Differential module

Abstract

The invention relates to a differential module (2) having a first axis of rotation (X1) and comprising: a planet carrier (9); a planet gear (11) pivotally mounted on the planet carrier (9); first and second planetary gears (12, 13) pivoting about the first axis of rotation (X1); first and second wheel drive shafts (3, 4), the first wheel drive shaft (3) being rotationally linked to the first planetary gear (12); and a sliding sleeve (8) configured to selectively occupy four axial coupling positions of the differential module (2). (Shorthand figure: 3)

Description

Title of the invention: Differential module technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a differential module of a transmission system for a vehicle. Technological background

[0002] Transmission systems incorporating a differential module are designed to transmit and distribute torque from an engine to two wheel drive shafts of a vehicle axle. The differential module comprises an input element intended to be driven by an engine and an output element intended to drive one or both of the two wheel drive shafts of the vehicle axle. In order to selectively make the vehicle wheels free or driven, the differential module may include coupling means capable of selectively coupling the input element to the output element and / or selectively coupling the output element to one of the two wheel drive shafts.

[0003] Document EP0241382 describes in particular such a differential module where coupling means include a sliding piece constantly fixed in rotation to one of the two wheel drive shafts, the sliding piece occupying three positions: a first position where the sliding piece is coupled to a shaft section fixed to an output element of the differential module, a second position where the sliding piece is decoupled from the shaft section and a third position where the sliding piece is fixed in rotation to an input element of the differential module.

[0004] The invention aims to improve this type of device, in particular by simplifying and making the structure of the coupling means more compact and by providing additional functionalities. Summary

[0005] In all that follows, ordinal numeral adjectives are used to differentiate features. They do not define the position of a feature. Therefore, for example, a third feature of a product does not mean that the product has a first and / or a second feature.

[0006] The invention relates to a differential module for a vehicle transmission system, the differential module having a first axis of rotation and comprising: • a satellite carrier capable of receiving a torque supplied, directly or indirectly, by a traction motor; • at least one satellite pinion mounted pivoting on the satellite carrier; • a first and a second planetary gear pivoting around the first axis of rotation; • a first and a second wheel drive shaft, the first wheel drive shaft being rotationally linked to the first planetary gear; and • a sliding element that moves axially along the first axis of rotation; the sliding element being configured to selectively occupy four axial positions: • a connected position where the sliding mechanism ensures a coupling of the second wheel drive shaft with the second planetary gear; • a locked position where the sliding arm ensures a coupling of the second wheel drive shaft with the planet carrier or with the first wheel drive shaft; • a parking position where the sliding mechanism is configured to ensure coupling of the second planetary gear with a fixed frame, in particular a housing; and • a disconnected position where the slider does not ensure coupling of the second wheel drive shaft.

[0007] Thus, the invention has the advantage of allowing the selection of four operating modes of the differential module by means of a single slider.

[0008] In the connected position, it is possible to transmit torque between the traction motor and the first and second wheel drive shafts, by acting as a differential that allows different rotational speeds for the two wheel drive shafts. This operating mode is used particularly when the vehicle is turning.

[0009] In the disconnected position, the torque transmission between the traction motor and the first and second wheel drive shafts is disconnected. This operating mode is used particularly during vehicle operation phases where the drive of the wheels on one axle is not required. This improves the overall efficiency of the vehicle's driveline by eliminating mechanical losses associated with the rotation of various unused components.

[0010] In the locked position, the relative movement between the first and second planetary gears is blocked, and the first and second wheel drive shafts are forced to rotate at the same speed as the planet carrier. This operating mode is used, in particular, to prevent the risk of loss of traction or the vehicle becoming stuck when the two opposite wheels of the vehicle encounter a difference in friction on the road.

[0011] In the parking position, the movement of the second wheel drive shaft is completely blocked. This operating mode is used, in particular, to ensure that the vehicle remains immobilized when parked.

[0012] For the purposes of the present invention: • “axial” means “parallel to the first axis of rotation”; • “Radial” means “along an axis belonging to a plane orthogonal to the first axis of rotation and cutting this first axis of rotation"; • the terms “external” and “internal” are used to define the relative position of a component or a portion of a component with respect to the axis of rotation for which it is concentric, a component close to said axis is thus described as internal as opposed to an external component located radially on the periphery; Two parts are said to be "rotationally bound" or "coupled" when they are assembled in such a way that they cannot rotate relative to each other. In other words, it is a rotationally fixed joint, possibly with a small amount of play such as spline clearance. This rotationally fixed joint can be made directly from the first part to the second part or via one or more intermediate parts.

