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]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of coupling systems, especially in motor vehicle transmissions.

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

[0003] Such transmissions comprise a coupling system with, for example, dogs, or any kind of progressive or non-progressive coupler that allows engagement of various reduction ratios of the transmission.

[0004] The advantage of a hybrid transmission is that it provides two sources of energy to the vehicle's kinematic drivetrain: thermal and electrical. These two energy torque inputs can be stored in "hybrid" mode or used separately in "pure combustion" mode, where the electric machine does not provide torque to the traction chain, or in "pure electric" mode, where the combustion engine does not provide torque to the traction chain.

[0005] A hybrid transmission allows the combustion engine to be driven when stopped or when traveling using the electric machine as a starter, and also allows the vehicle's battery to be charged by the electric machine functioning in generator mode.

[0006] Documents EP 2 726 757 B1 (Renault) and EP 2 694 309 A1 (Renault) describe the construction of such a hybrid transmission, with a main line including a solid main shaft connected to the dynamic flywheel of the 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 connected to the rotor of the electric machine and having a fixed gear connectable by the first coupling system.

[0007] The transmission also includes a countershaft having two idle gears connectable to the mainline by a second dog-type linkage system, and the countershaft also has a fixed gear and an intermediate gear on a differential connected to the drive wheels of the vehicle.

[0008] Transmissions generally, on the other hand, First engagement ratio or Third engagement ratio Engagement, on the other hand Second engagement ratio or Fourth engagement ratio The selection mechanism is particularly First engagement ratio Call Third engagement ratio fork, Second engagement ratio Call Fourth engagement ratio It can only be enabled when the various elements of the transmission, such as the forks, engagement fingers, and interlocking mechanisms, are properly aligned. Summary of the Invention

[0009] It is therefore an object of the present invention to ensure that the elements are aligned with one another to ensure robust operation of the selection mechanism.

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

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

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

[0013] According to this method, the engagement ratio is released depending on the position of the actuator obtained from the position sensor. Engagement ratio It is adjusted to a position that allows it to be released.

[0014] The position of the fork is then stabilized by repeatedly determining the position of the actuator according to the fork's position. machine The fork is returned to its stable position in the gravity zone of the system.

[0015] Additionally, the position of the actuator is adjusted to its center position to realign the linkage with the engagement finger.

[0016] The system for stabilising the forks conveniently comprises a solenoid and a return spring connected to the linkage.

[0017] When current is passed through the solenoid, the solenoid articulates the interlock mechanism and the engagement finger, and when the current is switched off, a return spring returns the interlock mechanism and the engagement finger to their respective stable positions.

[0018] First engagement ratio or second engagement ratio 3 Place If, machine The solenoid of the system is activated to counter the action of the return spring and then released after the step of realigning the linkage with the engagement finger, thus avoiding the anticipated action of the spring that would place the fork outside the gravitational force zone of the gravitational force system.

[0019] This condition means that Engage Control of the actuator to ensure accurate ratio release and then proper positioning with the engagement finger of the interlocking mechanism for selection. The first engagement ratio or the third engagement ratio and Call The second engagement ratio or the fourth engagement ratio Similar on the fork.

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

[0021] The transmission comprises a drive shaft directly or indirectly connected to a combustion engine and / or an electric machine, a drive shaft connected to the driving wheels of the motor vehicle, and at least one coupling system comprising dogs fixed on the one hand to an idle gear rotating freely on the drive shaft and on the other hand to a fork rotatably connected to the drive shaft, the fork being adapted to be moved longitudinally along the axis of the drive shaft by a gearbox actuator to engage or disengage with the dogs.

[0022] The selection mechanism comprises an engagement finger that can be moved along the axis of the drive shaft by a gearbox actuator to engage or disengage the reduction ratio, and an interlocking mechanism that can lock the position of the engagement finger.

[0023] The selection mechanism also includes a mechanical system that stabilizes the forks.

[0024] To ensure a stable position of the forks compatible with the operation of the selection mechanism, the selection mechanism includes a "coupling" mechanical system that stabilizes the forks.

[0025] The control system includes a first module that can change the engagement ratio depending on the position of the actuator. Engagement ratio It is adjusted to a position that allows it to be released.

[0026] The control system comprises a second module capable of iteratively determining the position of the actuator in response to the fork, thereby returning the position of the fork to the attractive zone of the "coupling" system, which stabilizes the fork, in which 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 center position to realign the linkage with the engagement finger.

[0028] The system for stabilising the forks conveniently comprises a solenoid and a return spring connected to the linkage.

[0029] When current is passed through the solenoid, the solenoid articulates the interlock mechanism and the engagement finger, and when the current is switched off, a return spring returns the interlock mechanism and the engagement finger to their respective stable positions.

