Clutch assembly, power mechanism, and vehicle

Abstract

A clutch assembly (100) comprising an intermediate shaft (10), a first transmission member (20), and a first clutch component (30). The first transmission member is connected to the intermediate shaft. The first clutch component includes a first clutch portion (301) and a second clutch portion (302) that are selectively engaged. The first clutch portion is connected to the first transmission member, and the second clutch portion is rotatably sleeved on the intermediate shaft. One of the first transmission member and the second clutch portion is connected to a first power member (200), and the other of the first transmission member and the second clutch portion outputs power to a wheel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - reference to Related Applications This disclosure claims the priority of Chinese Patent Application No. 202210613299.2, filed on May 31, 2022, entitled "CLUTCH ASSEMBLY, POWER MECHANISM AND VEHICLE", the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This disclosure relates to the field of vehicles, and specifically, to a clutch assembly, a power mechanism, and a vehicle.

Background Art

[0003] As the social demands for energy conservation and environmental protection increase, new energy vehicles have gradually become the mainstream models selected by consumers. Existing types of new energy vehicles mainly include pure electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles. To alleviate concerns about the battery life, the consumer demand for hybrid vehicles is gradually increasing. However, considering the engine and the motor, existing hybrid vehicles have a complex transmission system and a long transmission chain. As a result, the transmission system occupies a large space.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The technical problem solved by this disclosure is that the existing transmission system has a complex structure and occupies a large space.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] To solve the foregoing technical problems, an example of the present disclosure provides a clutch assembly. The clutch assembly includes a first transmission member, a first clutch component, and a second clutch component. The first clutch component includes a first clutch portion and a second clutch portion. The second clutch component includes a third clutch portion and a fourth clutch portion. The first clutch portion and the third clutch portion are connected to the first transmission member to enable the first transmission member to form a first end. The first clutch portion is selectively engaged with the second clutch portion to enable the second clutch portion to form a second end. The fourth clutch portion is selectively engaged with the third clutch portion to enable the fourth clutch portion to form a third end.

[0006] Optionally, the first end is an output end, and the second end and the third end are input ends.

[0007] Optionally, the second end is an output end, and the first end and the third end are input ends.

[0008] Optionally, along the thickness direction of the first transmission member, the first clutch portion and the third clutch portion are respectively connected to two sides of the first transmission member. Along the thickness direction of the first transmission member, the protrusions of the first clutch portion and the protrusions of the third clutch portion at least partially overlap.

[0009] Optionally, the first transmission member is a gear. The first clutch portion and the third clutch portion are fixedly connected to form a clutch body. The first transmission member is disposed on the clutch body.

[0010] Optionally, the outer peripheral portion of the clutch body is configured to have teeth to form the first transmission member.

[0011] Optionally, the first transmission member, the first clutch portion, and the third clutch portion are integrally formed.

[0012] Optionally, the clutch assembly further includes an intermediate shaft. The first transmission member is fixedly connected to the intermediate shaft. The second clutch portion and the fourth clutch portion are rotatably disposed on the intermediate shaft.

[0013] Optionally, the intermediate shaft has a free end and a restricted end. The direction from the second clutch portion to the fourth clutch portion is the same as the direction from the free end to the restricted end.

[0014] Optionally, a first restricting portion is formed on the fourth clutch portion. A second restricting portion is disposed on the restricted end of the intermediate shaft. The first restricting portion cooperates with the second restricting portion to limit the axial movement of the intermediate shaft.

[0015] Optionally, for the fourth clutch portion to form the first restricting portion, it is recessed towards the side away from the restricted end. For the restricted end to form the second restricting portion, it protrudes towards the side away from the free end. The first restricting portion is a spherical groove. The second restricting portion is a spherical protrusion. The first restricting portion and the second restricting portion are concentric and spaced apart.

[0016] Optionally, the clutch assembly further includes a housing, a first bearing, and a second bearing. The first bearing is fixed between the fourth clutch portion and the intermediate shaft to enable relative rotation between the fourth clutch portion and the intermediate shaft. The second bearing is fixed between the fourth clutch portion and the housing to enable relative rotation between the fourth clutch portion and the housing. Along the radial direction of the intermediate shaft, the protrusions of the first bearing and the protrusions of the second bearing at least partially overlap.