[0013] According to an additional feature of the invention, each of the couplings made in the four positions of the slider are made by coupling means chosen from dog clutches, single-disc or multi-disc friction clutches, toothed connections, key connections or pin connections.

[0014] According to one aspect of the invention, the four axial positions of the slider follow one another in a first determined sequence as the slider moves away in a direction opposite to the first planetary pinion, the locked position being the closest to the first planetary pinion, the connected position then succeeding the locked position, the disconnected position then succeeding the connected position and the parking position then succeeding the disconnected position.

[0015] This first determined sequence makes the transition from one position to the other more efficient and safer. Indeed, the transition to the parking position is advantageously carried out from the disconnected position to limit the relative speed between the moving part and the fixed frame, and thus reduce shocks and over-torque during the coupling phase.

[0016] In addition, since the connected position corresponds to the most frequently used operating mode on a vehicle, it is advantageous to place this connected position between the locked position and the disconnected position in order to limit the distance and travel time of the player to reach one or the other of these last two positions.

[0017] According to another aspect of the invention, the four axial positions of the sliding gear follow one another in a second determined sequence as the sliding gear moves away in a direction opposite to the first planetary gear, the locked position being the closer to the first planetary gear, the disconnected position then follows the locked position, the connected position then follows the disconnected position and the parking position then follows the connected position.

[0018] According to an additional feature of the invention, a number of active positions between two and four is chosen from among the four positions of the slider so that only the active positions thus chosen are used during the operation of the differential module on the vehicle, the number of positions chosen being predetermined according to the needs of each vehicle application.

[0019] Indeed, the arrangement of the four aforementioned positions also allows the differential module according to the invention to be used as such even if, depending on the needs of a vehicle application, the locking position and / or the parking position are not necessary.

[0020] According to one aspect of the invention, the differential module comprises: • a first link by cooperation of forms by which the slider is permanently linked in rotation to the second planetary pinion and by which the slider slides axially relative to the second planetary pinion; • a second link by cooperation of forms by which the slider is coupled to the second wheel drive shaft in connected and locked positions, and by which the slider is decoupled from the second wheel drive shaft in disconnected position; • a third form-cooperative connection whereby the portable player is configured to be coupled to a fixed frame, in particular a housing, in the parking position, and whereby the portable player is configured to be decoupled from the fixed frame in the connected, disconnected, and locked positions; and • a fourth link by cooperation of forms by which the slider is coupled to the satellite carrier or the first wheel drive shaft in the locked position, and by which the slider is decoupled from the satellite carrier and the first wheel drive shaft in the disconnected, connected and parking positions.

[0021] In the differential module architecture according to this latter characteristic, the sliding sleeve cooperates directly and continuously with the second planetary gear, unlike a common prior art architecture where a shaft section is required to connect the sliding sleeve to the second planetary gear. This architecture is therefore simpler and more economical.

[0022] Furthermore, in this architecture, it is possible to slide the sliding sleeve axially through the second planetary gear to allow direct access to the first wheel drive shaft and thus achieve coupling in the locked position in a simple and compact manner. Coupling of the sliding sleeve can also be achieved here. well between the sliding gear and the first wheel drive shaft, than between the sliding gear and the first satellite pinion.

[0023] Each form cooperation link of the present invention comprises a first form arranged on the player and a second complementary form arranged on another component so that said component cooperates in rotation with the player by said form cooperation link.

[0024] According to an additional feature of the invention: • The first joint by cooperation of forms comprises a first radially oriented external toothed section mounted on the sliding part, the first toothed section being in particular a groove; and / or • The second form-cooperative linkage comprises a second radially oriented internal gear set, the second gear set being fitted into a cavity in the sliding sleeve that receives a portion of the second wheel drive shaft; and / or • the third linkage by cooperative forms includes a third dog-type toothing oriented in axial projection, arranged on the sliding part; and / or • the fourth link by cooperation of forms includes a fourth dog-type toothing oriented in axial projection arranged on the sliding part.