[0030] EngageThe actuator controls the fork to ensure proper positioning with the engagement fingers of the interlocking mechanism for selection after accurate ratio release. The first engagement ratio or the third engagement ratio and Call On the second engagement ratio or the fourth engagement ratio Similar to Ratio 1 and Ratio 3, except that for Ratios 1 and 3, the solenoid is first activated to counter the action of the return spring, and then released after the third module realigns the linkage with the engagement finger, thus avoiding the expected action of the spring that would take the fork out of the attraction zone of the stabilization system.

[0031] For example, a linked system First engagement ratio or The third engagement ratio an exclusively engageable first fork; Second engagement ratio or The fourth engagement ratio and a second fork that is exclusively engageable with the first fork.

[0032] According to a third aspect, the 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 a reading of the following description, given by way of non-limiting example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a selection mechanism for a transmission of an automobile according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2A] 10A-10D illustrate the operation of the fork stabilizing system. [Figure 2B] 10A-10D illustrate the operation of the fork stabilizing system. [Figure 3] 2 is a flow chart of a method of controlling the actuator of the selection mechanism of FIG. 1; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] As shown diagrammatically in FIG. 1, the selection mechanism, generally designated 10, is intended to be incorporated into a transmission 20 of a hybrid propulsion vehicle (not shown), comprising, on the one hand, a combustion engine (not shown) and, on the other hand, one or two electric machines (not shown), each intended to drive a drive shaft of a driving wheel (not shown).

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

[0037] The first fork 22 First engagement ratio or Third engagement ratio The second fork 24 allows for exclusive engagement. Second engagement ratio or Fourth engagement ratio Allows for exclusive engagement.

[0038] The selector mechanism 10 comprises an engagement finger 12 which can be moved along the axis of the drive shaft by a gearbox actuator 14 to engage or disengage the reduction ratio.

[0039] The selection mechanism 10 also includes an interlocking mechanism 16 that can lock the position of the engagement finger 12 .

[0040] 2A and 2B, to ensure a stable position of the forks 22, 24 compatible with operation of the selection mechanism, the selection mechanism includes a fork stabilizing "coupling" mechanical system 18. The fork stabilizing system 18 includes a solenoid 18a and a return spring 18b connected to the linkage 16.

[0041] As seen in FIG. 2B, when current is passed through the solenoid 18a, the solenoid 18a connects the interlocking mechanism 16 and the engagement finger 12. both As can be seen in Figure 2A, when the current is switched off, the return spring 18b returns the interlock mechanism 16 and the engagement finger 12 to their respective stable positions.

[0042] The transmission also comprises a system 30 for controlling the gearbox actuator 14. Said control system 30 has at its input the position of the first fork, obtained for example from a first position sensor (not shown). 22 the position of the first fork 24 obtained, for example, from a second position sensor (not shown), and the position of the linkage mechanism 16 obtained, for example, from a third position sensor (not shown).

[0043] The system 30 for controlling the gearbox actuator 14 comprises a first module 32 capable of disengaging 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 disengagement.

[0044] The system 30 that controls the gearbox actuator 14 provides a "coupling" that stabilizes the fork. machine The system 18 includes a second module 34 capable of returning the position of the fork 22 or 24 to the gravitational zone of the system 18, where the fork is returned to its stable position, as seen in Figure 2A. The second module 34 iteratively determines the position of the actuator 14 in response to the fork 22 or 24.

[0045] The system 30 for controlling the gearbox actuator 14 includes a third module 36 that adjusts the position of the actuator 14 to its central position to realign the linkage 16 with the engagement finger 12 .

[0046] Engage The control of the actuator 14 to ensure accurate ratio release and then proper positioning of the interlocking mechanism 16 with the engagement finger 12 for selection is The first engagement ratio or the third engagement ratio and Call On the second engagement ratio or the fourth engagement ratio3. However, for ratios 1 and 3, the solenoid 18a is first actuated to counter the action of the return spring 18b, and then released after the third module 36 has realigned the linkage 16 with the engagement finger 12. Thus, the anticipated action of the spring that would place the fork 22 outside the attraction zone of the stabilizing system 18 is avoided.

[0047] FIG. 3 is a flow chart of a method 40 of controlling the gearbox actuator of the selector mechanism 10 of the transmission 20 of FIG.

[0048] In a 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 Engagement ratio It is adjusted to a position that allows it to be released.

[0049] In the second step 42, a "bonding" process is performed to stabilize the fork. machine The position of the fork 22 or 24 is returned to the attractive zone of the system 18. In this attractive zone, the fork is returned to its stable position, as seen in Figure 2A. To achieve this, the position of the actuator 14 is iteratively determined according to the fork 22 or 24.

