Drive axle assembly and vehicle

Abstract

A drive axle assembly and a vehicle comprising same. The drive axle assembly comprises a hub mechanism, a driving mechanism and a braking mechanism. The hub mechanism is connected to the driving mechanism. The braking mechanism is movably connected to the driving mechanism, and the braking mechanism is used for braking the driving mechanism to achieve braking of the hub mechanism.

Description

Drive axle assembly and vehicle

[0001] This application claims priority to the patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on December 29, 2023, with application number CN202311862888.5 and invention name “A drive axle assembly and vehicle”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application belongs to the field of vehicle technology, and specifically relates to a drive axle assembly and a vehicle. Background Art

[0003] The drive axle assembly is used to provide a stable and reliable power source for the vehicle and plays a relatively important role.

[0004] In the prior art, a drive axle assembly generally includes a brake, a driver, and a hub. The hub is connected to the driver, a planetary gear structure is provided inside the hub, and the brake is connected to the planetary gear structure. The brake decelerates and brakes the hub through the planetary gear structure.

[0005] However, in the process of studying the existing technology, the inventors found that the brake decelerates the wheel hub through a planetary gear structure, and the transmission ratio of the planetary gear structure is relatively small. In order to achieve a better braking effect on the wheel hub, multiple friction pairs need to be set in the driver to overcome the torque of the wheel hub, which reduces the drive shaft setting space in the driver and limits the output power of the drive axle assembly. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of the above problems, the present application provides a drive axle assembly and a vehicle that overcome the above problems or at least partially solve the above problems.

[0007] In order to solve the above technical problems, this application is implemented as follows:

[0008] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a drive axle assembly, the drive axle assembly comprising a hub mechanism, a drive mechanism, and a brake mechanism;

[0009] The hub mechanism is connected to the driving mechanism, and the braking mechanism is movably connected to the driving mechanism. The braking mechanism is used to brake the driving mechanism to achieve braking of the hub mechanism.

[0010] Optionally, the driving mechanism includes an output shaft, and the braking mechanism is movably connected to an end of the output shaft away from the hub mechanism.

[0011] Optionally, the output shaft is provided with an output gear, and the hub mechanism includes a first gear and a planetary gear structure;

[0012] The first gear is engaged with the output gear, and the planetary gear structure is connected to the first gear.

[0013] Optionally, the planetary gear structure includes a sun gear, a planetary gear and a planet carrier;

[0014] The sun gear is engaged with the first gear, the planetary gears are engaged with the sun gear, the planetary carrier is connected to the planetary gears, and the planetary carrier is used to connect to the wheels.

[0015] Optionally, the planetary gear structure further includes a support shaft, the support shaft is connected to the planetary carrier, and the support shaft passes through the planetary gear to support the planetary gear.

[0016] Optionally, the hub mechanism further comprises a hub shell and a support bearing;

[0017] The hub shell is covered on the planet carrier, and the support bearing is connected between the hub shell and the planet carrier.

[0018] Optionally, the support bearing includes a first bearing and a second bearing, and the first bearing and the second bearing are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the hub shell.

[0019] Optionally, the drive axle assembly further includes an oil seal connected between the hub housing and the planet carrier.

[0020] Optionally, a ring gear structure is provided on the inner side of the hub shell, and the ring gear structure is engaged with the planetary gear.

[0021] Optionally, the braking mechanism includes a piston assembly and a friction pair;

[0022] The friction pair is movably connected to the output shaft, and the piston assembly is movably connected to the friction pair.

[0023] Optionally, the piston assembly includes a service brake piston and a parking brake piston;

[0024] The service brake piston is movably connected to the friction pair, and the parking brake piston is movably connected to the service brake piston.

[0025] Optionally, the brake mechanism further comprises a brake housing, and the service brake piston and the parking brake piston are both disposed in the brake housing;

[0026] The brake housing is provided with a partition plate, which is arranged between the service brake piston and the parking brake piston. A first oil filling gap is provided between the service brake piston and the partition plate, and a second oil filling gap is provided between the parking brake piston and the partition plate.

[0027] Optionally, the friction pair includes a friction seat, a friction plate and a connecting plate;

[0028] The friction seat is movably connected to the output shaft, the friction plate is connected to the friction seat, the connecting plate is movably connected to the friction plate, and the service brake piston is movably connected to the connecting plate.

[0029] Optionally, the friction pair further includes an elastic member, wherein the elastic member abuts between the friction plate and the connecting plate so that the connecting plate is movably connected to the friction plate.

