Dog clutch, differential assembly and automobile

Abstract

Provided in the present application are a dog clutch, a differential assembly, and an automobile. The dog clutch comprises a dog clutch body, wherein the outer side of the dog clutch body is provided with first engagement teeth arranged outward in the radial direction, and the inner side of the dog clutch body is provided with second engagement teeth arranged inward in the radial direction. In the present application, the dog clutch comprises the dog clutch body, wherein the outer side of the dog clutch body is provided with the first engagement teeth arranged outward in the radial direction, and the inner side of the dog clutch body is provided with the second engagement teeth arranged inward in the radial direction, such that each of the first engagement teeth and the second engagement teeth can be engaged with or disengaged from one component; on the basis of combinations of the states of the two engagement teeth, switching can be realized between at least three functions. Compared with the prior art where switching can only be realized between two functions, the present application helps greatly improve the integration level and reduce the number of components and weight, thereby facilitating structural arrangement and providing a simple structure and low cost.

Description

Disc, differential assembly and automobile

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese patent applications filed on January 9, 2025, with application number 202510039978.7 entitled "Patrolley, Differential Assembly and Automobile" and application number 202520055500.9 entitled "Patrolley, Differential Assembly and Automobile", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This application relates to the field of differential assembly technology, and more particularly to a disc, differential assembly, and automobile. Background Technology

[0003] A disc is a disc-shaped component with specific teeth or protrusions. It enables the transmission and interruption of power by engaging and disengaging with other matching components, and can be used in many devices, such as differential assemblies. The inventors realized that existing discs can only engage or disengage with one workpiece to achieve two functions, which cannot meet the needs of multiple function switching applications. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a differential plate, a differential assembly, and an automobile to solve the problem that existing differential plates cannot meet the usage requirements of switching between multiple functions.

[0005] A mounting plate includes a mounting plate body, wherein the outer side of the mounting plate body is provided with a first engagement tooth arranged outward in a radial direction, and the inner side of the mounting plate body is provided with a second engagement tooth arranged in a radial direction inward.

[0006] Preferably, the insert plate further includes a guide structure disposed on the insert plate body in the axial direction; the first engagement tooth is disposed on the guide structure; and in the axial direction, there is a certain distance between the first engagement tooth and the second engagement tooth.

[0007] A differential assembly includes a differential housing, a differential gear, a gear assembly, and the aforementioned disc;

[0008] The differential housing and the differential gear are spaced apart along the axial direction, and the gear assembly is disposed between the differential housing and the differential gear;

[0009] The disc body is movably mounted on the differential housing, the first engagement tooth is used to engage with the differential gear, and the second engagement tooth is used to engage with the gear assembly.

[0010] Preferably, when the disc is located at a first position on the differential housing, the first engagement tooth does not engage with the differential gear, and the second engagement tooth does not engage with the gear assembly;

[0011] When the disc is located in the second position on the differential housing, the first engagement tooth engages with the differential gear, and the second engagement tooth does not engage with the gear assembly.

[0012] When the disc is located in the third position on the differential housing, the first engagement tooth engages with the differential gear, and the second engagement tooth engages with the gear assembly.

[0013] Preferably, the distance between the first engaging tooth and the differential gear is less than the distance between the second engaging tooth and the gear assembly;

[0014] The axial width of the engagement tooth of the differential gear used to engage with the first engagement tooth is greater than the axial width of the engagement tooth of the gear assembly used to engage with the second engagement tooth.

[0015] Preferably, the differential assembly further includes an actuator assembly;

[0016] The actuator assembly includes two electromagnetic clutches, an elastic element, and a slider;

[0017] The slider is movably sleeved outside the differential housing and is connected to the disc.

[0018] The two electromagnetic clutches are spaced apart along the axial direction of the differential housing and are respectively connected to the slider;

[0019] One end of the elastic element is connected to the disc, and the other end of the elastic element is connected to the differential gear;

[0020] The two electromagnetic clutches and the elastic element cooperate to adjust the position of the disc to switch the function of the differential assembly.

[0021] Preferably, the differential housing includes a housing body and a guide groove disposed along the axial direction at one end of the housing body near the differential gear;

[0022] The insert also includes a guide structure disposed on the first end of the insert body in the axial direction, and the guide structure moves along the guide groove.

[0023] Preferably, the differential housing includes a plurality of connecting protrusions extending axially from one end of the housing body near the differential gear;

[0024] The guide groove is formed between two adjacent connecting protrusions;

[0025] The connecting protrusion has a limiting groove on the inner side of the end near the differential gear, which is used to limit the position of the disc body.

[0026] Preferably, the differential gear includes a gear body, a gear ring portion extending radially from the outer end of the gear body, and a third engagement tooth extending from one side of the gear body near the differential housing;

[0027] The third engagement tooth is used to engage with the first engagement tooth.

[0028] Preferably, the gear assembly includes a planetary shaft, planetary gears, a first half-shaft, a first half-shaft gear, a second half-shaft, and a second half-shaft gear;

[0029] The planetary shaft is disposed within the differential housing along the radial direction of the differential housing, and the planetary gears are mounted on the planetary shaft;

[0030] The first half-shaft passes through the differential housing, the first half-shaft gear is mounted on the first half-shaft, and the first half-shaft gear engages with the first side of the planetary gear.

[0031] The second half-shaft passes through the differential gear, and the second half-shaft gear is mounted on the second half-shaft;

[0032] The second half-shaft gear engages with the second side of the planetary gear, and a fourth engagement tooth is provided on the outer side of the second half-shaft gear, which is used to engage with the second engagement tooth.

