Multi-speed transmission and transmission system

Abstract

The utility model relates to a multi-speed transmission. The multi-speed transmission includes a first input shaft gear-coupled with a first prime mover and a first motor, a second input shaft gear-coupled with a second prime mover and a second motor, the planet carrier is coupled with a planet shaft meshed with the first clutch through a planet gear and a first clutch gear or a second clutch shaft of a second clutch provided with a second clutch gear, and the first clutch gear is arranged on the output shaft. And an output shaft gear which is arranged on the output shaft and is meshed with the second clutch gear. The utility model further relates to a transmission system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This instruction generally pertains to decoupling devices for electric powertrain transmissions. Background Technology

[0002] As automotive electrification becomes increasingly widespread, modifications to vehicle components are necessary to accommodate the new vehicle structure. For example, transmissions designed for internal combustion engines may experience reduced performance and / or shortened lifespan when connected to electric motors. Electric motors can operate at higher speeds than engines, potentially subjecting one or more transmission components to greater stress. This increased stress can also lead to undesirable effects on vehicle occupants, such as increased noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH).

[0003] Therefore, people need a transmission that can work efficiently with electric motors. Utility Model Content

[0004] In one example, the above problem can be solved by a multi-speed transmission comprising a first input shaft coupled to a first prime mover and a first motor gear, a second input shaft coupled to a second prime mover and a second motor gear, a planetary carrier coupled to a planetary shaft engaged with a first clutch via planetary gears and a first clutch gear, or to a second clutch shaft with a second clutch gear arranged on a second clutch, and an output shaft, wherein the first clutch gear is arranged on the output shaft, and an output shaft gear arranged on the output shaft and engaged with the second clutch gear.

[0005] In another example, the above problem can be solved by a transmission system comprising: a first input shaft and a second input shaft connected to two motors; an output shaft equipped with an output shaft gear; a planetary gear set including multiple gears, a support, and planetary shafts; and a first clutch and a second clutch for adjusting the power flow to different ends of the output shaft, wherein the first clutch transmits power from a gear of the planetary gear set to the output shaft, and the second clutch transmits power from the planetary shafts to the output shaft gear.

[0006] In addition, the transmission system also includes a controller that stores instructions that, when executed, enable the controller to engage the first clutch and disengage the second clutch when the vehicle, which includes the transmission system, moves from a stationary position. The instructions further enable the controller to operate only the first motor coupled to the first input shaft.

[0007] It should be understood that the above summary is intended to present some concepts further described in the detailed description in a simplified form. It is not intended to identify the key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, the scope of which is uniquely determined by the claims following the detailed description. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to embodiments that address any of the shortcomings pointed out in the foregoing or any part of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0008] The advantages of this disclosure, as described above and others, will readily be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, taking into account the accompanying drawings:

[0009] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an example vehicle powertrain drawn according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0010] Figure 2 This is a first embodiment of a vehicle powertrain transmission according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0011] Figure 3 This is a second embodiment of a vehicle powertrain transmission according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0012] Figure 4 According to one embodiment of this disclosure, a method for operating one or more clutches of a transmission based on the operation of one or more prime movers coupled to the transmission. Detailed Implementation

[0013] The following description relates to a transmission. In one example, the transmission is a two-speed transmission, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the transmission is coupled to the independent prime mover of the vehicle's powertrain. Figure 2 This demonstrates the first operating mode of the transmission. Figure 3 This demonstrates the second operating mode of the transmission. Figure 4 A method is shown for operating one or more clutches of a transmission based on the operating conditions of one or more prime movers coupled to the transmission.