[0025] Dog-type teeth are a simple and robustly designed coupling means which allows for quick coupling / decoupling of the slider.

[0026] According to another aspect of the invention, the differential module comprises: • a fifth link by cooperation of forms by which the slider is permanently linked in rotation to the second wheel drive shaft and by which the slider slides axially relative to the second wheel drive shaft; • a sixth link by cooperation of forms by which the sliding part is coupled to the second planetary pinion in connected and locked positions, and by which the sliding part is decoupled from the second planetary pinion in disconnected position; • a seventh form cooperation link whereby the portable player is configured to be coupled to a fixed frame, in particular a housing, in the parking position, and whereby the portable player is configured to be decoupled from the fixed frame in the connected, disconnected, and locked positions; and • an eighth link by cooperation of forms by which the player is coupled to the satellite carrier in the locked position, and by which the player is decoupled from the satellite carrier in the disconnected, connected and parking positions.

[0027] According to an additional feature of the invention: • the fifth joint by cooperation of forms comprises a fifth internally oriented radially arranged toothed section on the sliding part, the fifth toothed section being in particular a groove; and / or • the sixth linkage by cooperation of forms includes a sixth internally oriented radially arranged toothed gear on the sliding part; and / or • the seventh linkage by cooperative forms includes a seventh dog-type toothed gear oriented in axial projection, arranged on the sliding part; and / or • the eighth link by cooperation of forms includes an eighth dog-type toothing oriented in axial projection arranged on the sliding part.

[0028] According to an additional feature of the invention, the fifth and sixth teeth are arranged on the same groove of the slider.

[0029] According to a further feature of the invention, the sixth tooth is coupled to the second planetary pinion by means of a splined shaft section.

[0030] According to an additional feature of the invention, all the aforementioned dog-type teeth can be "anti-release" type teeth.

[0031] In a manner known from the prior art, anti-release dog-type teeth have undercuts and undercuts with angles chosen to ensure that the teeth cannot disengage spontaneously while transmitting torque, thus preventing untimely disconnection.

[0032] In general, all the aforementioned teeth can be in other embodiments of the invention of the axial or radial type, without angle, or with an angle favoring the engagement of the teeth while they transmit a torque, or on the contrary with an angle favoring the disengagement of the teeth while they transmit a torque.

[0033] According to an additional feature of the invention, a surface of the satellite carrier ensures radial centering of a surface of the portable player.

[0034] This last characteristic makes it possible to ensure sufficient axial guidance of the slider over the entirety of its movement.

[0035] According to an additional feature of the invention, a radial and axial guiding means is provided between the slider and the satellite carrier, the guiding means comprising a bearing or a sliding coating or a roller.

[0036] This last characteristic makes it possible to ensure sufficient axial guidance of the slider over the entirety of its movement, while limiting friction and therefore the forces provided by the actuator to move the slider into the four positions.

[0037] According to a further feature of the invention, the slider is arranged to be moved by an actuator, the slider comprising in particular an annular groove cooperating with a fork linked to the actuator.

[0038] The invention makes it possible to move the portable player into the four positions mentioned above with a single actuator.

[0039] According to an additional feature of the invention, a first assist spring is arranged to exert axial force on the slider so as to promote the transition to the connected position and / or its transition to the locked position.

[0040] According to an additional feature of the invention, a second assist spring is arranged to exert an axial force on the slider so as to facilitate the transition to the parking position.

[0041] For the two preceding features, "facilitating the transition" means that, during the movement of the sliding sleeve from one position to another, when the mating gears happen to be in relative angular misalignment such that their engagement is not immediately possible, the assist spring compresses and exerts a force on the sliding sleeve. As soon as the relative rotation of the gears places them in a position of mutual engagement, the spring, by relaxing, helps the sliding sleeve to position itself in its new position. The spring thus accelerates the mutual engagement of the mating gears, which improves the dynamics of the differential module. Indeed, the spring can move the connecting sliding sleeve more quickly than an actuator alone would because the inertia of the spring is lower.

[0042] According to a first aspect of the invention: • the portable player has two parts that are axially movable relative to each other; • the first part being configured to cooperate with the actuator; • the second part being configured to selectively ensure coupling in the locked, connected, disconnected, and parked positions; and • the first and second assist springs being interposed axially between the first and second part.

