Transmission system equipped with a coupling device

Abstract

The invention relates to a transmission system (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising: a first element (4) and a second element (5), which are rotatable relative to one another about an axis X; and a coupling device (6) comprising: a first coupling portion (18), which is locked for rotation with the first element (4) and is movable relative to the first element between a coupled position and a decoupled position; a disc (36) comprising a fixed region axially fixed to the first coupling portion (18), the disc (36) comprising an annular portion (37) forming a target (34), and at least one elastic return portion configured to elastically return the first coupling portion (18) to the decoupled position; and a sensor (35) arranged facing the annular portion of the disc (36).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vehicle powertrain systems.

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to a transmission system comprising a first element intended to be driven by an electric motor, a second element intended to drive at least one axle of a vehicle, and a coupling device capable of selectively coupling the first element to the second element.

[0003] In particular, the present invention relates to a differential transmission system for transmitting and distributing torque from an electric motor to the two axles of a vehicle's axle. Background Technology

[0004] Document US 2015114786 discloses a differential drivetrain. This drivetrain includes a differential housing rotatable about axis A and equipped with a geared drive driven by a vehicle's electric motor. Inside the housing are housed a carrier ring, two planetary gears, and two sun gears. The carrier ring is guided to rotate within the housing. The two planetary gears are rotatably mounted on the carrier ring about an axis B perpendicular to axis A. Each sun gear engages with one of the two planetary gears and is locked to rotate with the axle. Additionally, the drivetrain includes a coupling device that allows the drivetrain housing to be connected to the carrier ring to allow torque to be transmitted from the engine and distributed to the two axles of the axle, or allows the housing and carrier ring to be disconnected to interrupt torque transmission between the electric motor and the axles.

[0005] The coupling device is a claw-type clutch. This coupling device includes a first coupling portion having an annular portion disposed outside the housing, and a protruding element extending from the annular portion and passing through an orifice formed in the housing, which allows the first coupling portion and the housing to be secured in a rotational sense. The protruding element includes teeth designed to cooperate with complementary grooves formed on a support ring. The first coupling portion is axially movable relative to the housing between a disengaged position and an engaged position, in which the teeth of the first coupling portion engage with the grooves of the support ring.

[0006] The electromagnetic actuator applies an axial force to the first coupling to move it from a disconnected position to a connected position. Furthermore, the transmission system includes an annular target axially fixed to the annular portion of the first coupling. The annular target is arranged axially facing a sensor (such as a Hall effect sensor) that transmits a signal representing the axial distance between the sensor and the annular target.

[0007] The transmission system further includes an elastic washer axially arranged between the annular target and the housing. The function of this elastic washer is specifically to apply a restoring force to the first coupling so as to return the first coupling to its disconnected position when the electromagnetic actuator no longer applies force to the first coupling.

[0008] This transmission system is not entirely satisfactory.

[0009] In particular, the coupling device of the transmission system has many different parts to ensure, in particular, the target function and reset function when the coupling device is in its disconnected position, which increases the complexity, cost and / or size of the coupling device. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The basic concept of this invention is to propose a transmission system equipped with a connecting device, a target, and a sensor, the sensor being able to transmit a signal indicating the state of the connecting device; this transmission system is relatively simple and / or small in size.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the present invention provides a transmission system for a motor vehicle, the transmission system comprising: - A first element and a second element, the first element and the second element being rotatable relative to each other about an axis X, one of the first element and the second element being intended to be driven by an electric motor, and the other element being intended to drive at least one axle of a motor vehicle; and - A connecting device, comprising: - A first connecting portion and a second connecting portion, the first connecting portion being locked to rotate with a first element, and the second connecting portion being locked to rotate with a second element. The first connecting portion is movable relative to the first element between a connected position and a disconnected position. In the connected position, the first connecting portion is engaged with the second connecting portion to transmit torque between the first and second elements. In the disconnected position, the first and second connecting portions are disconnected from each other. - A disc-shaped component including a fixed region axially fixed to a first connecting portion, the disc-shaped component including an annular portion forming a target and at least one elastic reset portion configured to elastically deform during the movement of the first connecting portion from a disconnected connection position to a connected position, and configured to apply a reset force capable of elastically resetting the first connecting portion to the disconnected connection position.

[0012] Therefore, this disc-shaped component has a dual function: on the one hand, it forms a target whose position can be detected by a sensor to transmit a signal indicating the position of the first part of the connecting device; on the other hand, it ensures that the first connecting part returns to its disconnected position. This allows for a reduction in the cost, complexity, and size of such a transmission system.

[0013] According to various embodiments, such a transmission system may have one or more of the following features.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the transmission system includes a sensor arranged to face the annular portion of the disc-shaped member, and the sensor is configured to transmit a signal representing the distance between the sensor and the annular portion forming the target.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the sensor is arranged axially toward the annular portion of the disc-shaped member.

