Self-locking differential assembly

Abstract

The utility model provides a self-locking differential assembly which comprises a shell, a planetary gear assembly, a side gear, a first main gear and a planetary gear carrier, the planetary gear assembly comprises a planetary gear and a rotating shaft, a semi-closed frame is arranged on the outer side of the planetary gear carrier, the frame is fixedly connected with the planetary gear carrier, a locking mechanism is arranged on the outer side of the frame, and the side gear is fixedly connected with the side gear. The locking mechanism comprises a shell, a motor is arranged at the end, away from the frame, of the shell, an output shaft of the motor is connected with a lead screw, a locking block assembly is arranged in the shell and comprises a connecting block and a plurality of sliding blocks, the sliding blocks are slidably connected with the shell, the connecting block is in threaded connection with the lead screw, and locking grooves matched with the sliding blocks are formed in the ends, close to the sliding blocks, of rotating shafts. The locking block assembly is inserted into the rotating shaft through the locking groove. According to the self-locking differential mechanism assembly, the frame is installed on the planetary gear carrier, the locking mechanism is installed on the frame, the locking block assembly is connected with the rotating shaft in an inserted mode, axial spinning of the planetary gear assembly is locked, and therefore the self-locking function of the differential mechanism is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automotive differential technology, and in particular to a self-locking differential assembly. Background Technology

[0002] A standard differential is used to allow the left and right wheels to rotate at different speeds, ensuring the vehicle's ability to turn. However, when one wheel slips, all the power is lost to the slipping wheel, while the other wheel with traction does not receive enough driving force, making it difficult for the vehicle to move. Utility Model Content

[0003] In view of the shortcomings of the existing technology, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a self-locking differential, which aims to solve the technical problem that the differential in the existing technology cannot self-lock, resulting in one side of the wheel slipping and being unable to move.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model is implemented through the following technical solution:

[0005] A self-locking differential assembly includes a housing. Inside the housing are two planetary gear assemblies and two side gears. The two side gears are respectively connected to a first half-shaft and a second half-shaft on opposite sides. A first master gear is rotatably connected to the first half-shaft. A planetary gear carrier for supporting the planetary gear assemblies is provided on one side of the first master gear. The planetary gear assemblies include planetary gears and a rotating shaft fixedly connected to one side of the planetary gears. The rotating shaft passes through the planetary gear carrier and is rotatably connected to it. A semi-enclosed frame is provided on the outer side of the planetary gear carrier. The open end of the frame is located between the first master gear and the rotating shaft. The frame is fixedly connected to the planetary gear carrier and to the second half-shaft. The frame is rotatably connected to the planetary gear assembly. Two through holes are provided on the frame, with one end of the rotating shaft located within one of the through holes. A locking mechanism adapted to the planetary gear assembly is provided on the outer side of the frame. The locking mechanism includes a housing, with a motor located at the end of the housing away from the frame. The output shaft of the motor is connected to a lead screw, which passes through the housing and is rotatably connected to it. A locking block assembly is provided inside the housing, comprising a cylindrical connecting block and multiple sliders arranged in a circular array on the side of the connecting block. The sliders are slidably connected to the housing, and the connecting block is threadedly connected to the lead screw. A locking groove matching the slider is provided at the end of the rotating shaft near the slider, and the locking block assembly is inserted into the rotating shaft through the locking groove.

[0006] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: by fixing a frame on the outside of the planetary gear carrier to install a support locking mechanism, and by using the locking block assembly in the locking mechanism to connect with the rotating shaft in the planetary gear assembly, the rotation of the planetary gear assembly is locked, thereby preventing the power from being transmitted to the slipping tire side through the rotation of the planetary gear assembly when the vehicle slips on one side, making it difficult for the vehicle to move.

[0007] According to one aspect of the above technical solution, the rotating shaft includes a rotating shaft body with one end fixedly connected to the planetary gear. A sliding groove is provided at the end of the rotating shaft body away from the planetary gear. The rotating shaft also includes a pin with one end disposed in the sliding groove. A protrusion is provided on the outer side of the pin at one end of the sliding groove. The sidewall of the sliding groove is recessed inward to form a sliding groove corresponding to the protrusion. The pin and the rotating shaft body are slidably connected through the sliding groove.

[0008] According to one aspect of the above technical solution, the locking groove is opened at the end of the shaft pin away from the rotating shaft body, and a first spring is provided in the sliding groove. One end of the first spring abuts against one end of the shaft pin. The first spring is used to make the shaft pin approach the through hole, so that the locking groove is inserted into the slider.

