Actuation device for transmission system

Abstract

Title of the invention: Actuation device for a transmission system. The present invention relates to an actuation device (30) for a transmission system (1), comprising: - an electric motor (31) adapted to be fixed to an actuation housing; - a speed reduction device (40) kinematically linked to the rotor of the electric motor and an output shaft (41) of the speed reduction device having a first axis of rotation (X1); - an actuating fork (50) rotationally fixed to the output shaft of the speed reduction device and comprising an actuating end (51) radially offset with respect to the first axis of rotation (X1), the actuating fork being adapted to pivot about a first angular sector (α1) in the actuation housing. Abstract figure: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Actuation device for a transmission system

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of actuation devices for transmission systems.

[0002] The actuation device is, for example, inserted into a speed reducer transmission system comprising, at its output, a differential designed to transmit and distribute torque from a rotating electric machine to two wheel shafts of a motor vehicle axle. The differential may contain a disconnecting device interposed between the speed reducer output and the vehicle wheel to disengage the transmission system from the vehicle wheels. This disconnection can be beneficial in terms of energy efficiency when it is not necessary to supply torque to the vehicle wheels.

[0003] Document WO21115374 A1 discloses a differential transmission system comprising a differential housing that rotates about a first axis and is equipped with a gear driven by a vehicle engine. Inside the housing are housed a ring gear that rotates within the housing, two satellite gears that rotate on the ring gear about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, and two planetary gears that mesh with each of the two satellite gears and are each rotationally fixed to a wheel shaft. When used on a motor vehicle, the differential transmission system allows the drive wheels to rotate at different speeds when cornering: the wheels on the outside of the turn rotate faster than those on the inside.

[0004] Furthermore, the differential includes a disconnect device that allows either the differential housing to be coupled to the ring gear to enable the transmission and distribution of engine torque to the two axle shafts, or it can be disconnected to interrupt the torque transmission between the engine and the axle shafts. The disconnect device is actuated by an actuation fork controlled by an electric motor; the electric motor generates an axial displacement of the fork in a direction parallel to the first axis of the differential housing. The disconnect device is a dog clutch type. Such a disconnect device is not entirely satisfactory because the speed of movement of the end of the actuation fork is slow. The actuation time to reach the two coupled and disengaged positions of the disconnect device is long. Moreover, the transformation of the The rotational movement of the electric motor into the axial movement of the fork requires the use of a ball screw, which is an extremely expensive mechanical device to ensure reliable operation throughout the vehicle's lifespan. Furthermore, assembling such a disconnecting device onto a transmission system differential can be complex.

[0005] The present invention aims to overcome these drawbacks by proposing an actuation device having a reduced actuation time to reach the two coupled and uncoupled positions of the disconnecting device and whose assembly on the transmission system is facilitated.

[0006] The main object of the present invention is therefore an actuation device for a transmission system, comprising:

[0007] - an electric motor suitable for being attached to an actuation housing;

[0008] - a speed reduction device kinematically linked to the motor rotor electrical and an output shaft of the speed reduction device having a first axis of rotation;

[0009] - an actuating fork fixed in rotation to the output shaft of the speed reduction device comprising an actuating end radially offset with respect to the first axis of rotation, the actuating fork being able to pivot along a first angular sector within the actuating housing,

[0010] in which the actuating fork is able to take an extreme angular mounting position corresponding to one of the terminals of the first angular sector and in which the actuating fork is able to take an operating angular position distinct from the extreme angular mounting position, the operating angular position being able to vary in a second angular sector included in the first angular sector.

[0011] Thanks to the radial offset of the actuating end relative to the first axis of rotation, despite a reduced angular travel of the actuating fork in the second angular sector, it is possible to have a large axial travel of the actuating end of the fork. The lever arm thus created increases the speed of movement of the actuating fork end, which in turn reduces the actuation time of the disconnecting device.

[0012] The angle value of the first angular sector can be between 5° and 120°.

[0013] The angle value of the second angular sector can be between 1° and 30°.

[0014] Preferably, the extreme angular mounting position of the actuating fork can be achieved by mechanically abutting the actuating housing and a component selected from the actuating fork, the speed reduction device, or the output shaft. The positioning accuracy the actuation fork during the assembly phase on the transmission system is thus improved.

[0015] Advantageously, the actuating fork may comprise a body and at least one actuating arm supporting the actuating end, in particular two actuating arms, at least one actuating arm being made of the same material as the body of the fork.

[0016] Advantageously, the actuation end can be a pad articulated at the end of the actuation arm or a ball bearing whose non-rotating ring is fixed on the actuation arm.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the extreme angular mounting position of the actuating fork can be achieved by mechanically abutting the actuating housing and a protrusion formed on the actuating fork. In this way, the positioning accuracy of the actuating fork during the mounting phase on the transmission system is further improved.

[0018] Preferably, the actuation fork may include a body and at least one actuation arm supporting the actuation end, in particular two actuation arms, the protrusion and at least one actuation arm are angularly offset with respect to the first axis of rotation.

[0019] According to one example, at least one actuating arm and the protrusion are offset by an angle of 180° with respect to the first axis of rotation.