[0033] Preferably, the electromagnetic clutch includes a magnetic ring and a coil;

[0034] The coil is positioned opposite to the magnetic ring and is used to drive the magnetic ring to move;

[0035] The slider is provided with a force transmission boss on the side that is in contact with the electromagnetic clutch, and the two electromagnetic clutches are respectively located on both sides of the force transmission boss.

[0036] In the two electromagnetic clutches, the magnetic ring of the electromagnetic clutch farther from the differential gear is slidably connected to the slider, while the magnetic ring of the electromagnetic clutch closer to the differential gear is fixedly connected to the slider.

[0037] Preferably, the actuator assembly further includes a support housing and three first retaining rings;

[0038] The support housing is fitted outside the differential housing, and the two electromagnetic clutches are mounted on the support housing.

[0039] Three first retaining rings are installed at intervals on the support housing, with the magnetic ring of each electromagnetic clutch located between two adjacent first retaining rings.

[0040] An automobile includes the aforementioned differential assembly.

[0041] In this embodiment, the insert includes an insert body. The outer side of the insert body is provided with a first engagement tooth arranged radially outward, and the inner side of the insert body is provided with a second engagement tooth arranged radially inward. This allows the first engagement tooth and the second engagement tooth to engage or disengage with a component, respectively. Depending on the state combination of the two engagement teeth, at least three function switching methods can be achieved. Compared with the existing technology that can only achieve two function switching methods, this method greatly improves the integration, reduces the number and weight of parts, is more conducive to structural layout, and has a simple structure and low cost. Attached Figure Description

[0042] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments of this application will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0043] Figure 1 is an axonometric view of the disc in one embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 2 is a front view of the embedded disk in one embodiment of this application;

[0045] Figure 3 is an axonometric view of the differential housing in one embodiment of this application;

[0046] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the differential gear in one embodiment of this application;

[0047] Figure 5 is a structural diagram of a differential assembly in one embodiment of this application;

[0048] Figure 6 is a diagram showing three states of the differential assembly in one embodiment of this application.

[0049] The components include: 1. Insert disc; 11. Insert disc body; 12. First engagement tooth; 13. Second engagement tooth; 14. Guide structure; 2. Differential housing; 21. Housing body; 22. Guide groove; 23. Connecting protrusion; 24. Limiting groove; 3. Differential gear; 31. Gear body; 32. Gear ring; 33. Third engagement tooth; 4. Gear assembly; 41. Planetary shaft; 42. Planetary gear; 43. First half-shaft; 44. First half-shaft gear; 45. Second half-shaft; 46. Second half-shaft gear; 47. Fourth engagement tooth; 5. Actuator assembly; 51. Electromagnetic clutch; 511. Magnetic ring; 512. Coil; 52. Elastic element; 53. Slider; 54. Support housing; 55. First retaining ring; 56. Wear-resistant pad; 6. Bearing; 7. Second retaining ring; 8. Force transmission boss. Detailed Implementation

[0050] To make the technical problems, technical solutions, and beneficial effects solved by this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0051] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "longitudinal," "radial," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are used only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0052] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0053] This application provides a mounting plate 1. Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the mounting plate 1 includes a mounting plate body 11. The outer side of the mounting plate body 11 is provided with a first engagement tooth 12 arranged outward in the radial direction, and the inner side of the mounting plate body 11 is provided with a second engagement tooth 13 arranged in the radial direction.

[0054] The radial direction is the radial direction of the insert body 11.

[0055] As an example, the insert 1 includes an insert body 11, a first engagement tooth 12, and a second engagement tooth 13. During installation, the insert body 11 is movably installed on the structure to be installed. The first engagement tooth 12 extends outward in a radial direction from the outer side of the insert body 11 and is used to engage with a first workpiece. The second engagement tooth 13 extends inward in a radial direction from the inner side of the second end of the insert body 11 and is used to engage with a second workpiece.

[0056] In this example, the insert plate body 11 is mounted on the structure to be installed and can move along the axial direction. When the insert plate body 11 moves to different positions on the structure to be installed, the first engagement tooth 12 and the second engagement tooth 13 on the insert plate body 11 can be adjusted to different positions accordingly to adjust the state (engagement or separation) between the first engagement tooth 12 and the first workpiece, and adjust the state (engagement or separation) between the second engagement tooth 13 and the second workpiece. According to the multiple state combinations between the two engagement teeth and the two workpieces, the purpose of adjusting the engagement state switching between the structure to be installed and the two workpieces using one insert plate 1 can be achieved. This solves the problem in the prior art that multiple insert plates 1 need to be used to engage with different components, resulting in low equipment integration, increased number and weight of parts, and difficulty in layout.

[0057] In this embodiment, the insert plate 1 includes an insert plate body 11, a first engagement tooth 12 disposed on the outer side of the insert plate body 11, and a second engagement tooth 13 disposed on the inner side of the insert plate body 11, so that the first engagement tooth 12 and the second engagement tooth 13 can be engaged or disengaged with a component respectively. According to the state combination of the two engagement teeth, at least three function switching can be realized. Compared with the existing technology that can only realize two function switching, it helps to greatly improve the integration, reduce the number and weight of parts, and is more conducive to structural layout. The structure is simple and the cost is low.

[0058] In one embodiment, referring to FIG1, the insert 1 further includes a guide structure 14 disposed along the axial direction of the insert body 11; a first engagement tooth 12 is disposed on the guide structure 14; and there is a certain distance between the first engagement tooth 12 and the second engagement tooth 13 in the axial direction.

