Differential and vehicle

Abstract

This application relates to a differential and an automobile, comprising a housing, a gear assembly, and an end cover. The housing has a mounting groove. The gear assembly includes a planetary gear shaft, a half-shaft, and planetary gears and half-shaft gears rotatably mounted in the mounting groove, the planetary gears and half-shaft gears meshing. The planetary gear shaft is connected to the housing, the planetary gears are rotatably mounted on the planetary gear shaft, and the half-shaft gears are connected to the half-shaft. Gear teeth are provided on the outer periphery of the transmission section for transmitting vehicle power. A connecting section has a connecting hole, the half-shaft is rotatably mounted in the connecting hole, and an oil passage is provided between the connecting section and the half-shaft. The oil passage is used to allow lubricating oil from the housing to flow into the mounting groove to lubricate the planetary gears and half-shaft gears. This application provides an oil passage within the end cover of the differential, allowing lubricating oil from the housing to enter the mounting groove through the oil passage, thereby continuously lubricating the gear assembly within the differential and achieving precise oil supply and dynamic adjustment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of automotive parts technology, specifically to a differential and an automobile. Background Technology

[0002] The differential is a key component of a car's transmission system. Its main function is to allow the left and right wheels to rotate at different speeds when the car turns, thus ensuring smooth and stable cornering, reducing tire wear and mechanical stress on the vehicle. The differential also improves the vehicle's handling and driving stability to a certain extent, especially on uneven or complex road surfaces, by distributing power appropriately, allowing the vehicle to better adapt to different driving conditions. A good lubrication system can effectively reduce wear on the internal parts of the differential, improving its reliability and lifespan, further enhancing the vehicle's overall performance and fuel economy.

[0003] When operating at low speed and high load, the traditional differential relies on gear churning and splashing lubrication, which has poor lubrication effect, leading to lubrication failure. This, in turn, causes local high temperature and increased wear inside the differential. The churning lubrication cannot provide sufficient lubrication under extreme conditions and cannot achieve precise oil supply and dynamic adjustment. Utility Model Content

[0004] One objective of this application is to provide a differential that solves the problem that traditional differentials rely on gear churning and splashing lubrication, which has poor lubrication effect when operating at low speed and high load, leading to lubrication failure, resulting in localized high temperature and increased wear inside the differential, and that churning lubrication cannot provide sufficient lubrication under extreme conditions, and cannot achieve precise oil supply and dynamic adjustment; the second objective is to provide an automobile.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted in this application is as follows: A differential, used in automobiles, includes: A housing, wherein a mounting groove is provided inside the housing; A gear assembly, comprising a planetary gear shaft, a half-shaft, and planetary gears and half-shaft gears rotatably disposed in the mounting slot, wherein the planetary gears and the half-shaft gears mesh; the planetary gear shaft is connected to the housing, the planetary gears are rotatably disposed on the planetary gear shaft, and the half-shaft gears are connected to the half-shaft; An end cap is provided on the opening of the mounting groove. The end cap has a transmission section and a connecting section. The outer periphery of the transmission section is provided with gear teeth for transmitting vehicle power. The connecting section has a connecting hole, and the half shaft is rotatably disposed in the connecting hole. There is an oil passage between the connecting section and the half shaft for passing lubricating oil from the housing into the mounting groove to lubricate the planetary gear and the half shaft gear.

[0006] Based on the above technical means, this application opens an oil passage in the end cover of the differential. The oil passage connects the mounting groove and the housing, so that the lubricating oil in the housing enters the mounting groove through the oil passage, thereby continuously lubricating the gear assembly in the differential. The closed housing can ensure that the lubrication between the half shaft gear and the planetary gear is in place, thereby avoiding local high temperature and accelerated wear inside the differential. Even when running under low temperature and high load, it can achieve precise oil supply and dynamic adjustment.

[0007] Furthermore, the housing has an oil passage, the connecting section has an oil inlet, and the outer peripheral wall of the connecting section has an outer annular groove, which connects the oil inlet and the housing oil passage; the oil inlet connects to the oil passage.

[0008] Based on the above technical means, by setting and connecting the oil passage, oil inlet, and outer annular groove in the housing, it can be ensured that the lubricating oil in the housing can flow sequentially through the oil passage, outer annular groove, oil inlet, and oil passage into the mounting groove for lubrication. At the same time, the setting of the outer annular groove prevents the lubricating oil flowing into the housing oil passage from not being able to effectively enter the oil passage through the connecting hole.

[0009] Furthermore, the connecting section is provided with a plurality of oil inlet holes, and each oil inlet hole is spaced apart along the circumference of the connecting section at the bottom of the outer annular groove.