[0043] According to an additional feature of the invention, the first part of the player is radially centered on the second part of the player.

[0044] According to an additional feature of the invention, the first part of the slider is rotationally linked to the second part of the slider, in particular by teeth.

[0045] According to a further feature of the invention, the first assist spring is arranged axially on a first side of the first part of the slider and the second assist spring is arranged axially on a second side of the first part of the player, the first side being closer axially to the first planetary gear than the second side.

[0046] According to another aspect of the invention, the first assist spring and the second assist spring are interposed axially between the slider and a fork linked to the actuator.

[0047] According to an additional feature of the invention, the first assist spring and / or the second assist spring are of the helical spring type or wave washer or Belleville type frustoconical washer or elastomer spring.

[0048] The invention further relates to a transmission system comprising a fixed frame in particular a housing, the differential module according to the invention, a set of gears configured to make the differential module cooperate in rotation with a traction motor, and an actuator configured to move the slider in the sequence of four positions locked, connected, disconnected and parked.

[0049] The differential module according to the invention may have one or more of the characteristics described below, either combined or taken independently of each other: • at least one satellite gear and both planetary gears can be bevel gears; • at least one satellite pinion is mounted pivotally on a cylindrical axis fixed to the satellite carrier; • at least one satellite pinion and the two planetary pinions can be made in the form of cylindrical gears, in particular straight-toothed gears, in particular gears arranged in the form of an epicyclic train; • the differential module may be of the limited slip differential type in which a friction device is arranged to create a torque difference between two wheels connected to the differential module, particularly in connected mode; • at least one satellite pinion and the two planetary pinions can be made in the form of worm gears, the differential module can in particular be of the "Torsen" type; • the number of satellite gears is between one and twelve; • The satellite carrier can be made in the form of a housing comprising a internal cavity in which are housed at least one satellite pinion and the two planetary pinions; • the two planetary gears are supported and guided in rotation by the housing; • the casing can be made in several parts, fixed together by a means of fastening, in particular by welding or by screwing or by riveting; • a toothed wheel is fixed to the satellite carrier, the toothed wheel receiving, via a set of gears, the torque supplied by a traction motor.

[0050] The transmission system according to the invention may have one or more of the characteristics described below, either combined or taken independently of each other: • the fixed frame can be a housing for the transmission system; • The transmission system housing may be designed to accommodate the play gears and the differential module; • the gear set may include cylindrical gears with parallel trains; • the gear set may include at least one epicyclic gear train; • the actuator can be of mechanical, electromechanical, electromagnetic, pneumatic or hydraulic type; • The actuator may include a ball ramp system, a ball screw system, or a selector drum system.

[0051] The invention further relates to a powertrain comprising a traction motor and a torque transmission system as defined above.

[0052] The fixed frame may be a powertrain housing, in particular a traction motor housing. Brief description of the figures

[0053] [Fig-1] Fig. 1 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a powertrain including a differential module according to the invention.

[0054] [Fig.2] The [Fig.2] is a cutaway perspective view of the differential module according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0055] [Fig.3] The [Fig.3] is a cross-section of the differential module in connected position according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0056] [Fig.4] The [Fig.4] is a cross-section of the differential module in the locked position according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0057] [Fig.5] The [Fig.5] is a cross-section of the differential module in the parking position according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0058] [Fig.6] The [Fig.6] is a cross-section of the differential module in the disconnected position according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0059] [Fig.7] The [Fig.7] is a cutaway perspective view of the player according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0060] [Fig-8] The [Fig.8] is a cutaway perspective view of the differential module according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0061] [Fig.9] The [Fig.9] is a cross-section of the differential module in the locked position according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0062] [Fig. 10] The [Fig. 10] is a perspective view cut off from the player according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0063] [Fig. 11] The [Fig. 11] is a cutaway perspective view of the differential module according to a third embodiment of the invention.

[0064] [Fig. 12] The [Fig. 12] is a cross-section of the differential module in the locked position according to a third embodiment of the invention.

[0065] [Fig. 13] The [Fig. 13] is a perspective view cut off from the player according to a third embodiment of the invention.

