Disconnection module, power transmission system of vehicle and vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a disconnect module (10) for engaging or disengaging a first component (20) rotatable about a first shaft (30) with or from the first shaft, the disconnect module comprising: a clutch (12) rotationally fixedly mounted on the first shaft; the driving piece (11) is arranged between the first component and the clutch piece in the axial direction and fixedly connected to the first component; wherein the clutch piece can reciprocate in the axial direction so as to be connected with and disconnected from the driving piece, in the connected state, the first shaft and the first component rotate together, and in the disconnected state, the first shaft is independent of the first component. The invention also relates to a powertrain of a vehicle comprising said disconnection module and to a vehicle comprising said powertrain. According to the disconnecting module, idle axial space in an existing device is fully utilized, and therefore the axial length of the whole assembly is advantageously reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a disconnect module for engaging or disengaging a first component rotatable about a first shaft with the first shaft. The invention also relates to a power transmission system of a vehicle, comprising the disconnect module. The invention further relates to a vehicle, comprising the power transmission system. Background Art

[0002] The trend towards designing and manufacturing fuel-efficient, low-emission vehicles has increased significantly, a trend that is inevitable due to environmental concerns and the increase in fuel costs. At the forefront of this trend is the development of electric vehicles, such as pure electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, extended-range electric vehicles, fuel cell vehicles, etc.

[0003] Four-wheel drive electric vehicles are equipped with motors at the front and rear, which are usually divided into main drive motors and auxiliary drive motors. In some cases, the auxiliary drive motor may be in a non-working state. For example, the auxiliary drive motor is used only during acceleration or special working conditions, or when the driver needs to obtain some high-performance modes. However, when the auxiliary drive motor stops running, the wheels will still drive the auxiliary drive differential to operate, and the differential will drive all the transmission mechanisms and motors connected to it to rotate together, thereby generating drag losses. In order to improve efficiency, a disconnect mechanism is added to the powertrain system of electric vehicles to reduce drag losses.

[0004] Conventional disconnect mechanisms, for example, use only a spline connection to disconnect an idler gear supported on a transmission shaft. The idler gear is provided with an axially protruding end with a spline on the inner side of the transmission shaft. A shift fork is usually used to drive the clutch to reciprocate linearly in the axial direction to engage and disengage with the spline. However, disadvantageously, due to the spatial location of the spline connection and the required meshing length, the disconnect mechanism and the entire power transmission system usually require a large axial space. Summary of the invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the defects or shortcomings of the above-mentioned prior art and provide a disconnect module which can reduce the axial length of the entire assembly and facilitate assembly.

[0006] The above technical problems are solved by the following technical solutions.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a disconnection module is provided for engaging or disengaging a first component rotatable about a first axis with the first axis, the disconnection module comprising:

[0008] a clutch member, rotatably fixedly mounted on the first shaft;

[0009] A driving member, axially arranged between the first component and the clutch member, and fixedly connected to the first component;

[0010] The clutch member can reciprocate along the axial direction to engage with and disengage from the driving member. In an engaged state, the first shaft rotates together with the first component, and in a disengaged state, the first shaft is independent of the first component.

[0011] The present invention separates the conventional clutch into two components, namely, a driving member and a clutch member, wherein the driving member is fixedly connected to the first component, and the clutch member is configured to be able to engage with and disengage from the driving member, thereby utilizing the driving member to transmit the driving force from the first component. Since the driving member and the first component are closely connected in space, the idle axial space in the existing device is fully utilized, thereby advantageously reducing the axial length of the entire assembly.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, the driving member is provided with a first connecting portion on a side facing the first component, and the connecting portion can be engaged with a corresponding connecting portion provided on the first component to fix the driving member to the first component.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment, the first connecting portion is a driving pin, and the corresponding connecting portion is an opening.

[0014] In an exemplary embodiment, the driving pins are a plurality of driving pins uniformly distributed along the circumferential direction.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, the drive member has a first engagement portion, and the clutch member has a second engagement portion, and the first engagement portion can mesh with the second engagement portion.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are both configured as face teeth.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, the disconnect module comprises a bearing, by means of which the drive element is supported on the first shaft.