[0010] Based on the above technical means, the setting of multiple oil inlets ensures that no matter what angle the end cap and housing are rotated to, the lubricating oil can enter the mounting groove through the outer annular groove and one or more oil inlets for lubrication.

[0011] Furthermore, the inner peripheral wall of the connecting hole is provided with an inner annular groove and an axial groove. The inner annular groove is located at one end of the oil inlet hole near the connecting hole. The inner annular groove connects the oil inlet hole and the axial groove, and the axial groove connects the mounting groove.

[0012] Based on the above technical means, the inner annular groove ensures the uniformity of the lubricating oil inside the connection hole, and can ensure that the lubricating oil can fill the entire inner annular groove no matter what angle the end cap and the housing are rotated to.

[0013] Furthermore, the inner peripheral wall of the connecting hole is provided with a receiving groove, which connects to the axial groove and divides the axial groove into two sections that connect to the receiving groove.

[0014] According to the above technical means, the receiving tank is mainly used to store lubricating oil, ensuring that the lubricating oil of the entire oil circuit is stably input from the axial groove into the receiving tank for storage. Even if the oil supply from the gearbox is insufficient, the lubricating oil stored in the receiving tank can still maintain the lubrication of the entire differential.

[0015] Furthermore, an end face groove is provided at one end of the transmission section near the half-shaft gear, and the end face groove is connected to the oil passage.

[0016] According to the above technical means, an end face groove is opened at the end of the transmission section near the half shaft gear, which can further guide the lubricating oil into the mounting groove for lubrication, and at the same time prevent the lubricating oil from being blocked due to the half shaft gear and the end cover being too tightly connected.

[0017] Furthermore, the transmission section has multiple end face grooves, and each end face groove is spaced apart along the circumference of the transmission section.

[0018] Based on the above technical means, the setting of multiple end face grooves further promotes the entry of lubricating oil in the receiving groove and axial groove into the mounting groove for lubrication of the half shaft gear and planetary gear.

[0019] Furthermore, the planetary gear shaft is provided with an overflow groove, which connects the mounting groove to the outside.

[0020] According to the above-mentioned technical means, the overflow groove on the planetary gear is used to drain excess lubricating oil in the mounting groove and waste lubricating oil after lubrication.

[0021] Furthermore, the cross-sectional profile of the planetary gear shaft is composed of double circular arcs and straight lines. After the planetary gear shaft mates with the housing, it forms the overflow groove, which is used to discharge the lubricating oil inside the housing.

[0022] According to the above technical means, the cross-sectional profile of the planetary gear shaft is composed of double circular arcs and straight lines, which can ensure a stable connection between the planetary gear shaft and the housing, as well as between the planetary gears, while allowing the lubricating oil inside the housing to be discharged through the overflow groove between the planetary gear shaft and the housing.

[0023] Furthermore, the end cap has a sealing section away from the transmission section, the inner peripheral wall of the sealing section is sleeved on the half shaft, and the outer peripheral wall of the sealing section is used to abut against the housing.

[0024] Based on the above technical means, the tight contact between the sealing section and the half shaft and the housing can effectively prevent the lubricating oil in the oil passage from flowing out from the gap between the end cover and the housing or the gap between the end cover and the half shaft, which would affect the lubrication efficiency or increase the lubrication cost.

[0025] A type of automobile that includes a differential.

[0026] Based on the above technical means, by optimizing the structure of the differential, even when running at low speed and high load, the enclosed housing of the differential can ensure proper lubrication between the half-shaft gears and planetary gears, thereby avoiding local high temperature and accelerated wear inside the differential, achieving precise oil supply and dynamic adjustment; thus improving the vehicle's handling performance and ride comfort.

[0027] The beneficial effects of this application are: In this application, the housing is made of high-strength cast iron or stainless steel to reduce weight while ensuring structural strength. An internal mounting groove within the housing stably accommodates the gear assembly. Both the planetary gears and axle gears are made of high-strength alloy steel and heat-treated to improve hardness and wear resistance. The end caps are also made of high-strength alloy steel and heat-treated to improve hardness and wear resistance. The gear teeth on the outer periphery of the transmission section feature a helical design for meshing with the gears of the automotive driveshaft to transmit power. The axle is rotatably mounted within a connecting hole to ensure flexible rotation. An oil passage, designed as a cylinder or cuboid, extends from the outer periphery of the transmission section to the connecting hole and the mounting groove. Lubricating oil flows from the housing into the mounting groove through this passage to lubricate the planetary gears and axle gears. Under low-speed, high-load conditions, the lubricating oil can fully reach the gear meshing area through the oil passage, effectively reducing friction and wear between gears and minimizing the risk of high temperatures and malfunctions due to insufficient lubrication. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the differential provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the end cap structure provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 1 ; Figure 3 for Figure 2 A magnified view of a portion at point A; Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the end cap structure provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 2 ; Figure 5 for Figure 4 A magnified view of the area at point B; Figure 6 A cross-sectional structural diagram of the end cap provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the shell provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a planetary gear shaft provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0029] Wherein, 1-shell; 1a-mounting groove; 2-Gear assembly; 21-Planetary gear shaft; 21a-Overflow groove; 22-Half shaft; 23-Planetary gear; 24-Half shaft gear; 3-End cap; 3a-Oil passage; 31-Transmission section; 31a-End face groove; 311-Gear tooth; 32-Connecting section; 32a-Connecting hole; 32b-Oil inlet hole; 32c-Outer annular groove; 32d-Inner annular groove; 32e-Axial groove; 32f-Receiving groove; 33-Sealing section; 4-Box body; 4a-Box body oil passage. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The embodiments of this application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of this application from the content disclosed in this specification. This application can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this specification can also be modified or changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of this application. It should be understood that the preferred embodiments are only for illustrating this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application.

