Powertrain for a vehicle and vehicle composed of the powertrain

Abstract

The invention relates to a powertrain (2) for a vehicle (1). The powertrain (2) comprises: at least one propulsion unit (4); a transmission (6) connected to the at least one propulsion unit (4); a propeller shaft (8) connected to the transmission (6), and at least one drive shaft (10) of a rear axle (12), the at least one drive shaft (10) being connected to the propeller shaft (8) such that the propeller shaft (8) extends between the transmission (6) and the at least one drive shaft (10). The at least one propulsion unit (4) is arranged in a position between the transmission (6) and the rear axle (12) in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (1). The invention also relates to a vehicle (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a powertrain for a vehicle according to the appended claims. The present invention also relates to a vehicle according to the appended claims. Background Art

[0002] Depending on the type of propulsion unit in the powertrain, different types of fuel or power should be supplied to the propulsion unit. If the propulsion unit is an electric motor, electric power should be supplied to the electric motor. If the propulsion unit is an internal combustion engine, fuel, such as diesel or gasoline, should be supplied to the internal combustion engine. When a vehicle is equipped with a powertrain, the propulsion unit may include an electric motor and / or an internal combustion engine.

[0003] If the fuel or power source of the vehicle is large, the operating range of the vehicle can be extended. The fuel is stored in an energy storage unit, such as the fuel tank of the vehicle. The electric power is stored in the energy storage unit of the vehicle. The energy storage unit is arranged on the vehicle such that it does not ultimately conflict with other components on the vehicle.

[0004] There are electric vehicles that include a receiving portion for an energy storage unit on the side portion of the vehicle and between the front and rear wheels. Summary of the Invention

[0005] For a vehicle in which only the propulsion unit is an electric motor, the storage of the energy storage unit and the capacity of the energy storage unit are crucial for the operating range of the vehicle. A large energy storage unit or several small energy storage units require space in the vehicle. In addition, the vehicle includes components such as shafts, frames, and components in the powertrain, which limit the possibility of arranging a large energy storage unit on the vehicle. If the propulsion unit also includes an internal combustion engine, fuel needs to be additionally stored in an energy storage unit, such as a fuel tank. Arranging the conventional powertrain backward in the vehicle in the direction of the rear axle towards the rear drive wheels of the vehicle does not satisfactorily create more space in front of the propulsion unit. Since the length of the propeller shaft of the powertrain will be reduced to a critical length, and when the conventional powertrain is arranged backward, the connection angle will exceed the maximum allowable angle of the normal drive position and the movement of the rear axle, the space in front of the powertrain and behind the front axle will be limited.

[0006] Therefore, it is desirable to arrange the powertrain of the vehicle in a position that creates space for accommodating the energy storage unit. In addition, it is desirable to arrange the propulsion unit of the powertrain in a position that allows the propeller shaft to move within an allowable angle during normal drive position and the movement of the rear axle.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to arrange the powertrain of the vehicle in a position that creates space for accommodating the energy storage unit.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to arrange the propulsion unit of the powertrain in a position that allows the propeller shaft to move within an allowable angle during normal driving position and rear axle movement.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to arrange the propulsion unit of the powertrain in a position that allows the propeller shaft to move within an allowable angle for different vehicle configurations.

[0010] According to the appended claims, the objects mentioned herein are achieved by the powertrain of the vehicle. According to the appended claims, the objects mentioned herein are also achieved by the vehicle.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a powertrain for a vehicle. The powertrain includes: at least one propulsion unit; a transmission connected to the at least one propulsion unit; a propeller shaft connected to the transmission; and at least one drive shaft of the rear axle, the at least one drive shaft being connected to the propeller shaft such that the propeller shaft extends between the transmission and the at least one drive shaft, wherein the at least one propulsion unit is arranged in a position between the transmission and the rear axle in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0012] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle. The vehicle includes the powertrain disclosed herein.