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment, the disconnect module comprises a first clamping ring arranged on the driving member, wherein the first clamping ring abuts against a side of the outer ring of the bearing facing the first component.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, the disconnect module includes a reset mechanism for applying pressure to the clutch member toward a position disengaged from the driving member.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, one end of the reset mechanism abuts against the inner ring of the bearing, and the other end abuts against the clutch member.

[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, the reset mechanism is a disc spring.

[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, the disconnect module includes an electromagnetic actuator, and the electromagnetic actuator includes an armature, and the armature is capable of applying an axial force to the clutch member to engage the clutch member with the driving member.

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, the disconnect module comprises a second collar, which is located on a side of the electromagnetic actuator away from the clutch member and is configured to stop the electromagnetic actuator in the axial direction.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, the first component is an idler gear in a reducer, and the driving member is fixedly connected to an end surface of the idler gear.

[0025] According to another aspect of the present invention, a power transmission system for a vehicle is provided, comprising: a motor having a drive shaft; a reducer having at least one transmission shaft; and the disconnect module as described above, wherein the first shaft comprises the drive shaft or the at least one transmission shaft.

[0026] According to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle is provided, comprising the power transmission system as described above.

[0027] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present application will become better understood with reference to the following description.The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The accompanying drawings are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification. The accompanying drawings, together with the general description above, the detailed description of the exemplary embodiments and methods given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention. Objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent when studying the following specification in light of the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are given the same or similar reference numerals, and in which:

[0029] Figure 1 A partial schematic diagram showing an exemplary embodiment of a disconnect module according to the present invention;

[0030] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 An exploded schematic diagram of a disconnect module according to the present invention;

[0031] Figure 3 A partial installation schematic diagram of a disconnect module according to the present invention is shown.

[0032] In the figure:

[0033] Disconnection module 10 first component 20 first shaft 30 first spline 30a

[0034] Driving member 11 Transmission pin 11a First engaging portion 11b

[0035] Clutch member 12 Second spline 12a Second engagement portion 12b

[0036] Bearing 13 Outer ring 13a Inner ring 13b Reset mechanism 14

[0037] Electromagnetic actuator 15 armature 15a first clamp ring 16 second clamp ring 17 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments and methods of the present invention as shown in the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate like or corresponding parts. It should be noted, however, that the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described in connection with the exemplary embodiments and methods.

[0039] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used herein shall have the usual meanings understood by persons of ordinary skill in the field to which the present disclosure belongs. The words "first", "second" and similar words used in the patent application specification and claims of the present disclosure do not indicate any order, quantity or importance, but are only used to distinguish different components. When the number of components is not specified, the number of components may be one or more; similarly, words such as "one", "the", "said" and the like do not necessarily indicate a quantity limitation. Words such as "include" or "comprise" mean that the elements or objects appearing before the word include the elements or objects listed after the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. "Up", "down", "left", "right" and the like are only used to indicate the relative orientation relationship when the device is used or the orientation relationship shown in the drawings. When the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative position relationship may also change accordingly. Unless otherwise explicitly described, the terms "connected, connected" and the like refer to the relationship in which the structures are fixed or attached to each other directly or indirectly through an intermediate structure.

[0040] Reference is now made to the drawings, wherein like numerals refer to like elements throughout.

[0041] Figure 1 A partial schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a disconnect module 10 according to the present invention is shown. Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 FIG. 1 is an exploded schematic diagram of a disconnect module 10 according to the present invention. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The components and application scenarios of the disconnect module 10 of the present invention can be better understood.

[0042] The disconnect module 10 according to the present invention is used to engage or disengage a first component 20 rotatable about a first shaft 30 with the first shaft 30. The first shaft 30 shown comprises the drive shaft and the at least one transmission shaft. The first component 20 is a gear supported on the first shaft.

[0043] The disconnect module 10 includes: a clutch 12, which is rotationally fixedly mounted on the first shaft 30; a drive member 11, which is axially arranged between the first component 20 and the clutch 12 and fixedly connected to the first component 20; wherein the clutch 12 can reciprocate axially so as to engage and disengage with the drive member 11, and in the engaged state, the first shaft 30 rotates together with the first component 20, and in the disengaged state, the first shaft 30 is independent of the first component 20.