[0031] It should be noted that the illustrations provided in the following embodiments are only schematic representations of the basic concept of this application. Therefore, the drawings only show the components related to this application and are not drawn according to the actual number, shape and size of the components in the actual implementation. In the actual implementation, the form, quantity and proportion of each component can be arbitrarily changed, and the layout of the components may also be more complex.

[0032] For ease of description, spatial relative terms may be used in the text to describe the relative position or movement of one element or feature relative to another element or feature, as shown in the figure. These relative terms include, for example, "inside," "outside," "middle," "outer," "below," "below," "above," "front," "back," etc. Such spatial relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation, other than those depicted in the figure. For example, if the device in the figure undergoes a positional flip, orientation change, or change of motion, these directional indications will change accordingly. For instance, an element described as "below other elements or features" or "below other elements or features" will subsequently be oriented "above other elements or features" or "above other elements or features." Therefore, the example term "below" can include both upper and lower orientations. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or in other directions), and the spatial relative descriptors used in the text will be interpreted accordingly.

[0033] When operating at low speed and high load, the traditional differential relies on gear churning and splashing lubrication, which is ineffective and leads to lubrication failure. This results in localized high temperatures and increased wear inside the differential. The churning lubrication cannot provide sufficient lubrication under extreme conditions and cannot achieve precise oil supply and dynamic adjustment. This application provides an oil passage 3a inside the end cover 3 of the differential. The oil passage 3a connects the mounting groove 1a and the housing 4, allowing the lubricating oil in the housing 4 to enter the mounting groove 1a through the oil passage 3a, thereby continuously lubricating the gear assembly 2 inside the differential. The enclosed housing 1 ensures proper lubrication between the half-shaft gear 24 and the planetary gear 23, thus preventing localized high temperatures and increased wear inside the differential. Even when operating at low speed and high load, precise oil supply and dynamic adjustment can be achieved.

[0034] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 7 This application provides a differential for use in automobiles, comprising a housing 1, a gear assembly 2, and an end cover 3. The housing 1 has a mounting groove 1a. The gear assembly 2 includes a planetary gear shaft 21, a half-shaft 22, and planetary gears 23 and half-shaft gears 24, both rotatably mounted in the mounting groove 1a, with the planetary gears 23 and half-shaft gears 24 meshing. The planetary gear shaft 21 is connected to the housing 1, the planetary gears 23 are rotatably mounted on the planetary gear shaft 21, and the half-shaft gears 24 are connected to the half-shaft 22. The end cover 3 is placed over the opening of the mounting groove 1a. The end cover 3 has a transmission section 31 and a connecting section 32. The outer periphery of the transmission section 31 is provided with gear teeth 311, which are used to transmit the power of the vehicle. The connecting section 32 has a connecting hole 32a, and the half shaft 22 is rotatably disposed in the connecting hole 32a. There is an oil passage 3a between the connecting section 32 and the half shaft 22. The oil passage 3a is used to pass the lubricating oil in the housing 4 into the mounting groove 1a to lubricate the planetary gear 23 and the half shaft gear 24.