[0013] By arranging such a powertrain in a certain position in the vehicle, space is created for accommodating an energy storage unit for electricity and / or fuel in the vehicle. Furthermore, by arranging such a propulsion unit of the powertrain in a certain position in the vehicle, it is allowed for the propeller shaft to move within an allowable angle during normal driving position and rear axle movement.

[0014] The powertrain can use only the electric motor as the propulsion unit. Since space is created in the vehicle to accommodate the energy storage unit, the storage and capacity of the electricity for the propulsion motor increase the operating range of the vehicle. The space created in the vehicle can accommodate a large energy storage unit or many small energy storage units. Vehicle components such as the shafts, frames, and parts in the powertrain will be arranged outside the space created for the energy storage unit. If the propulsion unit also includes an internal combustion engine, then the energy storage unit for the fuel can be accommodated in the space created in the vehicle. The length of the propeller shaft of the powertrain will be sufficient to handle the maximum angles allowed in the normal driving position and the rear axle movement. Additionally, for the universal joints between the propeller shaft and the transmission and the drive shaft, the connection angles will fall within the allowable angles. Thus, by arranging at least one propulsion unit in the position between the transmission and the rear axle in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the necessary space will be created in front of the powertrain. Furthermore, when the powertrain is arranged backward in the vehicle in the direction towards the rear axle of the vehicle, the space created in front of the powertrain will be even larger. Additionally, to achieve the form factor of the propulsion unit, several internal components arranged parallel to the propeller shaft, such as the propulsion unit, reduce the unit longitudinal length and provide even more space in front of the powertrain.

[0015] From the following details and by implementing the present invention, other objects, advantages, and novel features of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Although the present invention is described below, it should be clear that the present invention may not be limited to the specific details described. Those skilled in the art will recognize additional applications, modifications, and incorporations in other fields within the scope of the present invention after obtaining the teachings herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] To more fully understand the present disclosure and other objects and advantages thereof, the following detailed description should be read in conjunction with the attached Figure 1 drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like items in the various figures, and in which:

[0017] Figure 1 A side view of a vehicle with a powertrain according to an example is schematically shown;

[0018] Figure 2 A view from above the powertrain according to an example is schematically shown;

[0019] Figures 3a - 3c A side view of the powertrain according to an example is schematically shown;

[0020] Figure 4 A view from below the powertrain according to an example is schematically shown; and

[0021] Figure 5Schematically shows a cross-sectional view along line V-V in Figure 4 in accordance with an example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] A powertrain according to the present disclosure can be arranged at a certain position in a vehicle such that space is created for accommodating an energy storage unit in the vehicle. In addition, a propulsion unit of the powertrain according to the present disclosure can be arranged at a certain position in the vehicle such that the propeller shaft is allowed to move within an allowable angle during normal driving position and rear axle movement.

[0023] According to the present disclosure, there is provided a powertrain for a vehicle. The powertrain includes at least one propulsion unit, a transmission connected to the at least one propulsion unit, a propeller shaft connected to the transmission, and at least one drive shaft to a rear axle. The at least one drive shaft is connected to the propeller shaft such that the propeller shaft extends between the transmission and the at least one drive shaft. The at least one propulsion unit is arranged at a position between the transmission and the rear axle in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0024] The powertrain in the vehicle transmits power from the propulsion unit to drive the wheels of the vehicle. The vehicle can be a heavy vehicle, such as a truck or a bus. The vehicle can alternatively be a passenger vehicle. The vehicle can be driven by a driver. The vehicle can be remotely operated or autonomously operated. The drive wheels can be arranged at the rear or the front of the vehicle. All wheels of the vehicle can be drive wheels. The propulsion unit can include one or several electric motors. Alternatively, the propulsion unit can be an internal combustion engine. One or several electric motors can also be combined with the internal combustion engine in the powertrain. Such a combination can allow the electric motors and the internal combustion engine to work independently of each other or work in combination as a hybrid drive.

