Clutch system and electric vehicle

Abstract

According to the clutch system and the electric vehicle provided by the utility model, the clutch system is improved, so that the four-wheel drive function of the vehicle during reversing is realized. The clutch system comprises a forward clutch and a backward clutch, inner rings of the forward clutch and the backward clutch are in transmission connection with front wheels or rear wheels of the vehicle, outer rings of the forward clutch and the backward clutch are in transmission connection with an auxiliary driving motor of the vehicle, the forward clutch comprises a forward wedge block, and the backward clutch comprises a backward wedge block; when the vehicle is in a backward working condition, the outer ring rotates in the negative direction, and the forward wedge blocks are separated from the corresponding inner ring and outer ring so as to be in a separation position; the retreating wedge blocks abut against the corresponding inner ring and outer ring so as to be located at the locking position. When the vehicle is in a forward working condition, the outer ring rotates in the forward direction, and the forward wedge blocks abut against the corresponding inner ring and the outer ring so as to be in a locking position. By the adoption of the mode, four-wheel drive of the vehicle in the forward direction can be achieved, and four-wheel drive of the vehicle in the backward direction can also be achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of clutch technology, specifically to a clutch system and an electric vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] With increasing environmental awareness and adjustments to the energy structure, electric vehicles, as a pollution-free and zero-emission mode of transportation, are becoming increasingly widely used. Electric vehicles, with their high efficiency, energy saving, and environmental friendliness, have gained widespread attention and application globally. Especially in urban transportation and short-distance travel, electric vehicles have become the first choice for many consumers due to their convenience and economy.

[0003] In the development of electric vehicles, drive technology has always been a key research focus. Four-wheel independent drive (4WD) technology, with its simple vehicle structure, efficient transmission, and the ability to directly control each electric wheel in real-time using microcontroller technology to achieve differential steering and traction control, has become a unique direction in the development of electric vehicles. Four-wheel independent drive technology not only improves vehicle handling and stability but also effectively enhances energy efficiency and reduces energy loss.

[0004] However, in practical applications of electric vehicles, especially during reversing, traditional drive systems often struggle to meet the demands of independent four-wheel drive. When reversing, the vehicle needs all four wheels to rotate synchronously to ensure stability and safety. However, existing electric vehicle drive systems are often designed primarily for forward drive, and the four-wheel drive function during reversing has not been fully developed and utilized. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a clutch system and an electric vehicle, which, through improvements to the clutch system, enables the vehicle to perform four-wheel drive when reversing.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a clutch system, including a forward clutch and a reverse clutch. The inner rings of the forward clutch and the reverse clutch are connected to the front or rear wheels of the vehicle, and the outer rings are connected to the auxiliary drive motor of the vehicle. The forward clutch includes a forward wedge, and the reverse clutch includes a reverse wedge. When the vehicle is in reverse operation, the outer ring rotates in the negative direction, and the forward wedge disengages from the corresponding inner and outer rings to be in the disengaged position; the reverse wedge abuts against the corresponding inner and outer rings to be in the locked position. When the vehicle is in forward operation, the outer ring rotates in the positive direction, and the forward wedge abuts against the corresponding inner and outer rings to be in the locked position.

[0007] Using the method described in this application, the clutch system includes a forward clutch and a reverse clutch, which can achieve four-wheel drive not only when the vehicle is moving forward, but also when the vehicle is moving backward.

[0008] Optionally, in the forward operating condition, the forward clutch is configured such that when the vehicle speed is less than a first speed threshold, the forward clutch is in a locked position, and when the vehicle speed is greater than or equal to the first speed threshold, the forward clutch is in a disengaged position; the reverse clutch is configured such that when the vehicle speed is less than a second speed threshold, the reverse clutch is in a locked position, and when the vehicle speed is greater than or equal to the second speed threshold, the reverse clutch is in a disengaged position, wherein the first speed threshold is greater than the second speed threshold.

[0009] Therefore, without the need for an actuator, four-wheel drive can be achieved when the vehicle is reversing solely through the mechanical structure of the reverse clutch. At the same time, when the vehicle is moving forward, the reverse clutch automatically disengages when the vehicle speed is greater than or equal to the second speed threshold.