[0016] According to one embodiment, during the movement of the first connecting portion from a disconnected position to a connected position, the elastically reset portion is subjected to elastic stress between the support region and the fixed region of the transmission system. Preferably, the support region is axially fixed relative to the second connecting portion.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the disc is made of spring steel, such as XC 70 steel, which is advantageously pre-hardened. According to one embodiment, the thickness of the disc is between 0.4 mm and 1.2 mm, for example, about 0.8 mm. According to one embodiment, the disc is made of stainless steel, which is a non-magnetic metal, thus limiting undesirable magnetic flux leakage.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the disc-shaped member includes a plurality of resiliently restoring portions, each of which includes a resilient blade capable of supporting a support region abutting the transmission system. Therefore, during the movement of the first coupling portion from a disconnected position to a coupled position, the resilient blade is subjected to an increased bending force.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the support region is axially fixed relative to the second connecting portion.

[0020] According to one embodiment, each of the elastic blades includes a free end. Preferably, the elastic blade is supported abutting against a support region of the transmission system via its end.

[0021] According to one embodiment, each resilient blade is formed in a window formed in a disc-shaped member.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the elastic blades are regularly distributed around axis X to avoid imbalance.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the connecting device includes at least two elastic blades, preferably four elastic blades, which are regularly distributed around an axis X and are symmetrically paired with respect to the axis X.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the elastic blade is radially located inside the annular portion forming the target, which allows the radial volume of the disc to be limited.

[0025] According to one embodiment, each elastic blade extends in a direction having a circumferential component about the axis X. For a given radial volume, this allows for elastic blades that are longer and therefore have lower stiffness.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the dimensions of the disc and the elastic blade are determined to generate a stiffness K1 that resists axial movement of the first connection from the disconnected connection position to the connected position, the stiffness being between 5 N / mm and 50 N / mm.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the first element includes a housing, and a second connecting portion is housed inside the housing. The first connecting portion includes an inner portion, an outer portion, and a plurality of connecting portions. The inner portion is housed inside the housing, and the outer portion is positioned outside the housing. The plurality of connecting portions axially connect the inner portion and the outer portion of the first connecting portion, and each connecting portion passes through a corresponding through opening formed in the housing.

[0028] According to one embodiment, one of the inner and outer portions of the first connecting portion is annular, and the other portion includes a lug that extends axially along the connecting portion.

[0029] According to one embodiment, a disc-shaped member is arranged outside the housing and fixed to the outer portion of the first connecting part, with each support area positioned on the housing.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the housing includes protrusions that project axially outward toward the direction of the disc-shaped member, with one end of each protrusion forming a support region within the support area. This allows for the avoidance of folding the resilient blades during the manufacture of the disc-shaped member.

[0031] According to one embodiment, when the first connecting portion is in the disconnected position, the elastic blade extends substantially within the plane of the annular portion of the disc-shaped member forming the target.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the axial dimension of the protrusion is greater than or equal to the travel of the first connecting portion between the connected position and the disconnected position.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the first element is the differential housing.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the second element includes: a carrier ring guided to rotate about an axis X within a housing; two planetary gears rotatably mounted on the carrier ring about an axis Z perpendicular to the axis X; and two sun gears rotatably movable about the axis X, each engaging one of the two planetary gears, and each intended to be locked to rotate with the axle. Thus, the transmission system forms a differential, allowing the axle to rotate at different speeds.

[0035] According to one embodiment, each of the two planetary gears includes bevel gear teeth that mesh with complementary bevel gear teeth of the two sun gears.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the second connecting portion of the coupling device is locked to rotate relative to axis X together with the bearing ring. Therefore, when the coupling device is in the engaged position, the transmission system distributes torque from the engine toward the two axles. Conversely, when the coupling device is in the disengaged position, torque transmission is interrupted between the housing and the bearing ring.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the second connecting portion of the connecting device is integrally formed with the bearing ring.

[0038] According to another embodiment, the second coupling is locked to rotate together with one of the sun gears. In this embodiment, when the coupling is in the coupled position, torque is transmitted between the first and second elements via gears, but the differential function is blocked by the coupling, which prevents the axle from rotating at different speeds.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the disc-shaped member includes a plurality of fixing tabs fixed to the first connecting portion.

[0040] According to one embodiment, each of the fixed tabs includes a proximal end and a free end, the proximal end being connected to an annular portion forming a target, and the free end being fixed to a first connecting portion.

[0041] According to one embodiment, each fixing tab is formed in a window formed in a disc-shaped member.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the fixing tab extends radially. Preferably, the fixing tab extends radially inward from the radially outer edge of the window.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the fixing tabs are regularly distributed around the axis X to avoid imbalance.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the connecting device includes at least two fixing tabs, preferably four fixing tabs, which are regularly distributed around the axis X and are symmetrically paired with respect to the axis X.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the fixing tab is radially located inside the annular portion forming the target, which allows the radial volume of the disc to be limited.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the retaining tab is fixed to the outer portion of the first connecting portion, particularly the lug of the outer portion.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the outer portion of the first connecting portion includes lugs that extend axially continuously with the connecting portion and pass through a window in which a fixing tab extends.

[0048] Preferably, each fixed tab is circumferentially located between two elastic blades. Preferably, there exists a circle centered on axis X that intersects all elastic blades and all fixed tabs.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the free end of each of the retaining tabs is clamped into a groove formed in the first connecting portion, particularly in a lug of the first connecting portion. The groove may be radially cut out.

[0050] According to another embodiment, the free end of each of the fixing tabs is fixed to the first connecting portion, in particular one of the lugs of the first connecting portion, by a fixing member (such as a screw).