[0035] In this embodiment, the housing 1 is made of high-strength cast iron or stainless steel to reduce weight and ensure structural strength. The mounting groove 1a inside the housing 1 is used to stably accommodate the gear assembly 2. Both the planetary gear 23 and the half-shaft gear 24 are made of high-strength alloy steel and heat-treated to improve hardness and wear resistance. The end cover 3 is made of high-strength alloy steel, and the gear teeth 311 on the outer periphery of the transmission section 31 are helical, used to mesh with the gears of the automotive drive shaft to transmit power. The half-shaft 22 can rotate flexibly within the connecting hole 32a. The two ends of the planetary gear shaft 21 are mounted on the housing 1. When the end cover 3 rotates along with the housing 1, the planetary gear shaft 21 also rotates synchronously, thereby driving the planetary gear 23 and the half-shaft gear 24 to rotate. When there is a speed difference between the two half-shafts 22, the planetary gear 23 can mesh normally with the two half-shaft gears 24, causing the rotation speeds of the two half-shaft gears 24 to be inconsistent. The oil passage 3a is designed as a cylinder or cuboid, extending from the outer periphery of the transmission section 31 to the connecting hole 32a and the mounting groove 1a. Lubricating oil flows from the housing 4 into the mounting groove 1a through the oil passage 3a to lubricate the planetary gear 23 and the half-shaft gear 24. Under low-speed, high-load conditions, the lubricating oil can fully reach the meshing area of ​​the gears through the oil passage 3a, effectively reducing friction and wear between the gears and minimizing the risk of high temperatures and malfunctions due to insufficient lubrication.

[0036] It should be noted that this application provides an oil passage 3a inside the end cover 3 of the differential. The oil passage 3a connects the mounting groove 1a and the housing 4, allowing the lubricating oil inside the housing 4 to enter the mounting groove 1a through the oil passage 3a, thereby continuously lubricating the gear assembly 2 inside the differential. The enclosed housing 1 ensures proper lubrication between the half-shaft gear 24 and the planetary gear 23, thus preventing localized high temperatures and increased wear inside the differential. Even under low-temperature and high-load operation, precise oil supply and dynamic adjustment can be achieved.

[0037] Please see Figures 1 to 3 The housing 4 has an oil passage 4a, and the connecting section 32 has an oil inlet 32b. The outer peripheral wall of the connecting section 32 has an outer annular groove 32c, which connects the oil inlet 32b and the oil passage 4a. The oil inlet 32b connects to the oil passage 3a. By setting and connecting the oil passage 4a, the oil inlet 32b, and the outer annular groove 32c, it can be ensured that the lubricating oil in the housing 4 can flow sequentially through the oil passage 4a, the outer annular groove 32c, the oil inlet 32b, and the oil passage 3a into the mounting groove 1a for lubrication. At the same time, the outer annular groove 32c prevents the lubricating oil flowing into the oil passage 4a from not effectively entering the oil passage 3a through the connecting hole 32a.

[0038] In one embodiment, the housing 4 is made of high-strength aluminum alloy and has an internal oil passage 4a, the cross-section of which is generally circular or rectangular, for conveying lubricating oil. An outer annular groove 32c is formed on the outer peripheral wall of the connecting section 32, the groove width of which matches the cross-section of the oil passage 4a. The outer annular groove 32c connects the oil inlet hole 32b and the oil passage 4a. The diameter of the oil inlet hole 32b is equal to or slightly smaller than the width of the outer annular groove 32c, extending from the outer peripheral wall of the connecting section 32 to the interior of the connecting section 32, and connecting to the oil passage 3a. The oil passage 3a extends from the interior of the connecting section 32 into the mounting groove 1a, for introducing lubricating oil into the mounting groove 1a. In a specific implementation, the lubricating oil flows into the outer annular groove 32c through the housing oil passage 4a, then enters the oil passage 3a through the oil inlet hole 32b, and finally flows into the mounting groove 1a to lubricate the planetary gear 23 and the half-shaft gear 24. In actual operation, the lubricating oil can be pumped from the oil tank to the oil passage 4a in the housing, and then pass through the outer annular groove 32c, the oil inlet hole 32b and the oil passage 3a in sequence to form a complete lubrication path, ensuring that the gear assembly 2 can be fully lubricated under various working conditions.

[0039] Through the interconnected arrangement of the housing oil passage 4a, outer annular groove 32c, oil inlet hole 32b, and oil passage 3a, lubricating oil can flow efficiently and stably into the mounting groove 1a. This ensures that the planetary gear 23 and half-shaft gear 24 receive sufficient lubrication even under complex operating conditions such as low speed and high load, effectively reducing friction and wear between gears and minimizing the risk of high temperatures and malfunctions due to insufficient lubrication. The design of the outer annular groove 32c is particularly important; it prevents lubricating oil from failing to effectively enter the oil passage 3a through the connecting hole 32a after flowing into the housing oil passage 4a, thereby improving the flow efficiency of the lubricating oil and the reliability of the lubrication system. This lubrication system ensures the stable operation of the differential, improves vehicle passability and driving stability, extends the service life of the differential, reduces maintenance costs, and further enhances the overall performance and economy of the vehicle.