[0014] Figure 1-3Example configurations showing the relative positioning of various components are illustrated. If the elements shown in the figure are in direct contact or directly coupled to each other, then in at least one example, these elements may be referred to as being in direct contact or directly coupled, respectively. Similarly, in at least one example, elements shown as being adjacent or next to each other may be referred to as being adjacent or next to each other, respectively. For example, elements that are in face-to-face contact with each other may be referred to as face-to-face contact elements. Another example is that, in at least one example, elements are placed apart from each other, with only space between them and no other elements, which may be referred to as being placed apart from each other. Furthermore, elements shown above / below each other, to the sides of each other, or to the left / right of each other relative to each other may be referred to as such elements. Additionally, as shown in the figure, in at least one example, the topmost element or element point may be referred to as the "top" of the element, and the bottommost element or element point may be referred to as the "bottom" of the element. As used herein, up / down, up / down, and up / down may be relative to the vertical axis in the figure to describe the positioning of the elements in the figure relative to each other. Thus, in one example, an element shown above other elements is vertically positioned above the other elements. For example, the shapes of the elements depicted in the figure may be described as having these shapes (e.g., circles, straight lines, planar shapes, curved shapes, circular shapes, chamfered shapes, beveled shapes, or similar shapes). Furthermore, in at least one example, elements shown intersecting each other may be referred to as intersecting elements or intersecting with each other. Additionally, in one example, elements shown within or outside another element may also be referred to as intersecting elements. It is understood that one or more elements described as "fundamentally similar and / or identical" may differ from each other based on manufacturing tolerances (e.g., deviations within 1-5%).

[0015] Looking at it now Figure 1 The vehicle 100 shown in the figure includes a powertrain 101 and a transmission system 103. The powertrain includes a prime mover 106 and a transmission 108. The prime mover 106 can be an internal combustion engine or an electric motor, etc., which provides rotational power to the transmission 108 during operation. The transmission 108 can be any type of transmission, such as a manual transmission, an automatic transmission, or a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The transmission 108 receives the rotational power generated by the prime mover 106 as input and outputs rotational power to the transmission system 103 according to the selected gear or setting.

[0016] In one example, prime mover 106 is a first prime mover 106, and vehicle 100 may further include a second prime mover 107. The first prime mover 106 may be different from the second prime mover 107. For example, the first prime mover 106 may be an electric motor, while the second prime mover 107 may be an internal combustion engine. Furthermore, both the first prime mover 106 and the second prime mover 107 may be an electric motor or an internal combustion engine, but their dimensions and / or fuel sources may differ. In some examples, additionally or alternatively, if one of the first prime mover 106 or the second prime mover 107 is an engine, the engine may be configured to burn multiple fuels, including different amounts of carbon fuels and carbon-free fuels. In one example, vehicle 100 includes at least a first prime mover 106 and a second prime mover 107, wherein each prime mover transmits torque and / or power to a drivetrain (e.g., transmission 108).

[0017] Each of the first prime mover 106 and the second prime mover 107 can be connected to an energy storage device. The energy storage device can be a battery, fuel tank, or other similar device. The fuel capacity of the energy storage device can be monitored by sensors or estimated based on vehicle operating conditions. In one example, one or more of the first prime mover 106 and the second prime mover 107 can be configured to replenish the energy storage device's power during generator operation.

[0018] Vehicle 100 can be a heavy vehicle or an off-highway vehicle. In addition, vehicle 100 and / or one or more of its components can also be used in industrial, locomotive and agricultural applications.

[0019] In some examples, such as Figure 1 As shown, the drivetrain 103 includes a first axle assembly 102 and a second axle assembly 112. The first axle assembly 102 is configured to drive a first set of wheels 104, and the second axle assembly 112 is configured to drive a second set of wheels 114. In one example, the first axle assembly 102 is located near the front of the vehicle 100 and thus includes a front axle, while the second axle assembly 112 is located near the rear of the vehicle 100 and thus includes a rear axle. The drivetrain 103 is shown in a four-wheel drive configuration, but other configurations are also possible. For example, the drivetrain 103 may include a front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, or all-wheel drive configuration. Furthermore, the drivetrain 103 may also include one or more tandem axle assemblies. Therefore, the powertrain 103 may have other configurations without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Figure 1 The configuration shown is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be limiting. Additionally, vehicle 100 may include other wheels not connected to drivetrain 103.