[0009] According to one aspect of the above technical solution, the outer shell includes an outer shell body and a buffer assembly disposed inside the outer shell body. The buffer assembly includes a force-receiving disk movably connected to the outer shell body. The slider passes through the force-receiving disk and is slidably connected to the force-receiving disk. A plurality of first receiving slots are provided through the force-receiving disk. A plurality of first receiving slots are arranged in a circular array around the locking block assembly. A second spring is provided in the first receiving slot. The diameter of the second spring is larger than the thickness of the force-receiving disk. The outer shell is provided with a second receiving slot that cooperates with the first receiving slot to form a receiving slot for accommodating the second spring.

[0010] According to one aspect of the above technical solution, a plurality of arc-shaped grooves are provided through the force-receiving plate near the first receiving groove. The plurality of arc-shaped grooves are arranged in a circular array around the locking block assembly. The arc length of the arc-shaped groove is less than the length of the first receiving groove. A force-receiving rod is provided in the middle of the arc-shaped groove. Both ends of the force-receiving rod are fixedly connected to the outer shell body.

[0011] According to one aspect of the above technical solution, the end of the slider away from the connecting block is provided with a chamfer.

[0012] According to one aspect of the above technical solution, the first main gear is meshed with a drive bevel gear on the side of the frame.

[0013] According to one aspect of the above technical solution, the self-locking differential assembly further includes a driver disposed on the housing for synchronously driving the two motors. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of a self-locking differential assembly in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the locking mechanism in a self-locking differential assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the buffer component in a self-locking differential assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Explanation of main component symbols: 1-First main gear, 2-Planetary gear carrier, 3-Planetary gear assembly, 31-Planetary gear, 32-Rotating shaft, 321-Rotating shaft body, 322-Shaft pin, 323-First spring, 324-Locking groove, 325-Protrusion, 326-Slide groove, 4-Frame, 5-Locking mechanism, 51-Motor, 52-Housing shell, 53-Lead screw, 54-Locking block assembly, 541-Connecting block, 542-Slider, 55-Buffer assembly, 551-Force plate, 552-Second spring, 553-Force rod, 554-First receiving groove, 555-Arc groove, 556-Second receiving groove, 6-Side gear, 7-First half shaft, 8-Second half shaft, 9-Driving bevel gear;

[0018] The following detailed description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, will further illustrate this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To facilitate understanding of this utility model, a more complete description will be given below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Several embodiments of this utility model are shown in the drawings. However, this utility model can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that the disclosure of this utility model will be more thorough and complete.

[0020] It should be noted that when a component is said to be "fixed to" another component, it can be directly on the other component or there may be an intervening component. When a component is said to be "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be an intervening component. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this document are for illustrative purposes only.

[0021] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0022] See Figures 1 to 2 The present invention provides a self-locking differential assembly, comprising a housing, inside which are disposed two planetary gear assemblies 3 and two side gears 6. The two side gears 6 are respectively connected to a first half-shaft 7 and a second half-shaft 8 on opposite sides. A first main gear 1 is rotatably connected to the first half-shaft 7. A planetary gear carrier 2 for supporting the planetary gear assemblies 3 is provided on one side of the first main gear 1. The planetary gear assembly 3 includes a planetary gear 31 and a rotating shaft 32 fixedly connected to one side of the planetary gear 31. The rotating shaft 32 passes through the planetary gear carrier 2. A bushing for fixing the rotating shaft 32 is provided on the planetary gear carrier 2. The rotating shaft 32 is rotatably connected to the planetary gear carrier 2 through the bushing. A semi-enclosed frame 4 is provided on the outside of the planetary gear carrier 2. The open end of the frame 4 is located between the first main gear 1 and the rotating shaft 32. The frame 4 is fixedly connected to the planetary gear carrier 2. The two half-shafts 8 are rotatably connected. The frame 4 has two through holes. One end of the rotating shaft 32 is located in the through hole. The outer side of the frame 4 is provided with a locking mechanism 5 adapted to the planetary gear assembly 3. The locking mechanism 5 includes a housing 52. The end of the housing 52 away from the frame 4 is provided with a motor 51. The output shaft of the motor 51 is connected to a lead screw 53. The lead screw 53 passes through the housing 52 and is rotatably connected to the housing. The housing 52 is provided with a locking block assembly 54. The locking block assembly 54 includes a cylindrical connecting block 541 and a plurality of sliders 542 arranged in a circular array on the side of the connecting block 541. The sliders 542 are slidably connected to the housing 52. The connecting block 541 is threadedly connected to the lead screw 53. The end of the rotating shaft 32 near the slider 542 is provided with a locking groove 324 that matches the slider 542. The locking block assembly 54 is inserted into the rotating shaft 32 through the locking groove 324.