[0059] As an example, the insert 1 also includes a guide structure 14, which is axially disposed on the insert body 11. The guide structure 14 is movably mounted on the structure to be installed, providing guidance and limiting for the installation and movement of the insert 1. Specifically, the insert body 11 is provided with an axially disposed guide structure 14 (i.e., guide rail), and an axially disposed opening groove is formed between two adjacent guide rails. The opening groove is used to avoid the connecting protrusion 23 of the structure to be installed. During installation, a guide groove 22 is provided on the structure to be installed, and multiple guide rails are arranged in a ring at intervals to match the guide groove 22 on the structure to be installed. The insert body 11 is installed on the structure to be installed. The first engaging tooth 12 is disposed on the guide structure 14, and the guide rail moves axially within the guide groove 22 to realize the axial movement of the insert 1, thereby adjusting the position of the first engaging tooth 12 and the second engaging tooth 13. In the axial direction, there is a certain distance between the first engaging tooth 12 and the second engaging tooth 13 to ensure that the first engaging tooth 12 and the second engaging tooth 13 can be engaged or disengaged with different positions of a component, respectively.

[0060] This application provides a differential assembly, referring to Figures 1-6, including a differential housing 2, a differential gear 3, a gear assembly 4, and a disc 1; the differential housing 2 and the differential gear 3 are spaced apart along the axial direction, and the gear assembly 4 is disposed between the differential housing 2 and the differential gear 3; the disc body 11 is movably mounted on the differential housing 2, the first engagement tooth 12 is used to engage with the differential gear 3, and the second engagement tooth 13 is used to engage with the gear assembly 4.

[0061] As an example, the disc 1 of a conventional differential assembly can only be engaged or disengaged with one workpiece. Therefore, it can only integrate a conventional differential + disengagement function or a conventional differential + differential lock function at most, and cannot simultaneously support a conventional differential + disengagement + differential lock function. The differential assembly in this example includes a differential housing 2, a differential gear 3, a gear assembly 4, and the disc 1. During installation, both the differential housing 2 and the differential gear 3 are mounted on a support structure via bearings 6. The differential housing 2 and the differential gear 3 are spaced apart axially to form an installation space. The gear assembly 4 is located within the installation space between the differential housing 2 and the differential gear 3, controlling the speed difference between the two half-shafts of the gear assembly 4 to achieve the differential function.

[0062] In this example, the disc body 11 is mounted on the differential housing 2 and can move along the axial direction of the disc body 11 toward the differential gear 3. When the disc body 11 moves to different positions on the differential housing 2, the first engagement tooth 12 and the second engagement tooth 13 on the disc body 11 can be adjusted to different positions accordingly to adjust the state (engagement or disengagement) between the first engagement tooth 12 and the differential gear 3, and to adjust the state (engagement or disengagement) between the second engagement tooth 13 and the gear assembly 4. Based on the multiple state combinations between the two engagement teeth and the differential gear 3 and the gear assembly 4, the engagement state between the disc 1 and the differential gear 3 and the gear assembly 4 can be adjusted by using one disc 1. This solves the problem in the prior art that multiple discs 1 need to be used to engage with different components, resulting in low equipment integration, increased number and weight of parts, and difficulty in layout.

[0063] In this example, the insert 1 includes an insert body 11, a first engagement tooth 12 disposed on the outer side of the insert body 11, and a second engagement tooth 13 disposed on the inner side of the insert body 11, so that the first engagement tooth 12 and the second engagement tooth 13 can engage or disengage with the differential gear 3 and the gear assembly 4 respectively. According to the state combination of the two engagement teeth, at least three function switching can be achieved. Compared with the existing technology that can only achieve two function switching, it helps to greatly improve the integration, reduce the number and weight of parts, and is more conducive to structural layout. The structure is simple and the cost is low.

[0064] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 5 and 6, when the disc 1 is located in the first position on the differential housing 2, the first engagement tooth 12 does not engage with the differential gear 3, and the second engagement tooth 13 does not engage with the gear assembly 4; when the disc 1 is located in the second position on the differential housing 2, the first engagement tooth 12 engages with the differential gear 3, and the second engagement tooth 13 does not engage with the gear assembly 4; when the disc 1 is located in the third position on the differential housing 2, the first engagement tooth 12 engages with the differential gear 3, and the second engagement tooth 13 engages with the gear assembly 4.

[0065] As an example, the differential gear 3 is connected to the power input end, the differential housing 2 is connected to the power output end, and the disc body 11 is mounted on the differential housing 2. It can move along the axial direction of the disc body 11 towards the differential gear 3. When the disc body 11 moves to different positions on the differential housing 2, it is used to switch between different functions, specifically as follows: When the disc body 11 moves along the axial direction of the disc body 11 towards the differential gear 3 to the first position on the differential housing 2, the first engagement tooth 12 is not engaged with the differential gear 3, and the second engagement tooth 13 is not engaged with the gear assembly 4. At this time, the differential gear 3 is decoupled from the differential housing 2, realizing the disconnection function; when ... When the disc body 11 moves axially toward the differential gear 3 to the second position of the differential housing 2, the first engagement tooth 12 engages with the differential gear 3, while the second engagement tooth 13 does not engage with the gear assembly 4. This is the normal differential function, where the differential housing 2 and the differential gear 3 can transmit torque. When the disc body 11 moves axially toward the differential gear 3 to the third position of the differential housing 2, the first engagement tooth 12 engages with the differential gear 3, and the second engagement tooth 13 engages with the gear assembly 4. This achieves the differential lock function, locking the differential housing 2, differential gear 3, and gear assembly 4 together, preventing speed difference between the two half-shafts of the gear assembly 4. In this example, the first, second, and third positions of the differential housing 2 are three positions sequentially set along the axial direction of the differential housing 2.

[0066] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 5 and 6, the distance between the first engagement tooth 12 and the differential gear 3 is less than the distance between the second engagement tooth 13 and the gear assembly 4; the axial width of the engagement tooth of the differential gear 3 that engages with the first engagement tooth 12 is greater than the axial width of the engagement tooth of the gear assembly 4 that engages with the second engagement tooth 13.

