2-speed drive assembly and new energy vehicles
The two-speed drive assembly addresses the challenges of rotational speed and torque adjustment in new energy vehicles by employing a parallel shaft design with a reduction mechanism and clutch system, enhancing power output, reducing costs, and improving NVH performance.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- JING JIN ELECTRIC TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2023-10-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-23
Smart Images
Figure 2026524670000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] [Cross-reference to Related Applications] This application claims the priority of a Chinese patent application filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration on July 18, 2022, with the application number 202310880041.3 and the application title "Two-speed Drive Assembly and New Energy Vehicle", and all of its content is incorporated herein by reference.
[0002] [Technical Field] This application belongs to the technical field of new energy vehicles, and particularly relates to a two-speed drive assembly and a new energy vehicle.
Background Art
[0003] The drive assembly of a new energy vehicle generally consists of a motor and a speed reducer. First, the motor converts electrical energy into mechanical energy to provide power to the vehicle, and then, through the speed reducer, the rotational speed of the motor is reduced and the output torque of the motor is amplified to realize the functions of speed reduction and torque increase, so that the drive assembly can operate within a certain rotational speed range and a certain driving torque.
[0004] Currently, many drive assemblies of new energy vehicles adopt a motor and a speed reducer with a fixed gear ratio. In order to meet the maximum vehicle speed of the whole vehicle, it is necessary to be able to adjust the rotational speed of the motor in a wide range. In order to meet the power performance of the vehicle, it is necessary to select a motor with a large power to match the whole vehicle, which increases the production cost of the drive assembly. And when matching the motor with a speed reducer with a fixed gear ratio, when the vehicle is operating at low speed or high speed, the vehicle speed can only be adjusted by adjusting the speed of the motor. When the vehicle is at low speed or starting, the requirements for the output torque and power of the motor are high. When the vehicle is at high speed, the requirements for the maximum rotational speed of the motor are high. The high-speed operation of the motor brings problems such as NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness), sealing performance, and durability. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]
[0005] In response to the above problems, the present application discloses a two-speed drive assembly and a new energy vehicle that resolve or at least partially resolve the above problems. [Means for solving the problem]
[0006] To achieve the above objective, this application employs the following technical embodiments.
[0007] One aspect of the present invention provides a two-speed drive assembly, the two-speed drive assembly comprising a drive source, a transmission mechanism and a reduction mechanism, The transmission mechanism includes an input shaft, an intermediate shaft, and an output shaft arranged in parallel, the input shaft being driven by the drive source, the input shaft having a first gear, the intermediate shaft having a second gear, a third gear, and a fourth gear, and the output shaft having a fifth gear and a sixth gear, the first gear and the second gear mesh and drive together, the third gear and the fifth gear mesh and drive together, the third gear and the intermediate shaft or the fifth gear and the output shaft are driven by a clutch, the fourth gear and the intermediate shaft or the sixth gear and the output shaft are driven by a clutch. The reduction gear mechanism is externally mounted on the output shaft and is electrically connected to the differential.
[0008] Furthermore, the output shaft of the drive source and the input shaft of the transmission mechanism are integrated into a single structure.
[0009] Furthermore, the output shaft is a hollow shaft, and the output shaft is externally mounted on one side of the output half-shaft of the differential.
[0010] Furthermore, the reduction mechanism includes a sun gear, planetary gears, ring gear, and planetary carrier. The sun gear is mounted on the output shaft, the ring gear is loosely fitted coaxially to the outside of the sun gear, the planetary gear is provided between the sun gear and the ring gear and meshes with the sun gear and the ring gear, the planetary gear is connected to the planetary carrier via the planetary shaft, and the planetary carrier is connected to the housing of the differential.
[0011] Furthermore, the planetary carrier and the differential housing are integrated into a single structure.
[0012] Furthermore, the third gear and the intermediate shaft are connected by a first clutch, and a first needle bearing is provided between the third gear and the intermediate shaft. The sixth gear and the output shaft are connected by a second clutch, and a second needle bearing is provided between the sixth gear and the output shaft.
[0013] Furthermore, the connections between the first gear and the input shaft, the second gear and the intermediate shaft, the fourth gear and the intermediate shaft, and the fifth gear and the output shaft are all made by splines.
[0014] Furthermore, the fifth gear and the output shaft are connected by a first clutch, and a first needle bearing is provided between the fifth gear and the output shaft. The sixth gear and the output shaft are connected by a second clutch, and a second needle bearing is provided between the sixth gear and the output shaft.