[0020] According to another example, at least one actuating arm and the protrusion are offset by an angle of 120° with respect to the first axis of rotation.

[0021] Advantageously, the protrusion of the actuation fork is able to bear against a flat face of the actuation housing.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the extreme angular mounting position of the actuating fork is able to be obtained by mechanically butting the actuating housing and an outgrowth formed on one of the pinions or toothed sector of the speed reduction device.

[0023] Preferably, the pinion supporting the protrusion comprises teeth extending over a third angular sector between 20° and 150°.

[0024] Advantageously, the pinion protrusion is able to bear against a flat face of the actuation housing.

[0025] According to another embodiment of the invention, the extreme angular mounting position of the actuating fork is able to be obtained by a mechanical stop of the actuating housing and of a pin fitted into the output shaft, the fitting being perpendicular to the first axis of rotation.

[0026] Advantageously, the fitted pin is able to bear against a flat face of the actuating housing.

[0027] The invention also relates, according to another of its aspects, to an actuation module comprising an actuation housing and an actuation device incorporating all or part of the characteristics mentioned above, the actuation housing and the actuation device are pre-assembled to form a unit assembly, and in which the actuation end of the actuation fork is prominent relative to the actuation housing.

[0028] This actuation module, according to the invention, has the advantage, thanks to its pre-assembly to form a unit, of eliminating an additional assembly step during the factory assembly of the transmission system, thus preventing disruption to the vehicle manufacturer's production line. The actuation module can be functionally tested at the module manufacturer's facility rather than at the vehicle manufacturer's facility.

[0029] The fact that the actuation end of the actuation fork protrudes prominently from the actuation housing makes it possible to consider mounting the actuation module with little or no visibility into the inside of the transmission housing.

[0030] Advantageously, a removable locking element can be inserted into an opening in the actuating housing and lock the actuating fork in the extreme angular mounting position until assembly onto the transmission system. After assembly, the locking element is removed from the actuating housing to release the actuating fork.

[0031] The actuation module according to the invention may have one or more of the characteristics described below, either combined or taken independently of each other:

[0032] - the actuation housing includes a flat face arranged to be in contact with a component selected from the actuation fork, the speed reduction device or the output shaft when the actuation fork is in the extreme angular mounting position;

[0033] - the flat face of the actuation housing is either as cast or machined;

[0034] - the actuation housing comprises a base and two parallel walls originating from material with the base, the two walls serving as support for the output shaft;

[0035] - the actuation housing supports a fork position sensor actuation, the detection face of the position sensor being arranged opposite at least one actuation arm of the actuation fork;

[0036] - the electric motor is attached to an external wall of the actuation housing;

[0037] - the electric motor is housed in the internal volume of the drive housing;

[0038] - the flat face in contact with the protrusion is disposed in the bottom of the housing;

[0039] - the flat face in contact with the protrusion is arranged on one of the edges of the housing;

[0040] - The actuation housing includes a mounting base and the end The actuation fork protrudes from the mounting base of the actuation housing.

[0041] The invention also relates, according to another aspect, to a transmission system comprising:

[0042] - a transmission housing;

[0043] - a transmission shaft comprising a disconnection device for the torque transmission, the transmission shaft is inserted into a bore in the transmission housing;

[0044] - an actuation module incorporating all or part of the aforementioned characteristics previously, in which the actuation fork passes through a light made in the transmission housing and the actuation end fits into an annular groove of the disconnecting device.

[0045] This transmission system ensures that the actuating fork is correctly positioned relative to the transmission shaft disconnecting device at the end of assembly, despite low or no visibility into the inside of the transmission housing.

[0046] Preferably, the transmission shaft is a differential comprising a differential housing supporting a toothed wheel and a carrier ring, the housing and the carrier ring being movable in rotation relative to each other around a principal axis X, the housing being intended to be driven by a rotating electrical machine and the carrier ring being intended to drive at least one wheel shaft of the motorized vehicle.

[0047] Advantageously, the disconnecting device comprises a first coupling part rotationally fixed to the housing and a second coupling part rotationally fixed to the carrier ring, the first coupling part being axially movable relative to the housing between a coupled position in which the first coupling part is coupled with the carrier ring to transmit a torque between the housing and the carrier ring and an uncoupled position in which the first coupling part and the second coupling part are uncoupled from each other, and in which the first coupling part supports an axial slider of annular shape which includes the annular groove of the disconnecting device.

[0048] Preferably, the actuation end can be inserted into an annular groove of the disconnecting device, more precisely into an annular groove formed in an axial slider which is reported on the first coupling part.

[0049] Advantageously, the axial slider may have a shape of revolution and include a support rim and a docking rim, said support rim and said docking rim surrounding the annular groove.

[0050] Preferably, the outer diameter of the docking flange may be greater than the outer diameter of the support flange. This difference in diameter ensures that the actuating fork is correctly positioned relative to the drive shaft disconnection device at the end of assembly, despite limited or no visibility of the inside of the transmission housing.