[0051] According to one embodiment, the coupling device further includes an actuator comprising a housing and a piston. The housing is intended to be fixed to the chassis of a vehicle. The piston is axially movable relative to the housing between a retracted position and an extended position. The piston is supported against an actuating region of a disc-shaped member in such a way that moving the piston from the retracted position to the extended position causes the first coupling portion of the coupling device to move from a disengaged position to an engaged position. Therefore, the disc-shaped member also allows for the transmission of actuating force between the actuator and the first coupling portion, which further reduces the cost, complexity, and size of the drivetrain.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the actuator includes an electromagnet defining a housing within which a piston is axially movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The piston comprises an annular body made of a ferromagnetic material. A particular advantage of this electromagnetic actuator is that it exhibits excellent responsiveness.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the actuator includes a paramagnetic end piece that is fixed to the body of the piston and cooperates with the actuation region of the disc-shaped member. This prevents unwanted magnetic flux leakage.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the actuator includes a magnetic cap on which the piston body abuts when the piston is in the deployed position. Therefore, the magnetic cap holds the piston in the deployed position, which allows the electromagnet to be deactivated.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the magnetic cap includes a shoulder on which the shoulder of the piston body abuts when the piston is in the deployed position.

[0056] According to one embodiment, during the movement of the actuator piston from the retracted position to the extended position, the disc-shaped member is capable of elastic deformation between the actuating region and the stationary region of the disc-shaped member. Therefore, the disc-shaped member also allows for the compensation of manufacturing tolerances in the connecting device.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the actuating region of the disc-shaped member is separated from the abutting region of the first connecting portion by an axial gap, the size of which is determined such that the disc-shaped member deforms during the movement of the piston of the actuator from the retracted position to the extended position to compensate for the axial manufacturing tolerance of the connecting device, and such that when the axial manufacturing tolerance of the connecting device has been compensated, the actuating region of the disc-shaped member abuts against the abutting region of the first connecting portion.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the axial clearance is between 0.2 mm and 1.5 mm.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the dimensions of the disc are determined to generate a stiffness K2 that resists the axial approach of the piston toward the first coupling, the stiffness being between 50 N / mm and 500 N / mm.

[0060] Stiffness K2 is greater than stiffness K1. Advantageously, stiffness K2 is between 4*K1 and 20*K1, for example, 10*K1.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the actuating region of the disc-shaped member is the inner annular portion. This allows for the limitation of the radial volume of the coupling device.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the inner annular portion includes an oil passage groove. The presence of oil helps to limit friction that may occur between the piston and the disc.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the coupling device is a claw-shaped clutch device, wherein one of the first coupling portion and the second coupling portion includes teeth, and the other coupling portion includes a corresponding groove, wherein when the first coupling portion is in the coupling position, the teeth engage in the groove.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the coupling device is a disconnection device capable of selectively interrupting torque transmission between the first element and the second element.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the present invention also relates to a motor vehicle and a transmission system mentioned above.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the motor vehicle includes an electric motor, and a first element of the transmission system is capable of being driven by the electric motor.

[0067] The motor and transmission system can be integrated into the electric vehicle axle.

[0068] According to a second aspect, the present invention also provides a transmission system for a motor vehicle, the transmission system comprising: - A first element and a second element, the first element and the second element being rotatable relative to each other about an axis X, one of the first element and the second element being intended to be driven by an electric motor, and the other element being intended to drive at least one axle of a motor vehicle; and - A connecting device, comprising: - A first connecting portion and a second connecting portion, the first connecting portion being locked to rotate with a first element, and the second connecting portion being locked to rotate with a second element. The first connecting portion is movable relative to the first element between a connected position and a disconnected position. In the connected position, the first connecting portion is engaged with the second connecting portion to transmit torque between the first and second elements. In the disconnected position, the first and second connecting portions are disconnected from each other. - A transmission component, comprising a fixed region axially fixed to the first connecting portion. - An actuator comprising a housing and a piston, the housing being designed to be fixed to the chassis of a vehicle, the piston being axially movable relative to the housing between a retracted position and an extended position, the piston being supported against an actuating region of a transmission member such that the piston moving from the retracted position to the extended position causes a first connecting portion of the coupling device to move from a disconnected position to a connected position, the transmission member being elastically deformable between an actuating region and a stationary region of the transmission member during the piston of the actuator moving from the retracted position to the extended position.

[0069] Therefore, the transmission components allow for the compensation of manufacturing tolerances in the connecting devices.

[0070] Preferably, the transmission component is a disc-shaped part. The outer part can form a sensor target.

[0071] This second aspect of the invention may include one or more of the features mentioned in the context of the first aspect of the invention.

