Drive axle assembly and vehicle with same

Abstract

The utility model discloses a drive axle assembly and a vehicle with the drive axle assembly. The drive axle assembly comprises an axle housing, a transmission shaft and a drive assembly. The drive axle assembly is used for a vehicle, an axle housing extends in the first direction and is connected with a vehicle body, and a containing cavity extending in the first direction and penetrating through the axle housing is formed in the axle housing; the two transmission shafts extend in the first direction and are arranged in the containing cavity, the two transmission shafts are arranged in the first direction in a spaced mode, and the ends, deviating from each other, of the two transmission shafts extend out of the containing cavity and are suitable for being connected with wheels; the driving assembly is connected with the axle housing and used for driving the two transmission shafts to rotate. According to the drive axle assembly, the structure of the drive axle assembly is compact, the adaptability and the flexibility of the axle housing are high, and the cost can be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In related technologies, such as electric forklifts, the drive axle is a key component that transmits the power generated by the motor to the wheels. The axle housing connects multiple components and supports the vehicle body. However, the existing axle housing structure has poor adaptability and flexibility. When components such as the motor are replaced according to specific application conditions, the axle housing also needs to be replaced accordingly, resulting in cost waste. Utility Model Content

[0003] This invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this invention proposes a drive axle assembly with a compact structure, high adaptability and flexibility of the axle housing, and the ability to reduce costs.

[0004] This utility model also proposes a vehicle that includes the aforementioned drive axle assembly.

[0005] A drive axle assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: an axle housing, drive shafts, and a drive assembly. The drive axle assembly is used in a vehicle. The axle housing extends along a first direction and is connected to the vehicle body. The axle housing has a receiving cavity extending along the first direction and penetrating the axle housing. The drive shafts extend along the first direction and are disposed within the receiving cavity. There are two drive shafts, spaced apart along the first direction. One end of each drive shaft extends out of the receiving cavity and is adapted to connect to a wheel. The drive assembly is connected to the axle housing and is used to drive the two drive shafts to rotate.

[0006] According to the drive axle assembly of this utility model embodiment, by using the drive axle assembly in a vehicle, the drive component and two drive shafts are connected to the vehicle body through the axle housing. The drive component is used to drive the two drive shafts to rotate, thereby enabling the vehicle to move. The axle housing has a receiving cavity extending along a first direction and penetrating the axle housing. The two drive shafts pass through the receiving cavity, facilitating at least a portion of the drive component to extend into the receiving cavity to ensure transmission and connection with the drive shafts. This maximizes the utilization of the internal space of the axle housing and improves structural compactness. Furthermore, when replacing components such as the drive component of the drive axle assembly according to the actual needs of specific implementations, there is no need to replace the axle housing, which effectively improves the adaptability and flexibility of the axle housing, thereby facilitating mass production, management, and assembly, and helping to reduce costs.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the drive assembly includes two motors, and the output shafts of the two motors are respectively connected to the two transmission shafts to drive the two wheels to rotate.

[0008] In some embodiments of this utility model, the drive assembly further includes a transmission having two input ends and two output ends. The two input ends of the transmission are respectively connected to the output shafts of the two motors, and the two output ends of the transmission are respectively connected to the two drive shafts.

[0009] In some embodiments of this utility model, the output shafts of the two motors are collinear, and the two motors are symmetrically arranged about the center plane of the drive axle assembly along the first direction.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the drive assembly includes a motor, and the drive assembly further includes a reducer and a differential. The input end of the reducer is connected to the output shaft of the motor; the input end of the differential is connected to the output end of the reducer, and the two output ends of the differential are respectively connected to the two drive shafts.

[0011] In some embodiments of this utility model, the motor is a disc motor.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the receiving cavity includes a first cavity and a second cavity that communicate with each other. The bridge housing includes a main body and a support shaft. The first cavity is disposed within the main body. The drive assembly is connected to the main body. At least a portion of the drive assembly extends into the first cavity and is connected to the transmission shaft. The support shaft extends along the first direction. The second cavity is disposed within the support shaft. There are two support shafts. The two support shafts are connected to both ends of the main body along the first direction. The two transmission shafts are respectively disposed within the two second cavities.

[0013] In some embodiments of this utility model, the main body and the support shaft are an integral piece.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the drive axle assembly further includes a sector plate, which is sleeved on the axle housing and connected to the axle housing and the vehicle body respectively.

[0015] In some embodiments of this utility model, the bridge housing is provided with the sector-shaped plate at both ends along the first direction.