[0010] Optionally, the retracting clutch includes a retracting wedge having a rotation center, point C, located on the outer ring;

[0011] The line connecting point C and the center O2 of the reversing clutch is defined as the first reference line. The reversing wedge has a first position, and a first elastic element is connected to the first position to drive the reversing wedge to rotate in the negative direction. The center of mass of the reversing wedge and the first position are located on the same side of the first reference line, and both are located behind the positive direction of the first reference line. Therefore, without the need for an actuator, the reversing clutch can be automatically disengaged when the vehicle speed is greater than or equal to a second speed threshold while the vehicle is moving forward.

[0012] Optionally, the forward clutch includes a forward wedge block having a rotation center, point A, located on the outer ring; the line connecting point A and the center O1 of the forward clutch is defined as a second reference line; the forward wedge block has a second position, and a second elastic element is connected to the second position to drive the forward wedge block to rotate in the positive direction;

[0013] When the vehicle is in forward motion, the outer ring rotates in the positive direction of steering; the center of mass of the forward wedge and the second position are located on opposite sides of the second reference line, and in the positive direction of steering, the center of mass of the forward wedge is located in front of the second position. Therefore, without the need for an actuator, by improving the structure of the forward clutch, it is possible to achieve automatic disengagement of the forward clutch when the vehicle speed is greater than or equal to a first speed threshold in the forward motion state.

[0014] Optionally, the outer ring of the forward clutch and the outer ring of the reverse clutch are integrally formed, and the inner ring of the forward clutch and the inner ring of the reverse clutch are integrally formed. This allows the forward clutch and the reverse clutch to be integrated into one unit, improving the integration level of the clutch system and simplifying its structure.

[0015] Optionally, the forward clutch includes a forward retainer, and the reverse clutch includes a reverse retainer; the forward retainer and the reverse retainer are used to connect corresponding elastic elements, and the forward retainer and the reverse retainer are distributed axially along the inner ring and the outer ring. By axially arranging the retainers, two types of wedges are integrated in the same inner and outer rings.

[0016] Optionally, the outer ring and the inner ring are made of alloy steel. Alloy steel can increase the strength of the inner and outer rings, improving the durability of the clutch system.

[0017] Optionally, the system also includes a deep groove ball bearing, with both the inner and outer rings connected to the deep groove ball bearing. By incorporating the deep groove ball bearing, the clutch system's axial force carrying capacity is increased.

[0018] An electric vehicle includes the aforementioned clutch system, wherein the outer ring is drive-connected to an auxiliary drive motor of the vehicle, and the inner ring is drive-connected to either the front or rear wheel of the vehicle. Thus, the auxiliary drive motor can be engaged with the wheels in both forward and reverse driving conditions, achieving four-wheel drive functionality. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of this specification and, together with their description, serve to explain the principles of this specification.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the clutch system in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0021] Figure 2 One of the schematic diagrams of the forward clutch in a clutch system, showing the forward direction and the state of the forward clutch;

[0022] Figure 3 This is one of the schematic diagrams of the retractable clutch in a clutch system, showing the forward direction and the state of the retractable clutch;

[0023] Figure 4 One of the schematic diagrams of the forward clutch of a clutch system, showing the state of the forward clutch in the reverse direction;

[0024] Figure 5 This is one of the schematic diagrams of the retractable clutch in a clutch system, showing the retracting direction and the state of the retractable clutch.

[0025] Figure label:

[0026] 100-Clutch system;

[0027] 1-Forward clutch; 11-Forward wedge; 12-Second position; 13-First elastic element;

[0028] 2-Reverse clutch; 21-Reverse wedge; 22-First position; 23-Second elastic element;

[0029] 31 - Outer ring; 32 - Inner ring;

[0030] 4-Auxiliary drive motor;

[0031] 5-Auxiliary drive wheels;

[0032] 6-Intermediate shaft. Detailed Implementation

[0033] This utility model provides a clutch system and an electric vehicle. By improving the clutch system, the vehicle achieves four-wheel drive function when reversing.