[0015] Furthermore, a third clutch is provided between the housing of the differential and the output half-shaft on one side of the differential.
[0016] Another aspect of the present application is to provide a new energy vehicle, the new energy vehicle employing the two-speed drive assembly described above. Inventive effect
[0017] The advantages and beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:
[0018] In the two-speed drive assembly of this invention, by providing an input shaft, an intermediate shaft, and an output shaft arranged in parallel, a two-stage reduction with two different gear ratios is realized. Furthermore, by providing a reduction mechanism between the output shaft and the differential, the two-speed drive assembly enables power output with a high transmission ratio, meeting the requirements for the vehicle's maximum speed and power performance. At the same time, the requirements for motor power, torque, and maximum rotational speed are reduced, the cost of the two-speed electric drive assembly is reduced, and problems with NVH, sealing, and durability due to high-speed motor operation are avoided. The two-speed drive assembly has advantages such as high output torque, a compact structure, small footprint, high transmission efficiency, good NVH performance, and low production cost. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0019] By reading the detailed description of the following preferred embodiments, various other advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art. The drawings are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered limiting to the invention. Throughout the drawings, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.
[0020] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a two-speed drive assembly in one embodiment of the present invention when it is in first gear. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a 2-speed drive assembly in one embodiment of the present invention when it is in second gear. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0021] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the technical solutions of this application will be clearly and fully described below in conjunction with specific embodiments of this application and the corresponding drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative efforts based on the embodiments of this application are included within the protection scope of this application.
[0022] The technical solutions according to each embodiment of this application will be described in detail below in conjunction with the drawings.
[0023] Embodiment 1 In this embodiment, a two-speed drive assembly is disclosed. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the two-speed drive assembly includes a drive source 1, a speed-changing mechanism, and a speed-reducing mechanism. Among them, the drive source may be an electric motor or an engine.
[0024] Specifically, the speed-changing mechanism includes an input shaft 2, an intermediate shaft 3, and an output shaft 4 provided in parallel. The input shaft 2 is transmission-connected to the drive source 1. A first gear 5 is provided on the input shaft 2. A second gear 6, a third gear 7, and a fourth gear 8 are provided on the intermediate shaft 3. A fifth gear 9 and a sixth gear 10 are provided on the output shaft 4. The first gear 5 and the second gear 6 are in meshing transmission. The third gear 7 and the fifth gear 9 are in meshing transmission. The fourth gear 8 and the sixth gear 10 are in meshing transmission. The third gear 7 and the intermediate shaft 3 are transmission-connected by a first clutch 16, and a first needle bearing 17 is provided between the third gear 7 and the intermediate shaft 3. The sixth gear 10 and the output shaft 4 are transmission-connected by a second clutch 18, and a second needle bearing 19 is provided between the sixth gear 10 and the output shaft 4. And between the first gear 5 and the input shaft 2, between the second gear 6 and the intermediate shaft 3, between the fourth gear 8 and the intermediate shaft 3, and between the fifth gear 9 and the output shaft 4, they are all connected by splines.
[0025] Of these, the transmission ratio between the third gear 7 and the fifth gear 9 differs from the transmission ratio between the fourth gear 8 and the sixth gear 10, resulting in the output of two different gear ratios. Specifically, by controlling the first clutch 16 and the second clutch 18, meshing transmission between the third gear 7 and the fifth gear 9 or meshing transmission between the fourth gear 8 and the sixth gear 10 is achieved between the intermediate shaft 3 and the output shaft 4, enabling switching between low-speed and high-speed gears and accommodating various operating conditions. Furthermore, the meshing of the first gear 5 and the second gear 6 enables transmission between the input shaft 2 and the intermediate shaft 3, and the meshing of the third gear 7 and the fifth gear 9 or the fourth gear 8 and the sixth gear 10 enables transmission between the intermediate shaft 3 and the output shaft 4, further allowing for two-stage reduction.
[0026] Furthermore, the reduction gear mechanism is externally mounted on the output shaft 4 and is electrically connected to the differential 11. Power is transmitted via the differential 11 to the left output half shaft 21 and the right output half shaft 22, causing the wheels to rotate and generating power output.
[0027] In this embodiment, the two-speed drive assembly achieves two-stage reduction with two different gear ratios by providing an input shaft, intermediate shaft, and output shaft arranged in parallel. Furthermore, by providing a reduction mechanism between the output shaft and the differential, the two-speed drive assembly enables power output with a high transmission ratio, meeting the vehicle's maximum speed and power performance requirements. At the same time, it reduces the requirements for motor power, torque, and maximum rotational speed, lowers the cost of the two-speed electric drive assembly, and avoids NVH, sealing, and durability issues caused by high-speed motor operation. This two-speed drive assembly has advantages such as high output torque, a compact structure, small footprint, high transmission efficiency, good NVH performance, and low production cost.