[0067] As an example, the disc body 11 moves along the axial direction of the disc body 11 toward the differential gear 3 on the differential housing 2. When the disc body 11 moves to the first position, the first engagement tooth 12 does not engage with the engagement tooth of the differential gear 3, and the second engagement tooth 13 does not engage with the engagement tooth of the gear assembly 4; this is the disengagement function. When the disc body 11 moves from the first position to the second position, the first engagement tooth 12 and the second engagement tooth 13 move simultaneously. Because the distance between the first engagement tooth 12 and the differential gear 3 is less than the distance between the second engagement tooth 13 and the gear assembly 4, the first engagement tooth 12 and the differential gear... When gear 3 engages with gear 4, gear 2's engagement teeth are not engaged with gear 3's engagement teeth; this is the normal differential function. When the disc body 11 moves from the second position to the third position, gear 12 and gear 13 move simultaneously again. Because the axial width of the engagement teeth of differential gear 3 that engage with gear 4's engagement teeth 12 is greater than the axial width of gear 4's engagement teeth 13, when gear 2's engagement teeth 13 engage with gear 4's engagement teeth, gear 12 can still engage with differential gear 3's engagement teeth when it moves again; this is the differential lock function. In this example, the first, second, and third positions of differential housing 2 are three positions sequentially set along the axial direction of differential housing 2.

[0068] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 5 and 6, the differential assembly further includes an actuator assembly 5; the actuator assembly 5 includes two electromagnetic clutches 51, an elastic element 52, and a slider 53; the slider 53 is movably sleeved outside the differential housing 2 and connected to the disc 1; the two electromagnetic clutches 51 are spaced apart along the axial direction of the differential housing 2 and are respectively connected to the slider 53; one end of the elastic element 52 is connected to the disc 1, and the other end of the elastic element 52 is connected to the differential gear 3; the two electromagnetic clutches 51 and the elastic element 52 cooperate to adjust the position of the disc 1 to switch the function of the differential assembly.

[0069] As an example, the differential assembly also includes an actuator assembly 5. During installation, the actuator assembly 5 is connected to the disc 1. By controlling the working state of the actuator assembly 5, the position of the disc 1 can be adjusted so that it can work in three different positions, so that the disc 1 can be combined with different components to realize the three functions of switching the differential assembly: conventional differential, disconnection, and differential lock. The three-in-one function integration is realized in the differential assembly, which greatly enhances the competitiveness of the product. When the actuator assembly 5 controls the disc body 11 to move to the first position on the differential housing 2, the first engagement tooth 12 is not engaged with the differential gear 3, and the second engagement tooth 13 is not engaged with the gear assembly 4. At this time, the differential gear 3 is decoupled from the differential housing 2, realizing the disconnection function. When the actuator assembly 5 controls the disc body 11 to move to the second position on the differential housing 2, the first engagement tooth 12 can engage with the differential gear 3, and the second engagement tooth 13 can not engage with the gear assembly 4. At this time, the differential housing 2 and the differential gear 3 can transmit torque, thus realizing the conventional differential function. When the actuator assembly 5 controls the disc body 11 to move to the third position on the differential housing 2, the first engagement tooth 12 can engage with the differential gear 3, and the second engagement tooth 13 can engage with the gear assembly 4. At this time, the differential lock function is realized. The disc 1 locks the differential housing 2, the differential gear 3, and the gear assembly 4 together, and the two half-shafts of the gear assembly 4 cannot generate a speed difference.

[0070] In this example, actuator assembly 5 includes two electromagnetic clutches 51, an elastic element 52, and a slider 53. During installation, the slider 53 is movably sleeved on the outside of the differential housing 2 and connected to the disc 1 to push the disc 1 to move. The two electromagnetic clutches 51 are spaced apart along the axial direction of the differential housing 2 and are respectively connected to the slider 53. When either of the two electromagnetic clutches 51 is working, it can drive the slider 53 to move, thereby pushing the disc 1 to move towards the position of the differential gear 3. One end of the elastic element 52 is connected to the disc 1, and the other end of the elastic element 52 is connected to the differential gear 3. When either of the two electromagnetic clutches 51 is not working, the elasticity of the elastic element 52 can drive the disc 1 to reset. The two electromagnetic clutches 51 and the elastic element 52 cooperate to adjust the position of the disc 1 to realize the function of switching the differential assembly. In addition, a second retaining ring 7 is provided on the differential gear 3, and the other end of the elastic member 52 is connected to the second retaining ring 7. The second retaining ring 7 provides an installation position for the elastic member 52 and can also limit the movement of the disc 1 to prevent it from moving beyond the boundary.

