Method and system for controlling gearbox actuators in a hybrid propulsion vehicle transmission

Abstract

A method of controlling at least one gearbox actuator of a selection mechanism of a transmission for a hybrid propulsion vehicle having a heat engine and at least one electric machine, the transmission including at least one dog clutch system with dogs fixed to forks configured to be moved longitudinally along a drive shaft axis by the gearbox actuator, the selection mechanism including an engagement finger, an interlocking mechanism, and a mechanical system for stabilizing the forks. The method includes disengaging the engagement ratio in response to a position of the actuator obtained from a position sensor, returning the position of the forks to a zone of attraction of the system for stabilizing the forks by iteratively determining the position of the actuator as a function of the forks, and adjusting the position of the actuator to its center position to realign the interlocking mechanism with the engagement finger. [Selected Figure] Figure 2A

Description

Technical Field

[0006]

[0001] The present invention relates in particular to the field of coupling systems in automotive transmissions.

[0002] More particularly, the present invention relates preferably to the transmission of a hybrid propulsion vehicle having on the one hand a combustion engine for driving and on the other hand an electromechanical machine. The advantage of a hybrid transmission is that it can provide two energy sources, namely thermal energy and electrical energy, to the kinematic drive chain of the vehicle. The torque inputs of these two energies can be stored in the "hybrid" mode.

[0003] Such a transmission comprises, for example, a coupling system having dogs or any type of progressive or non-progressive coupler that allows the engagement of various reduction ratios of the transmission.

[0004] The advantage of a hybrid transmission is that it can provide two energy sources, namely thermal energy and electrical energy, to the kinematic drive train of the vehicle. The torque inputs of these two energies can be stored in the "hybrid" mode, or can be used separately in the "pure combustion" mode where the electromechanical machine does not apply torque to the traction chain or in the "pure electric" mode where the combustion engine does not apply torque to the traction chain.

[0005] A hybrid transmission makes it possible to drive a combustion engine in a stopped state or to drive a combustion engine when using the electromechanical machine as a starter for running. A hybrid transmission also makes it possible to charge the vehicle's battery by means of an electromechanical machine functioning in the power generation mode.

[0006] References EP2726757B1 (Renault) and EP2694309A1 (Renault) describe the configuration of the hybrid transmission described above, comprising a main shaft including a solid main shaft connected to a dynamic flywheel of a combustion engine and having an idler gear connectable by a first dog-type coupling system, and a hollow main shaft concentric with the solid main shaft and connected to a rotor of an electromachine and having a fixed gear connectable by the first coupling system.

[0007] The transmission also includes a sub-shaft with two idler gears that can be connected to the main line by a second dog-type coupling system. The sub-shaft also has a fixed gear and an intermediate gear on a differential connected to the vehicle's drive wheels.

[0008] Transmissions generally feature a selection mechanism that allows for the exclusive selection of engagement ratio 1 or 3 on the one hand, and engagement ratio 2 or 4 on the other. However, this selection mechanism can only be activated if various elements of the transmission, particularly the forks for ratios 1 and 3, forks for ratios 2 and 4, engagement fingers, and the interlocking mechanism, are properly aligned. [Overview of the project]

[0009] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to ensure robust operation of the selection mechanism by aligning the elements with each other.

[0010] The subject of the present invention is a method for controlling at least one gearbox actuator of a transmission selection mechanism for a hybrid propulsion vehicle equipped with a combustion engine and at least one electromechanical device.

[0011] The transmission comprises a drive shaft directly or indirectly connected to a combustion engine and / or an electrical machine, a driving shaft connected to the drive wheels of the vehicle, and at least one coupling system having a dog fixed to an idler gear that rotates freely on the driving shaft on one side and a dog fixed to a fork that is rotatably coupled to the drive shaft on the other side. The fork is configured to engage or disengage with the dogs by moving longitudinally along the axis of the driving shaft by a gearbox actuator, and the selection mechanism comprises an engaging finger that can engage or disengage the reduction ratio by moving along the axis of the driving shaft by a gearbox actuator, and an interlocking mechanism that can lock the position of the engaging finger. The selection mechanism also comprises a mechanical system for stabilizing the fork.

[0012] To ensure a stable position for the forks that is compatible with the operation of the selection mechanism, the selection mechanism is equipped with a "coupling" mechanical system that stabilizes the forks.

[0013] In this method, the engagement ratio is released according to the actuator position obtained from the position sensor. In other words, the actuator position is adjusted to a position that allows for release.

[0014] The fork's position is then returned to the attractive zone of the "coupling" system, which stabilizes the fork by iteratively determining the actuator's position in accordance with the fork's position. Within this attractive zone, the fork returns to its stable position.