[0051] The invention also relates, according to another aspect, to a method for assembling a transmission system incorporating all or part of the characteristics mentioned above, comprising the following steps:

[0052] - the transmission shaft is inserted into a bore of the transmission housing until the axial thrust of the transmission shaft on the transmission housing along the direction of the main X axis of the bore;

[0053] - the actuation fork is inserted into the opening of the housing transmission and one actuation end of the actuation fork is applied in the annular groove of the disconnecting device;

[0054] - the actuation device is brought closer in a direction perpendicular to the main X axis of the transmission housing bore until the actuation housing of the actuation module is supported on the transmission housing;

[0055] - the actuation module is fixed to the transmission housing with screws fastening.

[0056] This assembly method makes it possible, in particular thanks to the prominence of the actuating end of the actuating fork relative to the actuating housing, to assemble the actuating module on the transmission system despite the low or total absence of visibility on the inside of the transmission housing.

[0057] Also, the assembly of the actuation module can be done independently of the rest of the transmission system components, which can facilitate maintenance in the event of failure of the electric motor or the position sensor of the actuation module.

[0058] The invention also relates, according to another aspect, to a transmission system comprising:

[0059] - a transmission housing;

[0060] - a transmission shaft comprising a disconnection device for the torque transmission, the transmission shaft is inserted into a bore in the transmission housing;

[0061] - an actuation device incorporating all or part of the characteristics mentioned previously, in which the actuation fork is housed in the transmission housing and the actuation fork fit into an annular groove of the disconnecting device;

[0062] the transmission housing acts as an actuation housing,

[0063] The transmission housing and the actuation device are pre-assembled to form a unit assembly.

[0064] This transmission system ensures that the actuating fork is correctly positioned relative to the transmission shaft disconnect device at the end of assembly, despite the complete lack of visibility into the inside of the transmission housing. Thanks to this transmission system architecture, in which the transmission housing directly acts as the actuating housing, it is possible to blindly engage the actuating end of the fork in the annular groove of the disconnect device while the transmission shaft is moved along the main X axis of the bore.

[0065] The invention also relates, according to another aspect, to a transmission system comprising:

[0066] - a transmission casing;

[0067] - a drive shaft comprising a first external spline, the drive shaft being inserted into a bore in the transmission housing;

[0068] - a coaxial transmission driven shaft to the driving shaft comprising a second external groove;

[0069] - an axial slider concentric to the driven and driving shafts having a shape of revolution, the axial slider comprising at least a first internal connecting spline arranged to drive the driving shaft in rotation and a second internal connecting spline arranged to drive the driven shaft in rotation, the first and second internal splines being engaged respectively in the first external spline of the driving shaft and the second external spline of the driven shaft when the axial slider is in an extreme coupling position;

[0070] - an actuation module incorporating all or part of the aforementioned characteristics previously, in which the actuation fork passes through a light made in the transmission housing and the actuation fork fits into an annular groove of the axial slider.

[0071] This transmission system architecture is compact and suitable for integration within an electric vehicle speed reducer to disconnect the torque transmission from the driving shaft, for example the output shaft of a speed reducer, to the driven shaft, for example the wheel of a vehicle. When the reversible electric machine associated with the speed reducer is inactive, there is no advantage to leaving said machine connected to the vehicle wheel.

[0072] This transmission system ensures that the actuating fork is correctly positioned relative to the axial slider at the end of assembly despite the low or total absence of visibility on the inside of the transmission housing.

[0073] Advantageously, the second internal spline for connecting the axial slider can be made in the form of a series of internal splines spaced axially at a regular pitch, for example five internal splines spaced axially at a pitch between 3 and 15 mm.

[0074] Preferably, the second internal spline can be disengaged from the second external spline of the driven shaft when the axial slider is in another extreme disengagement position.

[0075] The invention also relates to a hybrid or electric motor vehicle comprising a transmission system as previously mentioned.

[0076] Other features, details and advantages of the invention will become clearer upon reading the following description on the one hand, and the illustrative and non-limiting examples of embodiments given with reference to the accompanying drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0077] [Fig-1] is an isometric view of a module equipped with its actuation device according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0078] [Fig.2] is a cross-sectional view showing the assembly of the actuation module according to the first embodiment of [Fig.1] on a transmission system;

[0079] [Fig.3] is a perspective view showing the assembly of the actuation module according to the first embodiment of [Fig.1] on a transmission system;

[0080] [Fig.4] is a cross-sectional view showing the actuation module according to the first embodiment of [Fig.1] assembled on the transmission system;

[0081] [Fig.5] is an exploded perspective view of a disconnection device included in the transmission system of the [Fig.2];

[0082] [Fig.6] is a cross-sectional view of an actuation module equipped with its actuation device according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[0083] [Fig.7] is a cross-sectional view of an actuation module equipped with its actuation device according to a third embodiment of the invention;

[0084] [Fig.8] is a perspective view of an actuation module equipped with its actuation device according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;

[0085] [Fig.9] is a cross-sectional view showing a transmission system and an actuation device according to a fifth embodiment of the invention.

[0086] The features, variants and different embodiments of the invention can be combined with each other in various combinations, provided that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive.

[0087] In the figures, the elements common to several figures retain the same reference.