[0040] Please see Figures 1 to 3 The connecting section 32 has multiple oil inlet holes 32b, which are spaced apart at the bottom of the outer annular groove 32c along the circumference of the connecting section 32. The multiple oil inlet holes 32b ensure that no matter what angle the end cover 3 and the housing 1 are rotated, the lubricating oil can enter the mounting groove 1a through the outer annular groove 32c and one or more oil inlet holes 32b for lubrication.

[0041] In this embodiment, an outer annular groove 32c is formed on the outer peripheral wall of the connecting section 32. Multiple oil inlet holes 32b are evenly spaced along the circumferential direction at the bottom of the outer annular groove 32c. For example, four, six, or eight oil inlet holes 32b can be provided, and the diameter of each oil inlet hole 32b is less than or equal to the width of the outer annular groove 32c. These oil inlet holes 32b are evenly distributed along the circumference of the connecting section 32, ensuring that lubricating oil can flow evenly from the outer annular groove 32c into the oil passage 3a. Specifically, the lubricating oil in the housing 4 flows into the outer annular groove 32c through the housing oil passage 4a, then enters the oil passage 3a through these oil inlet holes 32b, and finally flows into the mounting groove 1a to lubricate the planetary gear 23 and the half-shaft gear 24.

[0042] By providing multiple oil inlet holes 32b at the bottom of the outer annular groove 32c of the connecting section 32, lubricating oil can flow evenly into the mounting groove 1a from multiple directions. This ensures that the planetary gear 23 and the half-shaft gear 24 are adequately lubricated even under complex operating conditions such as low speed and high load, effectively reducing friction and wear between gears and minimizing the risk of high temperatures and malfunctions due to insufficient lubrication. The design of multiple oil inlet holes 32b is particularly important, as it ensures that regardless of the rotation angle of the end cover 3 and the housing 1, lubricating oil can enter the mounting groove 1a through the outer annular groove 32c and one or more oil inlet holes 32b for lubrication, thereby improving the flow efficiency of lubricating oil and the reliability of the lubrication system. Under complex road conditions, this lubrication system can ensure the stable operation of the differential, improve the vehicle's passability and driving stability, extend the service life of the differential, reduce maintenance costs, and further enhance the overall performance and economy of the vehicle.

[0043] Please see Figures 1 to 6 The inner peripheral wall of the connecting hole 32a is provided with an inner annular groove 32d and an axial groove 32e. The inner annular groove 32d is located at the end of the oil inlet hole 32b near the connecting hole 32a, and the inner annular groove 32d connects the oil inlet hole 32b and the axial groove 32e. The axial groove 32e connects the mounting groove 1a. The inner annular groove 32d ensures the uniformity of the lubricating oil inside the connecting hole 32a, and can ensure that the lubricating oil can fill the entire inner annular groove 32d no matter what angle the end cover 3 and the housing 1 are rotated to.

[0044] In one embodiment, lubricating oil flows into the outer annular groove 32c through the oil passage 4a in the housing, then into the inner annular groove 32d through the oil inlet 32b, and finally into the mounting groove 1a through the axial groove 32e, lubricating the planetary gear 23 and the half-shaft gear 24. The inner annular groove 32d ensures the uniformity of lubricating oil inside the connecting hole 32a, ensuring that the lubricating oil fills the entire inner annular groove 32d regardless of the rotation angle of the end cover 3 and the housing 1. This further improves the flow efficiency of the lubricating oil and the reliability of the lubrication system, ensuring that the planetary gear 23 and the half-shaft gear 24 are adequately lubricated even under complex operating conditions such as low speed and high load, effectively reducing friction and wear between gears, and reducing the risk of high temperature and failure due to insufficient lubrication. For example, in complex road conditions such as off-road vehicles or heavy trucks, this lubrication system can ensure the stable operation of the differential, improve the vehicle's passability and driving stability, extend the service life of the differential, reduce maintenance costs, and further improve the overall performance and economy of the vehicle.

[0045] Please see Figures 1 to 6 The inner peripheral wall of the connecting hole 32a is provided with a receiving groove 32f, which connects to the axial groove 32e and divides the axial groove 32e into two sections that connect to the receiving groove 32f. The receiving groove 32f is mainly used to store lubricating oil, ensuring that the lubricating oil in the entire oil circuit is stably input from the axial groove 32e to the receiving groove 32f for storage. Even when the oil supply from the housing 4 is insufficient, the lubricating oil stored in the receiving groove 32f can still maintain the lubrication of the entire differential.