[0025] The transmission can be a gearbox that includes gears for transmitting torque and gear ratios. The transmission can be a gearbox that includes a chain or belt transmission for transmitting torque and gear ratios. The gear ratio of the transmission can be fixed or variable. The gear ratio can be 1:1. The gearbox can be an automatic or manual transmission. The gearbox can be an automated manual transmission, such as an AMT gearbox.

[0026] The propeller shaft is configured to transfer rotational motion and torque between the transmission and at least one drive shaft of the rear axle. The propeller shaft is connected at a first end to the output shaft of the transmission and at a second end to the at least one drive shaft. The second end of the propeller shaft can be connected to the at least one drive shaft via a differential gear disposed in the rear axle. The differential gear includes an input shaft connected to the propeller shaft and two output shafts, each output shaft being connected to a drive shaft. Each drive shaft is connected to a drive wheel for driving the vehicle. The at least one drive shaft is configured to transfer rotational motion and torque between the propeller shaft and the drive wheel. The propeller shaft can have an extension in the same direction as the extension of the output shaft of the transmission and the extension of the input shaft of the differential gear. However, the propeller shaft can have an extension in another direction other than the extension of the output shaft of the transmission and the extension of the input shaft of the differential gear. The rear axle can have an extension from one rear drive wheel on one side of the vehicle to another drive wheel on the other side of the vehicle. The vehicle can include a frame. The powertrain can be connected or attached to the frame. Thus, the propulsion unit, the transmission, and the rear axle can be connected or attached to the frame. The rear axle can be connected to the frame by a suspension, which allows the rear axle to move in a vertical direction with respect to the extension of the frame.

[0027] The at least one propulsion unit is disposed in a position between the transmission and the rear axle in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The transmission can be a gearbox. Thus, the at least one propulsion unit is disposed in a position between the gearbox and the rear axle in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. In addition, the at least one propulsion unit is positioned parallel to the gearbox output shaft and the propeller shaft. In front of the transmission and thus in front of the powertrain, when the at least one propulsion unit is disposed in the position between the transmission and the rear axle, space is created. The longitudinal direction of the vehicle is defined as the direction from the front of the vehicle to the rear of the vehicle. The space created in front of the transmission and thus in front of the powertrain can accommodate an energy storage unit for storing electrical energy. The space created can alternatively or combinatorially accommodate an energy storage unit for liquid fuel such as diesel or gasoline.

[0028] The space created for accommodating the energy storage unit increases the storage and capacity of electrical energy and / or liquid fuel for propelling the propulsion unit and thus increases the operating range of the vehicle. The space created in the vehicle can accommodate a large energy storage unit or many small energy storage units.

[0029] Vehicle components such as shafts, frames, and components in the powertrain will be disposed outside the space created for the energy storage unit. Thus, by disposing the at least one propulsion unit in a position between the transmission and the rear axle in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the necessary space will be created in front of the powertrain. In addition, when the powertrain is disposed rearward in the vehicle in the direction towards the rear axle of the vehicle, the space created in front of the powertrain will be even larger.

[0030] According to an example, at least one propulsion unit is connected to the transmission parallel to the propeller shaft.

[0031] The input shaft of the transmission is connected to at least one propulsion unit. The output shaft of the transmission is connected to the propeller shaft. The input shaft and the output shaft of the transmission have parallel extensions relative to each other. The input shaft and the output shaft of the transmission extend in the same direction. When the transmission is arranged in a vehicle, the input shaft and the output shaft of the transmission extend in a direction towards the rear axle and the rear of the vehicle. Connecting at least one propulsion unit and the propeller shaft parallel to the transmission will result in a compact powertrain and a large space in front of the transmission for accommodating an energy storage unit. The axis of the propeller shaft can be angled relative to the axis of the output shaft of the transmission.

[0032] According to an example, the central axis of the propeller shaft extends at an angle relative to the central axis of the output shaft of the transmission to which the propeller shaft is connected.