[0023] Specifically, the lead screw 53 rotates under the drive of the motor 51. Since the lead screw 53 is rotatably connected to the housing 52 and threadedly connected to the connecting block 541 of the locking block assembly 54, the locking block assembly 54 slides downward along the housing until the slider 542 is fully inserted into the locking groove 324, at which point the motor 51 stops rotating. It should be noted that the locking block assembly 54 maintains a sliding connection with the housing 52 throughout the sliding process. Since the housing 52 is fixedly connected to the frame 4, and the frame 4 is fixedly connected to the planetary gear carrier 2, it can be understood that after the slider 542 is inserted into the locking groove 324, the rotating shaft 32 remains relatively fixed to the planetary gear carrier 2 in the direction of rotation, thereby achieving rotational locking of the planetary gear assembly 3. This ensures that the first half-shaft 7 and the second half-shaft 8 remain synchronized during rotation, thus achieving self-locking of the differential and preventing single-wheel slippage, which could lead to power loss.

[0024] Furthermore, the rotating shaft 32 includes a rotating shaft body 321 with one end fixedly connected to the planetary gear 31. The rotating shaft body 321 has a sliding groove at the end away from the planetary gear 31. The rotating shaft 32 also includes a pin 322 with one end set in the sliding groove. The pin 322 has a protrusion 325 on the outer side of the sliding groove. The sidewall of the sliding groove is recessed inward to form a sliding groove 326 corresponding to the protrusion 325. The pin 322 and the rotating shaft body 321 are slidably connected through the sliding groove 326. The end of the pin 322 away from the rotating shaft body 321 has a locking groove 324. A first spring 323 is provided in the sliding groove. One end of the first spring 323 abuts against one end of the pin 322. By setting the pin 322 at one end of the rotating shaft body 321, the locking block assembly 54 is more smoothly inserted into the rotating shaft 32, avoiding a hard connection between the locking block assembly 54 and the rotating shaft 32. It should also be noted that the initial state of the first spring 323 is mainly used to maintain the initial position of the axial direction; and the shaft pin 322 can only be located in the sliding groove and slidably connected to the rotating shaft body 321; specifically, in its natural state, the first spring 323 causes one end of the protrusion 325 to abut against the end of the sliding groove 326 away from the bottom of the sliding groove.

[0025] See Figure 3In this embodiment, the outer shell 52 includes an outer shell body and a buffer assembly 55 disposed inside the outer shell body. The buffer assembly 55 includes a force-receiving disk 551 movably connected to the outer shell body. The slider 542 passes through the force-receiving disk 551 and is slidably connected to the force-receiving disk 551. A plurality of first receiving grooves 554 are provided through the force-receiving disk 551. A plurality of first receiving grooves 554 are arranged in a circular array around the locking block assembly 54. A second spring 552 is provided in the first receiving groove 554. The diameter of the second spring 552 is larger than the thickness of the force-receiving disk 551. The shell is provided with a second receiving groove 556 that cooperates with the first receiving groove 554 to accommodate the second spring 552. By providing the buffer assembly 55, the impact force of the rotating shaft 32 on the locking block assembly 54 in the axial rotation direction when the locking block assembly 54 and the rotating shaft 32 are connected is reduced. It also facilitates the insertion operation of the chain assembly.

[0026] See Figure 3 Furthermore, a plurality of arc-shaped grooves 555 are provided through the force-receiving plate 551 near the first receiving groove 554. The plurality of arc-shaped grooves 555 are arranged in a circular array around the locking block assembly 54. The arc length of the arc-shaped grooves 555 is less than the length of the first receiving groove 554. A force-receiving rod 553 is provided in the middle of the arc-shaped grooves 555. Both ends of the force-receiving rod 553 are fixedly connected to the outer shell 52 body.