[0088] In the description and claims, the terms "external" and "internal" and the orientations "axial" and "radial" shall be used to designate, according to the definitions given in the description, elements of the transmission system. By convention, the "radial" orientation is directed orthogonally to the principal axis X of rotation of the transmission system determining the "axial" orientation, and, from the inside out and away from said axis, the "circumferential" orientation is directed orthogonally to the principal axis X and orthogonally to the radial direction.

[0089] Figures 1 to 5 illustrate a transmission system 1, of the speed reducer type, comprising an actuation module and an actuation device according to a first embodiment. Such a transmission system can, for example, be part of a secondary transmission chain capable of transmitting torque from a secondary motor of the vehicle, such as a rotating electric machine, to a rear or front axle of a vehicle, while a primary transmission chain is capable of transmitting torque from a main motor, for example a heat engine, to the wheel shafts of another axle of the vehicle.

[0090] The speed reducer can use a coaxial architecture comprising an epicyclic gear train or a parallel shaft architecture. At the output of the speed reducer, the transmission shaft is a differential used to transmit and distribute torque from a rotating electrical machine (not shown) to two wheel shafts 2, 3 of a motor vehicle axle. When the rotating electrical machine associated with the speed reducer is inactive, there is no advantage to leaving it connected to the vehicle wheel. A disconnect device 110, which is, for example, integrated into the differential, is then disengaged.

[0091] As illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, the transmission system 1 according to the first embodiment comprises a transmission housing 5 and at least one transmission shaft 100 inserted into a bore 6 of the transmission housing.

[0092] The transmission shaft made in the form of a differential 100 comprises a first element 104, movable in rotation about a main axis X, and intended to be driven by a motor, such as an electric machine not shown, a second element 105, also movable in rotation about the main axis X and intended to drive the wheel shafts 2, 3, and a disconnecting device 110 capable of selectively coupling or uncoupling the first element 104 and the second element 105.

[0093] The first element 104 comprises a toothed wheel 107 which is intended to be driven by the electric machine via a reduction gear train (not shown). This first element 104 also comprises a housing 108 which is fixed in rotation to the toothed wheel 107. The housing 108 is illustrated here as a single piece, but could be composed of several pieces fixed together.

[0094] The second element 105 comprises an annular-shaped carrier ring 113 which is guided in rotation about the principal axis X within the housing 108. To achieve this, the housing 108 has an internal cylindrical portion cooperating with an external cylindrical surface of the carrier ring 113 in order to guide its rotation relative to the housing 108. The second element 105 further comprises four satellite gears 114, visible in [Fig. 4], which are rotatably mounted on the carrier ring 113 about a secondary axis Z, perpendicular to the principal axis X. Each of the four satellite gears 114 has a bevel gear that meshes with a complementary bevel gear of two planetary gears 116, 117. The two planetary gears 116, 117 are rotatably free to rotate about the principal axis X and are each rotationally fixed. of one of the two wheel axles 2, 3.The crown gear 113, the satellite gears 114 and the planetary gears 116, 117 form a differential 100 allowing the two wheel shafts 2, 3 to rotate at different speeds.

[0095] Furthermore, the differential 100 includes a disconnecting device 110 which, in the coupled position, allows a torque to be transmitted between the first element 104 and one of the components of the second element 105, here the carrier ring 113. Thus, the transmission system allows, when the disconnecting device 110 is in the coupled position, the transmission of torque from the motor to the wheel shafts 2, 3 by exercising the function of a differential allowing different rotational speeds of the wheel shafts 2, 3.

[0096] The disconnecting device 110 is actuated by means of an actuation device 30 to quickly switch from the coupled position to the disengaged position. In this first embodiment, the actuation device 30 is external to the differential 100 and, for ease of assembly, is attached to an actuation module 20. The actuation module 20 includes, in particular, an actuation housing 21 and the actuation device 30, the actuation housing and the actuation device being pre-assembled to form a single unit.

[0097] As illustrated in [Fig. 5], the disconnecting device 110 comprises a first coupling portion 118 which is rotationally fixed to the housing 108 while being axially movable along the principal axis X relative to said housing 108. The first coupling portion 118 is movable between an uncoupled position, shown in [Fig. 4], and a coupled position. In the uncoupled position, the first coupling portion 118 is uncoupled from a second coupling portion 119 which is rotationally fixed to the carrier ring 113, so that the torque transmission between the housing 18 and the carrier ring 113 is interrupted. On the contrary, in the coupled position, the first coupling part 118 is coupled to the second coupling part 119, which allows the transmission of torque between the housing 108 and the carrier ring 113.

[0098] In the illustrated embodiment, the disconnecting device 110 is a dog clutch device. Thus, one of the first and second coupling parts 118, 119 has teeth, while the other has corresponding grooves in which said teeth are engaged when the first coupling part 118 is in the coupled position. In the illustrated embodiment, the second coupling part 119 is formed as a single piece with the carrier ring 113. In other words, teeth or grooves are provided in the lateral face of the carrier ring 113, which is oriented with respect to the first coupling part 118.