[0072] According to a third aspect, the present invention also provides a transmission system for a motor vehicle, the transmission system comprising: - A first element and a second element, the first element and the second element being rotatable relative to each other about an axis X, one of the first element and the second element being intended to be driven by an electric motor, and the other element being intended to drive at least one axle of a motor vehicle; and - A connecting device, comprising: - A first connecting portion and a second connecting portion, the first connecting portion being locked to rotate with a first element, and the second connecting portion being locked to rotate with a second element. The first connecting portion is movable relative to the first element between a connected position and a disconnected position. In the connected position, the first connecting portion is engaged with the second connecting portion to transmit torque between the first and second elements. In the disconnected position, the first and second connecting portions are disconnected from each other. - A disc-shaped component, comprising a fixing region axially fixed to the first connecting portion and an annular portion forming a target. - An actuator comprising a housing and a piston, the housing being designed to be fixed to the chassis of a vehicle, the piston being axially movable relative to the housing between a retracted position and an extended position, the piston being supported against an actuating area of ​​a disc-shaped member such that the piston moving from the retracted position to the extended position causes the first coupling portion of the coupling device to move from a disconnected position to a connected position.

[0073] Therefore, the disc-shaped component has a dual function: on the one hand, it forms a target whose position is detected by a sensor in order to transmit a signal indicating the position of the first part of the coupling device; on the other hand, it transmits actuating force between the piston of the actuator and the first coupling part, which makes it possible to reduce the cost, complexity and size of the transmission system.

[0074] This third aspect of the invention may include one or more of the features mentioned in the context of the first aspect of the invention.

[0075] Specifically, during the movement of the actuator piston from the retracted position to the extended position, the disc-shaped component is able to elastically deform between the actuating region and the stationary region of the disc-shaped component.

[0076] According to a fourth aspect, the present invention also provides a transmission system for a motor vehicle, the transmission system comprising: - A first element and a second element, the first element and the second element being rotatable relative to each other about an axis X, one of the first element and the second element being intended to be driven by an electric motor, and the other element being intended to drive at least one axle of a motor vehicle; and - A connecting device, comprising: - A first connecting portion and a second connecting portion, the first connecting portion being locked to rotate with a first element, and the second connecting portion being locked to rotate with a second element. The first connecting portion is movable relative to the first element between a connected position and a disconnected position. In the connected position, the first connecting portion is engaged with the second connecting portion to transmit torque between the first and second elements. In the disconnected position, the first and second connecting portions are disconnected from each other. - A transmission component including a fixed region axially fixed to a first connecting portion, the transmission component including an elastically restoring portion configured to elastically deform during the movement of the first connecting portion from a disconnected position to a connected position, and configured to apply a restoring force capable of elastically restoring the first connecting portion to the disconnected position. - An actuator comprising a housing and a piston, the housing being designed to be fixed to the chassis of a vehicle, the piston being axially movable relative to the housing between a retracted position and an extended position, the piston being supported against an actuation area of ​​a transmission member such that the piston moving from the retracted position to the extended position causes the first coupling portion of the coupling device to move from a disconnected position to a coupled position.

[0077] Therefore, the transmission component has a dual function: on the one hand, it ensures that the first connecting part is reset to its disconnected position; on the other hand, it transmits the actuating force between the piston of the actuator and the first connecting part, which makes it possible to reduce the cost, complexity and size of the transmission system.

[0078] This fourth aspect of the invention may include one or more of the features mentioned in the context of the first aspect of the invention.

[0079] Specifically, during the movement of the actuator piston from the retracted position to the extended position, the transmission component can elastically deform between the actuating and stationary regions of the disc-shaped member. Therefore, two different elastic stiffnesses exist, ensuring both the elastic return of the first connecting portion and compensation for the tolerances of the dimensional chain.

[0080] Preferably, the transmission component is a disc-shaped part. The outer portion of the disc-shaped part can form a sensor target. Attached Figure Description

[0081] The invention will be better understood from the following description of several specific embodiments of the invention, given only by way of non-limiting description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, and other objects, details, features and advantages of the invention will become clearer.

[0082] [ Figure 1 ] Figure 1 This is an overall cross-sectional view of the transmission system equipped with a coupling device according to the first embodiment.

[0083] [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The cross-sectional view of the intersecting planes of the transmission system is broken, and the connecting device is in the disconnected connection position.

[0084] [ Figure 3 ] Figure 3 It is similar to Figure 2The cross-sectional view shows the connecting device in the connected position.

[0085] [ Figure 4 ] Figure 4 yes Figures 1 to 3 A partial side view of the connecting device shows the disc-shaped part and the first connecting part of the connecting device.

[0086] [ Figure 5 ] Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 The cross-sectional view, taken from the cross-sectional plane VV and with the intersecting planes broken, particularly shows the housing, disc-shaped component, and first connecting part of the connecting device.

[0087] [ Figure 6 ] Figure 6 This is a partial side view of the coupling device according to a variant embodiment, showing the housing, disc-shaped member, and first coupling portion of the coupling device.

[0088] [ Figure 7 ] Figure 7 It is along Figure 6 A cross-sectional view taken from the cross-sectional plane VII-VII, where the intersecting planes are disconnected. Detailed Implementation

[0089] In the specification and claims, the terms “outer” and “inner”, as well as “axial” and “radial” orientations, will be used to designate elements of the transmission system according to the definitions given in the specification. By convention, a “radial” orientation is orthogonal to the rotational axis X of the transmission system that determines the “axial” orientation and is away from said axis from the inside out, while a “circumferential” orientation is orthogonal to the axis X and orthogonal to the radial direction.