[0027] Specifically, the second spring 552 serves as a buffer during the connection between the locking block assembly 54 and the rotating shaft 32, preventing excessive stress during connection that could lead to structural damage. The force-bearing rod 553 and the arc-shaped groove 555 are used to bear the force after locking, preventing the second spring 552 from being used as a direct force-bearing connector and thus reducing its service life. In addition, the force-bearing rod 553 is located in the middle of the arc-shaped groove 555, ensuring that the buffer assembly 55 is applicable when the wheel is rotating in both directions.

[0028] Furthermore, the slider 542 has a chamfer on one end away from the connecting block 541. By setting the chamfer, the slider 542 is easier to insert into the locking groove 324 and is less likely to get stuck.

[0029] The first main gear 1 is meshed with the active bevel gear 9 near the frame 4. It is understandable that after the differential is locked, the frame 4 and the locking mechanism 5 will rotate together with the planetary gear carrier 2. In order to avoid collision with the active bevel gear 9, the end of the frame 4 connected to the planetary gear carrier 2 is located on the side close to the active bevel gear 9.

[0030] In this embodiment, in order to ensure that the two planetary gears 31 can be locked at the same time, a driver is provided on the frame 4. By controlling the driver, the two motors 51 work synchronously, so that the two opposing planetary gear assemblies 3 are locked at the same time and cannot rotate. Specifically, it also includes a driver provided on the frame 4 for synchronously driving the two motors 51.

[0031] Working principle:

[0032] During normal driving, the first main gear 1 drives the planetary gear carrier 2 to rotate, and the planetary gear carrier 2 drives the planetary gear assembly 3 to rotate, thereby driving the two side gears 6 to rotate, so that the wheels on both sides rotate synchronously. When turning, the planetary gear assembly 3 drives the side gears 6 to rotate at the same time, and through the rotation of the planetary gear assembly 3, a speed difference is formed between the two wheels, thereby realizing the turning function. When the vehicle slips on one side, the first main gear 1 drives the planetary gear carrier 2 to rotate, thereby driving the planetary gear assembly 3 to rotate. At this time, due to the slippage of one side of the vehicle, the difference in grip force between the two wheels is large, causing the planetary gear assembly 3 to be unable to drive the two side gears 6 to rotate at the same time, and is forced to rotate axially, thereby transferring all the power to the slipping wheel side, causing the vehicle to be unable to move. At this time, by controlling the driver, the motor 51 is controlled to work simultaneously. The motor 51 drives the lead screw 53 to rotate. Since the lead screw 53 is rotatably connected to the housing 52, and the locking block assembly 54 is threadedly connected to the lead screw 53, the locking block assembly 54 is driven to slide along the direction of the rotating shaft 32. In this embodiment, a buffer assembly 55 is provided inside the housing 52. The locking block assembly 54 is slidably connected to the force-receiving plate 551 of the buffer assembly 55. At the same time, the locking block assembly 54 can rotate at a small angle inside the housing. When the slider 542 end of the locking block assembly 54 abuts against the rotating shaft 32, due to the rotation of the planetary gear assembly 3, the slider 542 and the locking groove 324 will be misaligned. As the locking block assembly 54 continues to advance, the shaft pin 322 is pressed downward, thereby causing the shaft pin 322 to move downward and compress the first spring 323. At the same time, as the planetary gear assembly 3 rotates, it rotates to an angle, and the slider 542 and the locking groove 324 are aligned. At this time, the shaft pin 322 is in the first position. Under the elastic force of spring 323, it quickly engages with slider 542. However, at this moment, since the rotation of planetary gear assembly 3 has not yet ended, planetary gear assembly 3 will push slider 542 to rotate. Slider 542 drives force plate 551 to rotate. Force plate 551 compresses second spring 552, converting the rotational kinetic energy of planetary gear assembly 3 into the elastic potential energy of second spring 552, avoiding hard connection, thus achieving smooth connection. As second spring 552 is compressed, force plate 551 rotates to the side of arc groove 555 and abuts against force rod 553. At the same time, after locking block assembly 54 is fully engaged with rotating shaft 32, rotational locking of planetary gear assembly 3 is completed, so that planetary gear assembly 3 cannot rotate. Under the rotational power of planetary gear carrier 2, the planetary gear assembly 3, which cannot rotate, can only push the two gears 6 on both sides to rotate simultaneously, thereby driving the two wheels to rotate simultaneously, releasing slippage and realizing the self-locking function of differential.