[0030] Optionally, the drive axle assembly further includes a mounting frame, the drive mechanism includes a drive housing, the mounting frame is connected to the drive housing, and the mounting frame is used to connect to a vehicle frame.

[0031] Optionally, the drive axle assembly further includes a connecting plate, the brake mechanism includes a first brake and a second brake, the drive mechanism includes a first driver and a second driver, and the hub mechanism includes a first hub and a second hub;

[0032] The first brake and the second brake are respectively connected to the connecting plate, the first driver is movably connected to the first brake, the first hub is connected to the first driver, the second driver is movably connected to the second brake, and the second hub is connected to the second driver.

[0033] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a vehicle, which includes the drive axle assembly described in the first aspect.

[0034] In an embodiment of the present application, the drive axle assembly includes a hub mechanism, a drive mechanism, and a brake mechanism. The hub mechanism is connected to the drive mechanism, and the brake mechanism is movably connected to the drive mechanism. The brake mechanism is used to brake the drive mechanism to achieve braking of the hub mechanism. In this way, the brake mechanism directly brakes the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism has a large transmission ratio, which enables the braking torque of the brake mechanism to be amplified through the total transmission ratio of the drive mechanism in the entire transmission chain and applied to the hub mechanism. This reduces the torque required to brake the hub mechanism, thereby reducing the number of friction pairs provided in the drive mechanism, increasing the space for the drive shaft in the driver, and improving the output power of the drive axle assembly. The brake mechanism does not need to use a planetary gear structure to decelerate the hub mechanism, avoiding the need to provide multiple friction pairs in the driver to overcome the torque of the hub mechanism due to the small transmission ratio of the planetary gear structure. This also avoids the limitation of the output power of the drive axle assembly caused by the large space for the drive shaft in the drive mechanism.

[0035] Additional aspects and advantages of the present application will be given in part in the description below, and in part will become obvious from the description below, or will be learned through practice of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present application will become apparent and easily understood from the description of the embodiments in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0037] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of a drive axle assembly according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] FIG2 is a front view of a drive axle assembly according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0039] FIG3 is a second front view of a drive axle assembly according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0040] FIG4 is a side view of a drive axle assembly according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0041] FIG5 is a partial structural schematic diagram of a drive axle assembly according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0042] FIG6 is a cross-sectional view of the structure shown in FIG5;

[0043] FIG7 is an enlarged structural diagram of the M portion in FIG6 ;

[0044] FIG8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG6 ;

[0045] FIG9 is a second schematic diagram of a partial structure of a drive axle assembly according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0046] Reference numerals: 10-drive axle assembly; 100-brake mechanism; 101-first brake; 102-second brake; 103-breather; 104-oil filling port; 105-service brake oil port; 106-parking brake oil port; 107-piston assembly; 110-service brake piston; 120-parking brake piston; 130-brake housing; 131-partition plate; 132-first oil filling gap; 133-second oil filling gap; 140-friction pair; 141-friction seat; 142-friction plate; 143-connecting plate; 144-elastic member; 200-drive mechanism; 2 01-first drive; 202-second drive; 210-output shaft; 211-output gear; 220-drive housing; 221-mounting frame; 300-hub mechanism; 301-first hub; 302-second hub; 310-first gear; 315-planetary gear structure; 320-sun gear; 330-planetary gear; 340-planet carrier; 350-support shaft; 360-hub housing; 370-support bearing; 371-first bearing; 372-second bearing; 380-oil seal 400-connecting plate; 401-first support plate; 402-second support plate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] The embodiments of the present application will be described in detail below. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present application and are not to be construed as limiting the present application. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0048] The terms "first" and "second" in the specification and claims of this application may explicitly or implicitly refer to one or more of the features. Throughout the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more. Furthermore, "and / or" in the specification and claims refers to at least one of the connected entities, and the character " / " generally indicates an "or" relationship between the connected entities.

[0049] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" and the like indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as a limitation on the present application.

[0050] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal connections between two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0051] 1 to 9 , a drive axle assembly 10 according to an embodiment of the present application may specifically include a hub mechanism 300 , a drive mechanism 200 and a brake mechanism 100 .

[0052] The hub mechanism 300 is connected to the driving mechanism 200. The brake mechanism 100 is movably connected to the driving mechanism 200. The brake mechanism 100 is used to brake the driving mechanism 200 to achieve braking of the hub mechanism 300.