[0046] In this embodiment, a receiving groove 32f is formed on the inner peripheral wall of the connecting hole 32a, dividing the axial groove 32e into two connected sections. The size of the receiving groove 32f is designed to store a certain amount of lubricating oil to ensure that the differential can still be properly lubricated even when the oil supply is insufficient. Specifically, the lubricating oil flows into the outer annular groove 32c through the housing oil passage 4a, then into the inner annular groove 32d through the oil inlet hole 32b, and then into the receiving groove 32f through the axial groove 32e. Under normal operating conditions, the lubricating oil flows steadily into the mounting groove 1a through the connection between the axial groove 32e and the receiving groove 32f, lubricating the planetary gear 23 and the half-shaft gear 24. In the event of insufficient oil supply, the lubricating oil stored in the receiving groove 32f can continue to flow into the mounting groove 1a to maintain the lubrication of the differential. For example, in the differential of a car, the lubricating oil used is 85W-90 gear oil. The lubricating oil is delivered from the oil tank to the oil passage 4a of the gearbox by the oil pump, and then passes through the outer annular groove 32c, the oil inlet 32b, the inner annular groove 32d, the axial groove 32e and the receiving groove 32f in sequence to form a complete lubrication circulation system, ensuring that the gear assembly 2 can be fully lubricated under various working conditions.

[0047] The reservoir 32f is primarily designed to store lubricating oil. When the oil supply from the housing 4 is insufficient, the lubricating oil stored in reservoir 32f can continue to maintain lubrication of the entire differential, effectively preventing lubrication failure due to insufficient oil supply. This is especially important under low-speed, high-load or extreme operating conditions, significantly reducing friction and wear between gears, minimizing the risk of high temperatures and malfunctions caused by insufficient lubrication, thereby extending the differential's service life and improving vehicle stability and passability.

[0048] Please see Figures 1 to 6 The transmission section 31 has an end face groove 31a at one end near the half-shaft gear 24, and the end face groove 31a is connected to the oil passage 3a. The end face groove 31a at one end of the transmission section 31 near the half-shaft gear 24 can further guide the lubricating oil into the mounting groove 1a for lubrication, and at the same time prevent the lubricating oil from being blocked due to the half-shaft gear 24 and the end cover 3 being too tightly abutted.

[0049] In one embodiment of this application, lubricating oil flows into the outer annular groove 32c through the housing oil passage 4a, then into the inner annular groove 32d through the oil inlet 32b, then into the receiving groove 32f through the axial groove 32e, and finally into the mounting groove 1a through the oil passage 3a and the end face groove 31a, thus lubricating the planetary gear 23 and the half-shaft gear 24. Lubricating oil can be pumped from the oil tank to the housing oil passage 4a, and then sequentially flows through the outer annular groove 32c, the oil inlet 32b, the inner annular groove 32d, the axial groove 32e, the receiving groove 32f, the oil passage 3a, and the end face groove 31a, forming a complete lubrication circulation system to ensure that the gear assembly 2 is adequately lubricated under various operating conditions.

[0050] The end face groove 31a further guides the lubricating oil into the mounting groove 1a for lubrication, while preventing lubricating oil blockage caused by excessive tight contact between the half-shaft gear 24 and the end cover 3. This is especially important under low-speed, high-load or extreme operating conditions, as it significantly reduces friction and wear between gears, reduces the risk of high temperatures and malfunctions due to insufficient lubrication, thereby extending the service life of the differential and improving vehicle driving stability.

[0051] Please see Figures 1 to 6 The transmission section 31 has multiple end face grooves 31a, which are spaced apart circumferentially along the transmission section 31. The multiple end face grooves 31a further facilitate the entry of lubricating oil from the receiving groove 32f and the axial groove 32e into the mounting groove 1a for lubrication of the half shaft gear 24 and the planetary gear 23.

[0052] In this embodiment, the transmission section 31 near the half-shaft gear 24 has multiple end face grooves 31a spaced circumferentially. For example, three, four, or six end face grooves 31a can be provided, each end face groove 31a being rectangular in shape. These end face grooves 31a are evenly distributed circumferentially in the transmission section 31, ensuring that lubricating oil can flow evenly into the mounting groove 1a from multiple directions. Specifically, the lubricating oil flows into the outer annular groove 32c through the housing oil passage 4a, then into the inner annular groove 32d through the oil inlet hole 32b, then into the receiving groove 32f through the axial groove 32e, and finally into the mounting groove 1a through the oil passage 3a and the multiple end face grooves 31a, lubricating the planetary gear 23 and the half-shaft gear 24. The provision of multiple end face grooves 31a further promotes the entry of lubricating oil in the receiving groove 32f and the axial groove 32e into the mounting groove 1a for lubrication of the half-shaft gear 24 and the planetary gear 23. This design ensures that regardless of the angle at which the end cap 3 and housing 1 are rotated, the lubricating oil can flow evenly into the mounting groove 1a through multiple end face grooves 31a, effectively preventing lubricating oil blockage. Under low speed, high load, or extreme operating conditions, this multi-end face groove 31a design can significantly reduce friction and wear between gears, reduce the risk of high temperatures and failures due to insufficient lubrication, thereby extending the service life of the differential and improving the vehicle's driving stability.