[0033] In summary, the self-locking differential assembly in the above embodiments of this utility model, by installing a frame on the outside of the planetary gear carrier and mounting a locking mechanism on the frame, locks the axial rotation of the planetary gear assembly by inserting the locking block assembly in the locking mechanism into the rotating shaft of the planetary gear assembly. This prevents the vehicle from slipping and having all the power transmitted to the slipping wheel side through the axial rotation of the planetary gear assembly, thus preventing the vehicle from becoming immobile. Furthermore, this utility model, by providing a shaft pin and a first spring within the rotating shaft body and a buffer assembly within the outer casing, makes the connection between the locking block assembly and the rotating shaft smoother and less prone to structural damage due to excessive stress, thereby extending its service life.

[0034] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "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.

[0035] The above-described embodiments are merely illustrative of several implementations of this utility model, and while the descriptions are specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of this utility model. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this utility model, and these all fall within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A self-locking differential assembly, comprising a housing, wherein two planetary gear assemblies and two side gears are disposed inside the housing, the opposite sides of the two side gears are respectively connected to a first half-shaft and a second half-shaft, a first master gear is rotatably connected to the first half-shaft, and a planetary gear carrier for supporting the planetary gear assemblies is provided on one side of the first master gear, characterized in that, The planetary gear assembly includes planetary gears and a rotating shaft fixedly connected to one side of the planetary gears. The rotating shaft passes through the planetary gear carrier and is rotatably connected to the planetary gear carrier. A semi-enclosed frame is provided on the outer side of the planetary gear carrier. The open end of the frame is located between the first main gear and the rotating shaft. The frame is fixedly connected to the planetary gear carrier and rotatably connected to the second half-shaft. Two through holes are provided on the frame, and one end of the rotating shaft is located in one of the through holes. The outer side of the frame is provided with a fitting for the planetary gear assembly. A locking mechanism includes a housing. A motor is located at one end of the housing away from the frame. The output shaft of the motor is connected to a lead screw. The lead screw passes through the housing and is rotatably connected to the housing. A locking block assembly is located inside the housing. The locking block assembly includes a cylindrical connecting block and a plurality of sliders arranged in a circular array on the side of the connecting block. The sliders are slidably connected to the housing. The connecting block is threadedly connected to the lead screw. A locking groove matching the slider is provided at one end of the rotating shaft near the slider. The locking block assembly is inserted into the rotating shaft through the locking groove.

2. The self-locking differential assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rotating shaft includes a rotating shaft body with one end fixedly connected to the planetary gear. A sliding groove is provided at the end of the rotating shaft body away from the planetary gear. The rotating shaft also includes a pin with one end disposed in the sliding groove. A protrusion is provided on the outer side of the pin at one end of the sliding groove. The sidewall of the sliding groove is recessed inward to form a sliding groove corresponding to the protrusion. The pin and the rotating shaft body are slidably connected through the sliding groove.

3. The self-locking differential assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The locking groove is located at the end of the pin away from the rotating shaft body. A first spring is provided in the sliding groove. One end of the first spring abuts against one end of the pin. The first spring is used to make the pin approach the through hole, so that the locking groove can be inserted into the slider.

4. The self-locking differential assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing includes a housing body and a buffer assembly disposed inside the housing body. The buffer assembly includes a force-receiving disk movably connected to the housing body. The slider passes through the force-receiving disk and is slidably connected to the force-receiving disk. A plurality of first receiving slots are provided through the force-receiving disk. A plurality of first receiving slots are arranged in a circular array around the locking block assembly. A second spring is provided in the first receiving slot. The diameter of the second spring is larger than the thickness of the force-receiving disk. The housing is provided with a second receiving slot that cooperates with the first receiving slot to form a receiving slot for accommodating the second spring.

5. The self-locking differential assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, Several arc-shaped grooves are arranged through the force-bearing plate near the first receiving groove. The arc-shaped grooves are arranged in a circular array around the locking block assembly. The arc length of the arc-shaped groove is less than the length of the first receiving groove. A force-bearing rod is provided in the middle of the arc-shaped groove. Both ends of the force-bearing rod are fixedly connected to the outer shell body.

6. The self-locking differential assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The end of the slider away from the connecting block has a chamfer.

7. The self-locking differential assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first main gear is meshed with a drive bevel gear on the side near the frame.

8. The self-locking differential assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The self-locking differential assembly also includes a driver disposed on the housing for synchronously driving the two motors.

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