[0053] In the embodiment of the present application, the brake mechanism 100 directly brakes the drive mechanism 200. The drive mechanism 200 has a relatively large transmission ratio, which enables the braking torque of the brake mechanism 100 to be amplified through the total transmission ratio of the drive mechanism 200 of the entire transmission chain and act on the hub mechanism 300, thereby reducing the torque required to brake the hub mechanism 300, thereby reducing the number of friction pairs provided in the drive mechanism 200, increasing the installation space of the drive shaft in the driver, and improving the output power of the drive axle assembly 10. The technical solution of the present application does not require the brake mechanism 100 to decelerate the hub mechanism 300 through the planetary gear structure, avoiding the need to provide multiple friction pairs in the driver to overcome the torque of the hub mechanism 300 due to the relatively small transmission ratio of the planetary gear structure, and also avoiding the limitation of the output power of the drive axle assembly 10 due to the large installation space of the drive shaft in the drive mechanism 200.

[0054] For example, in an embodiment of the present application, the drive axle assembly 10 can be a dual-motor drive axle assembly, including a left drive axle and a right drive axle, which are symmetrically arranged and have high drive power. Because the left drive axle and the right drive axle can each be driven by two motors, the left hub mechanism 300 and the right hub mechanism 300 can rotate in opposite directions when making a small turning radius. Alternatively, the drive axle assembly 10 can be a single-motor drive axle assembly. The specific type of drive axle assembly 10 is not limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0055] In the embodiments of the present application, for example, the drive mechanism 200 may be a drive motor or a drive motor, capable of outputting a rotational drive force and providing a relatively reliable power source. The motor may be an air-cooled motor, a water-cooled motor, a DC motor, an AC asynchronous motor, a permanent magnet synchronous motor, or the like. The embodiments of the present application do not limit the specific type of the drive mechanism 200.

[0056] In the embodiment of the present application, specifically, the hub mechanism 300 is used to connect to the wheel to drive the wheel to rotate or slow down or stop the wheel, etc. For example, the brake mechanism 100 can achieve wet braking through a structure such as a piston, which is more reliable and has better control accuracy.

[0057] Optionally, in the embodiment of the present application, the drive mechanism 200 includes an output shaft 210 (see FIG6 ), and the brake mechanism 100 is movably connected to the end of the output shaft 210 away from the wheel hub mechanism 300. In this way, the various components of the brake mechanism 100 can be conveniently installed at one end of the drive mechanism 200, avoiding interference with the wheel hub mechanism 300 by arranging the brake mechanism 100 at the end of the output shaft 210 close to the wheel hub mechanism 300, thereby ensuring that the brake mechanism 100 has a better braking effect on the output shaft 210 of the drive mechanism 200.

[0058] In an embodiment of the present application, optionally, the output shaft 210 is provided with an output gear 211. The hub mechanism 300 includes a first gear 310 and a planetary gear structure 315. The first gear 310 is engaged with the output gear 211, and the planetary gear structure 315 is connected to the first gear 310. In this way, through the engagement of the first gear 310 with the output gear 211, a more reliable connection and a higher transmission efficiency, as well as a more stable transmission effect, are achieved between the hub mechanism 300 and the output shaft 210 of the drive mechanism 200. Moreover, through the connection between the planetary gear structure 315 and the first gear 310, the output shaft 210 of the drive mechanism 200 can drive the planetary gear structure 315 through the first gear 310 to achieve more reliable operation.

[0059] Optionally, in the embodiment of the present application, the planetary gear structure 315 includes a sun gear 320, planetary gears 330, and a planet carrier 340. The sun gear 320 is meshed with the first gear 310, the planetary gears 330 are meshed with the sun gear 320, and the planet carrier 340 is connected to the planetary gears 330. The planet carrier 340 is used to connect to the wheels. In this way, the sun gear 320 provides a more reliable connection between the planetary gear structure 315 and the first gear 310, higher transmission efficiency, and more stable transmission effects. Furthermore, the sun gear 320 drives the planetary gears 330 to rotate, allowing the planetary gears 330 to move more stably within the planet carrier 340.

[0060] Furthermore, since planet carrier 340 is used to connect to the wheels, that is, in the embodiment of the present application, planet carrier 340 also serves as the hub shaft, making it a single component. This allows for connection to the planetary gears 330 while also providing connection to the wheels. This design reduces the number of components, improves overall integrity and structural strength, and also helps improve the space utilization of the drive axle assembly. It also avoids the existing related art design of separating the planet carrier 340 and the hub shaft into two separate structures, instead using splines to connect them, thus reducing the risk of spline failure.