[0090] Figures 1 to 5 A transmission system 1 according to a first embodiment is shown. The transmission system here is a differential, which is used in the vehicle's drivetrain to transmit and distribute torque from an electric motor (not shown) to two axles 2, 3 of the vehicle's axles. This transmission system can, for example, form part of a secondary drivetrain capable of transmitting torque from a secondary motor (e.g., an electric motor) to the rear or front axle of the vehicle, while a primary drivetrain can transmit torque from a primary motor (e.g., a combustion engine) to the axles of the other axle of the vehicle. According to other embodiments not shown, the transmission system may also take the form of something other than a differential.

[0091] The transmission system includes: a first element 4, which is rotatable about an axis X and is intended to be driven by a motor, such as an electric motor (not shown); a second element 5, which is also rotatable about an axis X and is intended to drive axles 2 and 3; and a coupling device 6, which is capable of selectively connecting or disconnecting the first element 4 from the second element 5.

[0092] The first element 4 includes a belt gear 7, which is intended to be driven by a motor via a reduction gear train (not shown). This first element 4 also includes a housing 8, which is fixed to the belt gear 7 without rotating relative to it. The housing 8 includes two portions 9 and 10 fixed to each other. For this purpose, in the illustrated embodiment, each of the two portions 9 and 10 includes external flanges 11 and 12, which are fixed to the belt gear 7 and to each other.

[0093] The second element 5 includes an annular bearing ring 13, which is guided to rotate about axis X within the housing 8. For this purpose, the housing 8 includes an inner cylindrical portion that cooperates with the cylindrical outer surface of the bearing ring 13 to guide the bearing ring to rotate relative to the housing 8. The second element 5 further includes two planetary gears 14 and 15. Figure 1 As can be seen in the image, these two planetary gears are rotatably mounted on the carrier ring 13 about an axis Z perpendicular to the axis X. Each of the two planetary gears 14 and 15 includes bevel gear teeth that mesh with the complementary bevel gear teeth of the two sun gears 16 and 17. The two sun gears 16 and 17 are rotatable about the axis X and are each locked to rotate with one of the two axles 2 and 3. The carrier ring 13, planetary gears 14 and 15, and sun gears 16 and 17 form a differential, thereby allowing the two axles 2 and 3 to rotate at different speeds.

[0094] Furthermore, the transmission system 1 includes a coupling device 6, which, in the coupled position, allows torque to be transmitted between the first element 4 and one of the elements of the second element 5 (in this case, the carrier ring 13). Therefore, when the coupling device 6 is in the coupled position, the transmission system enables torque to be transmitted from the motor to the axles 2 and 3 by performing the function of a differential that allows the axles 2 and 3 to rotate at different speeds. However, in another embodiment (not shown), the coupling device is configured to connect the first element 4 to one of the two sun gears 16 and 17. The sun gears 16 and 17 then have two sets of teeth, preferably axially back-to-back. One set of teeth cooperates with the planetary pinion, and the other set cooperates with the first coupling. In this embodiment, the carrier ring 13 is locked to rotate with the housing 8, thus the coupling device is designed to prevent the two axles 2 and 3 from rotating at different speeds.

[0095] Returning to the illustrated embodiment, it can be seen that the connecting device 6 includes a first connecting portion 18, which is locked to rotate together with the housing 8, while being movable relative to the housing 8 along the X-axis. The first connecting portion 18 can... Figure 2 The disconnection location shown is... Figure 3The connection position is shifted between the shown connection positions. In the disconnected position, the first connection 18 is disconnected from the second connection 19, which is locked to rotate together with the support ring 13, thereby interrupting the transmission of torque between the housing 8 and the support ring 13. On the other hand, in the connected position, the first connection 18 is connected to the second connection 19, which allows the transmission of torque between the housing 8 and the support ring 13.

[0096] In the illustrated embodiment, the coupling device 6 is a claw-shaped clutch device. Therefore, one of the coupling portions 18 and 19 includes teeth, while the other includes a corresponding groove, the teeth engaging in these grooves when the first coupling portion 18 is in the engaged position. In the illustrated embodiment, the second coupling portion 19 is integrally formed with the support ring 13. In other words, the teeth or grooves are formed in the side of the support ring 13 facing the first coupling portion 18. However, although the invention is described in connection with a claw-shaped clutch coupling device, the invention is not limited thereto, and the coupling device can be of another type, particularly a friction coupling device.

[0097] like Figure 5 As shown, the first connecting portion 18 includes an inner portion 20, an outer portion 21, and a connecting portion 22. The inner portion is housed inside the housing 8, and the outer portion is positioned outside the housing 8. These connecting portions are regularly distributed around an axis X and each passes through a corresponding through opening 23 formed in the housing 8. This allows the first connecting portion 18 to be fixed to the housing 8 in a rotational sense while allowing relative axial movement between the first connecting portion 18 and the housing 8. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner portion 20 is annular, while the outer portion 21 includes lugs that extend axially and continue from the connecting portion 22. However, according to another variant embodiment, the structure is reversed, i.e., the outer portion 21 is annular, while the inner portion 20 includes a plurality of axially oriented lugs that extend continuously from the connecting portion 22.