[0071] For example, two electromagnetic clutches 51, one a first electromagnetic clutch and the other a second electromagnetic clutch; when the first electromagnetic clutch is engaged and the second electromagnetic clutch is disengaged, the slider 53 can be moved to a position, causing the slider 53 to push the insert 1 along the axial direction of the insert body 11 towards the differential gear 3 to a second position on the differential housing 2, so that the first engagement tooth 12 engages with the differential gear 3, and the second engagement tooth 13 does not engage with the gear assembly 4. At this time, the elastic element 52 is compressed, and the differential gear 3 drives the differential housing 2 to rotate through the insert 1. The differential housing 2 drives the planetary gear 42 to rotate around the planetary shaft 41, which can drive the first half-shaft gear 44 and the second half-shaft gear 46 to rotate, thereby driving the first half-shaft 43 and the second half-shaft 45 to rotate. At this time, the differential housing 2 and the differential gear 3 can transmit torque, thus realizing the conventional differential function; when the first electromagnetic clutch and the second electromagnetic clutch are engaged, the second electromagnetic clutch can be moved to a second position on the differential housing 2. When neither of the clutches is engaged, the elastic element 52 allows the disc 1 to reset, decoupling the differential gear 3 from the differential housing 2, thus achieving the disconnection function. When the first electromagnetic clutch engages, it moves the slider 53 to a position, causing the slider 53 to push the disc 1 along the axial direction of the disc body 11 towards the differential gear 3 to the second position on the differential housing 2. Then, the second electromagnetic clutch engages, moving the slider 53 to the next position, causing the slider 53 to push the disc 1 along the axial direction of the disc body 11 towards the differential gear 3 to the third position on the differential housing 2. At this point, the first engagement tooth 12 engages with the differential gear 3, and the second engagement tooth 13 engages with the second engagement tooth 13 of the second half-shaft gear 46. The disc 1 locks the differential housing 2, differential gear 3, and second half-shaft gear 46 together, preventing the first half-shaft 43 and the second half-shaft 45 from generating a speed difference, thus achieving the differential lock function. This example achieves control of the three positions of the disc 1 through the ingenious design of the dual electromagnetic clutches 51 and the elastic element 52.

[0072] In one embodiment, referring to FIG3, the differential housing 2 includes a housing body 21 and a guide groove 22 disposed along the axial direction at one end of the housing body 21 near the differential gear 3; the disc 1 also includes a guide structure 14 disposed along the axial direction on the first end of the disc body 11, the guide structure 14 moving along the guide groove 22.

[0073] As an example, the differential housing 2 includes a housing body 21 and a guide groove 22 axially disposed on the end of the housing body 21 near the differential gear 3. The housing body 21 is mounted on a support structure via a bearing 6 and serves as the main component of the mounting space for mounting the gear assembly 4. The disc 1 also includes a guide structure 14 axially disposed on the first end of the disc body 11. The guide structure 14 of the disc 1 is movably mounted within the guide groove 22. The disc body 11 of the disc 1 is located on the side of the housing body 21 near the differential gear 3, thus providing guidance and limitation for the installation and movement of the disc 1. The guide groove 22 can be a rectangular toothed groove.

[0074] In one embodiment, referring to FIG3, the differential housing 2 includes a plurality of connecting protrusions 23 extending axially from one end of the housing body 21 near the differential gear 3, and the guide groove 22 is formed between two adjacent connecting protrusions 23; a limiting groove 24 is provided on the inner side of the connecting protrusion 23 near the differential gear 3 for limiting the disc body 11.

[0075] As an example, the differential housing 2 also includes a plurality of connecting protrusions 23; the plurality of connecting protrusions 23 extend axially from the end of the housing body 21 near the differential gear 3, and a guide groove 22 is formed between two adjacent connecting protrusions 23; correspondingly, the first end of the disc body 11 is provided with a guide structure 14 arranged axially, and an opening groove is formed between two adjacent guide structures 14, the opening groove being used to avoid the connecting protrusions 23 of the differential housing 2, and the guide structure 14 is fitted in the guide groove 22 and moves along the guide groove 22. A limiting groove 24 is provided on the inner side of the end of the connecting protrusion 23 near the differential gear 3, which is used to limit the position of the disc body 11. In this example, the end of the connecting protrusion 23 is also used to support the differential gear 3, which can limit the position between the differential gear 3 and the differential housing 2.

[0076] In one embodiment, referring to FIG4, the differential gear 3 includes a gear body 31, a gear ring portion 32 extending radially from the outer end of the gear body 31 along the gear body 31, and a third engagement tooth 33 extending from one side of the gear body 31 near the differential housing 2; the third engagement tooth 33 is used to engage with the first engagement tooth 12.

[0077] As an example, the differential gear 3 includes a gear body 31, a gear ring portion 32, and a third engagement tooth 33. During installation, the gear body 31 is mounted on a support structure via a bearing 6, and is positioned opposite to the differential housing 2. The gear ring portion 32 extends radially from the outer end of the gear body 31 and is used to engage with other gear structures. The third engagement tooth 33 extends from one side of the gear body 31 near the differential housing 2 and is used to engage with the first engagement tooth 12. At this time, the differential housing 2 and the differential gear 3 can transmit torque, thus realizing the conventional differential function.

[0078] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 5 and 6, the gear assembly 4 includes a planetary shaft 41, a planetary gear 42, a first half-shaft 43, a first half-shaft gear 44, a second half-shaft 45, and a second half-shaft gear 46. The planetary shaft 41 is disposed within the differential housing 2 in the radial direction, and the planetary gear 42 is mounted on the planetary shaft 41. The first half-shaft 43 passes through the differential housing 2, and the first half-shaft gear 44 is mounted on the first half-shaft 43, engaging with the first side of the planetary gear 42. The second half-shaft 45 passes through the differential gear 3, and the second half-shaft gear 46 is mounted on the second half-shaft 45. The second half-shaft gear 46 engages with the second side of the planetary gear 42, and a fourth engagement tooth 47 is provided on the outer side of the second half-shaft gear 46 for engaging with the second engagement tooth 13.