[0028] In this embodiment, the output shaft of the drive source and the input shaft of the transmission mechanism are integrated into a single structure. This reduces the impact on the transmission mechanism from the output shaft of the drive source when transmitting power, and also reduces transmission losses. In other embodiments of this application, the output shaft of the drive source may be connected to the input shaft of the transmission mechanism via a coupling.
[0029] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the output shaft 4 is a hollow shaft and is externally mounted on the left output half shaft 21 on the left side of the differential 11. The output shaft 4 is rotatable relative to the left output half shaft 21, while maintaining relative axial fixation. Of course, the output shaft may also be externally mounted on the right output half shaft on the right side of the differential, which is also within the scope of protection of this application. By designing the output shaft to be loosely fitted to one side of the output half shaft of the differential, the original spatial volume of the differential can be fully utilized, and the vertical volume when the two-speed drive assembly and the differential are combined can be made smaller.
[0030] Furthermore, the reduction mechanism includes a sun gear 12, planetary gears 13, a ring gear 14, and a planetary carrier 15.
[0031] Specifically, the sun gear 12 is externally mounted on the output shaft 4, the ring gear 14 is loosely fitted coaxially to the outside of the sun gear 12, and the ring gear 14 can be fixedly connected to the housing of the transmission mechanism, the planetary gear 13 is provided between the sun gear 12 and the ring gear 14 and meshes with the sun gear 12 and the ring gear 14 respectively, the planetary gear 13 is connected to the planetary carrier 15 via a planetary shaft, and the planetary carrier 15 is connected to the housing of the differential 11. In this way, power on the output shaft 4 is transmitted sequentially to the housing of the differential 11 via the sun gear 12, planetary gear 13 and planetary carrier 15, and by controlling the transmission ratio between the planetary gear 13 and the sun gear 12, the two-speed drive assembly can achieve a large torque output. The number of planetary gears is multiple, preferably three or four.
[0032] Furthermore, the planetary carrier and differential housing are manufactured and molded as a single integrated unit, which simplifies the assembly of the two-speed drive assembly and makes the connection between the planetary carrier and differential housing simpler and stronger. Of course, in other embodiments, the planetary carrier and differential housing may be separate units that are individually machined and manufactured before being fixedly connected by screws / bolts or welding, as separate units make manufacturing easier.
[0033] Furthermore, a third clutch 20 is provided between the housing of the differential 11 and the right output half shaft 22 on the right side of the differential 11. When the third clutch 20 engages, the housing of the differential 11 and the right output half shaft 22 are locked, and the differential 11 is locked. In this way, if one wheel slips or fails to make contact with the road surface, the third clutch locks the differential, allowing power to be transmitted to the wheel with grip, thus enabling the wheel to escape from distress. Of course, the third clutch may also be provided between the housing of the differential and the left output half shaft.
[0034] The operation process of the two-speed drive assembly in this embodiment is specifically as follows: In the process of implementing the first gear, as shown in Figure 1, the first clutch 16 is controlled to be released and the second clutch 18 is controlled to be engaged. At this time, power is generated by the drive source 1 and transmitted to the first gear 5 via the input shaft 2. The meshing of the first gear 5 and the second gear 6 transmits power to the intermediate shaft 3, achieving a first-stage reduction. The intermediate shaft 3 rotates the fourth gear 8, and the meshing of the fourth gear 8 and the sixth gear 10 transmits power to the output shaft 4, achieving a second-stage reduction. The output shaft 4 transmits power to the planetary carrier 15 sequentially via the sun gear 12 and planetary gear 13, achieving planetary reduction and torque increase. The planetary carrier 15 rotates the housing of the differential 11, and power is transmitted to the wheels via the left output half shaft 21 and the right output half shaft 22, achieving the first-speed drive state.
[0035] As shown in Figure 2, the process of implementing the second gear involves controlling the engagement of the first clutch 16 and the release of the second clutch 18. At this time, power is generated by the drive source 1 and transmitted to the first gear 5 via the input shaft 2. The meshing of the first gear 5 and the second gear 6 transmits power to the intermediate shaft 3, achieving a first-stage reduction. The intermediate shaft 3 rotates the third gear 7, and the meshing of the third gear 7 and the fifth gear 9 transmits power to the output shaft 4, achieving a second-stage reduction. The output shaft 4 then transmits power to the planetary carrier 15 via the sun gear 12 and planetary gear 13 in sequence, achieving planetary reduction and torque increase. The planetary carrier 15 rotates the housing of the differential 11, and power is transmitted to the wheels via the left output half shaft 21 and the right output half shaft 22, achieving the second-speed drive state.