[0066] [Fig. 14] The [Fig. 14] is a cross-section of the differential module in the locked position according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. Description of the implementation methods

[0067] In all the figures, identical elements or elements performing the same function are identified by the same reference numerals. The following embodiments are examples. Although the description refers to one or more embodiments, this does not necessarily mean that each reference numeral relates to the same embodiment or that the features apply only to a single embodiment. Simple features from different embodiments can also be combined or interchanged to provide other embodiments.

[0068] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a powertrain 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. The powertrain 1 comprises a differential module 2 for rotating two wheel drive shafts 3 and 4 of a vehicle axle and configured to distribute torque from a traction motor 5 to the wheel drive shafts 3 and 4, allowing them to rotate at different speeds.

[0069] Such a differential module 2 is, for example, intended for a hybrid vehicle. Thus, the powertrain 1 is, for example, capable of transmitting torque from an electric motor to a rear or front axle of the vehicle, while another powertrain coupled to another engine, such as an internal combustion engine, generates torque and transmits it between this other engine and the wheel drive shafts 3, 4 of the other axle of the vehicle. Another powertrain configuration for a hybrid vehicle may consist of combining an internal combustion engine and an electric motor, both linked to transmit a torque to the drive shafts of 3.4 wheels on the same axle. The vehicle can also be fully electric.

[0070] As shown in [Fig. 1], the powertrain 1 comprises a transmission housing 6 in which a traction motor 5, a differential module 2, and a gear set 7 are housed. The structure of the transmission housing 6 may be a single unit or composed of several sub-parts. The traction motor 5 includes, at its output, a shaft rotating about a third axis of rotation X3. The gear set 7 cooperates kinematically in rotation with, on the one hand, the shaft of the traction motor 5 and, on the other hand, with the differential module 2 to form one or more speed reduction ratios.

[0071] In the non-limiting example of [Fig. 1], the gear set 7 comprises a first set of cylindrical gears 701, coaxial with the third axis of rotation X3, and cooperating kinematically in rotation with a second set of cylindrical gears 702, coaxial with a fourth axis of rotation X4 parallel to the third axis of rotation X3, to form a first reduction ratio. The second set of cylindrical gears 702 cooperates kinematically in rotation with a gear 10 fixed to a housing 9 of the differential module 2 to form a second reduction ratio.

[0072] In this example, the traction motor 5 can be an electric or internal combustion engine. Another electric or internal combustion engine (not shown) can also be coupled with one of the gears in the gear set 7.

[0073] Figures 1 to 6 illustrate a differential module 2 according to a first embodiment of the invention, the differential module 2 having a first axis of rotation XI and comprising a planet carrier 9 adapted to receive torque supplied directly or indirectly by a traction motor 5, at least one planetary pinion 11 pivotally mounted on the planet carrier 9, a first and a second planetary pinion 12, 13 pivoting about the first axis of rotation XI and meshing with the at least one planetary pinion 11, a first and a second wheel drive shaft 3, 4, the first wheel drive shaft 3 being rotationally linked to the first planetary pinion 12, and a sliding sleeve 8 axially movable about the first axis of rotation XL

[0074] In this embodiment, the planet carrier 9 can be in the form of a housing forming a cavity that accommodates and supports the planet gears 11 and the planetary gears 12, 13. The planet gears 11 and the first and second planetary gears 12, 13 are bevel gears. A cylindrical rod 902 can be fixed to the housing 9, the planet gears 11 being pivotally mounted about the second axis of rotation X2 on said cylindrical rod 902. There can be one to four planet gears 11, the choice of four having the advantage of to be able to transmit torque with smaller planetary gears. The second axis of rotation X2 is perpendicular to the first axis of rotation XL. The first planetary gear 12 can be mounted and rotationally linked to the wheel drive shaft 3 via a spline 1201. The gear 10 can be fixed to the planet carrier 9 by fixing screws 20. The planet carrier 9 can be supported by the transmission housing 6 via a first bearing 22, here a ball bearing, and a second bearing 23, here a tapered roller bearing.

[0075] The differential module 2 described above corresponds to a differential design in its most common form. According to another embodiment of the invention not shown, the differential may be of the "flat differential" type where the satellite gears and planetary gears are made in the form of cylindrical gears, in particular spur gears, in particular gears arranged in the form of an epicyclic gear train.