[0017] The present disclosure provides a clutch assembly. The clutch assembly can selectively output at least one of two powers, that is, the clutch assembly can satisfy the functions of two clutches. The first clutch portion and the third clutch portion are fixed on the first transmission member such that the integration of the two clutch components is implemented. Compared with the two clutches, the clutch assembly can achieve the functions of the two clutches, and the overall clutch assembly can be made more compact so that the volume and the occupied space are significantly reduced. Further, the first transmission member implements power transmission and is used as a mounting carrier for the first clutch component and the second clutch component. In this way, the parts of the clutch assembly are reduced, the integration of the overall clutch assembly is improved, and the cost is reduced to a certain extent.

[0018] The present disclosure further provides a power mechanism. The power mechanism includes a first power member, a second power member, and the aforementioned clutch assembly. Two of the first end, the second end, and the third end are input ends, and the others of the first end, the second end, and the third end are output ends. The first power member and the second power member are connected to the input end. The output end is drivingly connected to the first driving end.

[0019] Optionally, the power mechanism further includes a third power member. The third power member is configured to output power to the second driving end.

[0020] The present disclosure further provides a vehicle. The vehicle includes the aforementioned power mechanism.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] In order to make the problems, solutions, and beneficial effects solved by the present disclosure clearer and easier to understand, the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the following examples. It should be understood that the specific examples described herein are merely for clarifying the present disclosure and do not limit the present disclosure.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 1, an example of the present disclosure provides a clutch assembly 100. The clutch assembly 100 includes a first transmission member 20, a first clutch component 30, and a second clutch component 40. The first clutch component 30 includes a first clutch portion 301 and a second clutch portion 302. The second clutch component 40 includes a third clutch portion 401 and a fourth clutch portion 402. The first clutch portion 301 and the third clutch portion 401 are connected to the first transmission member 20 to enable the first transmission member 20 to form a first end. The first clutch portion 301 is selectively engaged with the second clutch portion 302 to enable the second clutch portion 302 to form a second end. The third clutch portion 401 is selectively engaged with the fourth clutch portion 402 to enable the fourth clutch portion 402 to form a third end. Two of the first end, the second end, and the third end of the clutch assembly 100 are input ends, and the other of the first end, the second end, and the third end is an output end.

[0024] The clutch assembly 100 can selectively output at least one of two powers, that is, the clutch assembly 100 can satisfy the functions of two clutches. The first clutch portion 301 and the third clutch portion 401 are fixed on the first transmission member 20 so that the integration of the two clutch components is carried out. Compared with the two clutches, the clutch assembly 100 can achieve the actions of the two clutches, and the overall clutch assembly 100 can be made more compact so that the volume and the occupied space are significantly reduced. Further, the first transmission member 20 conducts power transmission and is used as a mounting carrier for the first clutch component 30 and the second clutch component 40. In this way, the parts of the clutch assembly 100 are reduced, the integration of the overall clutch assembly 100 is improved, and the cost is reduced to a certain extent.

[0025] In an example not shown in the figure, the first end is the output end, and the second end and the third end are the input ends. In this way, the power source connected to the second clutch portion 302 and the power source connected to the fourth clutch portion 402 can selectively output power through the first transmission member 20 in the clutch assembly 100.

[0026] In this example, the power source connected to the second clutch portion 302 and the power source connected to the fourth clutch portion 402 may be the same or different.

[0027] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the second end is the output end, and the first end and the third end are the input ends. In this way, the power source connected to the fourth clutch portion 402 and the power source connected to the first transmission member 20 selectively output power through the second clutch portion 302 in the clutch assembly 100. In this example, the power source connected to the fourth clutch portion 402 and the power source connected to the first transmission member 20 may be the same or different.

[0028] When the first clutch portion 301 is engaged with the third clutch portion 401 and the second clutch portion 302 is disengaged from the fourth clutch portion 402, it should be understood that the power output of a single power source is implemented. When the first clutch portion 301 is engaged with the third clutch portion 401 and the second clutch portion 302 is engaged with the fourth clutch portion 402, the output of a single power source can be implemented, and the combined output of two power sources can also be implemented.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 1, along the thickness direction of the first transmission member 20, the first clutch portion 301 and the third clutch portion 401 are respectively connected to two sides of the first transmission member 20. Along the thickness direction of the first transmission member 20, the protrusions of the first clutch portion 301 and the protrusions of the third clutch portion 401 at least partially overlap. Specifically, the first clutch portion 301 and the third clutch portion 401 are arranged side by side on two sides of the first transmission member 20 along the thickness direction of the first transmission member 20. This implements the integration of the first clutch component 30 and the second clutch component 40, and also reduces the sizes of the first clutch portion 301 and the third clutch portion 401 along the radial direction, thereby efficiently reducing the volume of the clutch assembly 100.