[0099] As shown in [Fig. 5], the first coupling part 118 is an annular component comprising:

[0100] - a first toothing 118a oriented radially with respect to the principal axis X which is arranged to mesh with the first element 104, and;

[0101] - a second axially oriented toothing 118b which is arranged to mesh with the second part of coupling 119,

[0102] the first radially oriented tooth and the second axially oriented tooth forming the annular part of the component. This allows the first coupling part 118 to be rotationally fixed to the housing 108 while allowing relative axial movement between the first coupling part 118 and the housing 108.

[0103] The housing 108 forms a cavity 108b arranged to receive a gear train and supports on its outer periphery 108a the torque transmission gear 107. At the entrance of the cavity 108b, the housing 108 supports an internal spline 108c arranged to mesh with the first radially oriented toothed portion 118a of the first coupling part 118. The internal spline 108c is, for example, a straight spline with a geometry complementary to the geometry of the first radially oriented toothed portion 118a. Alternatively, the internal spline 108c may be a series of recesses suitable for receiving the first radially oriented toothed portion 118a.

[0104] Complementarily, the second coupling part 119 has an axially oriented complementary toothing 119a arranged to mesh with the axially oriented second toothing 118b of the first coupling part 118 when the first coupling part 118 is in the coupled position. The axially oriented complementary toothing 119a is, for example, a series of grooves having a geometry complementary to the geometry of the axially oriented second toothing 18a. The axially oriented complementary toothing 119a may include teeth or grooves formed on the lateral face of the bearing crown 113 perpendicular to the main axis X.

[0105] In this first embodiment of the invention, the first radially oriented gear 118a and the second axially oriented gear 118b are contiguous. Since the first gear 118a and the second gear 118b have the same number of teeth, it is possible for the teeth of the first radially oriented gear 118a to be aligned with the teeth of the second axially oriented gear 118b, so that the root of the first gear communicates directly with the root of the second gear. This facilitates the machining of the gears.

[0106] As we have seen previously, the transmission system 1 includes an actuation device 30 for the disconnecting device 110, illustrated in more detail in [Fig.1], allowing axial movement of the first coupling part 118.

[0107] The actuation device 30 comprises:

[0108] - an electric motor 31 fixed to the drive housing 21;

[0109] - a speed reduction device 40 kinematically linked to the motor rotor electrical 31 and an output shaft 41 of the speed reduction device having a first axis of rotation XI;

[0110] - an actuating fork 50 fixed in rotation to the output shaft 41 of the speed reduction device comprising an actuation end 51 radially offset with respect to the first axis of rotation XL

[0111] The actuation fork 50 pivots along a first angular sector al in the actuation housing 21. The angle value of the first angular sector al is between 5° and 120°.

[0112] This first angular sector al allows the actuation fork 50 to take all the necessary positions, from the assembly phase of the actuation module 20 on the transmission housing to the operating phases where the disconnecting device 110 is in the coupled or uncoupled position.

[0113] The actuation housing 21 comprises a base 22 and two parallel walls 23 made of the same material as the base, the two walls 23 serve as a support for the output shaft 41 of the speed reduction device 40. The electric motor 31 is attached to the external wall 24 of the actuation housing 21.

[0114] The actuation housing 21 also includes a mounting base 28 and the actuation end 51 of the actuation fork protrudes from the mounting base 28 of the actuation housing.

[0115] The actuating fork 50 comprises a body 53 and two actuating arms 52 supporting the actuating end 51, the two actuating arms 52 being formed from material with the body of the fork. The body 53 is housed in the actuation housing 21 while the two actuation arms 52 protrude from the actuation housing 21.

[0116] The actuation end 51 is in this first embodiment a pad articulated at the end of the actuation arm 52. The end 51 is inserted into an annular groove 121 of the disconnecting device, more precisely into an annular groove 121 formed in an axial slider 120 which is attached to the first coupling part 118.

[0117] The axial slider 120 acts as an interface between the actuating fork 50 and the disconnecting device 110. The axial slider 120 has a shape of revolution and includes a bearing rim 122 and a landing rim 123. The bearing rim 122 and the landing rim 123 surround the annular groove 121. The outside diameter of the landing rim 123 is greater than the outside diameter of the bearing rim 122.

[0118] The axial slider 120 is fixed to the first coupling part 118 using fixing screws.

[0119] As illustrated in [Fig. 5], a differential cover 109 is axially interposed between the axial slider 120 and the first coupling part 118. The differential cover 109 is integral with the differential housing 108. The motor torque from the gear 107 is transmitted to the first coupling part 118 via spacers that pass through the differential cover 109. A relative axial movement is possible between the axial slider 120 and the differential cover 109.

[0120] In order to allow axial movement of the first coupling part 118 of the disconnecting device 110, the actuating fork 50 moves angularly along a second angular sector a2. In the coupled position, the actuating end 51 rests on the docking rim 123. In the uncoupled position, the actuating end 51 rests on the support rim 122.

[0121] The operating angular position varies according to an angle value of the second angular sector a2, which is, for example, between 1° and 30°. The second angular sector a2 is notably included within the first angular sector al. The angle value of the second angular sector a2 is therefore strictly less than the angle value of the first angular sector al, so that the operating angular position is distinct from the extreme mounting angular position. This allows for consideration of all the dimensional tolerances of the components constituting the transmission system and the actuation module.