[0034] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0035] Relational terms such as “first” and “second” are used merely to distinguish one component from another that has the same name, without necessarily requiring or implying any such actual relationship or order between the components.

[0036] like Figures 1-5 As shown, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the clutch system in an embodiment of this utility model; Figure 2 One of the schematic diagrams of the forward clutch in a clutch system, showing the forward direction and the state of the forward clutch; Figure 3 This is one of the schematic diagrams of the retractable clutch in a clutch system, showing the forward direction and the state of the retractable clutch; Figure 4 One of the schematic diagrams of the forward clutch of a clutch system, showing the state of the forward clutch in the reverse direction; Figure 5 This is one of the schematic diagrams of the retractable clutch in a clutch system, showing the retracting direction and the state of the retractable clutch.

[0037] As shown in the figure, the electric vehicle includes an auxiliary drive motor 4 and a main drive motor. The main drive motor is connected to the driving wheel (front or rear wheel). The auxiliary drive motor 4 and the auxiliary drive wheel 5 (front or rear wheel) transmit torque through the clutch system 100 described in this application. The clutch system 100 includes a forward clutch 1 and a reverse clutch 2. The inner rings 32 of the forward clutch 1 and the reverse clutch 2 are connected to the front or rear wheel of the vehicle, and the outer rings 31 are connected to the auxiliary drive motor 4 of the vehicle. The outer ring 31 has an annular structure, and the inner ring 32 is located inside the outer ring 31 and can be relatively... The outer ring 31 rotates, and the outer ring 31 is connected to the output end of the auxiliary drive motor 4 via a gear assembly. The inner ring 32 is connected to the auxiliary wheel (front or rear wheel) via a gear assembly. When the vehicle is in reverse, the outer ring 31 rotates in the negative direction; the forward clutch 1 is disengaged, and the reverse clutch 2 is locked. When the vehicle is in forward motion, the outer ring 31 rotates in the positive direction. The forward clutch 1 is configured such that when the vehicle speed is less than a first speed threshold, the forward clutch 1 is locked, and when the speed is greater than or equal to the first speed threshold, the forward clutch 1 is disengaged. The positive direction is, for example,... Figure 2 and Figure 3 The counter-clockwise rotation shown in the figure is the opposite of the positive rotation, and can be the clockwise rotation shown in the figure.

[0038] In a specific implementation, such as Figure 3 and Figure 5As shown, the retractable clutch 2 includes a retractable wedge 21, a first elastic element 13, and a first annular retainer (not shown in the figure). The first annular retainer is located radially between the inner ring 32 and the outer ring 31, and is used to fix and support the retractable wedge 21 and the first elastic element 13. The retractable wedge 21 has a rotation center, point C (here, for the sake of simplicity, the rotation center of the wedge is set as point C, which is an assumption made for the convenience of wedge parameter design). Point C is located on the outer ring 31. The retractable wedge 21 has a first position 22, and the first elastic element 13 is connected to the first position 22. The elastic element 13 is used to drive the retracting wedge 21 to rotate in the negative direction. In the example shown in the figure, the elastic force applied by the first elastic element 13 to the retracting wedge 21 points from the outer ring 31 to the side where the inner ring 32 is located. That is, under the action of the first elastic element 13, the retracting wedge 21 has a tendency to rotate in the negative direction, that is, a tendency to rotate clockwise in the figure. When the retracting clutch 2 is in the initial state, under the action of the first elastic element 13, the retracting wedge 21 rotates in the negative direction until it abuts against the outer ring 31 and the inner ring 32. It abuts against the outer ring 31 at point C, which is the rotation center of the retracting wedge, and abuts against the inner ring 32 at point D. The line connecting point C and the center O2 of the retractable clutch 2 is defined as the first reference line; the center O2 of the retractable clutch 2 is the center of the inner ring 32 and the outer ring 31, and the inner ring 32 and the outer ring 31 are concentrically arranged; the center of mass of the retractable wedge 21 and the first position 22 are located on the same side of the first reference line, and both are located on the rear side of the positive direction of the first reference line, or in other words, the center of mass P2 of the first position 22 and the retractable wedge 21 are located on the front side of the negative direction of the first reference line. When the wedge rotates clockwise, it rotates from the side where the first reference line is located to the side where the center of mass P2 and the first position 22 are located. In this embodiment, the center of mass is on the negative direction and is located between the retractable reference phase and the first position 22.

