Electronic locking type differential mechanism with external locking ring

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of differential mechanisms, in particular to an electronic locking type differential mechanism with an external locking ring. The differential mechanism comprises a differential mechanism shell, a differential gear assembly arranged in the differential mechanism shell and a locking execution assembly arranged on the outer circumference of the differential mechanism shell, the locking execution assembly comprises a locking ring, a return spring and an electromagnetic execution mechanism, and a plurality of first splines are arranged on the inner ring of a ring body of the locking ring; a plurality of shell splines are arranged on the circumferential end face of the side, opposite to the shell cover, of the shell, the multiple first splines and the multiple shell splines are in one-to-one correspondence meshing connection, and the shell can limit the rotation freedom degree of the locking ring; a plurality of second splines are arranged on the inner ring of a ring body of the locking ring, and the second splines can penetrate through the shell windows in a one-to-one correspondence mode and are connected with the gear splines in an engaged mode. The locking ring is arranged outside the differential shell, and the position sensor is arranged to sense the real-time position of the locking executing mechanism.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of differential technology, and in particular to an electronic locking differential with an external locking ring. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, most automobiles on the market employ open differentials between the output shaft of the transmission or reduction gearbox and the corresponding half-shaft. This is to eliminate understeer and reduce the lifespan of the steering mechanism and tires caused by the different turning radii of the inner and outer wheels when cornering. However, open differentials are problematic when the friction coefficients of the wheels differ significantly, such as when one wheel loses traction or becomes airborne. The structural characteristics of an open differential prevent torque from being transferred to the wheel with traction, making it impossible for the vehicle to escape such situations. Locking differentials can significantly improve a vehicle's ability to escape these conditions. However, due to the added locking mechanism, locking differentials often require a significantly larger external envelope than conventional open differentials to achieve the same strength, making them difficult to integrate with vehicle systems. Furthermore, many existing locking differentials reduce the size of the lubrication windows on the housing to increase strength, resulting in a certain loss in lubrication and heat dissipation performance compared to conventional open differentials. Utility Model Content

[0003] This application addresses the shortcomings of existing manufacturing technologies by providing an electronic locking differential with an external locking ring. By placing the locking ring outside the differential housing, the internal structure of the differential is optimized, and the outer envelope size of the differential is reduced, thus facilitating its compatibility with vehicle components. Simultaneously, the housing window design also enhances the lubrication and heat dissipation performance of the internal planetary gear set, improving the differential performance in the non-locking state.

[0004] The technical solution adopted in this utility model is as follows:

[0005] An electronic locking differential with an external locking ring includes a differential housing, a differential gear assembly disposed within the differential housing, and a locking actuation assembly disposed on the outer circumference of the differential housing. The differential housing includes a shell and a cover. One side of the shell has a mounting opening, and the cover is disposed on the side of the mounting opening. The cover is capable of closing the mounting opening. The differential gear assembly includes a planetary gear set. A first half-shaft gear and a second half-shaft gear are respectively disposed at the front and rear of the planetary gear set. The first half-shaft gear and the second half-shaft gear are capable of rotating around a rotation axis. The planetary gear set is meshed with the first half-shaft gear and the second half-shaft gear respectively.

[0006] The locking mechanism includes a locking ring, a return spring, and an electromagnetic actuator. The return spring, locking ring, and electromagnetic actuator are sequentially mounted on the circumferential end face of the housing from left to right. The inner ring of the locking ring has multiple first splines, and the circumferential end face of the housing facing away from the cover has multiple housing splines. The multiple first splines and multiple housing splines are connected in a one-to-one correspondence, and the housing can restrict the rotational freedom of the locking ring. The front and rear ends of the return spring contact the side end face of the housing and the side end face of the locking ring, respectively. The spring force of the return spring can force the locking ring away from the side end face of the housing. The inner ring of the locking ring has multiple second splines, and a housing window is provided between two adjacent housing splines. The number of second splines is the same as the number of housing windows. A gear spline is provided along the circumferential direction on the second half-shaft gear. When the locking ring moves axially to the locked position, the multiple second splines can pass through the multiple housing windows one-to-one and engage with the gear splines. The locking ring can restrict the rotational freedom of the second half-shaft gear.