[0050] In a third step 43 , the position of the actuator 14 is adjusted to its center position to realign the linkage mechanism 16 with the engagement finger 12 .

[0051] Engage The control of the actuator 14 to ensure accurate ratio release and then proper positioning of the interlocking mechanism 16 with the engagement finger 12 for selection is The first engagement ratio or the third engagement ratio and Call On the second engagement ratio or the fourth engagement ratio However, The first engagement ratio or the third engagement ratio case, machineThe solenoid 18a of the system 18 is activated to counter the action of the return spring 18b and then released after realigning the linkage 16 with the engagement finger 12 in a third step 43. Thus, the fork 22 machine Anticipatory movement of the spring outside the gravitational zone of the system 18 is avoided.

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

[0053] In the present invention, Engage After ensuring the ratio is released, proper positioning of the interlock mechanism 16 with the engagement finger 12 is ensured before actuating the selection mechanism.

Claims

1. A method for controlling at least one gearbox actuator (14) of a selection mechanism (10) of a transmission (20) for a hybrid propulsion vehicle with a combustion engine and at least one electric machine, the transmission (20) comprising 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 vehicle, and at least one coupling system (26) comprising a dog fixed on the one hand to an idle gear rotating freely on the drive shaft and a dog connected to a fork (22, 24) on the other hand, the fork (22, 24) being configured to be moved 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 moving together with the engagement finger (12). a system (30) for controlling at least one gearbox actuator (14) of the selection mechanism (10) including a first module (32) capable of releasing an engagement ratio for the dog depending on the position of the gearbox actuator (14); and a mechanical system (18) for stabilizing the forks (22, 24) by repeatedly determining the position of the gearbox actuator (14) depending on the forks (22, 24). a second module (34) capable of returning the position of the forks (22, 24) and a third module (36) for realigning the linkage mechanism (16) with the engagement finger (12), wherein the selection mechanism (10) comprises 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 linkage mechanism (16), The first module (32) releases the engagement ratio for the dogs in response to the position of the gearbox actuator (14) obtained from a position sensor; When current is passed through the solenoid (18a), the linkage (16) and the engagement finger (12) move together, and when the current is switched off, the return spring (18b) returns the linkage (16) and the engagement finger (12) to their respective stable positions; the second module (34) iteratively determines the position of the gearbox actuator (14) in response to the forks (22, 24), thereby restoring the positions of the forks (22, 24) to a stable position of the mechanical system (18) that stabilizes the forks (22, 24); and adjusting the position of the gearbox actuator (14) to its center position by the third module (36) to realign the linkage (16) with the engagement finger (12).

2. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein when the engagement ratio for the dog is a first engagement ratio or a third engagement ratio, the solenoid (18a) of the mechanical system (18) is actuated to oppose the action of the return spring (18b), and then the solenoid (18a) is released after the step of realigning the interlocking mechanism (16) with the engagement finger (12).

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 vehicle with a combustion engine and at least one electric machine, said transmission (20) comprising a drive shaft directly or indirectly connected to said combustion engine and / or said electric machine, a drive shaft connected to driving wheels of said hybrid propulsion vehicle, and at least one coupling system (26) comprising, on the one hand, a dog fixed to an idle gear freely rotating on said drive shaft and, on the other hand, a dog connected to a fork (22, 24), said fork (22, 24) being connected to said drive shaft. a gearbox actuator (14) configured to move longitudinally along the axis of the drive shaft, the selection mechanism (10) comprising an engagement finger (12) movable along the axis of the drive shaft by the gearbox actuator (14) and a linkage mechanism (16) movable 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 linkage mechanism (16), a first module (32) capable of disengaging the engagement ratio with the dog depending on the position of the gearbox actuator (14); a second module (34) capable of restoring the position of the forks (22, 24) to a stable position of the mechanical system (18) that stabilizes the forks (22, 24) by iteratively determining the position of the gearbox actuator (14) in response 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 linkage mechanism (16) with the engagement finger (12); Equipped with When current is passed through the solenoid (18a), the linkage (16) and the engagement finger (12) move together, and when the current is switched off, the return spring (18b) returns the linkage (16) and the engagement finger (12) to their respective stable positions; The second module (34) iteratively determines the position of the gearbox actuator (14) in response to the forks (22, 24), thereby returning the positions of the forks (22, 24) to a stable position of the mechanical system (18) that stabilizes the forks (22, 24).

4. 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the coupling system (26) comprises a first fork (22) exclusively engageable with a first engagement ratio for the dogs or a third engagement ratio for the dogs, and a second fork (24) exclusively engageable with a second engagement ratio for the dogs or a fourth engagement ratio for the dogs.

5. A transmission (20) for a hybrid propulsion 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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