[0020] In some four-wheel drive configurations, such as Figure 1As shown, the powertrain 103 includes a transfer case 110 configured to receive rotational power output from the transmission 108. A first driveshaft 113 is driven to a first output terminal 111 of the transfer case 110, while a second driveshaft 122 is driven to a second output terminal 121 of the transfer case 110. The first driveshaft 113 (e.g., a front driveshaft) transmits rotational power from the transfer case 110 to a first differential 116 of a first axle assembly 102 to drive a first set of wheels 104, while the second driveshaft 122 (e.g., a rear driveshaft) transmits rotational power from the transfer case 110 to a second differential 126 of a second axle assembly 112 to drive a second set of wheels 114. For example, the first differential 116 is driven to a first axle axle 118 coupled to the first set of wheels 104, and the second differential 126 is driven to a second axle axle 128 coupled to the second set of wheels 114. Understandably, each of the first set of shafts 118 and the second set of shafts 128 can be housed in a single housing.

[0021] The vehicle 100 may also include a control system 184. The control system 184 includes a controller 182 that receives information from multiple sensors 186 and sends control signals to multiple actuators 188. The controller 182 can receive input data from various sensors, process the input data, and trigger actuators in response to the processed input data according to instructions or codes programmed therein corresponding to one or more routines. The multiple sensors 186 may include speed sensors, temperature sensors, humidity sensors, position sensors, accelerometers, etc. The multiple actuators 188 may be actuators of one or more valves, motors, and other devices.

[0022] Looking at it now Figure 2 , Figure 2 The transmission assembly 200 is shown. The transmission assembly 200 may be included in... Figure 1 Of the 100 vehicles. In one example, transmission assembly 200 is... Figure 1 A non-limiting example of a transmission 108. The transmission assembly 200 can be a multi-speed transmission. In one example, the transmission assembly 200 is a two-speed transmission.

[0023] The transmission assembly 200 may include a first input shaft 202. The first input shaft 202 transmits power from the first prime mover 210 to the first motor gear 204. In one example, the first prime mover 210 is an electric motor. The first prime mover 210 may be... Figure 1 A non-limiting example of the first prime mover 106.

[0024] The transmission assembly 200 may also include a second input shaft 212. The second input shaft 212 transmits power from the second prime mover 220 to the second motor gear 214. In one example, the second prime mover 220 is an electric motor. Alternatively, the second prime mover 220 may also be an internal combustion engine. The second prime mover 220 may be... Figure 1 A non-limiting example of the second prime mover 107.

[0025] In some examples, or alternatively, one or more of the first prime mover 210 and the second prime mover 220 may be configured as a motor / generator, used to propel the vehicle in motor mode and to replenish the energy storage device in generator mode. Furthermore, in generator mode, one or more components may also be powered.

[0026] The first motor gear 204 and the second motor gear 214 can be connected to different parts of the planetary gear set. The first motor gear 204 can mesh with the first gear 232. Meshing may include the point where the teeth of one gear intersect with the teeth of another gear, such that rotation of one gear causes rotation of the other gear.

[0027] The first gear 232 can be connected to the first planetary gear 238 via a flange 239. The first planetary gear 238 is a ring gear in a planetary gear system. The second motor gear 214 can be connected to the planet carrier 236. In one example, the second motor gear 214 is a sun gear. The planet carrier 236 can be mounted on a planet shaft 234. The planet carrier 236 carries the planetary gears connected to the second motor gear 214 and the first planetary gear 238. Therefore, the planet carrier 236 can be configured to transmit power from each of the first prime mover 210 and the second prime mover 220 to the planet shaft 234.

[0028] The second gear 242 can mesh with the first clutch gear 246 of the first clutch 244. The planetary shaft 234 can be directly connected to the second clutch 250. In one example, the first clutch 244 and the second clutch 250 can be the same clutch, such as a wet clutch. Alternatively, the first clutch 244 and the second clutch 250 can also be different types of clutches without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0029] The first clutch 244 controls the output from the first clutch gear 246 to the output shaft 260. The second clutch 250 controls the output from the second clutch gear 248 to the first bushing gear 262 arranged on the bushing shaft 260. In one example, the second clutch gear 248 meshes with the first bushing gear 262. The second clutch gear 248 may be arranged on a second clutch shaft 249, which may engage with the planetary shaft 234 when the second clutch 250 is engaged.