[0030] In the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first transmission member 20 is a gear, and the first clutch portion 301 and the third clutch portion 401 are fixedly connected to the inside of the gear, that is, connected to the inside where teeth are formed.

[0031] In one example, the first clutch portion 301 and the third clutch portion 401 may be fixedly connected to form a clutch body. The first transmission member 20 is arranged on the clutch body.

[0032] In one example, the outer peripheral portion of the clutch body may be configured to have teeth in order to form the first transmission member 20 (gear). In this way, the space occupied by the first clutch portion 301, the third clutch portion 401, and the first transmission member 20 can be further reduced, thereby reducing the volume of the clutch assembly 100.

[0033] In another example, the first transmission member 20 may also be a partial element in a planetary train or the like as long as it can be used for power transmission.

[0034] In some examples, the first clutch portion 301, the third clutch portion 401, and the first transmission member 20 are integrally formed. The integrally formed first clutch portion 301, third clutch portion 401, and first transmission member 20 further reduce the axial size, thereby further reducing the volume.

[0035] In the examples shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first clutch portion 301 and the third clutch portion 401 are fixedly connected to the first transmission member 20. Specifically, the first clutch portion 301 and the third clutch portion 401 are welded to the first transmission member 20. It is certain that the first clutch portion 301 and the third clutch portion 401 may also be fixed on the first transmission member 20 through screw connection or the like.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 1, the clutch assembly 100 further includes an intermediate shaft 10. The first transmission member 20 is connected to the intermediate shaft 10. The second clutch portion 302 and the fourth clutch portion 402 are rotatably connected to the intermediate shaft 10.

[0037] The intermediate shaft 10 has a free end and a restricted end. The direction from the second clutch portion 302 to the fourth clutch portion 402 is the same as the direction from the free end to the restricted end. It should be understood that the free end and the restricted end in the present disclosure are respectively formed at the two ends of this intermediate shaft 10. The free end is formed on the right side of the intermediate shaft 10 in FIG. 1. The restricted end is formed on the left side of the intermediate shaft 10 in FIG. 1.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 1, a first restricting portion 4012 is disposed in the fourth clutch portion 402. A second restricting portion 101 is disposed on the intermediate shaft 10. The first restricting portion 4012 cooperates with the second restricting portion 101 to restrict the axial movement of the intermediate shaft 10. One end of the intermediate shaft 10 is a free end. Therefore, the axial movement of the intermediate shaft 10 is restricted by the first restricting portion 4012 and the second restricting portion 101, thereby improving the structural stability.

[0039] In one example, the first restricting portion 4012 is a spherical groove. The second restricting portion 101 is a spherical protrusion. The spherical groove and the spherical protrusion are arranged concentrically. In this way, even if the intermediate shaft 10 undergoes an axial displacement within a specific range and the first restricting portion 4012 is brought into contact with the second restricting portion 101, the concentrically arranged spherical groove and spherical protrusion can also enable the intermediate shaft 10 and the fourth clutch portion 402 to rotate relative to each other so that the clutch assembly 100 can operate normally.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 1, a cavity 4011 is provided within a fourth clutch portion 402, and one end of the intermediate shaft 10 is placed within the cavity 4011. The cavity 4011 is provided within the fourth clutch portion 402 such that the intermediate shaft 10 is disposed within the cavity 4011. Then, the other end of the intermediate shaft 10 is also attached through the attachment of the fourth clutch portion 402. This further reduces the axial size by avoiding an increase in the axial size when arranging the attachment position on one end of the intermediate shaft 10, and also makes the entire clutch assembly 100 more compact. Further, the arrangement of the cavity 4011 also provides conditions for the arrangement of the following first limiting portion 4012. The aforementioned first limiting portion 4012 is formed within the cavity 4011.