[0053] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 8 The planetary gear shaft 21 has an overflow groove 21a, which connects the mounting groove 1a to the outside. The overflow groove 21a on the planetary gear 23 is used to drain excess lubricating oil and waste lubricating oil from the mounting groove 1a after lubrication.

[0054] In one embodiment, the cross-section of the planetary gear shaft 21 is a contour composed of double circular arcs and straight lines. After mating with the differential housing 1, it forms an overflow groove 21a. Lubricating oil entering the housing 1 is discharged through the overflow groove 21a, forming a dynamic circulation. The overflow groove 21a on the planetary gear shaft 21 is located at a straight position on the cross-section of the planetary gear shaft 21, and the shape of the overflow groove 21a is not particularly limited. One end of the overflow groove 21a is connected to the mounting groove 1a, and the other end extends to the outer end face of the planetary gear shaft 21, communicating with the outside. Specifically, when lubricating oil flows into the mounting groove 1a through the housing oil passage 4a, outer annular groove 32c, oil inlet 32b, inner annular groove 32d, axial groove 32e, and end face groove 31a to lubricate the planetary gear 23 and half-shaft gear 24, excess lubricating oil and waste lubricating oil can be discharged from the mounting groove 1a through the overflow groove 21a on the planetary gear shaft 21 and flow to the outside of the differential. The overflow groove 21a is designed not to affect the connection between the planetary gear shaft 21 and the planetary gear 23; it is solely for discharging excess and waste lubricating oil. The planetary gear shaft has a cross-sectional profile consisting of double circular arcs and straight lines. After mating with the housing, the planetary gear shaft forms the overflow groove, which discharges the lubricating oil from inside the housing. This ensures a stable connection between the planetary gear shaft and the housing, as well as between the planetary gears, while allowing the lubricating oil from inside the housing to be discharged through the overflow groove between the planetary gear shaft and the housing.

[0055] The overflow groove 21a on the planetary gear shaft 21 is used to drain excess lubricating oil and waste lubricating oil from the mounting groove 1a after lubrication, effectively preventing excessive accumulation of lubricating oil in the mounting groove 1a, which could lead to excessive pressure in the lubrication system or deterioration of the lubricating oil. This design ensures the cleanliness and lubrication effect of the lubricating oil, extends its service life, and reduces the maintenance cost of the lubrication system. Under low-speed, high-load or extreme operating conditions, the overflow groove 21a can promptly drain excess lubricating oil, avoiding the risk of high temperatures and malfunctions caused by excessive lubricating oil, thereby extending the service life of the differential and improving the vehicle's driving stability.

[0056] Please see Figures 1 to 3 The end cap 3 has a sealing section 33 located away from the transmission section 31. The inner peripheral wall of the sealing section 33 is fitted onto the half shaft 22, and the outer peripheral wall of the sealing section 33 is used to abut against the housing 4. The tight contact between the sealing section 33 and the half shaft 22 and the housing 4 can effectively prevent the lubricating oil in the oil passage 3a from flowing out from the gap between the end cap 3 and the housing 4 or the gap between the end cap 3 and the half shaft 22, thus affecting the lubrication efficiency or increasing the lubrication cost.

[0057] In one embodiment of this application, the inner peripheral wall of the sealing section 33 is designed to fit tightly with the half-shaft 22, while the outer peripheral wall of the sealing section 33 is designed to abut tightly against the inner wall of the housing 4. Through precise dimensional fitting and surface treatment, a good sealing effect is achieved. This connection ensures that the end cap 3 can rotate between the half-shaft 22 and the housing 4, while also preventing lubricating oil from flowing out of the sealing section 33. For example, the inner peripheral wall of the sealing section 33 can be fitted onto the half-shaft 22 with a clearance fit, while the outer peripheral wall can be further enhanced with a sealing ring or sealant. In practical applications, the surface roughness of the inner and outer peripheral walls of the sealing section 33 is controlled below Ra0.8 to ensure reliable sealing. With this design, lubricating oil will not flow out from the gap between the end cap 3 and the housing 4 or the gap between the end cap 3 and the half-shaft 22 during its entry into the mounting groove 1a through the oil passage 3a, thus ensuring the efficient operation of the lubrication system.

[0058] The clearance fit between the sealing section 33, the half-shaft 22, and the housing 4 effectively prevents lubricating oil in the oil passage 3a from leaking out through the gap between the end cover 3 and the housing 4 or between the end cover 3 and the half-shaft 22, avoiding lubricating oil waste and contamination, and ensuring that lubrication efficiency is not affected. This design not only reduces lubrication costs but also reduces the risk of mechanical failure due to lubricating oil leakage, improving the reliability and service life of the entire differential.