[0033] The propeller shaft is connected to the output shaft of the transmission. The input shaft and the output shaft of the transmission have parallel extensions relative to each other. However, depending on the vehicle configuration, the central axis of the propeller shaft can extend at an angle relative to the central axis of the output shaft of the transmission.

[0034] According to an example, the axial extension of the powertrain in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle from the connection between the propeller shaft and the drive shaft corresponds to the common extension of the propeller shaft and the transmission in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0035] Starting from the connection point between the propeller shaft and the drive shaft of the rear axle, the length of the powertrain is the common extension of the propeller shaft and the transmission in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Thus, the length of the propeller shaft and the length or longitudinal packaging volume of the transmission will define the extension of the powertrain in front of the rear axle. A short propeller shaft and / or a short or more compact transmission will create a large space in front of the powertrain for accommodating an energy storage unit.

[0036] According to an example, the axial extension of the transmission in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle is less than 20% of the common axial extension of the propeller shaft and the transmission in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0037] When the transmission has an axial extension, length or thickness less than 20% of the common axial extension of the propeller shaft and the transmission in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, a compact powertrain is achieved. The limited length or thickness of the transmission will limit the extension of the powertrain in front of the rear axle. Thus, a large space is created in front of the powertrain for accommodating an energy storage unit.

[0038] According to an example, the axial extension of the transmission in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle is less than 10% of the common axial extension of the propeller shaft and the transmission in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0039] A compact powertrain is achieved when the transmission has an axial extension, length or thickness that is less than 10% of the common axial extension of the propeller shaft and the transmission in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The limited length or thickness of the transmission will limit the extension of the powertrain in front of the rear axle. Compared to a transmission with an axial extension less than 20% of the common axial extension of the propeller shaft and the transmission, a transmission with an axial extension less than 10% of the common axial extension of the propeller shaft and the transmission can create a greater space in front of the powertrain. Thus, such a transmission with an axial extension less than 10% of the common axial extension of the propeller shaft and the transmission will create an even greater space in front of the powertrain for accommodating an energy storage unit.

[0040] According to an example, at least one propulsion unit is an electric motor.

[0041] The powertrain can use only an electric motor as the propulsion unit. The propulsion unit can include a large electric motor equipped with sufficient torque and power for propelling the vehicle. Alternatively, multiple propulsion units can be arranged in the powertrain, including a number of small electric motors that together are equipped with sufficient torque and power for propelling the vehicle. Due to the larger accommodation capacity of the energy storage unit, the storage and capacity of the electric power for the propulsion electric motors will increase the operating range of the vehicle.

[0042] According to an example, the powertrain includes at least two propulsion units, wherein the at least two propulsion units include at least one electric motor and an internal combustion engine.

[0043] The electric motor can be combined with the internal combustion engine in the powertrain. One or several electric motors can also be combined with the internal combustion engine in the powertrain. Such a combination can allow the electric motor and the internal combustion engine to work independently of each other or in combination as a hybrid drive. The electric motor is connected to a first input shaft of the transmission, and the internal combustion engine is connected to a second input shaft of the transmission. The storage and capacity of the electric power and the fluid fuel for the propulsion of the electric motor and the internal combustion engine will increase the operating range of the vehicle due to the larger accommodation capacity of the energy storage unit in the space created in front of the powertrain.

[0044] According to an example, the electric motor and the internal combustion engine are arranged in a position between the transmission and the rear axle and are parallel to each other.