[0016] In some embodiments of this utility model, the sector plate includes a fixed shaft and a sector portion, the fixed shaft being sleeved on the axle housing; the sector portion is fan-shaped, the radial inner end of the sector portion is connected to the outer peripheral wall of the fixed shaft, the radial outer end of the sector portion is connected to the vehicle body, and the radial outer end of the sector portion is provided with a notch penetrating the sector portion along the first direction.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the drive axle assembly further includes brakes, and the brakes are connected to both ends of the axle housing along the first direction. The two brakes are respectively sleeved on the two drive shafts for braking the two drive shafts respectively.

[0018] In some embodiments of this utility model, the brake includes a brake housing, a hub shaft, and a first driving member. The brake housing is connected to the axle housing and is sleeved on the drive shaft and spaced apart from the drive shaft. The hub shaft is sleeved on the drive shaft and connected to the drive shaft, and the hub shaft can rotate relative to the brake housing. The first driving member is disposed on the brake housing and is used to control the hub shaft to be fixed or rotated relative to the brake housing. When the vehicle is not started, the first driving member drives the hub shaft to remain relatively fixed to the brake housing.

[0019] In some embodiments of this utility model, the brake further includes a friction pad assembly, which includes a plurality of active pads and a plurality of passive pads alternately spaced along the first direction. The active pads are arranged around the wheel hub shaft and rotate synchronously with the wheel hub shaft. The passive pads are connected to the brake housing. The first driving member is used to control the active pads to abut or separate from the passive pads. When the vehicle is not started, the first driving member drives the active pads to remain in contact with the passive pads.

[0020] In some embodiments of this utility model, the brake further includes a second driving member, which is connected to the brake pedal of the vehicle and is used to control the active plate to abut or separate from the driven plate when the vehicle is in motion.

[0021] The vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: the drive axle assembly described above.

[0022] According to the vehicle embodiment of this utility model, by using a drive axle assembly in the vehicle, the drive component and two drive shafts are connected to the vehicle body through an axle housing. The drive component drives the two drive shafts to rotate, thereby enabling the vehicle to move. The axle housing has a receiving cavity extending along a first direction and penetrating the axle housing. The two drive shafts pass through the receiving cavity, facilitating at least a portion of the drive component to extend into the receiving cavity to ensure transmission and connection with the drive shafts. This maximizes the utilization of the internal space of the axle housing and improves structural compactness. Furthermore, when replacing components such as the drive component of the drive axle assembly according to the actual needs of a specific implementation, there is no need to replace the axle housing, effectively improving the adaptability and flexibility of the axle housing. This facilitates mass production, management, and assembly, and helps reduce costs.

[0023] In some embodiments of this utility model, the vehicle is an electric forklift.

[0024] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0025] 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:

[0026] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the drive axle assembly according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a top view of the drive axle assembly according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0028] Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 Sectional view of line AA in the middle;

[0029] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the drive assembly of the drive axle assembly according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0030] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the axle housing and sector plate of the drive axle assembly according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0031] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the axle housing and sector plate of the drive axle assembly according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0032] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the brake of the drive axle assembly according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0033] Figure label:

[0034] 100. Drive axle assembly;

[0035] 1. Bridge housing; 11. Main body; 111. First cavity; 112. Opening; 12. Support shaft; 121. Second cavity; 13. Receiving cavity;

[0036] 2. Drive shaft;

[0037] 3. Drive assembly; 31. Motor; 32. Gearbox; 321. First gear; 322. Second gear;

[0038] 4. Sector-shaped plate; 41. Fixed shaft; 42. Sector-shaped part; 421. Notch; 43. Mounting part; 431. Mounting hole;

[0039] 5. Brake; 51. Brake housing; 52. Wheel hub shaft; 53. First drive component; 531. Spring; 54. Friction plate assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. 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.

[0041] 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," and "circumferential," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this utility model 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 this utility model. Furthermore, features defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0042] 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.

[0043] The following is for reference. Figures 1-7 Description of a drive axle assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the drive axle assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present utility model includes an axle housing 1, a drive shaft 2, and a drive component 3.

[0045] Specifically, such as Figures 1-3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the drive axle assembly 100 is used in a vehicle. The axle housing 1 extends along a first direction and is connected to the vehicle body. The axle housing 1 has a receiving cavity 13 extending along the first direction and penetrating the axle housing 1. Two drive shafts 2 extend along the first direction and are disposed within the receiving cavity 13. The two drive shafts 2 are spaced apart along the first direction, with one end of each drive shaft 2 extending out of the receiving cavity 13 and adapted to connect to a wheel. A drive assembly 3 is connected to the axle housing 1 and is used to drive the two drive shafts 2 to rotate.