[0015] Furthermore, the actuator's position is adjusted to its central position, realigning the interlocking mechanism with the engaging finger.

[0016] A system for stabilizing the fork is conveniently equipped with a solenoid and a return spring connected to an interlocking mechanism.

[0017] When current passes through the solenoid, it articulates the interlocking mechanism and the engaging finger. When the current is switched off, the return spring returns the interlocking mechanism and the engaging finger to their respective stable positions.

[0018] In the case of ratio 1 and ratio 3 control, the solenoid of the stabilization system is activated to counteract the action of the return spring, and then released after a step of realigning the interlocking mechanism with the engaging finger. Thus, the expected action of the spring that would move the fork outside the attractive zone of the attractive system is avoided.

[0019] Under these conditions, the control of the actuator to ensure proper positioning with the engaging fingers of the interlocking mechanism for selection, after precisely ensuring the release of the ratio, is similar on forks with ratios 1-3 and 2-4.

[0020] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a system for controlling at least one gearbox actuator of a transmission selection mechanism for a hybrid propulsion vehicle having a combustion engine and at least one electromechanical device.

[0021] The transmission comprises a drive shaft directly or indirectly connected to a combustion engine and / or an electromachinery, a drive shaft connected to the drive wheels of the vehicle, and at least one coupling system having a dog fixed to an idler gear that rotates freely on the drive shaft on one side and a dog fixed to a fork that is rotatably coupled to the drive shaft on the other side, wherein the fork is configured to engage with or disengage from the dogs by moving longitudinally along the axis of the drive shaft by a gearbox actuator.

[0022] The selection mechanism includes an engaging finger that can engage or disengage the reduction ratio by moving along the axis of the drive shaft via a gearbox actuator, and an interlocking mechanism that can lock the position of the engaging finger.

[0023] In addition, the selection mechanism includes a mechanical system for stabilizing the fork.

[0024] To ensure a stable position of the fork that conforms to the operation of the selection mechanism, the selection mechanism includes a "coupling" mechanical system for stabilizing the fork.

[0025] The control system includes a first module that can release the engagement ratio according to the position of the actuator. In other words, the position of the actuator is adjusted to a position that enables release.

[0026] The control system includes a second module that can return the position of the fork to the attractive force zone of the "coupling" system for stabilizing the fork by repeatedly determining the position of the actuator according to the fork. In this attractive force zone, the fork is returned to its stable position.

[0027] The control system includes a third module that adjusts the position of the actuator to its central position to realign the linkage mechanism with the engaging finger.

[0028] Preferably, the system for stabilizing the fork includes a solenoid and a return spring connected to the linkage mechanism.

[0029] When an electric current passes through the solenoid, the solenoid causes the linkage mechanism and the engaging finger to articulate. When the electric current is switched off, the return spring returns the linkage mechanism and the engaging finger to their respective stable positions.

[0030] After accurately ensuring the release of the ratio, the control of the actuator to ensure proper positioning with the engaging finger of the linkage mechanism for selection is similar on forks 1-3 and 2-4. However, in the case of ratios 1 and 3, the solenoid first operates to oppose the operation of the return spring, and then is released after the third module realigns the linkage mechanism with the engaging finger. Therefore, the expected operation of the spring that takes the fork out of the attractive force zone of the stabilization system is avoided.

[0031] For example, the coupling system includes a first fork that can exclusively engage ratio 1 or ratio 3, and a second fork that can exclusively engage ratio 2 or ratio 4.

[0032] According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to a transmission for a hybrid propulsion vehicle, comprising a selection mechanism and a system for controlling at least one gearbox actuator as described above.

[0033] Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, given by way of non-limiting example only, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0034] [Figure 1] It is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a selection mechanism of a transmission of an automobile according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2A] It is a diagram showing the operation of a system for stabilizing a fork. [Figure 2B] It is a diagram showing the operation of a system for stabilizing a fork. [Figure 3] It is a flowchart of a method for controlling an actuator of the selection mechanism of FIG. 1.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0035] As schematically shown in FIG. 1, the selection mechanism, indicated as 10 as a whole, is intended to be incorporated into a transmission 20 of a hybrid propulsion vehicle (not shown), having on one side a combustion engine (not shown) and on the other side one or two electromechanical machines (not shown), each intended to drive a drive shaft of drive wheels (not shown).

[0036] In FIG. 1, the configuration of the transmission 20 is simplified so that only the forks 22, 24 of the dog-type coupling system 26 are visible.

[0037] The first fork 22 allows for exclusive engagement of ratio 1 or ratio 3, and the second fork 24 allows for exclusive engagement of ratio 2 or ratio 4.