[0041] In one example, the clutch assembly 100 further includes a housing. The inside of the second clutch portion 302 is sleeved rotatably on the intermediate shaft 10 through a first bearing 50, and the outside of the driven member is rotatably connected to the housing through a second bearing 60. Along the radial direction of the intermediate shaft 10, the protrusions of the first bearing 50 and the protrusions of the second bearing 60 overlap at least partially. In this way, while avoiding damage to the entire system caused by shear forces resulting from a completely misaligned arrangement of the first bearing 50 and the second bearing 60 for the load along the radial direction of the intermediate shaft 10 during power transmission, it can be transmitted to the housing through the first bearing 50, the fourth clutch portion 402, and the second bearing 60, thereby improving the lifespan of the clutch assembly 100.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 1, the clutch assembly 100 further includes a third bearing 70 and a fourth bearing 80. The second clutch portion 302 is sleeved on the intermediate shaft 10 through the third bearing 70, and the intermediate shaft 10 is rotatably connected to the housing through the fourth bearing 80 to effect relative rotation between the housing and the intermediate shaft 10.

[0043] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, an example of the present disclosure further provides a power mechanism 1000. The power mechanism 1000 includes a first power member 200, a second power member 300, and the aforementioned clutch assembly 100. The first power member 200 and the second power member 300 are connected to the input end portion. The output end portion is drivingly connected to the first drive end portion.

[0044] One of the first power member 200 and the second power member 300 is an engine, and the other of the first power member 200 and the second power member 300 is a motor.

[0045] The first transmission member 20 is configured to be connected to the first power member 200. The fourth clutch portion 402 is configured to be connected to the second power member 300. The second clutch portion 302 is configured to output power to the wheels. The first power member 200 is an engine, and the second power member 300 is a motor.

[0046] In the example as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first power member 200 is a motor, and the second power member 300 is an engine. In this way, the engine and the motor can selectively input power to the wheels, and the engine and the motor can be selectively engaged. In this way, the operating engine can output power to the motor to enable the motor to generate electricity.

[0047] In the example shown in FIG. 2, the first power member 200 is a motor, the second power member 300 is an engine, the first transmission member 20 is configured to be connected to the motor, and the second clutch portion 302 is configured to output power to the wheels. In this way, the engine can be selectively engaged with the motor through the clutch assembly 100 so that power can be selectively transmitted to the motor to enable the motor to generate electricity. The motor selectively transmits the power of the motor or the engine to the wheels through the clutch assembly 100 (when the motor is connected to the engine through the clutch).

[0048] In the clutch assembly 100, the first clutch portion 301 of the first clutch component 30 and the third clutch portion 401 of the second clutch component 40 are fixedly connected to the first transmission member 20. The first transmission member 20 performs power transmission from the first power member 200 or the second power member 300 to the wheels, and is also used as a carrier for the integration of the first clutch component 30 and the second clutch component 40. In this way, the integration of the two clutches and the first transmission member 20 is implemented, the structure is compact, and as a result, the volume and the occupied space of the clutch assembly 100 are reduced. Further, since the volume of the clutch assembly 100 is reduced, the power transmission chain is shortened, thereby improving the efficiency of power transmission.

[0049] In one example, the first transmission member 20 may be configured to output power to the wheels. In this case, the second clutch portion 302 may be configured to connect to the first power member 200. In this way, the first clutch component 30 can selectively transmit power from the first power member 200 to the wheels, and the second clutch component 40 can selectively transmit power from the second power member 300 to the wheels. It should be understood that the first power member 200 and the second power member 300 may be an engine or a motor. Generally, one of the first power member 200 and the second power member 300 is a motor, and the other of the first power member 200 and the second power member 300 is an engine.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 3, the power mechanism 1000 provided in the present disclosure further includes a third power member 400. The third power member 400 is configured to output power to the second drive end. The first drive end is the front wheel 500, and the second drive end is the rear wheel 600. In this way, by using three power members, four-wheel drive can be timely implemented so that a four-wheel drive function is implemented, and the cost is reduced. The clutch assembly 100 in the present disclosure is used so that the entire power mechanism 1000 has a compact structure, occupies a small area, and is easy to arrange and install.