[0036] Example 2 In this embodiment, the fifth gear and the output shaft are connected by a first clutch, and a first needle bearing is provided between the fifth gear and the output shaft. The sixth gear and the output shaft are connected by a second clutch, and a second needle bearing is provided between the sixth gear and the output shaft. In this way, when the two-speed drive assembly is free-spinning, the load on the drive source can be reduced and energy consumption can be saved.
[0037] Of course, in other embodiments, the third gear and the intermediate shaft may be connected by a first clutch, and the fourth gear and the intermediate shaft may be connected by a second clutch.
[0038] Example 3 This embodiment discloses a new energy vehicle that employs the two-speed drive assembly described in the above embodiment and has advantages such as sufficient power output, low production costs, and good NVH performance.
[0039] The above-mentioned embodiments are merely specific examples of the present application, and a person skilled in the art can make further improvements or modifications based on the above embodiments under the teachings of the present application. A person skilled in the art should understand that the above specific descriptions are merely for the purpose of better interpreting the present application, and that the scope of protection of the present application is equivalent to the scope of protection under the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0040] 1 Drive source, 2 Input shaft, 3 Intermediate shaft, 4 Output shaft, 5 First gear, 6 Second gear, 7 Third gear, 8 Fourth gear, 9 Fifth gear, 10 Sixth gear, 11 Differential, 12 Sun gear, 13 Planetary gear, 14 Ring gear, 15 Planetary carrier, 16 First clutch, 17 First needle bearing, 18 Second clutch, 19 Second needle bearing, 20 Third clutch, 21 Left output half shaft, 22 Right output half shaft.
Claims
1. A two-speed drive assembly comprising a drive source, a transmission mechanism and a reduction mechanism, The transmission mechanism includes an input shaft, an intermediate shaft, and an output shaft arranged in parallel, the input shaft being driven by the drive source, the input shaft having a first gear, the intermediate shaft having a second gear, a third gear, and a fourth gear, and the output shaft having a fifth gear and a sixth gear, the first gear and the second gear mesh and drive together, the third gear and the fifth gear mesh and drive together, the third gear and the intermediate shaft or the fifth gear and the output shaft are driven by a clutch, the fourth gear and the intermediate shaft or the sixth gear and the output shaft are driven by a clutch. The reduction mechanism is externally mounted on the output shaft and is electrically connected to the differential, characterized in that it is a two-speed drive assembly.
2. The two-speed drive assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the output shaft of the drive source and the input shaft of the transmission mechanism employ an integrated structure.
3. The two-speed drive assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the output shaft is a hollow shaft and the output shaft is externally mounted on one side of the output half-shaft of the differential.
4. The reduction mechanism includes a sun gear, planetary gears, ring gear, and planetary carrier. The two-speed drive assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that the sun gear is externally mounted on the output shaft, the ring gear is loosely fitted coaxially to the outside of the sun gear, the planetary gear is provided between the sun gear and the ring gear and meshes with the sun gear and the ring gear, the planetary gear is connected to the planetary carrier via a planetary shaft, and the planetary carrier is connected to the housing of the differential.
5. The two-speed drive assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that the planetary carrier and the housing of the differential employ an integrated structure.
6. The two-speed drive assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the third gear and the intermediate shaft are connected by a first clutch, and a first needle bearing is provided between the third gear and the intermediate shaft, and the sixth gear and the output shaft are connected by a second clutch, and a second needle bearing is provided between the sixth gear and the output shaft.
7. The two-speed drive assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that the first gear and the input shaft, the second gear and the intermediate shaft, the fourth gear and the intermediate shaft, and the fifth gear and the output shaft are all connected by splines.
8. The two-speed drive assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the fifth gear and the output shaft are connected by a first clutch, and a first needle bearing is provided between the fifth gear and the output shaft, and the sixth gear and the output shaft are connected by a second clutch, and a second needle bearing is provided between the sixth gear and the output shaft.
9. The two-speed drive assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a third clutch is provided between the housing of the differential and the output half-shaft on one side of the differential.
10. A new energy vehicle characterized by employing a two-speed drive assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.