differential, allowing for longer lubrication and cooling times for the various components. This significantly improves the lubrication effect on the internal components of the differential assembly, substantially reduces internal wear, and extends the differential's service life. Finally, the lubricant exits the differential through the outlet, forming a lubricant circulation, carrying away heat from the differential, reducing impurities, and lowering the internal temperature of the differential.

[0058] This application also proposes a drive axle assembly, which includes the aforementioned differential assembly.

[0059] The drive axle assembly described in this application embodiment may include at least the following advantages:

[0060] In this embodiment, the drive axle assembly includes the differential assembly, which includes a first housing, a second housing, and an oil baffle. The first housing is connected to the second housing and forms a receiving cavity. The first housing has a conical structure, the oil baffle is connected to the end of the conical structure, and there is a gap between the inner wall of the oil baffle and the outer wall of the first housing. The first housing has a liquid inlet at a position corresponding to the gap, and the inner side of the first housing has a curved flow channel. The second housing has a liquid outlet, and lubricating fluid can be transported along the liquid inlet, the curved flow channel, and the liquid outlet. In this way, during differential operation, lubricant can flow in through the gap between the oil baffle and the first housing, and enter the first housing of the differential through the inlet at the gap. The lubricant then travels along a curved flow path within the first housing, creating a tortuous lubricant transport path. This curved flow path extends the lubricant's path and time within the differential, allowing for longer lubrication and cooling times for the various components. This significantly improves the lubrication effect on the internal components of the differential assembly, substantially reduces internal wear, and extends the differential's service life. Finally, the lubricant exits the differential through the outlet, forming a lubricant circulation, carrying away heat from the differential, reducing impurities, and lowering the internal temperature of the differential.

[0061] This application also provides a vehicle, which includes the aforementioned drive axle assembly or the aforementioned differential assembly.

[0062] For example, in the embodiments of this application, the vehicle may include small cars, medium-sized cars, sedans, trucks, trailers, CDVs (Car Derived Vans), MPVs (multi-Purpose Vehicles), SUVs (Sport Utility Vehicles), etc. The specific type of vehicle is not limited in the embodiments of this application.

[0063] The vehicle described in this application embodiment may include at least the following advantages:

[0064] In this embodiment, the vehicle includes the drive axle assembly or the differential assembly. The drive axle assembly includes the differential assembly, which includes a first housing, a second housing, and an oil baffle. The first housing is connected to the second housing and forms a receiving cavity. The first housing has a conical structure, the oil baffle is connected to the end of the conical structure, and there is a gap between the inner wall of the oil baffle and the outer wall of the first housing. The first housing has a fluid inlet at a position corresponding to the gap, and the inner side of the first housing has a curved flow channel. The second housing has a fluid outlet, and lubricating fluid can be transported along the fluid inlet, the curved flow channel, and the fluid outlet. In this way, during differential operation, lubricant can flow in through the gap between the oil baffle and the first housing, and enter the first housing of the differential through the inlet at the gap. The lubricant then travels along a curved flow path within the first housing, creating a tortuous lubricant transport path. This curved flow path extends the lubricant's path and time within the differential, allowing for longer lubrication and cooling times for the various components. This significantly improves the lubrication effect on the internal components of the differential assembly, substantially reduces internal wear, and extends the differential's service life. Finally, the lubricant exits the differential through the outlet, forming a lubricant circulation, carrying away heat from the differential, reducing impurities, and lowering the internal temperature of the differential.

[0065] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0066] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A differential assembly, characterized in that, The differential assembly includes: a first housing (10), a second housing (20), and an oil baffle (30); The first housing (10) is connected to the second housing (20) and together they form a receiving cavity; The first housing (10) is provided with a conical structure (11), the oil baffle (30) is connected to the end of the conical structure (11), and there is a gap between the inner wall of the oil baffle (30) and the outer wall of the first housing (10); The first housing (10) has an inlet (12) at a position corresponding to the gap, and the inner side of the first housing (10) has a curved flow channel (13). The second housing (20) has an outlet (21), and the lubricant can be transported along the inlet (12), the curved flow channel (13) and the outlet (21).

2. The differential assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The curved flow channel (13) includes a plurality of grooves (14) connected in sequence, so that the lubricant forms a plurality of curved paths within the first housing (10); The curved flow channel (13) extends along the direction from the inlet (12) to the outlet (21) on the inner wall of the first housing (10).

3. The differential assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outlet (21) is set at an angle.

4. The differential assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first housing (10) includes a first ring portion (15) and a second ring portion (16) connected to the first ring portion (15), wherein the diameter of the second ring portion (16) is larger than the diameter of the first ring portion (15); The first ring portion (15) is provided with the conical structure (11) near the second ring portion (16), and the curved flow channel (13) is provided on the inner side of the second ring portion (16).

5. The differential assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, The number of the curved flow channels (13) is multiple, and the multiple curved flow channels (13) are arranged circumferentially at intervals on the inner side of the second ring portion (16).

6. The differential assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, Along the direction from the first housing (10) to the second housing (20), the diameter of the conical structure (11) increases sequentially.

7. The differential assembly according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The differential assembly also includes a cross shaft (40), which is disposed in the receiving cavity. The cross shaft (40) has an opening (41) that communicates with the curved flow channel (13).

8. The differential assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The taper of the conical structure (11) is any value between 0 and 60°.

9. A drive axle assembly, characterized in that, The drive axle assembly includes the differential assembly as described in any one of claims 1-8.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that, The vehicle includes the drive axle assembly of claim 9, or the differential assembly of any one of claims 1-8.

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