[0030] When the laying shaft 260 rotates due to power transmitted by the planetary gear system through the first clutch 244 or the second clutch 250, the second laying shaft gear 264 can rotate and transmit power to the front and / or rear axles. In some examples, as a supplement or alternative, the second laying shaft gear 264 can be connected to a power transmission box configured to transmit power to each of the front and rear axles.

[0031] In some examples, the second laying shaft gear 264 can be omitted, and the laying shaft 260 can be directly output to a single shaft of the vehicle.

[0032] The dashed lines 290 and 292 represent the passages. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The power direction of the transmission component 200. Figure 2 The first operating mode is demonstrated. The second operating mode is as follows: Figure 3 As shown.

[0033] In the first operating mode, the second clutch is disengaged and the first clutch is engaged. When the second clutch is disengaged, rotation and power are not transmitted from the planetary shaft 234 to the second clutch shaft 249. Power from the first prime mover 210 and the second prime mover 220 is transmitted from the planetary shaft 234 through the first clutch gear 246 and the bushing shaft 260 to the front axle and / or the rear axle. Thus, during the first mode, power does not flow through any of the second clutch 250, the second clutch shaft 249, the second clutch gear 248, and the first bushing gear 262.

[0034] Figure 3 The direction of power flow during the second operating mode is shown by the dashed line 292. During the second operating mode, the first clutch 244 is disengaged, and the second clutch 250 is engaged. When the first clutch 244 is disengaged, rotation of the first clutch gear 246 is not transmitted to the output shaft 260. Therefore, power from the first clutch gear 246 is not transmitted to the output shaft 260. Power flows from the first prime mover 210 and the second prime mover 220 through the engaged second clutch 250 and via the second clutch shaft 249 to the planetary shaft 234. The second clutch shaft 249 drives the second clutch gear 248, which meshes with the first output shaft gear 262, to rotate. The first output shaft gear 262 rotates the output shaft 260, and the second output shaft gear 264 is mounted on the output shaft 260. The second output shaft gear 264 can transmit power to the differential 270.

[0035] Looking at it now Figure 4It illustrates a method 400 for activating and deactivating the clutch of a multi-speed transmission based on the operating conditions of one or more prime movers in the vehicle. Instructions for executing method 400 can be generated by a controller based on instructions stored in the controller's memory and in conjunction with data from vehicle system sensors (as referenced above). Figure 1 The vehicle system receives signals to perform actions. According to the method described below, the controller can use the actuators of the vehicle system to adjust the operation.

[0036] Method 400 begins at 402 and includes determining whether the vehicle is stationary. The vehicle may be stationary if the vehicle speed is zero, the brake pedal is depressed, and one or more accelerator pedals are released. If the vehicle is not stationary, then at 404, method 400 may include engaging a second clutch. In one example, the first clutch disengages when the second clutch engages.

[0037] At 406, method 400 may include transferring power from first and second prime movers, through a second clutch, to a first output shaft gear, and to a differential and / or transfer case.

[0038] Returning to 402, if the vehicle is stationary, then at 408, method 400 may include determining whether to request movement. Movement can be requested if the brake pedal is released and / or the accelerator pedal is depressed.

[0039] If movement is not required, then at 410, method 400 may include keeping the vehicle stationary. This prevents the power from the prime mover from being transmitted to the vehicle's wheels via the transmission assembly.

[0040] If movement is required, at 412, method 400 may include engaging a first clutch. When the first clutch is engaged, the second clutch may disengage.

[0041] At 414, method 400 may include flowing power from a first prime mover through a first clutch (engaged), a first clutch gear, an output shaft, and a differential / transfer case. In one example, the second prime mover does not output power.