[0122] In order to control the angular position of the fork, the actuation module 20 incorporates a position sensor 25. The actuation housing 21 supports the sensor position 25 of the actuating fork and the sensing face 25a of the position sensor are arranged opposite one of the two actuating arms 52

[0123] Figure 2 illustrates the assembly phase of the actuation module 20 on the transmission system. The actuation module is attached to the outside of the transmission housing 5 and the actuation end 51 of the actuation fork is prominent relative to the actuation housing 21. The two actuation arms 52 which protrude from the actuation housing 21 can be inserted into a slot 7 in the transmission housing.

[0124] In this assembly phase, the actuating fork first takes an extreme angular mounting position corresponding to one of the terminals of the first angular sector al.

[0125] The assembly process then comprises the following steps:

[0126] - first, the transmission shaft 100 is inserted into a bore 6 of the housing of transmission 5 until the axial stop of the transmission shaft on the transmission housing according to the direction of the main axis X of the bore;

[0127] - the actuation fork 50 is inserted into the opening 7 of the housing transmission 5 and one actuating end 51 of the actuating fork is applied in the annular groove 121 of the disconnecting device;

[0128] - the actuation device 30 is brought closer in a direction perpendicular to the main axis X of the bore 6 of the transmission housing until the actuation housing of the actuation module is supported on the transmission housing;

[0129] - the module is fixed to the transmission casing with fixing screws.

[0130] To ensure the correct positioning of the actuating arms at the beginning of the assembly phase, the extreme angular mounting position of the actuating fork is achieved by mechanically abutting the actuating housing and a protrusion 35 formed on the actuating fork. The protrusion 35 of the actuating fork bears against a machined flat face 23 of the actuating housing. This bearing against the flat face 23 forms one of the limits of the first angular sector a1a.

[0131] To ensure that the extreme angular mounting position is maintained, the action of gravity G is used by placing the protrusion on the correct side of the first axis of rotation XL. The weight of the actuating fork is such that the protrusion 35 remains in contact with the flat face 23. Gravity G facilitates the assembly of the actuating module since the differential would be positioned vertically in the transmission housing, and the second axially oriented tooth 118b of the first coupling part 118 engages with the complementary tooth 119a of the second coupling part 119 by its own weight.

[0132] When the actuation device 30 is brought closer in the direction perpendicular to the main axis X, the actuation end 51 quickly comes into contact with the docking rim 123. The docking rim 123 then serves as a flat guiding surface for the actuation module until the mounting base 28 of the actuation housing 21 comes into contact with the transmission housing 5.

[0133] The protrusion 35 and the actuating arms 52 are angularly offset with respect to the first axis of rotation. According to the first embodiment, the actuating arms 52 and the protrusion 35 are offset by an angle of 120° with respect to the first axis of rotation.

[0134] During the step of bringing the actuation device closer along a direction perpendicular to the main axis X, the angular position of the fork changes until it reaches an operating angular position distinct from the extreme mounting angular position. The operating angular position is reached when the actuation housing 21 is supported on the transmission housing 5 and is secured with fixing screws as illustrated in [Fig. 4].

[0135] The angular operating position varies in the second angular sector a2.

[0136] When the actuation fork is located in the second angular sector a2, the protrusion 35 is no longer in contact with the actuation housing 21.

[0137] We will now describe, with reference to [Fig.6], a second embodiment of the invention, which differs from the previous one by a different arrangement of the mechanical stop between the actuation housing 21 and a component of the actuation device 30.

[0138] In this second embodiment of the invention, the extreme angular mounting position of the actuating fork is obtained by mechanically butting the actuating housing 21 and an outgrowth 45 formed on one of the pinions or toothed sector of the speed reduction device.

[0139] The pinion 41 and the toothed sector 42 mesh together to reduce the rotational speed of the electric motor.

[0140] In this example, the toothed sector 42 which supports the projection 45 comprises teeth extending over a third angular sector a3 between 20° and 150°. The projection 45 of the toothed sector 42 bears against a flat face 23 of the actuating housing 21.

[0141] We will now describe, with reference to [Fig.7], a third embodiment of the invention, which differs from the previous one by a different arrangement of the mechanical stop between the actuation housing 21 and a component of the actuation device 30.

[0142] In this third embodiment of the invention, the extreme angular mounting position of the actuating fork is obtained by mechanically stopping the actuating housing 21 and a pin 55 fitted into the output shaft 41 of the speed reduction device 40.

[0143] The fitting of the pin 55 is perpendicular to the first axis of rotation XL

[0144] Advantageously, the fitted pin 55 rests on a flat face 23 of the actuating housing 21.

[0145] We will now describe, with reference to [Fig.8], a fourth embodiment of the invention, which differs from the first embodiment in that the actuation device according to the invention is assembled directly on the transmission housing 5. In this fourth embodiment of the invention, it is not necessary to provide an actuation module because the transmission housing replaces the actuation housing.