[0044] It should be noted that the "rotationally fixed" described herein refers to two components that are connected so that they can rotate together, and their mutual movement along the rotational direction (e.g., circumferential direction) is restricted so that they can rotate together. "Rotationally fixed" does not restrict the displacement along the direction of the rotational axis, and therefore, the two rotationally fixed components can undergo relative displacement along the direction of the rotational axis. If the displacement along the direction of the rotational axis is also fixed, it can be considered that the two components are completely fixedly connected. In this exemplary embodiment, the clutch 12 and the first shaft 30 are rotationally fixed by a spline connection, that is, a first spline 30a is provided on the first shaft 30, and a second spline 12a that cooperates with the first spline 30a is provided on the clutch 12; and the drive member 11 and the first component 20 are fixedly connected.

[0045] It should be noted here that, in the disengaged state, the first shaft 30 is independent of the first component 20, which means that the movement state of the first shaft 30 at this time is independent of the movement state of the first component 20, that is, the first shaft 30 and the first component 20 can rotate independently of each other, but it does not mean that there is no connection relationship between them.

[0046] The disconnect module 10 of the present invention separates the conventional clutch into two components, namely, a driving member 11 and a clutch member 12, wherein the driving member 11 is fixedly connected to the first component 20, and the clutch member 12 is configured to be able to engage with and disengage from the driving member 11, thereby utilizing the driving member 11 to transmit the driving force from the first component 20. Since the driving member 11 and the first component 20 are closely connected in space, the idle axial space in the existing device is fully utilized, thereby advantageously reducing the axial length of the entire assembly compared to the conventional clutch.

[0047] In the present exemplary embodiment, the first component 20 is an idler gear in the reducer and has an end face 21 facing the driving member 11. The driving member 11 is provided with a plurality of transmission pins 11a uniformly distributed along the circumferential direction on the side facing the first component 20, and a plurality of openings 21a uniformly distributed along the circumferential direction are provided on the end face of the first component 20 facing the driving member 11, and the transmission pins 11a can mesh with the openings 21a, so that the driving member 11 is fixedly connected to the first component 20.

[0048] Other connection modes may also be used within the scope of the present invention to achieve a fixed connection between the drive member 11 and the clutch member 12 .

[0049] In this exemplary embodiment, the driving member 11 has a first engaging portion 11b, and the clutch member 12 has a second engaging portion 12b, and the first engaging portion can mesh with the second engaging portion. In this exemplary embodiment, the first engaging portion 11b and the second engaging portion 12b are both configured as face teeth.

[0050] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the driving member 11 and the clutch member 12 may also be engaged via a circumferential spline.

[0051] In the present exemplary embodiment, the disconnect module 10 further includes a bearing 13 , through which the drive element 11 is supported on the first shaft 30 .

[0052] In this exemplary embodiment, the disconnection module 10 further includes a reset mechanism 14, which is used to press the clutch 12 toward a position where it is disengaged from the drive member 11, one end of which abuts against the inner ring 13b of the bearing 13, and the other end abuts against the clutch 12. The reset mechanism 14 is shown here as a disc spring, i.e., a Belleville spring. This type of spring has a short axial deformation length and saves space.

[0053] It should be noted that the axial deformation length of the disc spring is easier to match the meshing length of the end face teeth, thereby more effectively achieving the purpose of the present invention.

[0054] Other types of reset mechanisms may also be used within the scope of the present invention to achieve the pressure on the clutch member 12 .

[0055] The bearing 13 effectively realizes the connection between the driving member 11 and the clutch member 12. Since the inner ring of the bearing 13 is supported on the first shaft 30, the driving member 11 is supported on the one hand, and the disc spring is supported on the other hand. The disc spring is supported on the inner ring of the bearing 13 to maintain no relative rotation with the clutch member 12, so as to continuously press the clutch member 12 toward the position of separation from the driving member 11.