[0076] The sliding sleeve 8 is configured to selectively occupy four axial positions: a connected position illustrated in [Fig. 3], a locked position illustrated in [Fig. 4], a parking position illustrated in [Fig. 5], and a disconnected position illustrated in [Fig. 6]. In the connected position, the sliding sleeve 8 ensures a coupling of the second wheel drive shaft 4 with the second planetary gear 13. In the locked position, the sliding sleeve 8 ensures a coupling of the second wheel drive shaft 4 with the first wheel drive shaft 3. In the parking position, the sliding sleeve 8 is configured to ensure a coupling of the second planetary gear 4 with a fixed frame, which in this case is the transmission housing 6. In the disconnected position, the sliding sleeve 8 does not ensure a coupling of the second wheel drive shaft 4.

[0077] The slider 8 is arranged to be moved by an actuator (not shown). The slider 8 may include an annular groove 809 cooperating with a fork (not shown) connected to the actuator. Only one actuator is required to move the slider into the four positions.

[0078] In order to facilitate the axial sliding of the slider 8 over part or all of its movement, an internal surface 901 of the satellite carrier 9 can ensure radial centering of an external surface 810 radially external to the slider 8.

[0079] As illustrated by figures 3 to 6, the four axial positions of the slider 8 can succeed one another in a determined sequence as the slider 8 moves away in a direction opposite to the first planetary pinion 12, the blocked position being the closest to the first planetary pinion 12, the connected position then succeeding the blocked position, the disconnected position then succeeding the connected position and the parking position then succeeding the disconnected position.

[0080] As illustrated in the first embodiment of Figures 2 to 6, the differential module 2 may comprise: • a first link by cooperation of forms by which the slider 8 is permanently linked in rotation to the second planetary pinion 13 and by which the slider 8 slides axially relative to the second planetary pinion 13; • a second link by cooperation of forms by which the slider 8 is coupled to the second wheel drive shaft 4 in connected and locked positions, and by which the slider 8 is decoupled from the second wheel drive shaft 4 in disconnected position; • a third connection by cooperation of forms by which the slider 8 is configured to be coupled to a fixed frame, here the transmission housing 6, in the parking position, and by which the slider 8 is decoupled from the fixed frame in the connected, disconnected and locked positions; and • a fourth link by cooperation of forms by which the slider 8 is coupled to the first wheel drive shaft 3 in the locked position, and by which the slider 8 is decoupled from the first wheel drive shaft 3 in the disconnected, connected and parking positions.

[0081] In the first embodiment of Figures 2 to 7: • the first link by cooperation of forms can include a first externally oriented radially arranged tooth 801 on the sliding 8, the first tooth 801 being here a male spline which cooperates with a female spline 1301 arranged on the second planetary pinion 13; • the second joint by cooperation of forms may include a second internally oriented radial toothing 802, the second toothing 802 being able to be arranged in a cavity 813 of the slider 8 receiving a portion of the second wheel drive shaft 4; • the third link by cooperation of forms may include a third dog-type tooth 803 oriented in projection axially arranged on the sliding 8; • the fourth link by cooperation of forms may include a fourth dog-type tooth 804 oriented in axial projection arranged on the sliding 8.

[0082] Figures 8 to 10 illustrate a second embodiment of the differential module 2 which differs from the first embodiment in that the fourth form-cooperative linkage is arranged such that the sliding gear 8 is coupled to the planet carrier 9 in the locked position, and by which the sliding gear 8 is decoupled from the planet carrier 9 in the disconnected, connected, and parked positions. The fourth form-cooperative linkage comprises a fourth dog-type gear 804 with an axial projection mounted on the sliding gear 8.

[0083] As illustrated in a third embodiment of Figures 11 to 13, the differential module 2 may comprise: • a fifth link by cooperation of forms by which the slider 8 is permanently linked in rotation to the second wheel drive shaft 4 and by which the slider 8 slides axially relative to the second wheel drive shaft 4; • a sixth link by cooperation of forms by which the slider 8 is coupled to the second planetary pinion 13 in connected and blocked positions, and by which the slider 8 is decoupled from the second planetary pinion 13 in disconnected position; • a seventh connection by cooperation of forms by which the sliding element 8 is coupled to a fixed frame, here the transmission housing 6, in the parking position, and by which the sliding element 8 is decoupled from the fixed frame in the connected, disconnected and locked positions; and • an eighth link by cooperation of forms by which the player 8 is coupled to the satellite carrier 9 in the locked position, and by which the player 8 is decoupled from the satellite carrier 9 in the disconnected, connected and parking positions.