[0042] At 416, method 400 may include determining whether a threshold speed has been reached. In one example, the threshold speed may be based on the speed at which the powertrain efficiency is improved by operating each of the first and second prime movers. Furthermore, the threshold speed may also be based on a speed at which the vibration generated by starting the second prime mover is less than a determined value, such that the vibration is imperceptible to the vehicle occupants.

[0043] If the threshold speed is not reached, then at 418, method 400 may include maintaining the first clutch engaged and the second clutch disengaged. Alternatively, only the first prime mover may output power to the transmission assembly.

[0044] This disclosure provides support for a multi-speed transmission, comprising a first input shaft coupled to a first prime mover and a first motor gear, a second input shaft coupled to a second prime mover and a second motor gear, a planetary carrier coupled to a planetary shaft engaged with a first clutch via planetary gears and a first clutch gear, or to a second clutch shaft coupled to a second clutch with a second clutch gear, and an output shaft, wherein the first clutch gear is arranged on the output shaft, further comprising an output shaft gear arranged on the output shaft and engaging with the second clutch gear. A first example of the transmission further includes that the first clutch is engaged when only the first prime mover is operated. A second example of the transmission (optionally including the first example) further includes that the second clutch is engaged when the first prime mover and the second prime mover are operating. A third example of the transmission (optionally including one or more of the foregoing examples) further includes that both the first prime mover and the second prime mover are electric motors. A fourth example of the transmission (optionally including one or more of the foregoing examples) further includes that the multi-speed transmission is a two-speed transmission. A fifth example of the transmission (optionally including one or more of the foregoing examples) further includes that the output shaft directly outputs to a differential of the front axle or the rear axle.

[0045] This disclosure provides additional support for a system comprising a drivetrain coupled to two motors via a first input shaft and a second input shaft, a planetary gear set including multiple gears, a carrier, and a planetary shaft, and a pair of clutches configured to regulate the flow of power through the drivetrain to different ends of an output shaft, wherein the first clutch transmits power from the gears of the planetary gear set to the output shaft, and the second clutch transmits power from the planetary shaft to the output shaft gears. A first example of the system also includes a controller whose memory stores instructions that, when executed, enable the controller to engage the first clutch and disengage the second clutch when moving a vehicle including the drivetrain from a stationary state, wherein the instructions further cause the controller to operate only the first motor coupled to the first input shaft. A second example of the system, optionally including the first example, further includes instructions that, when the vehicle is traveling at a threshold speed, the controller further engages the second clutch and disengages the first clutch, wherein the instructions further enable the controller to operate both the first motor coupled to the first input shaft and the second motor coupled to the second input shaft. A third example of the system, optionally including one or more of the foregoing examples, further includes a multi-speed drivetrain therein. A fourth example of the system (optionally including one or more of the foregoing examples) further includes that the output shaft is the sole output of the transmission system. A fourth example of the system (optionally including one or more of the foregoing examples) further includes that the pair of clutches are wet clutches. A fifth example of the system (optionally including one or more of the foregoing examples) further includes that the first clutch includes a first clutch gear meshing with a gear of a planetary gear set, and the first clutch gear is arranged on the output shaft. A sixth example of the system, optionally including one or more of the foregoing examples, further includes that the second clutch includes a second clutch gear arranged on a second clutch shaft, the second clutch shaft being directly coupled to the planetary shaft, and the second clutch gear meshing with an output shaft gear. A seventh example of the system, optionally including one or more of the foregoing examples, further includes that when power is transmitted to the output shaft, only one of the first and second clutches engages.