[0046] Both the drive assembly 3 and the drive shaft 2 are connected to the vehicle body through the axle housing 1. The drive assembly 3 has two output ends, which are respectively connected to the ends of the two drive shafts 2 that are close to each other. The drive assembly 3 can output torque to drive the two drive shafts 2 to rotate respectively. The two drive shafts 2 are respectively connected to the left and right wheels of the vehicle, thereby driving the two wheels to rotate and realize the vehicle movement.

[0047] The axle housing 1 has a receiving cavity 13 extending along a first direction and penetrating the axle housing 1. The drive assembly 3 is connected to the axle housing 1, and at least a portion of the two output ends of the drive assembly 3 extends into the receiving cavity 13 and is connected to two drive shafts 2. While connected to the drive assembly 3, the two drive shafts 2 pass through the receiving cavity 13 and extend out of the axle housing 1 to achieve connection with the wheels. This ensures the transmission and connection between the various components, maximizes the use of the internal space of the axle housing 1, and has a compact structure and reasonable structural arrangement. Furthermore, the receiving cavity 13 extends through the axle housing 1 along the first direction, facilitating the adaptation of the axle housing 1 to different drive shafts 2 and drive components 3. Regardless of whether the drive component 3 is equipped with one motor 31 or two motors 31, and regardless of whether the drive shaft 2 is connected to the transmission 32 or the differential within the drive component 3 in the receiving cavity 13, the axle housing 1 is universal, enabling the universality and interchangeability of the installation dimensions of the axle housing 1. Therefore, when the drive component 3 and other components of the drive axle assembly 100 are replaced according to the actual needs of the specific implementation, there is no need to replace the axle housing 1, which can effectively improve the adaptability and flexibility of the axle housing 1, thereby facilitating mass production, management and assembly, and helping to reduce costs.

[0048] Furthermore, the receiving cavity 13 is along the second direction (e.g.) Figure 5 and Figure 6 One end of the drive assembly 3 (as shown) may be provided with an opening 112. The drive assembly 3 is connected to the end of the bridge housing 1 that is provided with the opening 112, so that at least a portion of the two output ends of the drive assembly 3 can extend into the receiving cavity 13 through the opening 112 and be connected to the two drive shafts 2. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction.

[0049] According to the embodiment of the present invention, the drive axle assembly 100 is used in a vehicle. The drive component 3 and the two drive shafts 2 are connected to the vehicle body through the axle housing 1. The drive component 3 drives the two drive shafts 2 to rotate, thereby enabling the vehicle to move. The axle housing 1 has a receiving cavity 13 extending along a first direction and penetrating the axle housing 1. The two drive shafts 2 pass through the receiving cavity 13, facilitating at least a portion of the drive component 3 to extend into the receiving cavity 13 to ensure transmission and connection with the drive shafts 2. This maximizes the use of the internal space of the axle housing 1 and improves the structural compactness. Furthermore, when the drive component 3 and other components of the drive axle assembly 100 are replaced according to the actual needs of the specific implementation, the axle housing 1 does not need to be replaced, which effectively improves the adaptability and flexibility of the axle housing 1, thereby facilitating mass production, management, and assembly, and helping to reduce costs.

[0050] In some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figures 1-4 As shown, the drive assembly 3 includes two motors 31, the output shafts of which are respectively connected to two drive shafts 2 to drive the two wheels to rotate. The two motors 31 each provide torque to drive the drive shafts 2 to rotate, facilitating the separate driving of the two drive shafts 2 and the two wheels at different speeds, thus enabling the vehicle to turn. Furthermore, the separate driving by the two motors 31 allows for precise control of the rotation of the two wheels, causing them to rotate in opposite directions, which helps to reduce the vehicle's turning radius.

[0051] In some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figures 1-4 As shown, the drive assembly 3 also includes a transmission 32, which has two input terminals and two output terminals. The two input terminals of the transmission 32 are respectively connected to the output shafts of the two motors 31, and the two output terminals of the transmission 32 are respectively connected to the two drive shafts 2. The transmission 32 contains two sets of cooperating transmission components, allowing it to simultaneously transmit the torque of the two motors 31 to the two drive shafts 2, avoiding mutual interference between the two motors 31 and the two drive shafts 2. The transmission 32 incorporates multi-stage transmission components such as transmission gears, which increase torque while achieving transmission, thereby reducing the load on the motors 31.

[0052] Specifically, the two output ends of the transmission 32 can be a first gear 321 and a second gear 322. The first gear 321 is splinedly connected to one of the drive shafts 2, and the second gear 322 is splinedly connected to the other drive shaft 2, thereby achieving stable transmission between the transmission 32 and the drive shaft 2.