[0098] In addition, the connecting device 6 includes Figures 1 to 3 The actuator 24 shown allows for axial movement of the first coupling 18. The actuator 24 includes a housing 25 designed to be mounted on the chassis of a vehicle and secured by a fixing member (not shown) without rotating relative to the chassis. The housing 25 includes an inner skirt 26 that surrounds a portion 9 of the housing 8. The inner skirt 26 includes a cylindrical guide portion that cooperates with a corresponding cylindrical portion of the housing 8, thus allowing the housing 8 to rotate relative to the fixed housing 25 of the actuator 24.

[0099] Actuator 24 is an electromagnetic actuator. The actuator includes an electromagnet 27 and a piston 28, the electromagnet defining an inner housing, the piston being movable within the inner housing. Figure 2 The retraction position shown is the same as Figure 3 Axial movement is shown between the deployed positions. Actuator 24 further includes a magnetic cap 29 that encloses the inner housing and includes a stop 30 (e.g., a shoulder) to define the deployed position of piston 28. Piston 28 includes an annular body 31 made of a ferromagnetic material such as iron or steel. Piston 28 further includes a paramagnetic end piece 32, also annular, fixed to the body 31 of piston 28, through which actuation force is transmitted to the first coupling 18. Therefore, the paramagnetic end piece 32 of piston 28 prevents undesirable leakage of magnetic flux to other components of coupling device 6. Furthermore, the body 31 of piston 28 includes a shoulder 33 designed to abut against the shoulder 30 of magnetic cap 29 when piston 28 is in the deployed position.

[0100] When the electromagnet 27 is excited by a current greater than the threshold current, this allows the piston 28 to be moved from... Figure 2 The shown retraction position has moved to Figure 3 The piston 28 is shown in the deployed position. When the piston 28 is in the deployed position, the magnetic cap 29 exerts an attractive force on the body 31 of the piston 28, which allows the piston to remain in the deployed position. The current supplied to the electromagnet 27 can then be reduced, as long as the current remains above the threshold current. When the electromagnet 27 is de-energized, or when the current supplied to the electromagnet is below the threshold current, the resilient reset device (described below, which resets the first connection 18 to the disconnected position) overcomes the attractive force between the magnetic cap 29 and the body 31 of the piston 28, and resets the piston 28 from the deployed position to the retracted position.

[0101] The coupling device 6 is also equipped with a target 34, which is axially fixed to the first coupling portion 18. Furthermore, the coupling device 6 includes a non-contact sensor 35. Figure 1 As shown, the non-contact sensor is positioned axially toward the target 34 and configured to transmit a signal indicating the axial distance between the target 34 and the sensor 35. Therefore, the sensor 35 can transmit a signal indicating the position of the first coupling 18, which is used to ensure the reliability of the control of the coupling device 6, particularly to check whether the coupling device 6 is indeed in the disconnected or connected position. The sensor 35 is, for example, a Hall effect sensor.

[0102] In addition, the connecting device 6 includes a disc-shaped component 36 ( Figure 4 (As fully visible in the image), the disc-shaped component is formed as a single piece and is axially fixed to the first connecting portion 18. The disc-shaped component 36 provides a variety of functions, and thus allows for limitations on the cost, complexity, and size of the connecting device 6.

[0103] First, the disc-shaped member 36 performs the function of the target 34. For this purpose, the disc-shaped member includes an annular portion 37 formed at the radially outer periphery of the disc-shaped member 36. This annular portion 37 is arranged axially toward the sensor 35, thus forming the target 34.

[0104] Secondly, the disc-shaped member 36 performs the function of the elastic reset device, so that when the piston 28 of the actuator 24 is reset to the retracted position, the first connecting part 18 can be reset to the disconnected position.

[0105] For this purpose, the disc-shaped member 36 includes four resilient blades 41, in the illustrated embodiment. Each resilient blade 41 has a free end 42 and a proximal end, the free end supporting a support region abutting the housing 8, and the proximal end connecting to the remainder of the disc-shaped member 36. Each resilient blade 41 is formed in a window 43, which are radially positioned within the annular portion 37. The resilient blades 41 extend circumferentially about axis X, which, for a given radial volume, allows for a relatively long and therefore less stiff resilient blade 41. Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the free end 42 of the elastic blade 41 is supported against the end of a protrusion 44 that projects axially from the housing 8 toward the disc-shaped member 36. The axial dimension of the protrusion 44 is greater than the travel of the first connecting portion 18 between the disconnected and connected positions. Advantageously, as Figure 3 As shown, the axial dimension of the protrusion 44 is such that when the connecting device 6 is in the disconnected position, the elastic blade 41 extends substantially in the plane of the annular portion 37 forming the target 34.

[0106] Therefore, each of the elastic blades 41 forms an elastic reset portion, which is configured to elastically bend during the movement of the first connecting portion 18 from the disconnected position to the connected position. In response, the elastic blades 41 apply a reset force capable of resetting the first connecting portion 18 to the disconnected position.