[0007] Furthermore, the planetary gear set includes a planetary gear shaft with a cross-shaped structure. The planetary gear shaft is perpendicular to the axis of rotation and is located at the center of the differential housing. A planetary gear is rotatably connected to each of the four ends of the planetary gear shaft through bearings. The first half-shaft gear and the four planetary gears are meshed together, and the second half-shaft gear and the four planetary gears are meshed together.

[0008] Furthermore, a planetary gear washer is fitted on each of the four ends of the planetary gear shaft. The planetary gear washer is located between the planetary gear and the inner end face of the housing. A first half-shaft gear washer is provided between the first half-shaft gear and the inner end face of the housing cover, and a second half-shaft gear washer is provided between the second half-shaft gear and the inner end face of the housing.

[0009] Furthermore, four radially penetrating shaft holes are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the housing. The four shaft ends of the planetary gear shaft extend into the four shaft holes respectively, and the four shaft ends of the planetary gear shaft are positioned and installed by the shaft holes. The four shaft ends of the planetary gear shaft are provided with transversely penetrating positioning pin mounting holes, and positioning pins are installed in the positioning pin mounting holes. Positioning pin positioning holes are provided on the side walls of the four shaft holes of the housing, and the two ends of the positioning pins extend into the positioning pin positioning holes respectively, so as to achieve the positioning and installation of the positioning pins.

[0010] Furthermore, the planetary gear shaft includes a vertically arranged long planetary shaft, with a short planetary shaft mounting hole at each of the left and right ends of the middle section of the long planetary shaft. A short planetary shaft is connected to each of the two short planetary shaft mounting holes, and the long planetary shaft and the two short planetary shafts are connected to form a cross-shaped structure.

[0011] Furthermore, multiple second splines and multiple first splines are distributed alternately, and the diameter of the circumference where the second splines are located is smaller than the diameter of the circumference where the first splines are located.

[0012] Furthermore, the electromagnetic actuator includes an electromagnetic coil and an actuator ring, which are sequentially mounted on the circumferential end face of the housing. The front and rear ends of the actuator ring contact the side of the locking ring and the side of the electromagnetic coil, respectively.

[0013] Furthermore, a slot is provided on the circumferential end face of the housing, and a coil pressure plate is provided in the slot. The coil pressure plate presses against the rear end face of the electromagnetic coil, and the coil pressure plate can prevent the electromagnetic coil from falling off the circumferential end face of the housing.

[0014] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0015] This invention places the locking ring outside the differential housing, and the position sensor inside the gearbox can easily sense the real-time position of the locking ring. The housing window of this invention also serves as a lubrication and heat dissipation channel inside the differential, increasing the lubrication and heat dissipation performance of the internal planetary gear set and improving the differential performance of the product in the non-locking state. This invention optimizes the locking logic and assembly method of the locking mechanism inside the differential assembly. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a half-sectional view of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the locking ring and the housing of this utility model.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the locking ring and the second half-shaft gear of this utility model.

[0020] The components are as follows: 1. Housing cover; 2. First half-shaft gear; 3. Planetary gear washer; 4. Planetary gear; 5. Locating pin; 6. Second half-shaft gear; 7. Housing; 9. First half-shaft gear washer; 10. Long planetary shaft; 11. Short planetary shaft; 12. Shaft hole; 13. Locating pin mounting hole; 14. Second half-shaft gear washer; 15. Locking ring; 16. Return spring; 17. Electromagnetic coil; 18. Coil pressure plate; 19. Housing spline; 20. Rotation axis; 21. Gear spline; 22. First spline; 23. Second spline; 24. Actuating ring; 25. Housing window. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The specific embodiments of this utility model are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0022] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, an electronic locking differential with an external locking ring includes a differential housing, a differential gear assembly disposed within the differential housing, and a locking actuation assembly disposed on the outer circumference of the differential housing.