[0045] The electric machine and the internal combustion engine are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle at a position between the transmission and the rear axle. In front of the transmission, and thus in front of the powertrain, space is created when the electric machine and the internal combustion engine are arranged at a position between the transmission and the rear axle. The space created in front of the transmission and thus in front of the powertrain can accommodate an energy storage unit for storing electrical energy and liquid fuel (such as diesel or gasoline). The electric machine is connected to a first input shaft of the transmission, and the internal combustion engine is connected to a second input shaft of the transmission. The first input shaft and the second input shaft of the transmission are arranged parallel to each other such that they have parallel extensions relative to each other. The first input shaft and the second input shaft of the transmission extend in the same direction. When the transmission is arranged in the vehicle, the first input shaft and the second input shaft of the transmission are in the direction towards the rear axle and the rear of the vehicle. Connecting the electric machine and the internal combustion engine in parallel with each other will result in a compact powertrain and a large space in front of the transmission device for accommodating the energy storage unit.

[0046] According to an example, the propeller shaft is connected to the transmission and at least one drive shaft by means of a universal joint such that when the rear axle moves in the vertical direction, the propeller shaft is allowed to change the direction of its axial extension.

[0047] The length of the propeller shaft of the powertrain will be sufficient to handle the maximum angles allowed in the normal driving position and the movement of the rear axle. Additionally, the connection angles between the propeller shaft and the transmission and between the propeller shaft and the drive shaft will fall within the allowable angles of the universal joint. The powertrain can be arranged further back in the vehicle in the direction towards the rear axle of the vehicle as far as the length of the propeller shaft will be sufficient to handle the maximum allowable angles. Arranging the powertrain as far back towards the rear axle as possible will create an even larger space in front of the powertrain for accommodating the energy storage unit.

[0048] According to an example, the propeller shaft is of telescopic construction, allowing the length of the propeller shaft to change when the rear axle moves in the vertical direction relative to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0049] When the rear axle moves in the vertical direction relative to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and the position of the transmission is fixed, the distance between the rear axle and the transmission will change. Since the propeller shaft is connected at a first end to the transmission and at a second end to the drive shaft of the rear axle, the length of the propeller will change by means of the telescopic configuration when the rear axle moves in the vertical direction relative to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The powertrain can be arranged further back in the vehicle in the direction towards the rear axle of the vehicle as far as the length of the propeller shaft will accommodate the telescopic configuration. Arranging the powertrain as far back towards the rear axle as possible will create an even larger space in front of the powertrain for accommodating the energy storage unit.

[0050] According to the present disclosure, a vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes a powertrain as disclosed herein. A vehicle equipped with such a powertrain will have an increased operating range due to an extended storage capacity of electricity and / or fuel in the space generated in front of the powertrain in the vehicle.

[0051] According to an example, an energy storage unit is arranged in front of the powertrain in the vehicle. Depending on the type of the propulsion unit, the generated space in front of the powertrain in the vehicle will accommodate the energy storage unit.

[0052] The present disclosure will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings according to an example.

[0053] Figure 1 A side view of a vehicle 1 having a powertrain 2 according to an example is schematically shown. The powertrain 2 includes a propulsion unit 4, a transmission 6 connected to at least one propulsion unit 4, and at least one drive shaft 10 connecting the transmission 6 to a propeller shaft 8 and a rear axle 12. At least one drive shaft 10 is connected to the propeller shaft 8 such that the propeller shaft 8 extends between the transmission 6 and at least one drive shaft 10. At least one propulsion unit 4 is arranged in a position between the transmission 6 and the rear axle 12 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 1. An energy storage unit 14 is arranged in front of the powertrain 2. The energy storage unit 14 is connected to the propulsion unit 4 and transmits electricity to the propulsion unit 4. A plurality of propulsion units 4 may be arranged in series. The vehicle 1 includes rear drive wheels 16 and front wheels 18.