[0061] In an embodiment of the present application, as shown in FIG9 , the planet carrier 340 may be provided with an opening, with at least a portion of the planet gears 330 exposed through the opening, to prevent the planet carrier 340 from interfering with the rotation of the planet gears 330. Furthermore, during operation of the drive axle assembly 10, the planet gears 330 may generate splashing lubricating oil. The openings in the planet carrier 340 can also block the splashing lubricating oil from the planet gears 330, thereby extending the service life of the planet gear structure 315.

[0062] For example, in the embodiment of the present application, the number of planetary gears 330 can be 3, 4, or 5, etc. The number can be set according to the vehicle model and size or transmission requirements, etc. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the specific number of planetary gears 330.

[0063] For example, in this embodiment of the present application, the sun gear 320 and the output shaft 210 of the drive mechanism 200 may be arranged non-coaxially to accommodate the specific structures of different vehicle models. Alternatively, the sun gear 320 and the output shaft 210 of the drive mechanism 200 may be arranged coaxially, occupying less space and improving the space utilization of the drive axle assembly 10. This embodiment of the present application does not limit the specific arrangement of the sun gear 320 and the output shaft 210 of the drive mechanism 200 in a planetary gear structure.

[0064] Optionally, in the embodiment of the present application, the planetary gear structure 315 further includes a support shaft 350. The support shaft 350 is connected to the planetary carrier 340 and extends through the planetary gears 330 to support the planetary gears 330. In this way, the support shaft 350 provides relatively stable and reliable support for the planetary gears 330. Specifically, the planetary carrier 340 has openings on both sides of the opening corresponding to the planetary gears 330. The support shaft 350 extends through the axis of the planetary gears 330 and is connected to the opening of the planetary carrier 340.

[0065] In this embodiment of the present application, the hub mechanism 300 optionally further includes a hub shell 360 and a support bearing 370. The hub shell 360 is housed on the planet carrier 340. The support bearing 370 is connected between the hub shell 360 and the planet carrier 340. Thus, the support bearing 370 provides a relatively stable and reliable connection between the hub shell 360 and the planet carrier 340, and enables relatively stable and reliable rotation of the hub shell 360 relative to the planet carrier 340. At the same time, this avoids the problem of the planet carrier 340 being configured as a cantilevered planet carrier in the prior art, thus avoiding the problem of poor load-bearing rigidity of the cantilevered planet carrier. This allows the planet carrier 340 and the hub shell 360 to have stronger rigidity and load-bearing performance, further improving the output transmission torque of the drive mechanism 200. For example, the support bearing 370 can be a ball bearing, or it can be another type of bearing. The specific type of the support bearing 370 is not limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0066] Optionally, in the embodiment of the present application, the support bearing 370 includes a first bearing 371 and a second bearing 372. The first bearing 371 and the second bearing 372 are symmetrically disposed on either side of the hub shell 360. In this way, the first bearing 371 and the second bearing 372 act simultaneously at symmetrical positions on either side of the hub shell 360, providing a more stable and secure support for the hub shell 360 and the planet carrier 340.

[0067] In this embodiment of the present application, the drive axle assembly 10 optionally further includes an oil seal 380 connected between the hub housing 360 and the planet carrier 340. Thus, the oil seal 380 provides a strong seal between the planet carrier 340 and the hub housing 360, preventing external impurities such as sewage and dust from entering the interior of the planet gear structure 315 and potentially affecting its normal operation. For example, the oil seal 380 may be a cartridge-type oil seal, which provides better protection against external impurities such as sewage and dust, thereby improving the sealing effect.

[0068] Optionally, in this embodiment of the present application, a ring gear structure is provided on the inner side of the hub shell 360, which meshes with the planetary gears 330. This provides a relatively stable and reliable connection between the hub shell 360 and the planetary gears 330, making the ring gear structure integral with the hub shell 360 and eliminating the need for a separate ring gear structure. Compared to existing related art designs that utilize independently assembled ring gear structures, this design overcomes the drawbacks of thin ring gear structures, which can easily crack and the mounting portion, which can be easily broken by shear forces.