[0039] When the vehicle is reversing, the auxiliary drive motor 4 outputs negative torque, causing it to reverse direction. This reversal is relative to the normal operating direction of the auxiliary drive motor 4. When the motor rotates forward (the vehicle's normal forward direction), it is forward rotation; when it rotates backward (the vehicle is moving in the reverse direction), it is reverse rotation. At this time, the outer ring 31 of the reversing clutch 2 rotates clockwise under the drive of the auxiliary drive motor 4. Under the centrifugal force and elastic force acting on the reversing wedge 21, the reversing wedge 21 flips in the negative direction, wedging itself between the inner ring 32 and the outer ring 31, thus achieving torque transmission between the auxiliary drive motor 4 and the wheels. In this way, when the vehicle is reversing, the reversing clutch 2 engages, and the auxiliary drive motor 4 and the auxiliary drive wheels 5 achieve torque transmission, ensuring the vehicle's starting power. Especially when the main drive wheels slip during reversing, the auxiliary drive wheels 5 can output torque to help the main drive wheels get out of trouble.

[0040] In other implementations, such as Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the forward clutch 1 includes a forward wedge 11 with a rotation center, point A. The definition of point A is understood with reference to point C and will not be repeated here. Point A is located on the outer ring 31. The line connecting point A and the center O1 of the forward clutch 1 is defined as the second reference line. The definition of the center O1 is the same as that of the center O2 and will not be repeated here. The forward wedge 11 has a second position 12, and the second position 12 is connected to a second elastic element 23. The second elastic element 23 is used to drive the forward wedge 11 to rotate in the forward direction. In the example shown in the figure, the second elastic element 23 applies a spring force to the forward wedge 11. This spring force points from the side where the inner ring 32 is located to the side where the outer ring 31 is located. Under the action of the second elastic element 23, the forward wedge 11 can have a tendency to flip in the forward direction. Thus, in the initial state, the forward wedge 11 flips in the forward direction (counterclockwise in the figure) and abuts against the outer ring 31 at point A and against the inner ring 32 at point D.

[0041] When the vehicle is in forward motion, the outer ring 31 rotates in the positive direction; the center of mass P1 of the forward wedge 11 and the second position 12 are located on both sides of the second reference line, and in the positive direction, the center of mass P1 of the forward wedge 11 is located in front of the second position 12.

[0042] When the vehicle is moving forward, in the initial starting state, the forward wedge 11 flips in the positive direction and weds into the space between the inner ring 32 and the outer ring 31. As the vehicle speed gradually increases until it exceeds or equals a first speed threshold, the centrifugal force on the forward wedge 11 exceeds the elastic force of the second elastic element 23. At this point, the forward wedge 11 stops flipping in the positive direction and flips in the negative direction, thus disengaging the forward wedge 11 from the inner ring 32 and the outer ring 31. This disengagement is contingent on the vehicle speed exceeding or equal to the first speed threshold. Specifically, this can occur when the vehicle reaches a high speed. In this condition, to avoid iron losses caused by the back electromotive force of the auxiliary drive motor 4, the forward wedge 11 disconnects the auxiliary drive motor 4 from the auxiliary drive wheel 5. Those skilled in the art can adjust the range of the first speed threshold by adjusting the elastic force of the second elastic element 23. Therefore, without setting up an execution structure, by improving the structure of the forward clutch 1, it is possible to achieve automatic disengagement of the forward clutch 1 when the vehicle speed exceeds or equals the first speed threshold in the forward state.

[0043] The working state of the reverse clutch 2 under forward driving conditions is described below. Under forward driving conditions, including the starting state (the starting speed), the first speed threshold and the second speed threshold, the second speed threshold is less than the first speed threshold and greater than the vehicle speed in the starting state. For example, the second speed threshold is the vehicle's medium speed. When the vehicle is moving forward at medium speed, the forward clutch 1 is in the locked position. The state of the reverse clutch 2 is described below.