[0107] In addition, the disc-shaped member 36 includes a plurality of fixing tabs 38 ( Figure 4 As can be seen in the illustrated embodiment, the number of fixing tabs is also four. The fixing tabs 38 are circumferentially distributed around axis X and each includes a free end 39 defining a fixing region that is fixed to the outer portion 21 of the first connecting portion 18. Fixing tabs 37 are formed in windows 40, which are formed in a portion of the disc-shaped member 36 radially arranged within the annular portion 37 forming the target 34. Thus, each of the windows 40 associated with the tabs is circumferentially arranged between two windows 43 associated with the elastic blade. The fixing tabs 38 project radially inward from the radially outer edge of the window 40. Furthermore, lugs of the outer portion 21 pass through the window 40. Additionally, as... Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, each lug of the outer portion 21 includes a groove, and the free end 39 of one of the fixing tabs 38 is clamped into the groove, which makes it easy to fix the disc 36 to the first connecting portion 18 without any additional fixing components.

[0108] For example, according to one embodiment, the dimensions of the disc 36, more particularly the fixing tab 38, and the elastic blade 41 are determined to produce a stiffness K1 that resists axial movement of the first connecting portion 18 toward the connecting position, the stiffness being between 5 N / mm and 50 N / mm.

[0109] Third, the disc-shaped member 36 also allows for the transmission of actuating force between the piston 28 of the actuator 24 and the first connecting portion 18. For this purpose, the piston 28 of the actuator 24 abuts against the inner annular portion 45 of the disc-shaped member 36, which defines the actuation area. Furthermore, as the piston 28 of the actuator 24 moves from the retracted position to the extended position, the disc-shaped member 36 is capable of elastic deformation between the actuation area and the free end 39 of the retaining tab 38. This allows for the compensation of dimensional tolerances in the connecting device 6 by ensuring that the piston 28 and the first connecting portion 18 complete their entire stroke during their respective movements toward the extended and connected positions. In other words, this ensures that the piston 28 abuts against the magnetic cap 29 of the actuator 24 in the extended position, and that the first connecting portion 18 axially abuts against the second connecting portion 19 in the connected position. Figure 5 As shown, the inner annular portion 45 of the disc-shaped member 36 is separated from the abutting area of ​​the first connecting portion 18 by an axial gap 49, which is greater than the axial manufacturing tolerance of the connecting device 6. The axial gap 49 is, for example, between 0.2 mm and 1.5 mm. Therefore, during the movement of the piston 28 of the actuator 24 from the retracted position to the extended position, the disc-shaped member 36, in particular its inner annular portion 45, deforms to compensate for the axial manufacturing tolerance of the connecting device, and then, when the axial manufacturing tolerance of the connecting device 6 has been compensated, the inner annular portion 45 of the disc-shaped member 36 abuts against the abutting area of ​​the first connecting portion 18.

[0110] According to an advantageous embodiment, the disc-shaped member 36 has a cutout 46 ( Figure 4 (As specifically shown in the diagram), these cuts extend circumferentially in the region between the inner annular portion 45 and the window 43, which are radially positioned within the defined actuation region of the disc 36. The advantage of such cuts 46 is that they further enhance the flexibility of the disc 36.

[0111] For example, according to one embodiment, the dimensions of the disc-shaped member 36 are determined to generate a stiffness K2 that resists the axial approach of the piston 28 of the actuator 24 toward the first connecting portion 18, the stiffness being between 50 N / mm and 500 N / mm. Stiffness K2 is greater than stiffness K1. Advantageously, stiffness K2 is between 4*K1 and 20*K1.

[0112] Fourth, the disc 36 provides a sliding interface that limits the frictional force caused by the relative rotation of the disc 36, which is rotatable about axis X, relative to the piston 28, which is fixed in a rotational sense. According to an advantageous variation, to further limit the friction that may occur between the piston 28 and the disc 36, the annular portion 45 of the disc 36 includes an oil passage groove 47 on its side facing the piston 28. Figure 4 (As shown).

[0113] The disc-shaped component 36 is made of spring steel, for example, such as XC 70 steel, which is advantageously pre-hardened. For example, the thickness of the disc-shaped component 36 is between 0.4 mm and 1.2 mm, for example, about 0.8 mm. Alternatively, the disc-shaped component 36 is made of stainless steel.

[0114] Figure 6 and Figure 7 A coupling device 6 according to another embodiment is shown. This coupling device 6 is related to the above description regarding... Figures 1 to 5 The only difference in the described connecting device is the manner in which the disc 36 is fixed to the first connecting portion 18. In this embodiment, the free end 39 of each of the fixing tabs 38 is fixed to the outer portion 21 of the first connecting portion 18 by a fixing member 48 (such as a screw), which ensures greater rigidity in fixing the disc 36 to the first connecting portion 18.

[0115] Although the invention has been described in conjunction with several specific embodiments, it is apparent that the invention is by no means limited thereto, and that the invention includes all technical equivalents of the described apparatus and combinations thereof, if such fall within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0116] In the claims, any reference numerals in parentheses should not be construed as limiting the claims.