[0069] Specifically, in the embodiment of the present application, the drive mechanism 200 may be composed of an output shaft 210 (drive shaft), a drive housing 220, a stator, a rotor, and bearings. The left end of the drive mechanism 200 may be provided with a flange connected to the hub shell 360 of the hub mechanism 300. The output gear 211 of the output shaft 210 meshes with the first gear 310, driving the sun gear 320 in the planetary gear structure 315 supported by the support shaft 350 to rotate. The sun gear 320 drives the planetary gears 330 to rotate. Under the combined action of the ring gear structure inside the hub shell 360, the planetary gears 330 rotate while driving the planet carrier 340 to revolve, and the wheels are driven to rotate through fasteners (e.g., bolts) connected to the outside of the planet carrier 340. The planet carrier 340 may be supported on both sides of the ring gear structure of the hub shell 360 by a first bearing 371 and a second bearing 372.

[0070] In the embodiment of the present application, the brake mechanism 100 optionally includes a piston assembly 107 and a friction pair 140. The friction pair 140 is movably connected to the output shaft 210. The piston assembly 107 is movably connected to the friction pair 140. Thus, the piston assembly 107 drives the friction pair 140, causing the friction pair 140 to abut against the output shaft 210, thereby decelerating or braking the drive mechanism 200, or releasing the friction pair 140 from abutment with the output shaft 210, allowing the drive mechanism 200 to resume driving the hub mechanism 300.

[0071] Optionally, as shown in FIG7 , in this embodiment of the present application, the piston assembly 107 includes a service brake piston 110 and a parking brake piston 120 . The service brake piston 110 is movably connected to the friction pair 140 , while the parking brake piston 120 is movably connected to the service brake piston 110 . Thus, the service brake piston 110 applies braking force to the friction pair 140 during driving. Specifically, the service brake piston 110 drives the friction pair 140 into contact with the output shaft 210 , thereby decelerating or braking the drive mechanism 200 during driving. Alternatively, the service brake piston 110 releases the friction pair 140 from contact with the output shaft 210, allowing the drive mechanism 200 to resume driving the wheel hub mechanism 300 . Furthermore, when the vehicle is parked, the parking brake piston 120 drives the service brake piston 110 , causing the parking brake piston 120 to abut the friction pair 140 against the output shaft 210 via the service brake piston 110 , thereby applying parking brake force to the vehicle. Alternatively, the parking brake piston 120 drives the friction pair 140 to release contact with the output shaft 210 through the service brake piston 110 , thereby canceling the parking brake of the vehicle.

[0072] In the embodiment of the present application, the brake mechanism 100 optionally further includes a brake housing 130. The service brake piston 110 and the parking brake piston 120 are both disposed within the brake housing 130. The brake housing 130 is provided with a partition 131, which is disposed between the service brake piston 110 and the parking brake piston 120. A first oil filling gap 132 is defined between the service brake piston 110 and the partition 131. A second oil filling gap 133 is defined between the parking brake piston 120 and the partition 131. Thus, the service brake piston 110 is activated by injecting or discharging oil into the first oil filling gap 132, and the parking brake piston 120 is activated by injecting or discharging oil into the second oil filling gap 133.

[0073] Specifically, in the embodiment of the present application, as shown in FIG7 , by injecting oil into the first oil filling gap 132, the service brake piston 110 moves leftward, thereby driving the friction pair 140 to abut against the output shaft 210, thereby achieving the service brake function. Furthermore, by draining the oil from the second oil filling gap 133, the parking brake piston 120 moves leftward, and the parking brake piston 120 drives the service brake piston 110 to move leftward, thereby achieving the parking brake function.

[0074] Optionally, in the embodiment of the present application, the friction pair 140 includes a friction seat 141, a friction plate 142, and a connecting plate 143. The friction seat 141 is movably connected to the output shaft 210. The friction plate 142 is connected to the friction seat 141. The connecting plate 143 is movably connected to the friction plate 142. The service brake piston 110 is movably connected to the connecting plate 143. In this way, the connecting plate 143 enables a movable connection between the friction pair 140 and the service brake piston 110, the friction plate 142 provides friction to overcome torque, and the friction seat 141 enables a movable connection between the friction pair 140 and the output shaft 210. As a result, the friction pair 140 has a relatively stable and reliable effect in overcoming the torque required for braking, and has a compact structure.

[0075] For example, in the embodiment of the present application, the number of friction plates 142 can be 2, 3 or 4, etc., and can be set according to actual needs. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the specific number of friction plates 142. Similarly, the number of connecting plates 143 can be 2, 3 or 4, etc., and can be set according to actual needs. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the specific number of connecting plates 143. For example, the connecting plate 143 can be a steel plate with good rigidity, or the connecting plate 143 can also be made of other materials. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the specific material of the connecting plate 143.