[0053] Preferably, in this application, the motor 31, the gearbox 32, the drive shaft 2 and the wheel are not transmitted through a wheel-side planetary transmission mechanism, which can avoid the problem of low output torque and is conducive to improving the transmission stability and reliability of the drive axle assembly 100.

[0054] In addition, brakes 5 are provided at both ends of the axle housing 1 along the first direction, which can realize both service braking and parking braking at the same time. There is no need to set up a separate parking brake mechanism in the transmission 32, which can simplify the internal structure of the transmission 32 and reduce costs.

[0055] In some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the output shafts of the two motors 31 are collinear, and the two motors 31 are symmetrically arranged about the center plane of the drive axle assembly 100 along the first direction. The symmetrical arrangement of the two motors 31 and the collinearity of their output shafts, along with the coaxial arrangement of the two drive shafts 2 and their symmetrical arrangement about the center plane of the drive axle assembly 100 along the first direction, facilitates the transmission connection between the two motors 31 and the two drive shafts 2, simplifying the transmission structure between them. For example, the two motors 31 can be connected to the two drive shafts via a gearbox 32. The two sets of transmission components within the gearbox 32 can be symmetrically arranged, reducing assembly difficulty and improving the production and assembly efficiency of the drive axle assembly 100.

[0056] In some embodiments of this utility model, the drive assembly 3 includes a motor 31, a reducer, and a differential. The input end of the reducer is connected to the output shaft of the motor 31, and the input end of the differential is connected to the output end of the reducer. The two output ends of the differential are respectively connected to two drive shafts 2. In this case, the two output ends of the drive assembly 3 are the two output ends of the differential. The torque of the output shaft of the motor 31 is transmitted to the reducer. The reducer has multiple transmission components such as transmission gears, which can increase the torque while realizing the transmission between the motor 31 and the differential, thereby reducing the load on the motor 31. The differential can output the same or different torques at the two output ends according to the specific conditions such as the vehicle going straight or turning, so as to drive the two drive shafts 2 to rotate respectively. Thus, the vehicle can achieve driving and turning with only one motor 31, and the number of motors 31 can be reduced.

[0057] In some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, motor 31 is a disc motor 31. The output shaft of motor 31 extends along the first direction. The axial dimension of disc motor 31 is short, which can effectively save the installation space occupied by motor 31, thus making it suitable for small vehicles such as small-tonnage electric forklifts.

[0058] Preferably, the motor 31 is a disc-type water-cooled motor 31. Of course, the motor 31 can also be an air-cooled motor 31, as long as the heat dissipation effect of the motor 31 can be guaranteed according to the requirements.

[0059] In some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the receiving cavity 13 includes a first cavity 111 and a second cavity 121 that are connected. The axle housing 1 includes a main body 11 and a support shaft 12. The first cavity 111 is located within the main body 11. The drive assembly 3 is connected to the main body 11, and at least a portion of the drive assembly 3 extends into the first cavity 111 and is connected to the drive shaft 2. The support shaft 12 extends along a first direction, and the second cavity 121 is located within the support shaft 12. There are two support shafts 12, which are connected to the two ends of the main body 11 along the first direction. The two drive shafts 2 are respectively located in the two second cavities 121. The structural design is reasonable. By dividing the axle housing 1 into two parts, the main body 11 and the support shaft 12, it is convenient for the two drive shafts 2 to be rotatably located within the two support shafts 12 and connected to the wheels. It also facilitates the connection of the drive assembly 3 to the main body 11 while simultaneously connecting to the two drive shafts 2.

[0060] The main body 11 has a first cavity 111, which is open at one end along a second direction. The drive assembly 3 is connected to the end of the main body 11 with the open end 112. At least a portion of the two output ends of the drive assembly 3 extends into the first cavity 111 through the open end 112 and is connected to two drive shafts 2. The second direction is perpendicular to the first direction. The support shaft 12 has a second cavity 121 extending along the first direction and penetrating the support shaft 12. The first cavity 111 and the second cavity 121 are connected, which ensures that the two drive shafts 2 can be connected to the drive assembly 3 while passing through the second cavity 121 and extending out of the support shaft 12 to achieve connection with the wheels. This ensures the transmission and connection between the various components, maximizes the use of the internal space of the axle housing 1, and has a compact and reasonable structural arrangement. In addition, the first cavity 111 and the second cavity 121 penetrate the bridge housing 1 along the first direction, which makes it easy for the bridge housing 1 to adapt to different drive shafts 2 and drive components 3. Regardless of whether the drive component 3 is equipped with one motor 31 or two motors 31, the bridge housing 1 can be universal, which can effectively improve the adaptability and flexibility of the bridge housing 1, thereby facilitating mass production and assembly and helping to reduce costs.