[0023] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the differential housing includes a housing 7 and a cover 1. The housing 7 has a mounting opening on one side, through which the differential gear assembly can be easily installed into the housing 7. The cover 1 is provided on the mounting opening side of the housing 7. The cover 1 is connected to the flange end face of the mounting opening side of the housing 7 by multiple bolts, and the cover 1 can close the mounting opening of the housing 7.

[0024] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the differential gear assembly includes a planetary gear set, with a first half-shaft gear 2 and a second half-shaft gear 6 respectively positioned at the front and rear of the planetary gear set. The first half-shaft gear 2 and the second half-shaft gear 6 are bevel gears, and they can rotate around the rotation axis 20. The planetary gear set is meshed with the first half-shaft gear 2 and the second half-shaft gear 6 respectively.

[0025] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the planetary gear set includes a planetary gear shaft with a cross-shaped structure. The planetary gear shaft is perpendicular to the rotation axis 20 and is located at the center of the differential housing. A planetary gear 4 is rotatably connected to each of the four ends of the planetary gear shaft via bearings. The first half-shaft gear 2 and the four planetary gears 4 are meshed together, and the second half-shaft gear 6 and the four planetary gears 4 are also meshed together.

[0026] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a planetary gear washer 3 is fitted onto each of the four ends of the planetary gear shaft. The planetary gear washer 3 is located between the planetary gear 4 and the inner end face of the housing 7. A first half-shaft gear washer 9 is provided between the first half-shaft gear 2 and the inner end face of the housing 1, and a second half-shaft gear washer 14 is provided between the second half-shaft gear 6 and the inner end face of the housing 7.

[0027] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, four radially penetrating shaft holes 12 are provided on the outer circumferential surface of the housing 7. The four ends of the planetary gear shaft extend into the four shaft holes 12 respectively, and the four shaft ends of the planetary gear shaft are positioned and installed by the shaft holes 12. A transversely penetrating locating pin mounting hole 13 is provided on the four shaft ends of the planetary gear shaft, and a locating pin 5 is installed in the locating pin mounting hole 13. Locating pin positioning holes are provided on the side walls of the four shaft holes of the housing 7, and both ends of the locating pin 5 extend into the locating pin positioning holes respectively, achieving the positioning and installation of the locating pin 5.

[0028] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the planetary gear shaft includes a vertically arranged long planetary shaft 10. A short planetary shaft mounting hole is provided at each of the left and right ends of the middle section of the long planetary shaft 10. A short planetary shaft 11 is connected to each of the two short planetary shaft mounting holes. The long planetary shaft 10 and the two short planetary shafts 11 are connected to form a cross-shaped structure. A planetary gear 4 is connected to the end of each of the long planetary shaft 10 and the two short planetary shafts 11.

[0029] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the locking actuator assembly includes a locking ring 15, a return spring 16, and an electromagnetic actuator. The return spring 16, locking ring 15, and electromagnetic actuator are sequentially fitted onto the circumferential end face of the housing 7 from left to right. The inner ring of the locking ring 15 has multiple first splines 22, and the circumferential end face of the housing 7 facing away from the cover 1 has multiple housing splines 19, distributed along the same circumference. Figure 3 As shown, multiple first splines 22 and multiple housing splines 19 are connected in a one-to-one engagement, and the housing 7 can restrict the rotational freedom of the locking ring 15. The front and rear ends of the return spring 16 contact the side end face of the housing 7 and the side end face of the locking ring 15, respectively. The spring force of the return spring 16 can force the locking ring 15 away from the side end face of the housing 7. The electromagnetic actuator includes an electromagnetic coil 17 and an actuator ring 24. The actuator ring 24 and the electromagnetic coil 17 are sequentially fitted onto the circumferential end face of the housing 7. The front and rear ends of the actuator ring 24 contact the side face of the locking ring 15 and the side face of the electromagnetic coil 17, respectively.

[0030] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a slot is provided on the circumferential end face of the housing 7, and a coil pressure plate 18 is provided in the slot. The coil pressure plate 18 presses against the rear end face of the electromagnetic coil 17, and the coil pressure plate 18 can prevent the electromagnetic coil 17 from falling off the circumferential end face of the housing 7.