[0051] Furthermore, the power mechanism 1000 further includes a power battery 700. When the first power member 200 and the third power member 400 are motors, the first power member 200 and the third power member 400 are connected to the power battery 700 to enable the power battery 700 to supply power to the motors. Furthermore, the first power member 200 is electrically connected to the third power member 400 to enable the first power member 200 to supply electrical energy to the power battery 700 or the third power member 400 when the first power member 200 is in a power generation state.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 4, the present disclosure further provides a vehicle 2000. The vehicle 2000 includes the aforementioned power mechanism 1000.

[0053] The above description is only a preferred example of the present disclosure and is not intended to limit the present disclosure. Any modification, equivalent substitution, or improvement made within the spirit and principle of the present disclosure shall be included in the protection scope of the present disclosure.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0054] 100 Clutch assembly 10 Intermediate shaft 101 Second limiting portion 20 First transmission member 30 First clutch component 301 First clutch portion 302 Second clutch portion 40 Second clutch component 401 Third clutch part 4011 Cavity 4012 First limiting part 402 Fourth clutch part 50 First bearing 60 Second bearing 70 Third bearing 80 Fourth bearing 200 First power member 300 Second power member 400 Third power member 500 Front wheel 600 Rear wheel 700 Power battery 1000 Power mechanism 2000 Vehicle

Claims

1. The device comprises a first transmission member, a first clutch component, and a second clutch component, wherein the first clutch component comprises a first clutch portion and a second clutch portion, the second clutch component comprises a third clutch portion and a fourth clutch portion, the first clutch portion and the third clutch portion are connected to the first transmission member to enable the first transmission member to form a first end, the second clutch portion is selectively engaged with the first clutch portion to enable the second clutch portion to form a second end, and the fourth clutch portion is selectively engaged with the third clutch portion to enable the fourth clutch portion to form a third end. The device further comprises an intermediate shaft, the first transmission member being fixedly connected to the intermediate shaft, and the second clutch portion and the fourth clutch portion being rotatably arranged on the intermediate shaft. The intermediate shaft has a free end and a restricted end, and the direction from the second clutch portion to the fourth clutch portion is the same as the direction from the free end to the restricted end. A clutch assembly in which a first limiting portion is formed on the fourth clutch portion, a second limiting portion is positioned on the limiting end of the intermediate shaft, and the first limiting portion cooperates with the second limiting portion to restrict the axial movement of the intermediate shaft.

2. The clutch assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first end is an output end, and the second and third ends are input ends.

3. The clutch assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second end is an output end, and the first end and the third end are input ends.

4. Along the thickness direction of the first transmission member, the first clutch portion and the third clutch portion are connected to two sides of the first transmission member, respectively. The clutch assembly according to claim 1, wherein the projection of the first clutch portion and the projection of the third clutch portion at least partially overlap along the thickness direction of the first transmission member.

5. The clutch assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first transmission member is a gear, the first clutch portion and the third clutch portion are fixedly connected to form a clutch body, and the first transmission member is positioned on the clutch body.

6. The clutch assembly according to claim 5, wherein the outer periphery of the clutch body is configured to have teeth in order to form the first transmission member.

7. The clutch assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first transmission member, the first clutch portion, and the third clutch portion are integrally formed.

8. The clutch assembly according to claim 1, wherein the fourth clutch portion is recessed toward the side away from the limiting end to form the first limiting portion, the limiting end protrudes toward the side away from the free end to form the second limiting portion, the first limiting portion is a spherical groove, the second limiting portion is a spherical projection, and the first limiting portion and the second limiting portion are concentric and spaced apart.

9. The clutch assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a housing, a first bearing, and a second bearing, wherein the first bearing is connected between the fourth clutch portion and the intermediate shaft to allow the fourth clutch portion and the intermediate shaft to rotate relative to each other, and the second bearing is connected between the fourth clutch portion and the housing to allow the fourth clutch portion and the housing to rotate relative to each other, and the projection of the first bearing and the projection of the second bearing at least partially overlap along the radial direction of the intermediate shaft.

10. A power mechanism comprising a first power member, a second power member, and a clutch assembly as described in claim 1, wherein two of the first end, the second end, and the third end are input ends, the other of the first end, the second end, and the third end is an output end, the first power member and the second power member are connected to the input ends, and the output ends are drivenly connected to a first drive end.

11. The power mechanism according to claim 10, further comprising a third power member, wherein the third power member is configured to output power to a second drive end.

12. A vehicle comprising the power mechanism according to claim 10 or 11.

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