[0054] Figure 2A top view according to an example of the powertrain 2 is schematically shown. Two propulsion units 4 are arranged in the powertrain 2. The propulsion units 4 can be electric motors, which together provide torque and power for propelling the vehicle 1. According to an example, one propulsion unit 4 can be an electric motor and the other propulsion unit 4 can be an internal combustion engine. The electric motor and the internal combustion engine are arranged in a position between the transmission 6 and the rear axle 12 and are parallel to each other. The first input shaft 13 of the transmission 6 is connected to one propulsion unit 4. The second input shaft 15 of the transmission 6 is connected to the other propulsion unit 4. The propeller shaft 8 is connected to the output shaft 22 of the transmission 6 at a first end 20 and to the drive shaft 10 of the rear axle 12 at a second end 24. The second end 24 of the propeller shaft 8 can be connected to the drive shaft 10 via a differential gear 26 arranged in the rear axle 12. The differential gear 26 includes an input shaft 28 connected to the propeller shaft 8 and two output shafts 30 respectively connected to the drive shaft 10. Each drive shaft 10 is connected to a drive wheel 16 for driving the vehicle 1. The energy storage unit 14 is arranged in front of the powertrain 2. The front wheels 18 of the vehicle 1 can be steered by means of a linkage mechanism 32. The propulsion units 4 and the propeller shaft 8 are connected to the transmission 6 in parallel. The axial extension of the powertrain 2 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 1 from the connection between the propeller shaft 8 and the drive shaft 10 corresponds to the common axial extension of the propeller shaft 8 and the transmission in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 1. The axial extension of the transmission 6 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 1 is less than 20% of the common axial extension of the propeller shaft 8 and the transmission 6 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 1. According to another example, the axial extension of the transmission 6 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 1 can be less than 10% of the common axial extension of the propeller shaft 8 and the transmission 6 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 1.

[0055] Figures 3a - 3c A side view of the powertrain 2 according to an example is schematically shown. The length of the propeller shaft 8 will handle the maximum allowable angles during normal driving position and movement of the rear axle 12. The length of the propeller shaft 8 will also handle different vehicle 1 heights. The connections between the propeller shaft 8 and the transmission 6 and the drive shaft 10 are achieved by means of universal joints 34. Additionally, the angles between the propeller shaft 8 and the transmission 6 and the drive shaft 10 will fall within the allowable angles of the universal joints 34. In Figure 3a , the powertrain 2 is shown in the normal driving position, in which the extension of the propeller shaft 8, the output shaft 22 of the transmission 6 and the input shaft 28 of the differential gear 26 coincide and follow a common line. This normal driving position will occur when the vehicle 1 is traveling on a smooth or even road 36. In Figure 3b, the powertrain 2 is shown in a driving position with the drive wheel 16 on top of a bump 38 or protrusion in the road 36. As a result, the drive wheel 16 and the rear axle 12 have moved upward in a vertical direction relative to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 1. In this case, there will be an angle between the extension of the propeller shaft 8, the output shaft 22 of the transmission 6 and the input shaft 28 of the differential gear 26. When the rear axle 12 moves in a vertical or perpendicular direction relative to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 1 and the position of the transmission 6 is fixed, the distance between the rear axle 12 and the transmission 6 will change. Since the propeller shaft 8 is connected at its first end 22 to the transmission 6 and at its second end 24 to the drive shaft 10 of the rear axle 12, the length of the propeller shaft 8 will change by means of the telescopic configuration 40 when the rear axle 12 moves in a vertical direction relative to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 1. In Figure 3c , the powertrain 2 is shown in a driving position, wherein the drive wheel 16 is in a recess 42 in the road. Thus, the drive wheel 16 and the rear axle 12 have been moved downwardly in the vertical direction relative to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 1. In this case, there will be an angle between the extension of the propeller shaft 8, the output shaft 22 of the transmission 6 and the input shaft 28 of the differential gear 26.

[0056] Figure 4 Schematically a view from below of a powertrain 2 according to an example is shown. The propeller shaft 8 is connected with a first end 20 to an output shaft 22 of a transmission 6 and with a second end to a drive shaft 10 of a rear axle 12. A second end 24 of the propeller shaft 8 is connected to the drive shaft 10 via a differential gear 26. The input shaft 28 of the differential gear 26 is arranged beside a center line 44 which passes symmetrically between the drive wheels 16 and symmetrically and longitudinally through the vehicle 1. For this reason, the propeller shaft 8 will extend beside a center line 44 which passes symmetrically and longitudinally through the vehicle 1. The input shaft 13 and the output shaft 22 of the transmission 6 have a parallel extension relative to each other. The center axis of the propeller shaft 8 extends at an angle relative to the center axis of the output shaft 22 of the transmission 6.