[0059] This application also proposes an automobile including a differential.

[0060] By optimizing the structure of the differential, even when operating at low speed and high load, the enclosed housing 1 of the differential can ensure proper lubrication between the half-shaft gear 24 and the planetary gear 23, thereby avoiding localized high temperatures and accelerated wear inside the differential, achieving precise oil supply and dynamic adjustment; thus improving the vehicle's handling performance and ride comfort.

[0061] It should be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “described” as used herein may also include the plural forms. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” and “having” are inclusive and therefore indicate the presence of the stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not construed as requiring them to be performed in a particular order described or illustrated unless the order of performance is explicitly indicated. It should also be understood that additional or alternative steps may be used.

[0062] Although terms such as first, second, third, etc., may be used in this document to describe multiple elements, components, regions, layers, and / or segments, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or segments should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or segment from another. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms used herein do not imply order or sequence. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer, or segment discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or segment without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0063] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, enabling those skilled in the art to understand or implement this application. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this application. Therefore, this application is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features claimed herein.

Claims

1. A differential for use in automobiles, characterized in that, include: A housing (1) having a mounting groove (1a) inside; Gear assembly (2), the gear assembly (2) includes a planetary gear shaft (21), a half shaft (22), and a planetary gear (23) and a half shaft gear (24) rotatably disposed in the mounting groove (1a), the planetary gear (23) and the half shaft gear (24) meshing; the planetary gear shaft (21) is connected to the housing (1), the planetary gear (23) is rotatably disposed on the planetary gear shaft (21), and the half shaft gear (24) is connected to the half shaft (22); End cap (3) is provided on the groove of the mounting groove (1a). The end cap (3) has a transmission section (31) and a connecting section (32). The outer periphery of the transmission section (31) is provided with gear teeth (311) for transmitting vehicle power. The connecting section (32) is provided with a connecting hole (32a). The half shaft (22) is rotatably disposed in the connecting hole (32a). There is an oil passage (3a) between the connecting section (32) and the half shaft (22). The oil passage (3a) is used to pass the lubricating oil in the housing (4) into the mounting groove (1a) to lubricate the planetary gear (23) and the half shaft gear (24).

2. The differential according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing (4) has an oil passage (4a), the connecting section (32) has an oil inlet (32b), the outer peripheral wall of the connecting section (32) has an outer annular groove (32c), the outer annular groove (32c) connects the oil inlet (32b) and the oil passage (4a); the oil inlet (32b) connects the oil passage (3a).

3. The differential according to claim 2, characterized in that, The connecting section (32) is provided with a plurality of oil inlet holes (32b), and each oil inlet hole (32b) is spaced apart along the circumference of the connecting section (32) at the bottom of the outer annular groove (32c).

4. The differential according to claim 3, characterized in that, The inner peripheral wall of the connecting hole (32a) is provided with an inner annular groove (32d) and an axial groove (32e). The inner annular groove (32d) is located at one end of the oil inlet hole (32b) near the connecting hole (32a). The inner annular groove (32d) connects the oil inlet hole (32b) and the axial groove (32e). The axial groove (32e) connects the mounting groove (1a).

5. The differential according to claim 4, characterized in that, The inner peripheral wall of the connecting hole (32a) is provided with a receiving groove (32f), which connects to the axial groove (32e) and divides the axial groove (32e) into two sections that connect to the receiving groove (32f).

6. The differential according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The transmission section (31) has an end face groove (31a) at one end near the half shaft gear (24), and the end face groove (31a) is connected to the oil passage (3a).

7. The differential according to claim 6, characterized in that, The transmission section (31) has a plurality of end face grooves (31a), and each end face groove (31a) is arranged at intervals along the circumference of the transmission section (31).

8. The differential according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The planetary gear shaft (21) is provided with an overflow groove (21a), which connects the mounting groove (1a) to the outside.

9. The differential according to claim 8, characterized in that, The cross-sectional profile of the planetary gear shaft (21) is composed of double circular arcs and straight lines. After the planetary gear shaft (21) is fitted with the housing (1), it forms the overflow groove (21a). The overflow groove (21a) is used to discharge the lubricating oil inside the housing (1) through the overflow groove (21a).

10. The differential according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The end cap (3) has a sealing section (33) away from the transmission section (31), the inner peripheral wall of the sealing section (33) is sleeved on the half shaft (22), and the outer peripheral wall of the sealing section (33) is used to abut against the housing (4).

11. A car, characterized in that, Includes the differential as described in any one of claims 1-10.

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