[0056] In the present exemplary embodiment, the disconnect module 10 further comprises an electromagnetic actuator 15 , wherein the electromagnetic actuator comprises an armature 15 a , and the armature can apply an axial force to the clutch member 12 so that the clutch member 12 engages with the driving member 11 .

[0057] Here, the axial reciprocating motion of the clutch member 12 is achieved by a reset mechanism 14 and an electromagnetic actuator 15 , wherein the reset mechanism 14 is used to provide a force for disengaging the clutch member, and the electromagnetic actuator 15 is used to provide a force for engaging the clutch member.

[0058] In the present exemplary embodiment, the disconnection module 10 further includes: a first clamping ring 16 disposed on the driving member 11 , the first clamping ring abutting against a side of the outer ring 13 a of the bearing 13 facing the first component 20 .

[0059] In the present exemplary embodiment, the disconnect module 10 further includes a second collar 17 , which is located on a side of the electromagnetic actuator 15 away from the clutch member 12 and is configured to stop the electromagnetic actuator 15 in the axial direction.

[0060] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a shoulder may be provided on the first shaft 30 to support the disc spring, thereby eliminating the bearing 13. In addition, the bearing 13 may also be a bearing without an inner ring, in which case the reset assembly is also supported by providing a shoulder on the first shaft.

[0061] Figure 3 The schematic diagram of partial installation of the disconnect module 10 according to the present invention is shown, in which it can be seen that the driving member 11 is provided with a plurality of transmission pins 11a evenly distributed along the circumferential direction on the side facing the first component 20, and the plurality of transmission pins 11a are used to be installed in a plurality of openings 21a on the end face 21 of the first component 20 facing the driving member 11, so that the driving member 11 is fixedly connected to the first component 20. In addition, it can be seen that the driving member 11 is provided with a first engaging portion 11b on the side facing the clutch member 12, which is an end face tooth in this case.

[0062] In addition to the advantages mentioned above, the disconnect module of the present invention also has a modular advantage, in that the various components can be packaged into a module and provided, so that it can be directly assembled on an existing power transmission system, thereby reducing time and labor costs.

[0063] The power transmission system provided by the present invention comprises: a motor (not shown) having a drive shaft; a reducer (not shown) having at least one transmission shaft; a disconnect module 10, wherein the first shaft 30 shown comprises the drive shaft and the at least one transmission shaft. The first component 20 is a gear supported on the first shaft.

[0064] It should be understood that the power transmission system refers to a device that is driven by electricity. For example, the motor, as a driving mechanism, can convert input electrical energy into rotational mechanical energy, and the reducer is mechanically connected to the motor to adjust the torque and speed generated by the motor and further transmit it to the wheels of the vehicle.

[0065] At least one transmission shaft of the speed reducer may include a speed reducer input shaft and an intermediate shaft arranged in parallel to each other. The speed reducer input shaft may be provided with an input gear, which may be integrally formed on the speed reducer input shaft and coaxially arranged with the speed reducer input shaft. The intermediate shaft may be provided with an intermediate first gear and an intermediate second gear. The intermediate first gear is in driving engagement with the input gear. The intermediate second gear may be in driving engagement with a driven gear connected to the differential. Thus, a two-stage helical gear parallel shaft speed reducer arrangement is achieved from the speed reducer input shaft to the differential.

[0066] The operation mode of the disconnect module 10 of the present invention in the power transmission system is as follows: when engagement is required, the armature 15a is energized and pushes the clutch 12 to overcome the reaction force of the reset mechanism 14 to achieve engagement with the drive member 11. In this engaged state, the driving force / torque from the motor can be transmitted to the differential 50 and the wheels connected thereto via the first shaft 30; conversely, when disengagement is required, the armature 15a is de-energized and retracted, and the reset mechanism 14 pushes the clutch 12 to disengage from the drive member 11, and the driving force / torque transmission is disconnected. Even if the wheel still drives the auxiliary drive differential to operate, the rotation of the wheel drives as few transmission mechanisms as possible, thereby reducing drag losses.