[0076] In this embodiment of the present application, the friction pair 140 optionally further includes an elastic member 144. The elastic member 144 abuts between the friction plate 142 and the connecting plate 143, thereby movably connecting the connecting plate 143 to the friction plate 142. In this manner, the elastic deformation of the elastic member 144 provides a relatively reliable movable connection between the friction plate 142 and the connecting plate 143. For example, the elastic member 144 may be a spring or a spring. The specific type of the elastic member 144 is not limited in this embodiment of the present application.

[0077] Specifically, in the embodiment of the present application, as shown in FIG6 , the friction plate 142 can be connected to the right side of the drive housing 220 . The friction plate 142 is provided with an internal spline. The friction seat 141 is provided with an external spline, and the internal spline of the friction plate 142 is adapted to the external spline of the friction seat 141 . The connecting plate 143 can be connected to the outer side of the friction plate 142 , that is, the side of the friction plate 142 away from the drive mechanism 200 . A plurality of open slots can be evenly distributed on the outer circle of the connecting plate 143 , and the notches of the open slots cooperate with a plurality of fasteners (such as screws or screws, etc.) fixed to the drive housing 220 . A spring is provided between the plurality of connecting plates 143 , which is sleeved on each fastener.

[0078] As shown in Figures 6 and 7 , the service brake piston 110 can be positioned to the right of the connecting piece 143. Multiple return springs 108 can be evenly distributed on the service brake piston 110 to reset the service brake piston 110. The brake housing 130 can have a stepped hole, into which the service brake piston 110 can be installed, with two sets of oil seals forming a first oil filling gap 132. The parking brake piston 120 can be positioned to the right of the service brake piston 110, with two sets of seals also forming a second oil filling gap 133 between the service brake piston 110 and the partition 131 of the brake housing 130. For example, a disc spring, the brake housing 130, and an open circular retaining ring can be positioned to the right of the service brake piston 110. During assembly, the brake housing 130 can be compressed using a press, and the disc spring is then compressed and installed into the open circular retaining ring, ensuring that the disc spring remains compressed. Under the action of the disc spring, the parking brake piston 120 can push the service brake piston 110 to press each connecting plate 143 and the friction plate 142. Under the action of friction, the friction plate 142 and the friction seat 141 press the output shaft 210 so that it cannot rotate, and the drive axle assembly 10 is in the parking brake state.

[0079] As shown in Figure 7, to release the parking brake, the parking release switch can be pressed, causing the vehicle's hydraulic system to supply pressurized oil through the oil port and inject it into the second oil filling gap 133 on the left side of the parking brake piston 120. When the pressurized oil pressure is sufficient, the parking brake piston 120 moves rightward and compresses the disc spring, disengaging the parking brake piston 120 from the service brake piston 110. At this time, the service brake piston 110 also moves rightward under the action of the return spring 108, releasing the connecting plate 143. In this way, the multiple springs maintain clearance between the connecting plates 143 and the friction plates 142, allowing the output shaft 210 to resume free rotation. The parking brake of the drive axle assembly 10 is released, allowing the vehicle to travel.

[0080] When the vehicle requires service braking while in motion, the brake pedal is pressed, causing brake fluid in the master cylinder to be injected into the first oil filling gap 132 through the service brake oil port 105 (see Figure 8). The service brake piston 110 moves leftward, causing the connecting plates 143 and friction plates 142 to contact and compress, thereby decelerating the vehicle and applying service braking. When the vehicle requires parking braking, the parking release switch is closed, connecting the parking brake oil port 106 to the fuel tank. The disc spring acts to discharge oil from the second oil filling gap 133, causing the parking brake piston 120 to move leftward and push the service brake piston 110 to compress the connecting plates 143 and friction plates 142, thereby applying parking braking. The brake mechanism 100 is equipped with an oil filling port 104, a breather 103, and an oil drain plug, making the entire drive axle assembly 10 safe, reliable, compact, and functional.

[0081] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present application, the drive axle assembly 10 further includes a mounting bracket 221. The drive mechanism 200 includes a drive housing 220, and the mounting bracket 221 is connected to the drive housing 220, and the mounting bracket 221 is used to connect to the vehicle frame. In this way, the connection between the drive axle assembly 10 and the vehicle frame is achieved through the mounting bracket 221. Compared with the existing related art, in which a mounting plate is provided on the vehicle frame, a mounting cavity is provided on the mounting plate, and the drive axle assembly is embedded in the mounting cavity, the front overhang of the vehicle is larger, the load capacity of the vehicle is reduced, the width of the vehicle's mast is limited, and the driving field of view of the vehicle is limited. The embodiment of the present application achieves connection with the vehicle frame through the mounting bracket 221, and there is no need to provide a mounting plate with a mounting cavity, which reduces the front overhang of the vehicle, improves the load capacity of the vehicle, widens the width of the vehicle's mast, broadens the driving field of view of the vehicle, and improves driving convenience.