[0146] As illustrated in [Fig.8], the transmission system 1 comprises:

[0147] - a transmission housing 5;

[0148] - a transmission shaft 100 comprising a disconnecting device 110 of the torque transmission, the transmission shaft 100 is inserted into a bore 6 of the transmission housing 5;

[0149] - an actuation device 30, in which the actuation fork 50 is housed in the transmission casing, the actuating fork inserts into an annular groove in the disconnecting device.

[0150] the transmission housing 5 acts as an actuation housing,

[0151] The transmission housing 5 and the actuation device 30 are pre-assembled to form a unit assembly.

[0152] The actuation device 30 comprises:

[0153] - an electric motor fixed to the transmission housing 5;

[0154] - a speed reduction device kinematically linked to the motor rotor electrical and an output shaft 41 of the speed reduction device having a first axis of rotation XI;

[0155] - an actuating fork 50 fixed in rotation to the output shaft 41 of the speed reduction device and comprising an actuation end 51 offset radially with respect to the first axis of rotation XI, the actuation fork being able to pivot along a first angular sector al in the actuation housing 21.

[0156] The angle value of the first angular sector al is between 5° and 120°.

[0157] This first angular sector al allows the actuation fork 50 to take all the necessary positions, from the assembly phase of the shaft of transmission 100 on the transmission housing up to the operating phases where the disconnecting device 110 is in the coupled or uncoupled position.

[0158] The actuating fork 50 comprises a body 53 and two actuating arms 52 supporting the actuating end 51, the two actuating arms 52 being formed from the same material as the body of the fork. The body 53 and the two actuating arms 52 are housed in the transmission housing 5.

[0159] The actuation end 51 is in this fourth embodiment a pad articulated at the end of the actuation arm 52.

[0160] In order to allow axial movement of the first coupling part 118 of the disconnecting device 110, the actuating fork 50 moves angularly along a second angular sector a2.

[0161] The angle value of the second angular sector a2 is between 1° and 30°. The second angular sector is notably included in the first angular sector al.

[0162] Fig. 8 illustrates more precisely the assembly phase of the transmission shaft 100 on the transmission system. In this assembly phase, the actuating fork first takes an extreme angular mounting position corresponding to one of the terminals of the first angular sector al.

[0163] The assembly process then comprises the following steps:

[0164] - first, the transmission shaft 100 is inserted into a bore 6 of the housing of transmission 5;

[0165] - one end 51 of the fork actuation is applied blindly actuation in the annular groove of the disconnecting device;

[0166] - the transmission shaft 100 is moved along the direction of the main axis X of the boring until the transmission shaft is axially stopped on the transmission housing.

[0167] To ensure the correct positioning of the actuating arms 52 at the beginning of the assembly phase, the extreme angular mounting position of the actuating fork is achieved by mechanically abutting the actuating housing and a protrusion 35 formed on the actuating fork. The protrusion 35 and the actuating arms 52 are angularly offset with respect to the first axis of rotation.

[0168] We will now describe, with reference to [Fig.9], a fifth embodiment of the invention, which differs from the first embodiment in that the disconnecting device 110 is located outside the differential 100 of the speed reducer.

[0169] In this example, the transmission system 1 comprises:

[0170] - a transmission housing 5;

[0171] - a drive shaft 2 comprising a first external spline 2a, the drive shaft being inserted into a bore in the transmission housing;

[0172] - a coaxial transmission tree 3 leading shaft comprising a second external groove 3a;

[0173] - an axial slider 120 concentric to the driven and driving shafts having a shape of revolution, the axial slider comprising at least a first internal spline 125 of connection arranged to drive in rotation the driving shaft 2 and a second internal spline 126 of connection arranged to drive in rotation the driven shaft, the first and second internal splines 125, 126 being engaged respectively in the first external spline 2a of the driving shaft and the second external spline 3a of the driven shaft when the axial slider 120 is in an extreme coupling position;

[0174] - an actuation module 20, in which the actuation fork 50 passes through a light 7 made in the transmission housing 5 and the actuation fork 50 is inserted into an annular groove 121 of the axial slider 120.

[0175] In this fifth embodiment, the actuation module 20 comprises an actuation housing 21 and an actuation device 30 comprising:

[0176] - an electric motor fixed to the actuation housing 21;

[0177] - a speed reduction device kinematically linked to the motor rotor electrical and an output shaft 41 of the speed reduction device having a first axis of rotation XI;

[0178] - an actuating fork 50 fixed in rotation to the output shaft 41 of the speed reduction device and comprising an actuation end 51 offset radially with respect to the first axis of rotation XI.

[0179] In this actuation module 20, the actuation housing 21 and the actuation device 30 are pre-assembled to form a unit assembly, and in which the actuation end 51 of the actuation fork is prominent relative to the actuation housing 21.

[0180] The actuation end 51 in this fifth embodiment is a ball bearing whose non-rotating ring is fixed on the actuation arm 52.

[0181] In this example, the axial slider 120 acts as an interface between the actuating fork 50 and the disconnecting device 110. The axial slider 120 has a shape of revolution and includes a bearing rim 122 and a landing rim 123. The bearing rim 122 and the landing rim 123 surround the annular groove 121. The outside diameter of the landing rim 123 is greater than the outside diameter of the bearing rim 122.