[0079] As an example, gear assembly 4 includes a planetary shaft 41, a planetary gear 42, a first half-shaft 43, a first half-shaft gear 44, a second half-shaft 45, and a second half-shaft gear 46. During installation, the planetary shaft 41 is arranged radially within the differential housing 2, and the planetary gear 42 is mounted on the planetary shaft 41. The first half-shaft 43 is inserted into the differential housing 2, and the first half-shaft gear 44 is mounted on the first half-shaft 43, engaging with the first side of the planetary gear 42. The second half-shaft 45 is inserted into the differential gear 3, and the second half-shaft gear 46 is mounted on the second half-shaft 45, engaging with the second side of the planetary gear 42. With this arrangement, rotation of the differential housing 2 can drive the planetary gear 42 to rotate around the planetary shaft 41, causing the first half-shaft gear 44 and the second half-shaft gear 46 to rotate, thereby driving the first half-shaft 43 and the second half-shaft gear 45 to rotate. When the disc body 11 is in the first position of the differential housing 2, the first engagement tooth 12 is not engaged with the differential gear 3, and the second engagement tooth 13 is not engaged with the gear assembly 4. At this time, the differential gear 3 is decoupled from the differential housing 2, realizing the disconnection function. When the disc body 11 is in the second position of the differential housing 2, the first engagement tooth 12 can be engaged with the differential gear 3, and the second engagement tooth 13 can be disengaged from the gear assembly 4. At this time, the differential gear 3 drives the differential housing 2 to rotate through the disc 1. The differential housing 2 drives the planetary gear 42 to rotate around the planetary shaft 41, which can drive the first half-shaft gear 44 and the second half-shaft gear 46 to rotate, thereby driving the first half-shaft gear 44 to rotate. When half-shaft 43 and second half-shaft 45 rotate, torque can be transmitted between the differential housing 2 and the differential gear 3, thus realizing the conventional differential function. When the disc body 11 is in the third position of the differential housing 2, the first engagement tooth 12 can engage with the differential gear 3, and the second engagement tooth 13 can engage with each other. At this time, there is no relative rotation between the planetary gear 42 and the first half-shaft gear 44 and the second half-shaft gear 46. They rotate together with the differential housing 2 and the disc 1. The disc 1 locks the differential housing 2, the differential gear 3, and the second half-shaft gear 46 together, and the first half-shaft 43 and the second half-shaft 45 cannot generate a speed difference, thus realizing the differential lock function. In the design, a fourth engagement tooth 47 is provided on the outer side of the second half-shaft gear 46. The fourth engagement tooth 47 is used to engage with the second engagement tooth 13. This setting facilitates the engagement of the disc 1 and the second half-shaft gear 46.

[0080] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 5 and 6, the electromagnetic clutch 51 includes a magnetic ring 511 and a coil 512; the coil 512 is disposed opposite to the magnetic ring 511 and is used to drive the magnetic ring 511 to move; the slider 53 is provided with a force transmission boss 8 on the side that is in contact with the electromagnetic clutch 51, and the two electromagnetic clutches 51 are respectively located on both sides of the force transmission boss 8; among the two electromagnetic clutches 51, the magnetic ring 511 of the electromagnetic clutch 51 farther away from the differential gear 3 is slidably connected to the slider 53, and the magnetic ring 511 of the electromagnetic clutch 51 closer to the differential gear 3 is fixedly connected to the slider 53.

[0081] As an example, the electromagnetic clutch 51 includes a magnetic ring 511 and a coil 512. During installation, the magnetic ring 511 is connected to the slider 53, and the coil 512 is positioned opposite the magnetic ring 511. When the coil 512 is energized, an electromagnetic force is generated, which can drive the magnetic ring 511 to move. The magnetic ring 511 can then drive the slider 53 to move, thereby adjusting the position of the clutch disc 1 to achieve the function of switching the differential assembly. The coil 512 includes a coil body and a coil housing. The coil housing is fixed to a support structure, and the coil body is installed inside the coil housing. By energizing the coil body, an electromagnetic force can be generated.

[0082] In this example, a force transmission boss 8 is provided on the side where the slider 53 is connected to the electromagnetic clutch 51. The two electromagnetic clutches 51 are located on both sides of the force transmission boss 8. Specifically, the magnetic rings 511 of the two electromagnetic clutches 51 are respectively set on both sides of the force transmission boss 8, so that the force generated by the magnetic rings 511 of the two electromagnetic clutches 51 when they move can be transmitted to the slider 53, so as to push the slider 53 to move through the force transmission boss 8. Of the two electromagnetic clutches 51, the magnetic ring 511 of the electromagnetic clutch 51 furthest from the differential gear 3 is slidably connected to the slider 53, while the magnetic ring 511 of the electromagnetic clutch 51 closest to the differential gear 3 is fixedly connected to the slider 53. Thus, when the two electromagnetic clutches 51 are not in operation, the slider 53 is in the first position. When the electromagnetic clutch 51 furthest from the differential gear 3 is in operation and the electromagnetic clutch 51 closest to the differential gear 3 is not in operation, the magnetic ring 511 of the electromagnetic clutch 51 furthest from the differential gear 3 pushes the slider 53 to the second position through the force transmission boss 8, and the magnetic ring 511 of the electromagnetic clutch 51 closest to the differential gear 3 moves with the slider 53. Then, the electromagnetic clutch 51 closest to the differential gear 3 is in operation, at which time the magnetic ring 511 of the electromagnetic clutch 51 closest to the differential gear 3 pushes the slider 53 to the third position.

[0083] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 5 and 6, the actuator assembly 5 further includes a support housing 54 and three first retaining rings 55; the support housing 54 is fitted outside the differential housing 2, and two electromagnetic clutches 51 are installed between the support housing 54 and the differential housing 2; the three first retaining rings 55 are installed at intervals on the support housing 54, and the magnetic ring 511 of each electromagnetic clutch 51 is located between two adjacent first retaining rings 55.