[0067] The vehicle provided by the present invention includes a power transmission system as described above. The vehicle may be an electrified vehicle, such as a battery electric vehicle (BEV), a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), or a range extended electric vehicle (REEV). The vehicle may also be a hydrogen energy vehicle. It should be understood that the vehicle of the present invention also has the advantages described above with respect to the disconnect module and the power transmission system.

[0068] Although exemplary embodiments have been described in the foregoing description, it should be noted that a large number of variants are possible. It should also be noted that the exemplary embodiments are merely examples and should not be considered as limiting the scope of protection, applicability and device configuration according to the exemplary embodiments in any way. Rather, the overview and description of the embodiments provide a person skilled in the art with guidance for implementing at least one exemplary embodiment, wherein various modifications can be made in terms of the function and layout of the components, as long as they do not deviate from the scope of protection determined by the claims and equivalent feature combinations.

Claims

1. A disconnection module (10) for engaging or disengaging a first component (20) rotatable about a first axis (30) with the first axis (30), the disconnection module (10) comprising: A clutch member (12) is rotationally fixedly mounted on the first shaft (30); A driving member (11) is axially arranged between the first member (20) and the clutch member (12) and is fixedly connected to the first member (20); The clutch member (12) is capable of axially reciprocating movement to engage and disengage with the drive member (11); in an engaged state, the first shaft (30) rotates together with the first component (20); in a disengaged state, the first shaft (30) is independent of the first component (20).

2. The disconnection module (10) according to claim 1, wherein: The driving member (11) is provided with a first connecting portion on a side facing the first component (20), and the connecting portion can be engaged with a corresponding connecting portion provided on the first component (20) so that the driving member (11) is fixedly connected to the first component (20).

3. The disconnection module (10) according to claim 2, wherein: The first connecting portion is a transmission pin (11a), and the corresponding connecting portion is an opening.

4. The disconnection module (10) according to claim 3, wherein: The transmission pins (11a) are a plurality of transmission pins (11a) uniformly distributed along the circumferential direction.

5. The disconnect module (10) according to claim 1, wherein: The driving member (11) has a first engaging portion (11b), and the clutch member (12) has a second engaging portion (12b), wherein the first engaging portion can mesh with the second engaging portion.

6. The disconnect module (10) according to claim 5, wherein: The first engaging portion (11b) and the second engaging portion (12b) are both configured as face teeth.

7. The disconnect module (10) according to claim 1, wherein: The disconnecting module (10) comprises a bearing (13), and the drive element (11) is supported on the first shaft (30) via the bearing (13).

8. The disconnect module (10) according to claim 7, wherein: The disconnection module (10) comprises a first clamping ring (16) arranged on the driving member (11), wherein the first clamping ring abuts against a side of the outer ring (13a) of the bearing (13) facing the first component (20).

9. The disconnection module (10) according to claim 7, wherein: The disconnection module (10) comprises a reset mechanism (14) for applying pressure to the clutch member (12) towards a position where it is disengaged from the drive member (11).

10. The disconnect module (10) according to claim 9, wherein: One end of the reset mechanism (14) abuts against the inner ring (13b) of the bearing (13), and the other end abuts against the clutch member (12).

11. The disconnection module (10) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein: The reset mechanism (14) is a disc spring.

12. The disconnect module (10) according to claim 1, wherein The disconnect module (10) comprises an electromagnetic actuator (15), wherein the electromagnetic actuator comprises an armature (15a), wherein the armature can apply an axial force to the clutch member (12) so as to engage the clutch member (12) with the driving member (11).

13. The disconnect module (10) according to claim 12, wherein: The disconnect module (10) comprises a second collar (17) which is located on a side of the electromagnetic actuator (15) away from the clutch member (12) and is configured to stop the electromagnetic actuator (15) in the axial direction.

14. The disconnect module (10) according to claim 1, wherein The first component (20) is an idler gear in a reducer, and the driving member (11) is fixedly connected to the end surface of the idler gear.

15. A power transmission system for a vehicle, comprising: a motor having a drive shaft; A speed reducer having at least one transmission shaft; as well as The disconnect module (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the first shaft (30) comprises the drive shaft or the at least one transmission shaft.

16. A vehicle comprising the power transmission system according to claim 15.

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