[0044] When the vehicle is in a starting state, such as when it is moving forward at a low speed, the outer ring 31 of the reverse clutch 2 rotates in the forward direction under the action of the auxiliary drive motor 4, that is, it rotates counterclockwise in the figure. When the centrifugal force on the reverse wedge 21 is less than the elastic force applied to it by the first elastic element 13, the reverse clutch 2 is in the locked position. That is, when the vehicle speed is greater than or equal to the starting speed and less than the second speed threshold, the reverse wedge 21 is still wedged between the inner ring 32 and the outer ring 31 under the action of the elastic force. As the vehicle speed gradually increases to be greater than or equal to the second speed threshold, the centrifugal force on the reverse wedge 21 gradually increases. When the centrifugal force on the wedge is greater than or equal to the elastic force applied to it by the first elastic element 13, the reverse wedge 21 flips in the forward direction to the disengaged position. In other words, in this embodiment, the reverse clutch 2 is configured such that, in forward operation, when the vehicle speed is less than a second speed threshold, the reverse clutch 2 is in a locked position, and when the vehicle speed is greater than or equal to the second speed threshold, the reverse clutch 2 is in a disengaged position, wherein the first speed threshold is greater than or equal to the second speed threshold. Therefore, without the need for an actuator, four-wheel drive can be achieved solely through the mechanical structure of the reverse clutch 2 when the vehicle is reversing. Simultaneously, it enables automatic disengagement of the reverse clutch 2 when the vehicle speed is greater than or equal to the second speed threshold while the vehicle is moving forward.

[0045] Optionally, the clutch system 100 also includes an intermediate shaft 6 directly or indirectly connected to the vehicle body, with the inner ring 32 of the clutch keyed to the intermediate shaft 6; the inner ring 32 of the retraction clutch 2 is also keyed to the intermediate shaft 6; of course, it can also be a sleeve or a press-fit connection, which can be selected by those skilled in the art.

[0046] In some alternative configurations, the outer ring 31 of the forward clutch 1 and the outer ring 31 of the reverse clutch 2 are integrally formed, and the inner ring 32 of the forward clutch 1 and the inner ring 32 of the reverse clutch 2 are integrally formed. This allows the forward clutch 1 and the reverse clutch 2 to be integrated into one unit, improving the integration of the clutch system 100 and simplifying its structure.

[0047] Multiple forward wedges 11 are evenly distributed circumferentially along the outer ring 31 and inner ring 32; multiple backward wedges 21 are evenly distributed circumferentially along the outer ring 31 and inner ring 32; the forward clutch 1 includes a forward retainer, and the backward clutch 2 includes a backward retainer; the forward retainer and the backward retainer are used to connect corresponding elastic elements, and the forward retainer and the backward retainer are axially distributed along the inner ring 32 and outer ring 31. The forward wedges 11 are connected to the forward retainer, and the backward wedges 21 are connected to the backward retainer. By axially arranging the retainers, two types of wedges are integrated in the same inner ring 32 and outer ring 31.

[0048] Meanwhile, to increase the durability of the outer ring 31 and the inner ring 32, the outer ring 31 and the inner ring 32 are made of alloy steel; in addition, to increase the clutch's ability to bear axial force, the inner ring 32 is connected to a deep groove ball bearing, and the outer ring 31 is also connected to a deep groove ball bearing.

[0049] It is understandable that in the above implementation method, a mechanical structure is used to switch the forward clutch 1 and the reverse clutch 2 between the locked position and the disengaged position. In addition to this method, an actuator can also be set up. The actuator is connected to the vehicle's central control system signal and controls the forward clutch 1 and the reverse clutch 2 to switch between the locked position and the disengaged position through the central control system.

[0050] In another aspect of this application, an electric vehicle is also provided, which includes the aforementioned clutch system 100, with the outer ring 31 connected to the vehicle's auxiliary drive motor 4 and the inner ring 32 connected to the vehicle's front or rear wheels. Thus, the auxiliary drive motor 4 can be engaged with the wheels in both forward and reverse driving conditions, achieving four-wheel drive functionality.