[0084] As an example, actuator assembly 5 also includes a support housing 54 and three first retaining rings 55; during installation, the support housing 54 is fitted over the differential housing 2 to provide support and to mount other components of actuator assembly 5. Two electromagnetic clutches 51 are mounted on the support housing 54; three first retaining rings 55 are mounted on the support housing 54 at intervals, with the magnetic ring 511 of each electromagnetic clutch 51 located between two adjacent first retaining rings 55; of the three first retaining rings 55, the first retaining ring 55 closer to the differential gear 3 is located at the end of the support housing 54 close to the differential gear 3, the first retaining ring 55 farther from the differential gear 3 is located at the end of the support housing 54 away from the differential gear 3 and is located on the side of the slider 53 away from the differential gear 3, and the middle first retaining ring 55 is located between the two electromagnetic clutches 51 and corresponds to the force transmission boss 8; specifically, one of the two electromagnetic clutches 51 is the first electromagnetic clutch and the other is the second electromagnetic clutch, the electromagnetic clutch 51 farther from the differential gear 3 is the first electromagnetic clutch, and the electromagnetic clutch 51 closer to the differential gear 3 is the second electromagnetic clutch. The magnetic ring 511 in the first electromagnetic clutch is clearance-fitted with the slider 53, allowing free sliding. The magnetic ring 511 in the second electromagnetic clutch is press-fitted with the slider 53. The coil 512 in the second electromagnetic clutch and the coil 512 in the first electromagnetic clutch are press-fitted onto the support housing 54. Before pressing, a first retaining ring 55 is installed on the end of the support housing 54 near the differential gear 3. The magnetic ring 511 in the second electromagnetic clutch is connected to the slider 53. A first retaining ring 55 is installed in the middle of the support housing 54, located on the side of the first electromagnetic clutch near the second electromagnetic clutch. After pressing, the magnetic ring 511 in the first electromagnetic clutch is installed and connected to the slider 53. Finally, a first retaining ring 55 is press-fitted onto the support housing 54, opposite to the electromagnetic clutch 51 away from the differential gear 3, located on the side of the slider 53 away from the differential gear 3, which provides a limit for the installation of the electromagnetic clutch 51. With this configuration, the three first retaining rings 55 can limit the magnetic rings 511 of the two electromagnetic clutches 51. Of the three first retaining rings 55, the one furthest from the differential gear 3 limits the slider 53 to a first position. When the magnetic ring 511 of the first electromagnetic clutch moves to abut against the middle first retaining ring 55, it limits the slider 53 to a second position. When the magnetic ring 511 of the second electromagnetic clutch moves to abut against the first retaining ring 55 closest to the differential gear 3, it limits the slider 53 to a third position. The three first retaining rings 55 are used to limit three positions respectively, providing more reliable and safer mechanical limiting.

[0085] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the specific operation of actuator component 5 switching the differential assembly function is as follows:

[0086] Differential assembly disconnection function: When the electric drive system containing the differential assembly is not involved in the vehicle's driving operation, the disconnection function disconnects the rotational torque transmitted between the left and right wheels at the differential assembly, reducing mechanical and electrical losses in the electric drive system. When coil 512 in the first electromagnetic clutch is de-energized, and coil 512 in the second electromagnetic clutch is also de-energized, there is no electromagnetic force. The disc 1 is pushed to the first position by the elastic force of the elastic element 52. At this time, the differential housing 2 and the differential gear 3 cannot transmit torque, thus realizing the differential assembly disconnection function.

[0087] The conventional differential function of the differential assembly: When the coil 512 in the first electromagnetic clutch is energized, the magnetic ring 511 in the first electromagnetic clutch is subjected to an electromagnetic force in the direction of the differential gear 3, pushing the slider 53 to move in the direction of the differential gear 3 until the magnetic ring 511 in the first electromagnetic clutch and the coil 512 in the first electromagnetic clutch are axially limited. At this time, the disc 1 is in the second position, and the disc 1 is engaged with the differential gear 3. Therefore, the differential gear 3 and the differential housing 2 can transmit torque, thus realizing the conventional differential function.

[0088] The differential lock function of the differential assembly: When the coil 512 in the first electromagnetic clutch is energized, an electromagnetic force is generated at the magnetic ring 511 in the first electromagnetic clutch, moving towards the differential gear 3. This pushes the slider 53 towards the differential gear 3. When the coil 512 in the second electromagnetic clutch is energized, an electromagnetic force is generated at the magnetic ring 511 in the second electromagnetic clutch, moving towards the differential gear 3. The magnetic ring 511 in the second electromagnetic clutch is press-fitted with the slider 53, thus driving the slider 53 towards the differential gear 3. At this time, the locking disc 1 is in the third position, simultaneously engaging with the differential gear 3 and the second half-shaft gear 46. That is, the locking disc 1 locks the differential housing 2, the differential gear 3, and the second half-shaft gear 46 together, preventing the first half-shaft 43 and the second half-shaft 45 from generating a speed difference, thereby realizing the differential lock function. When the current is large enough, the second electromagnetic clutch can be energized directly through the magnetic ring 511 of the second electromagnetic clutch to drive the slider 53 to move towards the differential gear 3, so that the disc 1 is in the third position and engages with the differential gear 3 and the second half-shaft gear 46 at the same time to realize the differential lock function.

[0089] In one embodiment, referring to Figures 5 and 6, the actuator assembly 5 further includes a wear-resistant pad 56; during installation, the wear-resistant pad 56 is placed between the slider 53 and the disc 1, which can improve the wear resistance between the slider 53 and the disc 1 and ensure the service life of the slider 53 and the disc 1.

[0090] This application provides an embodiment of an automobile, including a differential assembly.

[0091] As an example, a car includes a differential assembly; the differential assembly includes a differential housing 2, a differential gear 3, a gear assembly 4, and a disc 1; during installation, the differential housing 2 and the differential gear 3 are both mounted on a support structure via bearings 6, and the differential housing 2 and the differential gear 3 are spaced apart in the axial direction to form an installation space; the gear assembly 4 is disposed in the installation space between the differential housing 2 and the differential gear 3, and controls the speed difference between the two half-shafts of the gear assembly 4 to realize the differential function.