[0038] The selection mechanism 10 includes an engagement finger 12 that can engage or disengage the reduction ratio by moving along the axis of the drive shaft via a gearbox actuator 14.

[0039] Furthermore, the selection mechanism 10 includes an interlocking mechanism 16 that can lock the position of the engaging finger 12.

[0040] As shown in Figures 2A and 2B, in order to ensure stable positions of the forks 22 and 24 that conform to the operation of the selection mechanism, the selection mechanism includes a "coupling" mechanical system 18 that stabilizes the forks. The fork stabilizing system 18 comprises a solenoid 18a and a return spring 18b connected to the interlocking mechanism 16.

[0041] As shown in Figure 2B, when current passes through the solenoid 18a, the solenoid 18a causes the interlocking mechanism 16 and the engaging finger 12 to articulate. As shown in Figure 2A, when the current is switched off, the return spring 18b returns the interlocking mechanism 16 and the engaging finger 12 to their respective stable positions.

[0042] The transmission also includes a system 30 that controls the gearbox actuator 14. The control system 30 receives, for example, the position of the first fork obtained from a first position sensor (not shown), the position of the second fork 24 obtained from a second position sensor (not shown), and the position of the interlocking mechanism 16 obtained from a third position sensor (not shown) as inputs.

[0043] The system 30 that controls the gearbox actuator 14 includes a first module 32 that can release the engagement ratio depending on the position of the actuator. In other words, the position of the actuator 14 is adjusted to a position that allows for release.

[0044] The system 30 that controls the gearbox actuator 14 includes a second module 34 capable of returning the fork 22 or 24 to the attractive zone of the "coupling" system 18 that stabilizes the fork. As shown in Figure 2A, in this attractive zone, the fork is returned to its stable position. The second module 34 iteratively determines the position of the actuator 14 depending on the fork 22 or 24.

[0045] The system 30 that controls the gearbox actuator 14 includes a third module 36 that adjusts the position of the actuator 14 to its central position and realigns the interlocking mechanism 16 with the engaging finger 12.

[0046] After ensuring the precise release of the ratio, the control of the actuator 14 to ensure proper positioning of the interlocking mechanism 16 with the engaging fingers 12 for selection is similar on forks 1-3 and 2-4. However, in the case of ratios 1 and 3, the solenoid 18a is first acted to counteract the action of the return spring 18b, and then released after the interlocking mechanism 16 is repositioned with the engaging fingers 12 by the third module 36. Thus, the expected action of the spring that would move the fork 22 outside the attractive zone of the stabilization system 18 is avoided.

[0047] Figure 3 is a flowchart of a method 40 for controlling the gearbox actuator of the selection mechanism 10 of the transmission 20 in Figure 1.

[0048] In the first step 41, the engagement ratio is released according to the position of the actuator 14 obtained from a position sensor (not shown). In other words, the position of the actuator 14 is adjusted to a position that allows for release.

[0049] In the second step 42, the fork 22 or 24 is returned to the attractive zone of the "coupling" system 18 that stabilizes the fork. As shown in Figure 2A, in this attractive zone, the fork is returned to its stable position. To achieve this, the position of the actuator 14 is determined iteratively according to the fork 22 or 24.

[0050] In the third step 43, the position of the actuator 14 is adjusted to its central position, and the interlocking mechanism 16 is realigned with the engaging finger 12.

[0051] After ensuring the precise release of the ratio, the control of the actuator 14 to ensure proper positioning of the interlocking mechanism 16 with the engaging finger 12 for selection is similar on forks 1-3 and 2-4. However, in the case of ratios 1 and 3, the solenoid 18a of the attraction system 18 is released after it has acted to counteract the action of the return spring 18b, and has repositioned the interlocking mechanism 16 with the engaging finger 12 in the third step 43. Thus, the expected action of the spring that would move fork 22 outside the attraction zone of the attraction system 18 is avoided.

[0052] The present invention is applicable to any clutchless transmission comprising a dog-type coupling system fixed to a fork, a gearbox actuator configured to move the fork axially, and a selection mechanism.

[0053] In this invention, after ensuring the release of the ratio, and before activating the selection mechanism, proper positioning of the interlocking mechanism 16 with the engaging finger 12 is ensured.