[0057] Figure 5 Schematically shows the example of Figure 4 4. The propeller shaft 8 extends beside a symmetry line 46 passing between the propulsion units 4. In addition, the output shaft 22 of the transmission 6 and therefore the propeller shaft 8 is located at a distance from a common center line 48 passing through the input shafts 13, 15 of the transmission 6 and therefore the propulsion units 4. With this configuration, the propulsion units 4 can be arranged adjacent to each other so that the transmission requires less space in the vehicle 1.

[0058] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for illustrative and descriptive purposes. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the variations described. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The embodiments have been chosen and described in order to best illustrate the principles and practical applications, so as to enable others skilled in the art to understand the embodiments according to various embodiments and the various modifications suitable for their intended use. The components and features specified above can be combined between the different embodiments specified within the framework of the embodiments.

Claims

1. A powertrain (2) for a vehicle (1), the powertrain (2) comprises: at least one propulsion unit (4); a transmission (6) connected to the at least one propulsion unit (4); a propeller shaft (8) connected to the transmission (6), and at least one drive shaft (10) of a rear axle (12), the at least one drive shaft (10) being connected to the propeller shaft (8) such that the propeller shaft (8) extends between the transmission (6) and the at least one drive shaft (10), wherein the at least one propulsion unit (4) is arranged at a position between the transmission (6) and the rear axle (12) along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle (1), characterized in that an axial extension length of the powertrain (2) along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (1) from a connection portion between the propeller shaft (8) and the drive shaft (10) corresponds to a total extension length of the propeller shaft (8) and the transmission (6) along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (1).

2. The powertrain (2) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one propulsion unit (4) and the propeller shaft (8) are connected to the transmission (6) in parallel.

3. The powertrain (2) according to claim 2, wherein a central axis of the propeller shaft (8) extends at an angle with respect to a central axis of an output shaft (22) of the transmission (6) to which the propeller shaft (8) is connected.

4. The powertrain (2) according to any one of claims 1 - 3, wherein an axial extension length of the transmission (6) along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (1) is less than 20% of a total axial extension length of the propeller shaft (8) and the transmission (6) along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (1).

5. The powertrain (2) according to claim 4, wherein an axial extension length of the transmission (6) along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (1) is less than 10% of a total axial extension length of the propeller shaft (8) and the transmission (6) along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (1).

6. The powertrain (2) according to any one of claims 1 - 3, wherein the at least one propulsion unit (4) is an electric motor.

7. The powertrain (2) according to any one of claims 1 - 3, wherein the powertrain (2) comprises at least two propulsion units (4), and the at least two propulsion units (4) comprise at least one electric motor and an internal combustion engine.

8. The powertrain (2) according to claim 7, wherein the electric motor and the internal combustion engine are arranged at positions between the transmission (6) and the rear axle (12) and are parallel to each other.

9. The powertrain (2) according to any one of claims 1 - 3, wherein the propeller shaft (8) is connected to the transmission (6) and the at least one drive shaft (10) by means of a universal joint (34) such that when the rear axle (12) moves in a vertical direction, it is allowed for the propeller shaft (8) to change a direction of an axial extension length of the propeller shaft.

10. The power train (2) according to any one of claims 1 - 3, wherein the propeller shaft (8) is of a telescopic construction, thereby allowing a change in the length of the propeller shaft (8) when the rear axle (12) moves in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (1).

11. A vehicle (1) comprising a power train (2) according to any one of the preceding claims.

12. The vehicle (1) according to claim 11, wherein the energy storage unit (14) is arranged in front of the power train (2) in the vehicle (1).

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