[0084] In the third embodiment of Figures 11 to 13: • the fifth link by cooperation of forms may include a fifth internally oriented radially arranged tooth 805 on the sliding part 8, the fifth tooth 805 being in particular a groove; • the sixth link by cooperation of forms may include a sixth internally oriented radially arranged tooth 806 on the sliding part 8; • the seventh link by cooperation of forms may include a seventh dog-type tooth 807 oriented in projection axially arranged on the sliding part 10; • the eighth link by cooperation of forms may include an eighth dog-type tooth 808 oriented in axial projection arranged on the sliding 8.

[0085] In the third embodiment of figures 11 to 13, the sixth tooth 806 can be coupled to the second planetary pinion 13 by means of a splined shaft section 21.

[0086] Figure 14 illustrates a fourth embodiment of the differential module 2 which differs from the first embodiment in that a first assist spring 14 can be arranged to exert an axial force on the sliding sleeve 8 so as to facilitate the transition from the disconnected position to the connected position and / or from the connected position to the locked position, and a second assist spring 15 is arranged to exert axial force on the slider 8 in order to facilitate the transition from the disconnected position to the parking position.

[0087] In the fourth embodiment of [Fig. 14], the sliding part 8 may comprise two axially movable parts 811, 812 relative to each other. The first part 811 may be configured to cooperate with the actuator. The second part 812 may be configured to selectively ensure coupling in the locked, connected, disconnected, and parked positions. The first part 811 may be radially centered on the second part 812. The first part 811 may be rotationally linked to the second part 812 by teeth. The first and second assist springs 14, 15 may be axially interposed between the first and second parts 811, 812.The first assist spring 14 can be disposed axially on a first side of the first part 811 and the second assist spring 15 can be disposed axially on a second side of the first part 812, the first side being closer axially to the first planetary pinion 12 than the second side.

[0088] The first and second assist springs 14,15 are here truncated conical washers of the Belleville type.

[0089] It is emphasized that all features, as they are apparent to a person skilled in the art from the present description, drawings and attached claims, even if in practice they have only been described in relation to other specific features, both individually and in any combinations, can be combined with other features or groups of features disclosed herein, provided that this has not been expressly excluded or that technical circumstances make such combinations impossible or meaningless.

[0090] The use of the verb "comporter", "comprendre" and its conjugated forms does not exclude the presence of other elements or other steps than those stated in a claim.

[0091] In the claims, any reference sign in parentheses shall not be interpreted as a limitation of the claim.

Claims

1.

2. Demands Differential module (2) for a vehicle transmission system, the differential module (2) having a first axis of rotation (XI) and comprising: • a satellite carrier (9) capable of receiving a supplied torque, directly or indirectly, by a traction motor (5); • at least one satellite pinion (11) mounted pivotally on the satellite carrier (9); • a first and a second planetary gear (12,13) ​​pivoting around the first axis of rotation (XI); • a first and a second wheel drive shaft (3,4), the first wheel drive shaft (3) being rotationally linked to the first planetary gear (12); and • a portable player (8) that is axially mobile along the first axis of rotation (XI); characterized in that the player (8) is configured to selectively occupy four axial positions: • a connected position where the sliding part (8) ensures a coupling of the second wheel drive shaft (4) with the second planetary pinion (13); • a locked position where the sliding part (8) ensures a coupling of the second wheel drive shaft (4) with the planet carrier or with the first wheel drive shaft (3); • a parking position where the sliding arm (8) is configured to ensure coupling of the second planetary gear (4) with a fixed frame, in particular a housing (6); and • a disconnected position where the sliding part (8) does not ensure coupling of the second wheel drive shaft (4). Differential module (2) according to claim 1, wherein the four axial positions of the sliding sleeve (8) follow one another in a determined sequence as the sliding sleeve (8) moves away in a direction opposite to the first planetary gear (12), the locked position being the closest to the first planetary gear (12), the connected position then succeeding the locked position, the disconnected position then follows connected position and parking position then follows disconnected position.