[0061] In some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the main body 11 and the support shaft 12 are a single piece. The axle housing 1 is also a single piece. Compared to dividing the axle housing into two or more parts and connecting them into one piece through an intermediate connecting part, the single-piece axle housing 1 has higher structural strength and can bear a greater load, thereby improving the load-bearing capacity of the drive axle assembly 100.

[0062] Furthermore, the bridge housing 1 can be integrally machined by casting, which is simple, convenient, and low-cost, and can also improve production efficiency. Further, the bridge housing 1 can be made of cast steel, gray cast iron, or ductile iron, etc. This application does not specifically limit the specific processing method, material, and specifications of the bridge housing 1.

[0063] In some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figures 1-3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the drive axle assembly 100 also includes a sector plate 4, which is fitted onto the axle housing 1 and connected to both the axle housing 1 and the vehicle body. The sector plate 4 serves a positioning and connecting function. Mounting holes 431 can be designed on the sector plate 4 to facilitate its connection with both the axle housing 1 and the vehicle body, thereby ensuring the stability of the connection between the drive axle assembly 100 and the vehicle body. Positioning grooves can also be provided on the sector plate 4 to facilitate positioning during assembly and installation, thereby reducing assembly difficulty and improving installation accuracy.

[0064] Preferably, the axle housing 1 and the vehicle body can be connected by axle mounting or by bracket mounting to ensure the stability of the connection between the axle housing 1 and the vehicle body.

[0065] In some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figures 1-3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the axle housing 1 has sector plates 4 at both ends along the first direction. This allows the axle housing 1 to connect to the vehicle body at multiple points via multiple sector plates 4, enhancing the connection stability between the axle housing 1 and the vehicle body, thereby ensuring vehicle reliability and driving safety. Two of the sector plates 4 and the axle housing 1 can be cast steel parts and welded together, facilitating separate processing of the sector plates 4 and the axle housing 1, reducing processing difficulty. Separate processing of the sector plates 4 and the axle housing 1 followed by welding results in good manufacturability and low cost.

[0066] In some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the sector plate 4 includes a fixed shaft 41 and a sector portion 42. The fixed shaft 41 is sleeved on the axle housing 1. The sector portion 42 is fan-shaped, with its inner radial end connected to the outer peripheral wall of the fixed shaft 41 and its outer radial end connected to the vehicle body. A notch 421 extending through the sector portion 42 in a first direction is provided at the outer radial end of the sector portion 42. By dividing the sector plate 4 into a fixed shaft 41 and a sector portion 42, it is convenient for the sector plate 4 to be connected to the axle housing 1 and the vehicle body respectively. The fixed shaft 41 facilitates connection to the axle housing 1. The fixed shaft 41 is sleeved on the axle housing 1 and can be fixedly connected to the axle housing 1 by means such as welding. The sector portion 42 is connected to the outer peripheral wall of the fixed shaft 41, facilitating connection to the vehicle. Mounting holes 431 can be provided on the sector portion 42, allowing the sector portion 42 to be connected to the vehicle body via fasteners, which is simple, quick, and detachable.

[0067] The notch 421 on the sector 42 can avoid the drive axle assembly 100 or other parts on the vehicle or provide space for wiring to avoid mutual interference. It can also reserve operating space for the installation of the sector plate 4 and the vehicle body, making it convenient for operators to assemble.

[0068] Preferably, such as Figure 5 As shown, a mounting portion 43 is connected to the radially outer end of the fan-shaped portion 42 for connecting to the vehicle body. The mounting portion 43 is provided with mounting holes 431 for installation, which can reduce the difficulty of installing the fan-shaped plate 4 to the vehicle body. Figure 5 In a specific example shown, the sector portion 42 is provided with a notch 421 and two mounting portions 43. Along the circumferential direction of the sector portion 42, the two mounting portions 43 are located on both sides of the notch 421. Each mounting portion 43 is provided with two mounting holes 431, which can enhance the connection stability between the sector plate 4 and the vehicle body, thereby ensuring the connection stability between the axle housing 1 and the vehicle body.

[0069] It should be noted that the radial outer end of the sector 42 may also be provided with a plurality of notches 421 penetrating the sector 42 along the first direction. For example, the number of notches 421 on each sector 42 may be 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, etc.; the number of mounting parts 43 that can be connected to the radial outer end of the sector 42 may be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, etc.; each mounting part 43 is provided with one or more mounting holes 431 for connecting to the vehicle body. The number of mounting holes 431 may be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, etc., and this application does not make a specific limitation in this regard.