[0082] Optionally, the drive axle assembly 10 further includes a connecting plate 400. The brake mechanism 100 includes a first brake 101 and a second brake 102. The drive mechanism 200 includes a first driver 201 and a second driver 202. The hub mechanism 300 includes a first hub 301 and a second hub 302. The first brake 101 and the second brake 102 are respectively connected to the connecting plate 400. The first driver 201 is movably connected to the first brake 101. The first hub 301 is connected to the first driver 201. The second driver 202 is movably connected to the second brake 102. The second hub 302 is connected to the second driver 202. In this way, the connection between the first brake 101 and the second brake 102 is achieved through the connecting plate 400, and the first driver 201, the first hub 301, the second driver 202, and the second hub 302 are sequentially arranged, thereby achieving a dual-motor drive axle structure with better overall structural integrity, enabling the drive axle assembly 10 to carry a higher load and have a higher output power.

[0083] For example, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, in the embodiment of the present application, the connecting plate 400 may include a first support plate 401 and a second support plate 402. One side of the first support plate 401 is connected to the first brake 101, and the other side of the first support plate 401 is connected to the second support plate 402. The side of the second support plate 402, away from the first support plate 401, is connected to the second brake 102. Fasteners, such as bolts, studs, or screws, can be used to achieve a relatively stable connection between the first support plate 401 and the second support plate 402 through the mating of shaft holes. This provides a relatively reliable and stable connection, and ensures that the drive axle assembly 10 has good structural integrity and can bear high loads.

[0084] In summary, the drive axle assembly described in the embodiments of the present application can at least include the following advantages:

[0085] In an embodiment of the present application, the drive axle assembly includes a hub mechanism, a drive mechanism, and a brake mechanism. The hub mechanism is connected to the drive mechanism, and the brake mechanism is movably connected to the drive mechanism. The brake mechanism is used to brake the drive mechanism, thereby braking the hub mechanism. In this way, the brake mechanism directly brakes the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism has a large transmission ratio, which enables the braking torque of the brake mechanism to be amplified by the total transmission ratio of the drive mechanism in the entire transmission chain and applied to the hub mechanism. This reduces the torque required to brake the hub mechanism, thereby reducing the number of friction pairs provided in the drive mechanism, increasing the space available for the drive shaft in the driver, and improving the output power of the drive axle assembly. The brake mechanism does not need to decelerate the hub mechanism through a planetary gear structure, avoiding the need for multiple friction pairs in the driver to overcome the torque of the hub mechanism due to the small transmission ratio of the planetary gear structure. This also avoids the limitation of the output power of the drive axle assembly caused by the large space available for the drive shaft in the drive mechanism.

[0086] Secondly, the present application provides a vehicle. In a specific embodiment, the vehicle includes the aforementioned drive axle assembly 10. Specifically, the vehicle includes a frame, to which the drive axle assembly 10 is connected, providing relatively stable and reliable support for the drive axle assembly 10.

[0087] For example, in the embodiment of the present application, the vehicle may be a forklift, such as a side forklift, a side stacking forklift, a leg forklift, etc. The embodiment of the present application does not limit the specific type of the vehicle.

[0088] The vehicle according to the embodiments of the present application may have at least the following advantages:

[0089] In an embodiment of the present application, the vehicle includes the aforementioned drive axle assembly. The drive axle assembly includes a hub mechanism, a drive mechanism, and a brake mechanism. The hub mechanism is connected to the drive mechanism, and the brake mechanism is movably connected to the drive mechanism. The brake mechanism is used to brake the drive mechanism, thereby braking the hub mechanism. In this way, the brake mechanism directly brakes the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism has a large transmission ratio, enabling the braking torque of the brake mechanism to be amplified through the total transmission ratio of the drive mechanism in the entire transmission chain and applied to the hub mechanism. This reduces the torque required to brake the hub mechanism, thereby reducing the number of friction pairs provided in the drive mechanism, increasing the space available for the drive shaft in the driver, and improving the output power of the drive axle assembly. The brake mechanism eliminates the need for the planetary gear structure to decelerate the hub mechanism, avoiding the need for multiple friction pairs in the driver to overcome the torque of the hub mechanism due to the small transmission ratio of the planetary gear structure. This also avoids the limitation of the output power of the drive axle assembly due to the large space available for the drive shaft in the drive mechanism.