Claims

1. A transmission system (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising: A first element (4) and a second element (5), the first element and the second element being rotatable relative to each other about axis X, one of the first element and the second element (4, 5) being intended to be driven by an electric motor, and the other of the first element and the second element (4, 5) being intended to drive at least one axle (2, 3) of the motor vehicle. as well as The connecting device (6) includes: A first connecting part (18) and a second connecting part (19), wherein the first connecting part is locked to rotate together with the first element (4), and the second connecting part is locked to rotate together with the second element (5), and the first connecting part (18) is movable relative to the first element (4) between a connected position and a disconnected position, wherein in the connected position, the first connecting part (18) is connected to the second connecting part (19) to transmit torque between the first element (4) and the second element (5), and in the disconnected position, the first connecting part (18) and the second connecting part (19) are disconnected from each other. A disc-shaped component (36) includes a fixing region axially fixed to the first connecting portion (18), the disc-shaped component (36) including an annular portion (37) forming a target (34), and at least one elastic reset portion configured to elastically deform during the movement of the first connecting portion (18) from the disconnected connection position to the connected position, and configured to apply a reset force capable of elastically reset the first connecting portion (18) to the disconnected connection position. The disc-shaped component (36) includes multiple elastic reset parts, each of which includes an elastic blade (41) capable of supporting a support area against the transmission system (1). The support area is axially fixed relative to the second connecting part (19). The first element (4) includes a housing (8) which includes protrusions (44) that axially project outward toward the direction of the disc (36) toward the housing (8), with one end of each protrusion (44) forming a support region in the support region.

2. The transmission system (1) of claim 1, comprising a sensor (35) arranged to face the annular portion of the disc (36), and the sensor configured to transmit a signal representing the distance between the sensor (35) and the annular portion forming the target (34).

3. The transmission system (1) as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The second connecting part (19) is housed inside the housing. The first connecting part (18) includes an inner part (20), an outer part (21), and a plurality of connecting parts (22). The inner part is housed inside the housing (8), and the outer part is positioned outside the housing (8). The plurality of connecting parts axially connect the inner part (20) and the outer part (21) of the first connecting part (18). Each of the connecting parts (22) passes through a corresponding through opening (23) formed in the housing (8).

4. The transmission system (1) as described in claim 3, wherein, The disc-shaped component (36) is arranged outside the housing (8) and fixed to the outer part (21) of the first connecting part (18), with each support area positioned on the housing (8).

5. The transmission system (1) as described in claim 3, wherein, The second element (5) includes: a support ring (13) guided to rotate about the axis X inside the housing (8); two planetary gears (14, 15) rotatably mounted on the support ring (13) about an axis Z perpendicular to the axis X; and two sun gears (16, 17) rotatably movable about the axis X, each engaging with the two planetary gears (14, 15) and each intended to be locked to rotate together with the axle (2, 3).

6. The transmission system (1) as claimed in claim 4, wherein, The second element (5) includes: a support ring (13) guided to rotate about the axis X inside the housing (8); two planetary gears (14, 15) rotatably mounted on the support ring (13) about an axis Z perpendicular to the axis X; and two sun gears (16, 17) rotatably movable about the axis X, each engaging with the two planetary gears (14, 15) and each intended to be locked to rotate together with the axle (2, 3).

7. The transmission system as described in claim 5 or 6, wherein, The second connecting part (19) of the connecting device (6) is locked to rotate relative to the axis X together with the bearing ring (13).

8. The transmission system (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The disc-shaped member (36) includes a plurality of fixing tabs (38) fixed to the first connecting portion (18).

9. The transmission system (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The coupling device (6) further includes an actuator (24) comprising a housing (25) and a piston (28), the housing being intended to be fixed to the chassis of the vehicle, the piston being axially movable relative to the housing (25) between a retracted position and an extended position, and wherein the piston (28) is supported against an actuating region of the disc (36) such that the piston (28) moves from the retracted position to the extended position causing the first coupling portion (18) of the coupling device (6) to move from the disconnected position to the coupled position; and wherein, during the movement of the piston (28) of the actuator (24) from the retracted position to the extended position, the disc (36) is elastically deformable between the actuating region and the fixed region of the disc (36).

10. The transmission system as claimed in claim 9, wherein, The actuating region of the disc (36) is separated from the abutting region of the first connecting part (18) by an axial gap (49), the size of which is determined such that the disc (36) deforms during the movement of the piston (28) of the actuator (24) from the retracted position to the extended position in order to compensate for the axial manufacturing tolerance of the connecting device (6), and such that when the axial manufacturing tolerance of the connecting device (6) has been compensated, the actuating region of the disc (36) abuts against the abutting region of the first connecting part (18).

11. The transmission system (1) as claimed in claim 9, wherein, The dimensions of the disc (36) are determined to produce stiffness that resists the axial approach of the piston (28) toward the first connecting portion (18), the stiffness being between 50 N / mm and 500 N / mm.

12. The transmission system (1) as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein, The actuation region of the disc-shaped component (36) is the inner annular portion (45).

13. The transmission system (1) as claimed in claim 12, wherein, The inner annular portion (45) includes an oil passage groove (47).

14. The transmission system (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The connecting device (6) is a claw-shaped clutch device. One of the connecting parts (18, 19) of the first connecting part and the second connecting part includes teeth, while the other connecting part includes a corresponding groove. When the first connecting part (18) is in the connecting position, the teeth engage in the groove.

15. The transmission system (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The connecting device is a disconnecting device capable of selectively interrupting the torque transmission between the first element and the second element.

16. A motor vehicle comprising an electric motor and a transmission system (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein a first element of the transmission system is driven by the electric motor.

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