[0070] In some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figures 1-3 and Figure 7 As shown, the drive axle assembly 100 also includes brakes 5. Brakes 5 are connected to both ends of the axle housing 1 along the first direction. The two brakes 5 are respectively fitted onto the two drive shafts 2, used to brake the two drive shafts 2 respectively. The two brakes 5 control the two drive shafts 2 respectively, and through the drive shafts 2, control the two wheels, which can improve the control precision of wheel braking. When the vehicle needs to brake, both wheels can stop rotating. Compared to a scheme that only brakes one wheel, when the vehicle brakes on uneven road surfaces, it can avoid the dangerous situation where the braked wheel is suspended in the air, leading to vehicle brake failure, and can effectively improve the stability of wheel braking and vehicle safety.

[0071] In some embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 3 and Figure 7As shown, the brake 5 includes a brake housing 51, a hub shaft 52, and a first drive member 53. The brake housing 51 is connected to the axle housing 1 and is sleeved on the drive shaft 2 and spaced apart from it. The hub shaft 52 is sleeved on and connected to the drive shaft 2, and can rotate relative to the brake housing 51. The first drive member 53 is disposed on the brake housing 51 and is used to control the hub shaft 52 to be fixed or rotated relative to the brake housing 51. When the vehicle is not started, the first drive member 53 drives the hub shaft 52 to remain relatively fixed to the brake housing 51.

[0072] Thus, the first drive component 53 can realize the parking brake function. The first drive component 53 can be connected to the vehicle's start switch and accelerator pedal. When the vehicle's start switch is in the off state, i.e., the vehicle is not started, the first drive component 53 drives the wheel hub shaft 52 to remain relatively fixed with the brake housing 51. For example, the first drive component 53 drives the wheel hub shaft 52 to maintain an abutment state with the brake housing 51. Under the action of friction, the wheel hub shaft 52 and the drive shaft 2 maintain a braking state, so that the wheels remain in a braking state, thereby realizing the parking brake. When the vehicle's start switch is in the on state and the accelerator pedal is pressed, the vehicle starts. At this time, the first drive component 53 drives the wheel hub shaft 52 to maintain a relative rotational relationship with the brake housing 51, thereby ensuring the normal driving of the vehicle.

[0073] Furthermore, such as Figure 3 and Figure 7 As shown, the brake 5 also includes a friction pad assembly 54, which includes a plurality of active pads and a plurality of passive pads alternately spaced along the first direction. The active pads are arranged around the hub shaft 52 and rotate synchronously with the hub shaft 52. The multiple active pads are spaced apart along the first direction. The passive pads are connected to the brake housing 51 and can move relative to the brake housing 51 along the first direction. The multiple passive pads are spaced apart along the first direction, and the multiple active pads and multiple passive pads are alternately arranged along the first direction. A first driving member 53 is used to control the contact or separation of the active pads and the passive pads. When the vehicle is not started, the first driving member 53 drives the active pads and the passive pads to remain in contact. In this way, the first driving member 53 can control the friction pad assembly 54 to realize the parking brake function of the vehicle.

[0074] Specifically, the driving plate can be connected to the hub shaft 52 through the spline on its inner ring to rotate synchronously, the driven plate can be provided with a raised edge on its outer ring, and the brake housing 51 has a groove extending in the first direction on the side surface near the driven plate. The raised edge on the outer ring of the driven plate can be locked in the groove on the brake housing 51 to realize that the driven plate is movably connected to the brake housing 51.

[0075] The first drive component 53 can be connected to the vehicle's start switch and accelerator pedal. When the vehicle's start switch is off, i.e., the vehicle is not started, the first drive component 53 drives the active plate to abut against the driven plate, generating friction between them. Under the action of this friction, the wheel hub shaft 52 cannot rotate relative to the brake housing 51, and the wheel hub shaft 52 and drive shaft 2 remain in a braking state, thus keeping the wheels in a braking state and achieving parking brake. When the vehicle's start switch is on and the accelerator pedal is depressed, the vehicle starts. At this time, the first drive component 53 drives the active plate to separate from the driven plate, and the wheel hub shaft 52 maintains a relative rotational relationship with the brake housing 51, thereby ensuring the normal driving of the vehicle.

[0076] The first driving component 53 may include a spring 531 and a first hydraulic pump. The spring 531 drives the driving plate to abut against the driven plate. For example, the spring 531 can drive the driven plate to move in a first direction away from the brake housing 51, so that the driven plate can maintain contact with the driving plate. The first hydraulic pump can drive the driving plate to separate from the driven plate. For example, the first hydraulic pump can drive the driven plate to move in a first direction towards the brake housing 51, so that the driven plate can separate from the driving plate.

[0077] In some embodiments of this utility model, the brake 5 further includes a second driving member, which is connected to the vehicle's brake pedal and is used to control the active plate and the driven plate to abut or separate when the vehicle is in motion.