[0090] Throughout this specification, reference to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiments," "examples," "specific examples," or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0091] Although the embodiments of the present application have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations may be made to the embodiments without departing from the principles and intent of the present application, and that the scope of the present application is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A drive axle assembly (10), characterized in that, The drive axle assembly includes: A drive mechanism (200); A hub mechanism (300), the hub mechanism being connected to the drive mechanism; and A braking mechanism (100), the braking mechanism being movably connected to the drive mechanism, the braking mechanism being used to brake the drive mechanism so as to brake the hub mechanism.

2. The drive axle assembly (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive mechanism includes an output shaft (210), and the braking mechanism is movably connected to one end of the output shaft away from the hub mechanism.

3. The drive axle assembly (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The output shaft is provided with an output gear (211), and the hub mechanism includes a first gear (310) and a planetary gear structure (315); The first gear meshes with the output gear, and the planetary gear structure is connected to the first gear.

4. The drive axle assembly (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The planetary gear structure includes: A sun gear (320), the sun gear meshing with the first gear; Planetary gears (330), the planetary gears meshing with the sun gear; and A planet carrier (340), the planet carrier being connected to the planetary gears, the planet carrier being used to connect to a wheel.

5. The drive axle assembly (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The planetary gear structure further includes a support shaft (350), the support shaft being connected to the planet carrier, and the support shaft passing through the planetary gears to support the planetary gears.

6. The drive axle assembly (10) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The hub mechanism further includes: A hub housing (360), the hub housing covering the planet carrier; and Support bearings (370), the support bearings being connected between the hub housing and the planet carrier.

7. The drive axle assembly (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The support bearings include a first bearing (371) and a second bearing (372), the first bearing and the second bearing being symmetrically arranged on both sides of the hub housing.

8. The drive axle assembly (10) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The drive axle assembly further includes a oil seal (380), the oil seal being connected between the hub housing and the planet carrier.

9. The drive axle assembly (10) according to any one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that, A ring gear structure is provided inside the hub housing, and the ring gear structure meshes with the planetary gears.

10. The drive axle assembly (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 9, characterized in that, The braking mechanism includes: A friction pair (140), the friction pair being movably connected to the output shaft; and A piston assembly (107), the piston assembly being movably connected to the friction pair.

11. The drive axle assembly (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The piston assembly includes: A service brake piston (110), the service brake piston being movably connected to the friction pair; and A parking brake piston (120), the parking brake piston being movably connected to the service brake piston.

12. The drive axle assembly (10) according to claim 11, wherein, The braking mechanism further includes a brake housing (130), the service brake piston and the parking brake piston are both arranged inside the brake housing; The brake housing is provided with a partition (131), the partition is arranged between the service brake piston and the parking brake piston, a first oil injection gap (132) is provided between the service brake piston and the partition, and a second oil injection gap (133) is provided between the parking brake piston and the partition.

13. The drive axle assembly (10) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that, The friction pair includes: A friction seat (141), the friction seat being movably connected to the output shaft; Friction plates (142), the friction plates being connected to the friction seat; and A connecting plate (143), the connecting plate being movably connected to the friction plates, the service brake piston being movably connected to the connecting plate.

14. The drive axle assembly (10) according to claim 13, wherein, The friction pair further includes an elastic member (144), and the elastic member abuts between the friction plate and the connecting plate so that the connecting plate is movably connected to the friction plate.

15. The drive axle assembly (10) according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, The drive axle assembly further includes a mounting bracket (221). The drive mechanism includes a drive housing (220). The mounting bracket is connected to the drive housing, and the mounting bracket is used for connecting to the vehicle frame.

16. The drive axle assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that, The drive axle assembly further includes a connecting plate (400). The braking mechanism includes a first brake (101) and a second brake (102). The drive mechanism includes a first driver (201) and a second driver (202). The hub mechanism includes a first hub (301) and a second hub (302). The first brake and the second brake are respectively connected to the connecting plate. The first driver is movably connected to the first brake. The first hub is connected to the first driver. The second driver is movably connected to the second brake. The second hub is connected to the second driver.

17. A vehicle, characterized in that, The vehicle includes the drive axle assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1-16.

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