Claims

【Claim 1】 A method for controlling at least one gearbox actuator (14) of a selection mechanism (10) of a transmission (20) for a hybrid propulsion motor vehicle comprising a combustion engine and at least one electric machine, wherein the transmission (20) comprises a drive shaft directly or indirectly connected to the combustion engine and / or the electric machine, a drive shaft connected to the drive wheels of the hybrid propulsion motor vehicle, and at least one coupling system (26) comprising a dog fixed on one hand to an idle gear freely rotating on the drive shaft and a dog connected on the other hand to forks (22, 24), the forks (22, 24) being configured to move longitudinally along the axis of the drive shaft by means of the gearbox actuator (14), the selection mechanism (10) comprising an engagement finger (12) movable along the axis of the drive shaft by means of the gearbox actuator (14), and an interlocking mechanism (16) capable of moving with the engagement finger (12), a system (30) for controlling at least one gearbox actuator (14) of the selection mechanism (10) comprising a first module (32) capable of releasing the engagement ratio with respect to the dog according to the position of the gearbox actuator (14), a second module (34) capable of returning the position of the forks (22, 24) to a stable position of a mechanical system (18) for stabilizing the forks (22, 24) by repeatedly determining the position of the gearbox actuator (14) according to the forks (22, 24), and a third module (36) for re-aligning the interlocking mechanism (16) with the engagement finger (12), the selection mechanism (10) comprising a mechanical system (18) for stabilizing the forks (22, 24), the mechanical system (18) for stabilizing the forks (22, 24) comprising a solenoid (18a) and a return spring (18b) connected to the interlocking mechanism (16). By means of the first module (32), the engagement ratio with respect to the dog is released according to the position of the gearbox actuator (14) obtained from a position sensor. When current passes through the solenoid (18a), the interlocking mechanism (16) and the engaging finger (12) both move. When the current is switched off, the return spring (18b) returns the interlocking mechanism (16) and the engaging finger (12) to their respective stable positions, By the second module (34) repeatedly determining the position of the gearbox actuator (14) according to the forks (22, 24), the position of the forks (22, 24) is returned to the stable position of the mechanical system (18) that stabilizes the forks (22, 24), A method, characterized in that the position of the gearbox actuator (14) is adjusted to its central position by the third module (36) to realign the interlocking mechanism (16) with the engaging finger (12). Claim 2 When the engagement ratio with respect to the dog is the first engagement ratio or the third engagement ratio, the solenoid (18a) of the mechanical system (18) operates against the operation of the return spring (18b), and then the solenoid (18a) is released after the step of realigning the interlocking mechanism (16) with the engaging finger (12). The method according to claim 1. Claim 3 A system (30) for controlling at least one gearbox actuator (14) of a selection mechanism (10) of a transmission (20) for a hybrid propulsion motor vehicle equipped with a combustion engine and at least one electromechanical machine, wherein the transmission (20) comprises a drive shaft directly or indirectly connected to the combustion engine and / or the electromechanical machine, a drive shaft connected to the drive wheels of the hybrid propulsion motor vehicle, and at least one coupling system (26) comprising a dog fixed to an idle gear freely rotatable on the drive shaft on one hand and a dog connected to forks (22, 24) on the other hand, the forks (22, 24) being configured to move longitudinally along the axis of the drive shaft by the gearbox actuator (14), the selection mechanism (10) comprising an engagement finger (12) movable along the axis of the drive shaft by the gearbox actuator (14), and an interlocking mechanism (16) capable of moving with the engagement finger (12), the selection mechanism (10) comprising a mechanical system (18) for stabilizing the forks (22, 24), the mechanical system (18) for stabilizing the forks (22, 24) comprising a solenoid (18a) and a return spring (18b) connected to the interlocking mechanism (16). A first module (32) capable of releasing the engagement ratio with respect to the dog according to the position of the gearbox actuator (14); A second module (34) capable of returning the position of the forks (22, 24) to the stable position of the mechanical system (18) for stabilizing the forks (22, 24) by repeatedly determining the position of the gearbox actuator (14) according to the forks (22, 24); A third module (36) for adjusting the position of the gearbox actuator (14) to its central position to realign the interlocking mechanism (16) with the engagement finger (12); Comprising When current passes through the solenoid (18a), the interlocking mechanism (16) and the engagement finger (12) both move, and when the current is switched off, the return spring (18b) returns the interlocking mechanism (16) and the engagement finger (12) to their respective stable positions of the interlocking mechanism (16) and the engagement finger (12). The system is characterized in that the position of the forks (22, 24) is returned to the stable position of the mechanical system (18) that stabilizes the forks (22, 24) by the second module (34) repeatedly determining the position of the gearbox actuator (14) according to the forks (22, 24). Claim 4 The system according to claim 3, wherein the coupling system (26) comprises a first fork (22) capable of exclusively engaging a first engagement ratio with respect to the dog or a third engagement ratio with respect to the dog, and a second fork (24) capable of exclusively engaging a second engagement ratio with respect to the dog or a fourth engagement ratio with respect to the dog. Claim 5 A transmission (20) for a hybrid propulsion motor vehicle comprising a selection mechanism (10) and a system (30) for controlling at least one gearbox actuator (14) according to claim 3 or 4.

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