US 12,253,149 B2
Differential gear unit, a vehicle comprising a differential gear unit, and a method for operating a differential gear unit
Fredrik Englund, Trollhättan (SE); and Mikael Mohlin, Kungälv (SE)
Assigned to Ningbo Geely Automobile Research & Development Co., Ltd., Ningbo (CN); and Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co., Ltd., Zhejiang (CN)
Filed by Ningbo Geely Automobile Research & Development Co., Ltd., Ningbo (CN); and Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co., Ltd., Zhejiang (CN)
Filed on Aug. 19, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/235,811.
Application 18/235,811 is a continuation of application No. PCT/CN2022/076353, filed on Feb. 15, 2022.
Claims priority of application No. 21159044 (EP), filed on Feb. 24, 2021.
Prior Publication US 2023/0392675 A1, Dec. 7, 2023
Int. Cl. F16H 48/08 (2006.01); F16H 48/24 (2006.01); F16H 48/34 (2012.01); F16H 63/34 (2006.01)
CPC F16H 48/08 (2013.01) [F16H 48/24 (2013.01); F16H 63/3441 (2013.01); F16H 48/34 (2013.01)] 14 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A differential gear unit for a vehicle, wherein the differential gear unit comprises: an annular ring gear arranged to rotate around a rotational axis extending in an axial direction; a first side gear configured for distributing a first output torque to a first drive shaft, and a second side gear configured for distributing a second output torque to a second drive shaft; at least a first differential pinion gear and a second differential pinion gear rotatably arranged on a pinion pin, wherein the at least first differential pinion gear and second differential pinion gear are configured for engaging the first side gear and the second side gear;
wherein the differential gear unit further comprises a decoupling element arranged radially inside the ring gear, the decoupling element comprising a radially outer toothed surface, wherein the decoupling element is rotatably arranged in relation to the ring gear, wherein the pinion pin is connected to and extending diametrically across the decoupling element,
wherein the differential gear unit further comprises a clutch sleeve slidably arranged relative to the ring gear and the decoupling element in the axial direction, the clutch sleeve comprising a sleeve body arranged radially outside a hub structure of the ring gear, the sleeve body having a first toothed surface, the first toothed surface being arranged on a radially inner surface of the sleeve body,
wherein the clutch sleeve upon displacement in the axial direction is configured for: disconnecting the ring gear from the decoupling element in a first axial position, allowing rotational movement of the decoupling element relative to the ring gear; connecting the ring gear to the decoupling element in a second axial position, preventing rotational movement of the decoupling element relative to the ring gear; and connecting the ring gear to a park-lock structure in a third axial position, and
wherein the radially outer toothed surface of the decoupling element is configured for being disengaged from the first toothed surface in the first axial position and engaging the first toothed surface in the second axial position and third axial position.