[0046] This disclosure provides further support for an operating method of a two-speed transmission clutch, comprising activating a first clutch of the two-speed transmission and flowing power from a single first motor to a planetary shaft of a planetary gear set, planetary gears, a first clutch gear meshing with the planetary gears, and an output shaft meshing with the first clutch gear; activating a second clutch of the two-speed transmission during a first operation; disengaging the first clutch during a second operation; and mounting the first clutch gear on the output shaft during the first operation, and activating and disengaging the second clutch of the two-speed transmission during the second operation. The method further comprises transmitting power from the first motor and the second motor to the planetary shaft of the planetary gear set, a second clutch shaft connected to the planetary shaft, a second clutch gear mounted on the second clutch shaft, and an output shaft gear mounted on the output shaft, respectively. A first example of the method further includes that the first operation includes driving a vehicle including a two-speed transmission from a stationary state. A second example of the method (optionally including the first example) further includes that the second operation includes driving the vehicle including the two-speed transmission at a threshold speed. A third example of the method (optionally including one or more of the foregoing examples) further includes that the power flow further includes flowing power to a differential on an axle, wherein the wheels are connected to both ends of the axle. A fourth example of the method (optionally including one or more of the examples mentioned above) further includes, wherein the first motor is a motor.

[0047] The term “approximate” as used in this article, unless otherwise stated, should be understood as a range of plus or minus 5%.

[0048] The following claims specifically point to certain combinations and sub-combinations considered novel and non-obvious. These claims may refer to an element or a "first" element or an equivalent element. These claims should be understood to include one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements. Other combinations and sub-combinations of the disclosed features, functions, elements, and / or characteristics may be claimed by amending these claims or by filing new claims in this application or related applications. These claims, whether broader or narrower in scope, identical or different from the original claims, are also considered to be included in the subject matter of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A multi-speed transmission, comprising: A first input shaft is connected to a first prime mover and a first motor gear. The second input shaft is connected to the gears of the second prime mover and the second motor. A planetary carrier, connected to a planetary shaft or a second clutch shaft of a second clutch, the planetary shaft meshing with a first clutch via planetary gears and a first clutch gear, and a second clutch gear mounted on the second clutch shaft; and An output shaft, characterized in that the first clutch gear is mounted on the output shaft, and the output shaft further includes an output shaft gear mounted on the output shaft and meshing with the second clutch gear.

2. The multi-speed transmission according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first clutch engages only when the first prime mover is operating.

3. The multi-speed transmission according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second clutch engages when the first prime mover and the second prime mover are operating.

4. The multi-speed transmission according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the first prime mover and the second prime mover are electric motors.

5. The multi-speed transmission according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multi-speed transmission is a two-speed transmission.

6. The multi-speed transmission according to claim 1, characterized in that, The output shaft outputs directly to the differential of the front or rear axle.

7. A transmission system, comprising: A first input shaft and a second input shaft, the first input shaft and the second input shaft being connected to two motors; An output shaft, wherein the output shaft is equipped with an output shaft gear; Planetary gear set, the planetary gear set including multiple gears, a carrier, and planet shafts; and A first clutch and a second clutch are used to adjust the power flow to different ends of the output shaft. The first clutch transmits power from one gear of the planetary gear set to the output shaft, and the second clutch transmits power from the planetary shaft to the output shaft gear.

8. The transmission system according to claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes a controller that stores instructions that, when executed, enable the controller to engage a first clutch and disengage a second clutch as the vehicle, including the transmission system, moves from a standstill, wherein the instructions further cause the controller to operate only a first motor coupled to the first input shaft.

9. The transmission system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The instruction further causes the controller to engage the second clutch and disengage the first clutch when the vehicle is traveling at a threshold speed, wherein the instruction further enables the controller to operate the first motor coupled to the first input shaft and the second motor coupled to the second input shaft.

10. The transmission system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The transmission system is a multi-speed transmission system.

11. The transmission system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The output shaft is the only output end of the transmission system.

12. The transmission system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The clutches mentioned are wet clutches.

13. The transmission system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first clutch includes a first clutch gear that meshes with the gears of the planetary gear set, and the first clutch gear is arranged on the output shaft.

14. The transmission system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second clutch includes a second clutch gear disposed on a second clutch shaft, the second clutch shaft being directly coupled to the planetary shaft, and the second clutch gear being meshed with the output shaft gear.

15. The transmission system according to claim 7, characterized in that, When power is transmitted to the output shaft, only one of the first clutch and the second clutch is engaged.

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