[0031] like Figure 4As shown, the inner ring of the locking ring 15 has multiple second splines 23, which are distributed on the same circumference. The multiple second splines 23 and multiple first splines 22 are alternately distributed, and the diameter of the circumference containing the second splines 23 is smaller than the diameter of the circumference containing the first splines. A housing window 25 is provided between two adjacent housing splines 19, and the number of second splines 23 is the same as the number of housing windows 25. A ring of gear splines 21 is provided on the second half-shaft gear 6 along the circumferential direction. In use, the electromagnetic coil 17 generates electromagnetic force when energized, thereby controlling the actuator ring 16 to move axially toward the locking ring 15, pushing the locking ring 15 to overcome the pressure of the return spring 16 and move axially from the non-locked position to the locked position. When the locking ring 15 moves axially to the locked position, the multiple second splines 23 can pass through the multiple housing windows 25 one by one and engage with the gear splines 21. At this time, the housing 7 can restrict the rotational freedom of the locking ring 15, and the locking ring 15 can restrict the rotational freedom of the second half-shaft gear 6. At the same time, the housing windows 25 can also serve as lubrication and heat dissipation channels inside the differential, increasing the lubrication and heat dissipation performance of the internal planetary gear set.

[0032] The working process of this utility model from the unlocked state to the locked state is as follows: When the electromagnetic actuator is powered and the minimum current required to achieve the function is maintained, the generated magnetic force is greater than the frictional resistance of the relevant system components and the resistance of the return spring 16 during the full stroke stage. Therefore, the electromagnetic force can push the actuator ring 24 in the electromagnetic actuator towards the second half-shaft gear 6. The actuator ring 24 pushes the locking ring 15 to move towards the second half-shaft gear 6 in the same direction. At this time, the second spline 23 of the locking ring 15 will be embedded and meshed with the gear spline 21 of the second half-shaft gear 6. Since the first spline 22 of the locking ring 15 is always nested on the corresponding housing spline 19 of the housing 7, the rotational degree of freedom of the second half-shaft gear 6 will be bound and locked by the locking ring 15 and the housing 7. Due to the mechanism characteristics of the differential gear assembly, the rotational degree of freedom of the first half-shaft gear 2 and the planetary gear 4 of the differential gear assembly will be locked together, thereby causing the entire differential mechanism to lose its differential function and realize the synchronization of torque output of the left and right wheels of the corresponding vehicle.

[0033] The working process of this utility model from the locked state to the unlocked state is as follows: When the power is cut off to the electromagnetic actuator, the electromagnetic force it generates disappears. The elastic force of the return spring 11 overcomes the friction of the related components of the system, thereby pushing the locking ring 15 to disengage from the gear spline 21 of the second half-shaft gear 6. At this time, both the locking ring 15 and the actuator ring 24 will return to their initial unlocked position. The return spring 11 returns from its maximum compression stroke to its preload stroke when unlocked. After the spline disengages, the second half-shaft gear 6 regains its rotational freedom, thereby restoring the differential function of the entire differential mechanism and realizing the unlocking of the differential.

[0034] The above description is an explanation of the present utility model and not a limitation thereof. The scope of the present utility model is defined by the claims. Within the protection scope of the present utility model, any form of modification may be made.