3. Differential module (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 2 comprising: • a first link by cooperation of forms by which the slider (8) is permanently linked in rotation to the second planetary pinion (13) and by which the slider (8) slides axially relative to the second planetary pinion (13); • a second link by cooperation of forms by which the slider (8) is coupled to the second wheel drive shaft (4) in connected and locked positions, and by which the slider (8) is decoupled from the second wheel drive shaft (4) in disconnected position; • a third link by cooperation of forms by which the player (8) is configured to be coupled to a fixed frame, in particular a housing (6), in parking position, and by which the player (8) is configured to be decoupled from the fixed frame in connected, disconnected and locked positions; And • a fourth link by cooperation of forms by which the slider (8) is coupled to the satellite carrier (9) or to the first wheel drive shaft (3) in the locked position, and by which the slider (8) is decoupled from the satellite carrier (9) and from the first wheel drive shaft (3) in the disconnected, connected and parking positions.

4. Differential module (2) according to claim 3, wherein: • the first joint by cooperation of forms comprises a first externally oriented radially arranged toothed section (801) on the sliding section (8), the first toothed section (10) being in particular a groove; and / or • the second form-cooperative linkage comprises a second internally oriented radial gear set (802), the second gear set (802) being provided in a cavity (813) of the sliding sleeve (8) receiving a portion of the second wheel drive shaft (4); and / or • the third joint by cooperation of forms includes a third dog-type tooth (803) oriented in projection axially arranged on the slider (10); and / or • the fourth joint by cooperation of forms includes a fourth dog-type tooth (804) oriented in projection axially arranged on the slider (8).

5. Differential module (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 2 comprising: • a fifth form-cooperative linkage whereby the sliding sleeve (8) is permanently rotationally linked to the second wheel drive shaft (4) and whereby the sliding sleeve (8) slides axially relative to the second wheel drive shaft (4); • a sixth form-cooperative linkage whereby the sliding sleeve (8) is coupled to the second planetary gear (13) in the connected and locked positions, and whereby the sliding sleeve (8) is decoupled from the second planetary gear (13) in the disconnected position; • a seventh form-cooperative linkage whereby the sliding sleeve (8) is configured to be coupled to a fixed frame, in particular a housing (6), in the parking position, and whereby the sliding sleeve (8) is configured to be decoupled from the fixed frame in the connected, disconnected and locked positions;and • an eighth link by cooperation of forms by which the portable (8) is coupled to the satellite carrier (9) in the locked position, and by which the portable (8) is decoupled from the satellite carrier (9) in the disconnected, connected and parking positions.;

6. Differential module (2) according to claim 5, wherein: • the fifth form-cooperative linkage comprises a fifth internally oriented radially arranged tooth (805) on the sliding sleeve (8), the fifth tooth (105) being, in particular, a spline; and / or • the sixth form-cooperative linkage comprises a sixth internally oriented radially arranged tooth (806) on the sliding sleeve (8); and / or • the seventh joint by cooperation of forms includes a seventh dog-type tooth (807) oriented in projection axially arranged on the slider (10); and / or • the eighth joint by cooperation of forms includes an eighth dog-type tooth (808) oriented in projection axially arranged on the slider (8).

7. Differential module (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the slider (8) is arranged to be moved by an actuator, the slider (8) comprising in particular an annular groove (809) cooperating with a fork linked to the actuator.

8. Differential module (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a first assist spring (14) is arranged to exert axial force on the slider (8) so as to promote the transition to the connected position and / or the locked position.

9. Differential module (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a second assist spring (15) is arranged to exert axial force on the sliding part (8) so as to facilitate the shift into the parking position.

10. Differential module (2) according to claims 7 to 9, wherein: • the slider (8) comprises two parts (811,812) axially movable relative to each other; • the first part (811) being configured to cooperate with the actuator; • the second part (812) being configured to selectively ensure coupling in the locked, connected, disconnected and parked positions; and • the first and second assist springs (14,15) being axially interposed between the first and second parts (811,812).

11. A transmission system comprising the differential module (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, a fixed frame in particular a housing (6), a gear set (7) configured to rotate the differential module (2) with a traction motor (5), and an actuator configured to move the sliding part 20 (8) in the sequence of four positions locked, connected, disconnected and parked.

12. Powertrain (1) comprising a traction motor (5) and a torque transmission system according to claim 11.