[0078] The second driving component can be specifically a second hydraulic pump. When the vehicle is started and in motion, and the brake pedal is depressed, the second driving component drives the active and driven brake pads to abut against each other. Friction is generated between the active and driven brake pads. Under the action of friction, the wheel hub shaft 52 cannot rotate relative to the brake housing 51. The wheel hub shaft 52 and the drive shaft 2 remain in a braking state, thus keeping the wheels in a braking state and achieving service braking. When the brake pedal is released, the second driving component drives the active and driven brake pads to separate, the brake is released, and the wheel hub shaft 52 and the brake housing 51 maintain a relative rotational relationship, thereby ensuring the normal driving of the vehicle.

[0079] The brake 5 in this application can be a normally closed multi-disc wet brake 5. A friction pad assembly 54 is mounted on the wheel hub axle 52. Multiple driving discs and multiple driven discs are in a normally closed parking brake state without operative intervention, preventing the driver from forgetting to operate the parking brake. The brake 5 can automatically release the brake during driving, ensuring safety and reliability. When the vehicle starts and the parking brake is engaged, the control system supplies oil to the parking brake release port of the brake 5, releasing the parking brake. The vehicle's drive assembly 3 can then drive the drive shaft 2 to rotate, ensuring normal vehicle operation. During vehicle operation, as long as the brake pedal is pressed, the brake 5 can decelerate and stop after the master cylinder supplies oil to the service brake port of the brake 5.

[0080] The brake 5 itself has the functions of service braking and parking braking, eliminating the need for additional parking braking components in other locations of the drive axle assembly 100, which simplifies the structural composition of the drive axle assembly 100 and reduces costs.

[0081] In this application, both brakes 5 connecting the two wheels have parking brake functions, which can improve the stability of the vehicle's parking brake. Compared with a single-wheel parking brake solution, when the vehicle is carrying heavy loads or parking on a steep slope, it can avoid the dangerous situation of low torque and parking brake failure on a single wheel. In addition, when the vehicle is parked on uneven road surfaces, it can avoid the risk of parking brake failure caused by one wheel with parking brake function being suspended in the air. This can effectively improve the stability of the vehicle's parking brake and enhance vehicle safety.

[0082] Preferably, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the drive axle assembly 100 also includes a sector plate 4, which is sleeved on the axle housing 1 and connected to both the axle housing 1 and the vehicle body. Two brakes 5 are respectively sleeved on the two drive shafts 2 and fixedly connected to the two sector plates 4. In this way, the vehicle's weight, the wheel reaction force, and the braking torque of the brakes 5 are all borne by the sector plate 4, which can reduce the stress on the axle housing 1, thereby enhancing the overall load-bearing capacity of the drive axle assembly 100 and extending the service life of the axle housing 1.

[0083] The vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention is described below.

[0084] The vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: the drive axle assembly 100 described above.

[0085] According to the vehicle embodiment of this utility model, by using the drive axle assembly 100 in the vehicle, the drive component 3 and the two drive shafts 2 are all connected to the vehicle body through the axle housing 1. The drive component 3 is used to drive the two drive shafts 2 to rotate, thereby realizing vehicle movement. The axle housing 1 has a receiving cavity 13 extending along a first direction and penetrating the axle housing 1. The two drive shafts 2 pass through the receiving cavity 13, which facilitates at least a portion of the drive component 3 to extend into the receiving cavity 13 to ensure transmission and connection with the drive shafts 2. This maximizes the utilization of the internal space of the axle housing 1 and improves the structural compactness. In addition, when the drive component 3 and other components of the drive axle assembly 100 are replaced according to the actual needs of the specific implementation, there is no need to replace the axle housing 1, which can effectively improve the adaptability and flexibility of the axle housing 1, thereby facilitating mass production, management and assembly, and helping to reduce costs.

[0086] In some embodiments of this utility model, the vehicle is an electric forklift. Applying the aforementioned drive axle assembly 100 to an electric forklift maximizes the use of the internal space of the axle housing 1, improving structural compactness. Furthermore, when replacing components such as the drive assembly 3 of the drive axle assembly 100 according to the actual needs of a specific implementation, it is not necessary to replace the axle housing 1, which effectively improves the adaptability and flexibility of the axle housing 1 and helps reduce the cost of the electric forklift.