[0051] The clutch system 100 provided by this utility model has been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principle and implementation of this utility model. The descriptions of the embodiments above are only for the purpose of helping to understand the core idea of ​​this utility model. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several improvements and modifications to this utility model without departing from the principle of this utility model, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.

Claims

1. A clutch system, characterized in that, It includes a forward clutch (1) and a reverse clutch (2). The inner ring (32) of the forward clutch (1) and the reverse clutch (2) are connected to the front wheel or the rear wheel of the vehicle, and the outer ring (31) is connected to the auxiliary drive motor (4) of the vehicle. The forward clutch (1) includes a forward wedge (11), and the reverse clutch (2) includes a reverse wedge (21). When the vehicle is in reverse, the outer ring (31) rotates in the negative direction, and the forward wedge (11) disengages from the corresponding inner ring (32) and outer ring (31) to be in the disengaged position; the reverse wedge (21) abuts against the corresponding inner ring (32) and outer ring (31) to be in the locked position. When the vehicle is in forward motion, the outer ring (31) rotates in the positive direction and the forward wedge (11) is in a locked position, abutting against the corresponding inner ring (32) and the outer ring (31).

2. The clutch system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The retracting wedge (21) has a rotation center, point C; point C is located on the outer ring (31). The line connecting point C and the center O2 of the retracting clutch (2) is defined as the first reference line; the retracting wedge (21) has a first position (22), the first position (22) is connected to a first elastic element (13), the first elastic element (13) is used to drive the retracting wedge (21) to flip in the negative direction; the center of mass (P2) of the retracting wedge (21) and the first position (22) are located on the same side of the first reference line, and both are located on the rear side of the positive direction of the first reference line.

3. The clutch system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The forward wedge (11) has a rotation center, point A, which is located on the outer ring (31); the line connecting point A and the center O1 of the forward clutch (1) is defined as the second reference line; the forward wedge (11) has a second position (12), and the second position (12) is connected to a second elastic element (23), which is used to drive the forward wedge (11) to rotate in the positive direction; When the vehicle is in forward motion, the outer ring (31) rotates in the positive direction; the center of mass (P1) of the forward wedge (11) and the second position (12) are located on both sides of the second reference line, and in the positive direction, the center of mass (P1) of the forward wedge (11) is located in front of the second position (12).

4. The clutch system according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, In the forward operating condition, the forward clutch (1) is configured such that when the vehicle speed is less than a first speed threshold, the forward clutch (1) is in the locked position, and when the vehicle speed is greater than or equal to the first speed threshold, the forward clutch (1) is in the disengaged position. The reversing clutch (2) is configured such that when the vehicle speed is less than a second speed threshold, the reversing clutch (2) is in a locked position, and when the vehicle speed is greater than or equal to the second speed threshold, the reversing clutch (2) is in a disengaged position, wherein the first speed threshold is greater than the second speed threshold.

5. The clutch system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The outer ring (31) of the forward clutch (1) and the outer ring (31) of the reverse clutch (2) are integral structures, and the inner ring (32) of the forward clutch (1) and the inner ring (32) of the reverse clutch (2) are integral structures.

6. The clutch system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The forward clutch (1) includes a forward retainer, and the reverse clutch (2) includes a reverse retainer; The forward retainer and the backward retainer are used to connect corresponding elastic elements, and the forward retainer and the backward retainer are distributed along the axial direction of the inner ring (32) and the outer ring (31).

7. The clutch system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The outer ring (31) and the inner ring (32) are made of alloy steel.

8. The clutch system according to claim 4, characterized in that, It also includes deep groove ball bearings, with the inner ring (32) and the outer ring (31) both connected to the deep groove ball bearings.

9. An electric vehicle, characterized in that, The clutch system includes any one of claims 1-8, wherein the outer ring (31) is drive-connected to the auxiliary drive motor (4) of the vehicle, and the inner ring (32) is drive-connected to the front wheel or the rear wheel of the vehicle.

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