Claims

1. An electronic locking differential with an external locking ring, comprising a differential housing, a differential gear assembly arranged in the differential housing, and a locking execution assembly arranged on the circumference of the differential housing, wherein the differential housing comprises a housing (7) and a cover (1), the housing (7) has a mounting opening on one side, the cover (1) is arranged on the mounting opening side, and the cover (1) can close the mounting opening, characterized in that: The differential gear assembly comprises a planetary gear set, first and second half shaft gears (2, 6) arranged in front and back of the planetary gear set respectively, the first and second half shaft gears (2, 6) being rotatable around an axis of rotation (20), the planetary gear set being in meshing connection with the first and second half shaft gears (2, 6) respectively; The locking execution assembly comprises a locking ring (15), a return spring (16) and an electromagnetic execution mechanism, the return spring (16), the locking ring (15) and the electromagnetic execution mechanism being sequentially sleeved on the circumferential end face of the housing (7) from left to right, a plurality of first splines (22) being arranged on the inner ring of the locking ring (15), a plurality of housing splines (19) being arranged on the circumferential end face of the housing (7) away from the housing cover (1), the plurality of first splines (22) and the plurality of housing splines (19) being in one-to-one meshing connection, the housing (7) being capable of limiting the rotational freedom of the locking ring (15); the front and rear ends of the return spring (16) being in contact with the side end face of the housing (7) and the side end face of the locking ring (15) respectively, the spring force of the return spring (16) being capable of forcing the locking ring (15) away from the side end face of the housing (7); a plurality of second splines (23) being arranged on the inner ring of the locking ring (15), one housing window (25) being arranged between two adjacent housing splines (19), the number of the second splines (23) being consistent with the number of the housing windows (25), a ring of gear splines (21) being arranged on the second half shaft gear (6) in the circumferential direction, when the locking ring (15) moves axially to a locking position, the plurality of second splines (23) can pass through the plurality of housing windows (25) one by one and be in meshing connection with the gear splines (21), the locking ring (15) being capable of limiting the rotational freedom of the second half shaft gear (6).

2. The electronically locking differential of claim 1, wherein: The planetary gear set comprises planetary gear shafts in a cross-shaped structure, the planetary gear shafts being perpendicular to the axis of rotation (20) and arranged at the central position in the differential housing, one planetary gear (4) being rotatably connected to each of the four shaft ends of the planetary gear shafts through a bearing, the first half shaft gear (2) and the four planetary gears (4) being in meshing connection, the second half shaft gear (6) and the four planetary gears (4) being in meshing connection.

3. The electronically locking differential of claim 2, wherein: A planetary gear gasket (3) is sleeved on each of the four shaft ends of the planetary gear shaft, the planetary gear gasket (3) being located between the planetary gear (4) and the inner end face of the housing (7), a first half shaft gear gasket (9) being arranged between the first half shaft gear (2) and the inner end face of the housing cover (1), a second half shaft gear gasket (14) being arranged between the second half shaft gear (6) and the inner end face of the housing (7).

4. The electronically locking differential of claim 3, wherein: The outer circumferential surface of the shell (7) is provided with four radial through shaft holes (12), four shaft ends of the planetary gear shafts respectively extend into the four shaft holes (12), the positioning and installation of the four shaft ends of the planetary gear shafts are realized by the shaft holes (12), the four shaft ends of the planetary gear shafts are provided with transversely through positioning pin mounting holes (13), the positioning pin mounting holes (13) are provided with positioning pins (5), the side walls of the four shaft holes of the shell (7) are provided with positioning pin positioning holes, the two ends of the positioning pins (5) respectively extend into the positioning pin positioning holes, and the positioning and installation of the positioning pins (5) are realized.

5. An electronically locking differential according to claim 4, wherein: The planetary gear shaft comprises a vertically arranged long planetary shaft (10), a short planetary shaft mounting hole is arranged at the left and right ends of the middle part of the long planetary shaft (10) respectively, a short planetary shaft (11) is connected in the two short planetary shaft mounting holes respectively, and the long planetary shaft (10) and the two short planetary shafts (11) are connected to form a cross-shaped structure.

6. An electronically locking differential according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of second splines (23) and the plurality of first splines (22) are alternately distributed, and the diameter of the circumference where the second splines (23) are located is smaller than the diameter of the circumference where the first splines (22) are located.

7. The electronically locking differential of claim 1, wherein: The electromagnetic actuator comprises an electromagnetic coil (17) and an execution ring (24), the execution ring (24) and the electromagnetic coil (17) are sequentially sleeved on the circumferential end surface of the shell (7), and the front and rear ends of the execution ring (24) respectively contact the side surface of the locking ring (15) and the side surface of the electromagnetic coil (17).

8. The electronically locking differential of claim 7, wherein: The circumferential end surface of the shell (7) is provided with a clamping groove, the clamping groove is provided with a coil pressing plate (18), the coil pressing plate (18) is pressed to contact the rear end surface of the electromagnetic coil (17), and the coil pressing plate (18) can prevent the electromagnetic coil (17) from falling off from the circumferential end surface of the shell (7).

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