[0182] The present invention is not limited to the means and configurations described and illustrated herein and also extends to any equivalent means and configuration as well as to any technically operative combination of such means.

Claims

Claims

1. Actuating module (20) comprising an actuating casing (21) and an actuating device (30) for a transmission system (1), the actuating device comprising: - an electric motor (31) capable of being fixed to an actuating casing (5, 21); - a speed reduction device (40) kinematically linked to the rotor of the electric motor and an output shaft (41) of the speed reduction device having a first axis of rotation (XI); - an actuating fork (50) rotationally fixed to the output shaft of the speed reduction device and comprising an actuating end (51) offset radially relative to the first axis of rotation, the actuating fork pivots according to a first angular sector (al) in the actuating casing,characterized in that the actuating fork (50) is capable of taking an extreme angular mounting position corresponding to one of the terminals of the first angular sector (al) and in that the actuating fork is capable of taking an angular operating position distinct from the extreme angular mounting position, the angular operating position being able to vary in a second angular sector (a2) included in the first angular sector (al), and in that the actuating casing (21) and the actuating device (30) are pre-mounted to form a unitary assembly, and in which the actuating end (51) of the actuating fork is prominent relative to the actuating casing (21).,

2. Actuating module (20) according to claim 1, in which the extreme angular mounting position of the actuating fork (50) is capable of being obtained by mechanically abutting the actuating casing (5, 21) and a component chosen from the actuating fork, the speed reduction device (40) or the output shaft (41).

3. Actuating module (20) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the extreme angular mounting position of the actuating fork (50) is capable of being obtained by a mechanical stop of the actuating casing (5, 21) and a protrusion (35) formed on the actuating fork.

4. Actuation module (20) according to the preceding claim, wherein the actuation fork (50) comprises a body (53) and at least one actuation arm (52) supporting the actuation end, in particular two actuation arms, the protrusion (35) and the at least one actuation arm are angularly offset relative to the first axis of rotation (XI).

5. Actuation module (20) according to the preceding claim, in which the protrusion (35) of the actuation fork is capable of bearing on a flat face (23) of the actuation casing.

6. Actuating module (20) according to claim 1 or 2, in which the extreme angular mounting position of the actuating fork (50) is capable of being obtained by mechanically stopping the actuating casing and a protrusion (45) formed on one of the pinions or toothed sector of the speed reduction device (40).

7. Actuation module (20) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the actuation housing supports a position sensor (25) of the actuation fork, the detection face (25a) of the position sensor being arranged opposite at least one actuation arm (52) of the actuation fork.

8. Actuation module according to claim 7, wherein the electric motor (31) is attached to an external wall of the actuation housing or housed in the internal volume of the actuation housing (21).

9. Transmission system (1) for a motorized vehicle comprising: - a transmission casing (5); - a transmission shaft (100) comprising a disconnection device (110) for the transmission of torque, the transmission shaft is inserted into a bore (6) of the transmission casing; - an actuation module (20) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the actuation fork (50) passes through a slot (7) made in the transmission casing (5) and the actuation end (51) is inserted into an annular groove (121) of the disconnection device.

10. Transmission system (1) according to the preceding claim in which the transmission shaft (100) is a differential comprising a differential housing (108) supporting a toothed wheel (107) and a carrier ring gear (113), the housing (108) and the carrier ring gear (113) being movable in rotation relative to each other around a main axis (X), the housing (108) being intended to be driven by a rotating electrical machine and the carrier ring gear (113) being intended to drive at least one wheel shaft (2, 3) of the motorized vehicle.

11. Transmission system (1) according to the preceding claim wherein the disconnection device (110) comprises a first coupling part (118) integral in rotation with the housing (108) and a second coupling part (119) integral in rotation with the carrier ring (113), the first coupling part (118) being axially movable relative to the housing (108) between a coupled position in which the first coupling part (118) is coupled with the carrier ring (113) to transmit a torque between the housing (108) and the carrier ring (113) and an uncoupled position in which the first coupling part (118) and the second coupling part (119) are uncoupled from each other, and wherein the first coupling part (118) supports an axial sliding member (120) of annular shape which comprises the annular groove (121) of the disconnection device.

12. Transmission system (1) according to the preceding claim in which the axial slider (120) has a shape of revolution and comprises a support rim (122) and a docking rim (123), said support rim and said docking rim surround the annular groove (121) and in which the outside diameter of the docking rim (122) is greater than the outside diameter of the support rim (123).

13. Method for assembling a transmission system (1) according to one of claims 9 to 12, comprising the following steps: - the transmission shaft (100) is inserted into a bore (6) of the transmission casing until the transmission shaft is axially abutted on the transmission casing (5) in the direction of the main axis (X) of the bore (6); - the actuating fork (50) is inserted into the lumen (7) of the transmission casing and one end (51) is applied actuating the actuating fork in the annular groove (121) of the disconnecting device (110); - the actuating device (30) is brought closer in a direction perpendicular to the main axis (X) of the bore (6) of the transmission casing until the actuating casing (21) of the actuating module (20) is pressed against the transmission casing; - the actuation module (20) is fixed to the transmission housing with fixing screws.

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