[0092] In this example, the insert 1 includes an insert body 11 and a first engagement tooth 12 and a second engagement tooth 13 respectively disposed at both ends of the insert body 11. The first engagement tooth 12 extends outward from the insert body 11, while the second engagement tooth 13 extends inward from the insert body 11, so that the first engagement tooth 12 and the second engagement tooth 13 can engage or disengage with the differential gear 3 and the gear assembly 4 respectively. According to the state combination of the two engagement teeth, at least three function switching can be realized. Compared with the existing technology that can only realize two function switching, it helps to greatly improve the integration, reduce the number and weight of parts, and is more conducive to structural layout. The structure is simple and the cost is low.

[0093] The above-described embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and should all be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. An inlaid disc, wherein, It includes a disc body, the outer side of which is provided with a first engagement tooth arranged outward in the radial direction, and the inner side of which is provided with a second engagement tooth arranged in the radial direction.

2. The embedded disc according to claim 1, wherein, The insert also includes a guide structure disposed on the insert body along the axial direction; the first engagement tooth is disposed on the guide structure; and there is a certain distance between the first engagement tooth and the second engagement tooth in the axial direction.

3. A differential assembly, wherein, Includes a differential housing, differential gears, gear assembly, and the disc as described in any one of claims 1-2; The differential housing and the differential gear are spaced apart along the axial direction, and the gear assembly is disposed between the differential housing and the differential gear; The disc body is movably mounted on the differential housing, the first engagement tooth is used to engage with the differential gear, and the second engagement tooth is used to engage with the gear assembly.

4. The differential assembly according to claim 3, wherein, When the disc is located at a first position on the differential housing, the first engagement tooth does not engage with the differential gear, and the second engagement tooth does not engage with the gear assembly; When the disc is located in the second position on the differential housing, the first engagement tooth engages with the differential gear, and the second engagement tooth does not engage with the gear assembly. When the disc is located in the third position on the differential housing, the first engagement tooth engages with the differential gear, and the second engagement tooth engages with the gear assembly.

5. The differential assembly according to claim 4, wherein, The distance between the first engaging tooth and the differential gear is less than the distance between the second engaging tooth and the gear assembly; The axial width of the engagement tooth of the differential gear used to engage with the first engagement tooth is greater than the axial width of the engagement tooth of the gear assembly used to engage with the second engagement tooth.

6. The differential assembly according to claim 3, wherein, The differential assembly also includes an actuator assembly; The actuator assembly includes two electromagnetic clutches, an elastic element, and a slider; The slider is movably sleeved outside the differential housing and is connected to the disc. The two electromagnetic clutches are spaced apart along the axial direction of the differential housing and are respectively connected to the slider; One end of the elastic element is connected to the disc, and the other end of the elastic element is connected to the differential gear; The two electromagnetic clutches and the elastic element cooperate to adjust the position of the disc to switch the function of the differential assembly.

7. The differential assembly according to claim 3, wherein, The differential housing includes a housing body and a guide groove disposed along the axial direction at one end of the housing body near the differential gear; The insert also includes a guide structure disposed on the first end of the insert body in the axial direction, and the guide structure moves along the guide groove.

8. The differential assembly according to claim 7, wherein, The differential housing includes a plurality of connecting protrusions extending axially from one end of the housing body near the differential gear. The guide groove is formed between two adjacent connecting protrusions; The connecting protrusion has a limiting groove on the inner side of the end near the differential gear, which is used to limit the position of the disc body.

9. The differential assembly according to claim 3, wherein, The differential gear includes a gear body, a gear ring portion extending radially from the outer end of the gear body, and a third engagement tooth extending from one side of the gear body near the differential housing; The third engagement tooth is used to engage with the first engagement tooth.

10. The differential assembly according to claim 3, wherein, The gear assembly includes a planetary shaft, planetary gears, a first half-shaft, a first half-shaft gear, a second half-shaft, and a second half-shaft gear; The planetary shaft is disposed within the differential housing along the radial direction of the differential housing, and the planetary gears are mounted on the planetary shaft; The first half-shaft passes through the differential housing, the first half-shaft gear is mounted on the first half-shaft, and the first half-shaft gear engages with the first side of the planetary gear. The second half-shaft passes through the differential gear, and the second half-shaft gear is mounted on the second half-shaft; The second half-shaft gear engages with the second side of the planetary gear, and a fourth engagement tooth is provided on the outer side of the second half-shaft gear, which is used to engage with the second engagement tooth.

11. The differential assembly according to claim 6, wherein, The electromagnetic clutch includes a magnetic ring and a coil; The coil is positioned opposite to the magnetic ring and is used to drive the magnetic ring to move; The slider is provided with a force transmission boss on the side that is in contact with the electromagnetic clutch, and the two electromagnetic clutches are respectively located on both sides of the force transmission boss. In the two electromagnetic clutches, the magnetic ring of the electromagnetic clutch farther from the differential gear is slidably connected to the slider, while the magnetic ring of the electromagnetic clutch closer to the differential gear is fixedly connected to the slider.

12. The differential assembly according to claim 11, wherein, The actuator assembly also includes a support housing and three first retaining rings; The support housing is fitted outside the differential housing, and the two electromagnetic clutches are mounted on the support housing. Three first retaining rings are installed at intervals on the support housing, with the magnetic ring of each electromagnetic clutch located between two adjacent first retaining rings.

13. A type of automobile, wherein, Includes the differential assembly as described in any one of claims 3-12.

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