[0087] Other components of the drive axle assembly 100 according to embodiments of the present invention, such as the transmission 32, reducer, differential, and motor 31, as well as their operation, are known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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 drive axle assembly, characterized in that, For use in vehicles and including: Axle housing (1), the axle housing (1) extends along a first direction and is connected to the vehicle body, the axle housing (1) having a receiving cavity (13) extending along the first direction and penetrating the axle housing (1); A drive shaft (2) extends along the first direction and is disposed in the receiving cavity (13). There are two drive shafts (2), which are spaced apart along the first direction. One end of each drive shaft (2) extends out of the receiving cavity (13) and is adapted to be connected to a wheel. A drive assembly (3) is connected to the bridge housing (1) and is used to drive the two drive shafts (2) to rotate.

2. The drive axle assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive assembly (3) includes two motors (31), the output shafts of which are respectively connected to the two drive shafts (2) to drive the two wheels to rotate.

3. The drive axle assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The driving component (3) also includes: The transmission (32) has two input ends and two output ends. The two input ends of the transmission (32) are respectively connected to the output shafts of the two motors (31), and the two output ends of the transmission (32) are respectively connected to the two drive shafts (2).

4. The drive axle assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The output shafts of the two motors (31) are collinear, and the two motors (31) are symmetrical about the center plane of the drive axle assembly (100) in the first direction.

5. The drive axle assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive assembly (3) includes a motor (31), and the drive assembly (3) further includes: A speed reducer, the input end of which is connected to the output shaft of the motor (31); The differential has its input end connected to the output end of the reducer, and its two output ends are respectively connected to the two drive shafts (2).

6. The drive axle assembly according to claim 2 or 5, characterized in that, The motor (31) is a disc motor (31).

7. The drive axle assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The receiving cavity (13) includes a first cavity (111) and a second cavity (121) that are in communication, and the bridge shell (1) includes: The main body (11) has a first cavity (111) located inside the main body (11), and the drive assembly (3) is connected to the main body (11). At least a portion of the drive assembly (3) extends into the first cavity (111) and is connected to the drive shaft (2). A support shaft (12) extends along the first direction, and a second cavity (121) is disposed within the support shaft (12). There are two support shafts (12), which are connected to the two ends of the main body (11) along the first direction. Two transmission shafts (2) are respectively disposed within the two second cavities (121).

8. The drive axle assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The main body (11) and the support shaft (12) are a single piece.

9. The drive axle assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive axle assembly (100) also includes: A sector plate (4) is sleeved on the axle housing (1) and is connected to the axle housing (1) and the vehicle body respectively.

10. The drive axle assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, The bridge shell (1) is provided with the sector plate (4) at both ends along the first direction.

11. The drive axle assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, The sector plate (4) includes: A fixed shaft (41) is sleeved on the bridge housing (1); The fan-shaped part (42) is fan-shaped. The inner radial end of the fan-shaped part (42) is connected to the outer peripheral wall of the fixed shaft (41), and the outer radial end of the fan-shaped part (42) is connected to the vehicle body. The outer radial end of the fan-shaped part (42) is provided with a notch (421) that penetrates the fan-shaped part (42) along the first direction.

12. The drive axle assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive axle assembly (100) also includes: Brakes (5), both ends of the bridge housing (1) along the first direction are connected to the brakes (5), and the two brakes (5) are respectively sleeved on the two drive shafts (2) for braking the two drive shafts (2) respectively.

13. The drive axle assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that, The brake (5) includes: Brake housing (51), the brake housing (51) is connected to the axle housing (1), the brake housing (51) is sleeved on the drive shaft (2) and spaced apart from the drive shaft (2); A hub shaft (52) is sleeved on and connected to the drive shaft (2), and the hub shaft (52) can rotate relative to the brake housing (51). The first drive member (53) is disposed on the brake housing (51) and is used to control the wheel hub shaft (52) to be fixed or rotated relative to the brake housing (51). When the vehicle is not started, the first drive member (53) drives the wheel hub shaft (52) to remain relatively fixed to the brake housing (51).

14. The drive axle assembly according to claim 13, characterized in that, The brake (5) further includes a friction pad assembly (54), which includes a plurality of active pads and a plurality of passive pads alternately spaced along the first direction. The active pads are arranged in a ring around the hub shaft (52) and rotate synchronously with the hub shaft (52). The passive pads are connected to the brake housing (51). The first driving member (53) is used to control the active plate to abut or separate from the driven plate. When the vehicle is not started, the first driving member (53) drives the active plate to remain in contact with the driven plate.

15. The drive axle assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that, The brake (5) also includes: The second driving member is connected to the brake pedal of the vehicle and is used to control the contact or separation of the active plate and the driven plate when the vehicle is in motion.

16. A vehicle, characterized in that, Includes the drive axle assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1-15.

17. The vehicle according to claim 16, characterized in that, The vehicle in question is an electric forklift.

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