Disconnection module, power transmission system for vehicle, and vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a disconnection module (10), for engaging or disengaging a first component (20) rotatable about a first shaft (30) with or from the first shaft, the disconnection module comprising: a clutch member (12), mounted on the first shaft in a rotatably fixed manner; a drive member (11), arranged between the first component and the clutch member in an axial direction and fixedly connected to the first component, wherein the clutch member is able to reciprocate axially to engage with and disengage from the drive member, and the first shaft is able to rotate together with the first component in an engaged state; and a limiting mechanism (13), positioned on one of the clutch member and the drive member, and able to cooperate with the other to limit relative axial positions of the clutch member and the drive member. The disconnection module of the present invention splits a conventional clutch into two members, making full use of axial space, which is idle in an existing apparatus, while also providing the limiting mechanism so that the clutch member and the drive member will not separate. Thus, the various components can be bundled and supplied as a module, and thus can be directly fitted to an existing power transmission system, thereby reducing time and labour costs. The present invention also relates to a power transmission system for a vehicle, and a vehicle.

Description

[0001] SPECIFICATION

[0002] DISCONNECTION MODULE, POWER TRANSMISSION SYSTEM FOR VEHICLE, AND VEHICLE

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The present invention relates to a disconnection module for engaging or disengaging a first component rotatable about a first shaft with or from the first shaft. The present invention further relates to a power transmission system for a vehicle, which comprises the disconnection module. In addition, the present invention also relates to a vehicle, which comprises the power transmission system.

[0005] PRIOR ART

[0006] The trend of designing and manufacturing fuel-efficient, low-emission vehicles has grown considerably. This trend is the inevitable result of concern for the environment and increased fuel costs. At the forefront of this trend is the development of electric vehicles, such as pure electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles, range extended electric vehicles and fuel cell vehicles.

[0007] Four-wheel drive electric vehicles are equipped with motors at both the front and the rear, and these are usually classed as a main drive motor and an auxiliary drive motor; in some situations, the auxiliary drive motor may be in a non-operational state. For example, the auxiliary drive motor is only brought into use during acceleration or in special operating conditions, or when the driver requires certain high-performance modes. However, when the auxiliary drive motor stops running, the wheels will still drive an auxiliary drive differential to operate, and the differential will drive all transmission mechanisms and motors connected thereto to rotate together, thereby generating drag loss. To improve efficiency, a disconnection mechanism is added to a power transmission system of the electric vehicle, thereby reducing drag loss.

[0008] A conventional disconnection mechanism, for example, only uses a splined connection to disconnect an idler gear supported on a transmission shaft. An axial protruding end with splines is constructed on an inner side of the idler gear close to the transmission shaft. Generally, a shift fork is used to drive a clutch to reciprocate linearly in the axial direction, so as to engage with and disengage from the splines. However, unfavorably, due to the spatial position of such a splined connection and the meshing length that it requires, the disconnection mechanism and the entire power transmission system usually require a large axial space. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Thus, the present invention is intended to solve the abovementioned problem, the objective thereof being to provide a disconnection module capable of reducing the axial length of the assembly as a whole and facilitating modular assembly.

[0010] According to an aspect of the present invention, a disconnection module is provided, for engaging or disengaging a first component rotatable about a first shaft with or from the first shaft, the disconnection module comprising:

[0011] - a clutch member, mounted on the first shaft in a rotatably fixed manner ;

[0012] - a drive member, arranged between the first component and the clutch member in an axial direction and fixedly connected to the first component, wherein the clutch member is able to reciprocate axially to engage with and disengage from the drive member, the first shaft is able to rotate together with the first component in an engaged state, and the first shaft is able to rotate independently of the first component in a disengaged state ; and

[0013] - a limiting mechanism, positioned on one of the clutch member and the drive member, and able to cooperate with the other of the clutch member and the drive member to limit relative axial positions of the clutch member and the drive member.

[0014] An objective of the present invention is to provide a disconnection module, which splits a conventional clutch into two members, making full use of axial space, which is idle in an existing apparatus, while also providing the limiting mechanism so that the clutch member and the drive member will not separate. Thus, the various components can be bundled and supplied as a module, and thus can be directly fitted to an existing power transmission system, thereby reducing time and labour costs.

[0015] The disconnection module according to the present invention may also have one or more of the following features, alone or in combination.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, the limiting mechanism is able to slide axially relative to, and be stopped by, said other of the clutch member and the drive member.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, the limiting mechanism comprises a connecting part axially positioned on said one of the clutch member and the drive member, and a stop part capable of being stopped on said other of the clutch member and the drive member in a disengagement direction.

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment, the limiting mechanism has an annular main body, and said one of the clutch member and the drive member is provided with an engagement groove for receiving the connecting part of the annular main body. In an exemplary embodiment, said other of the clutch member and the drive member is provided with a shoulder to stop the stop part of the annular main body.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, one of the clutch member and the drive member is provided with a shoulder or a step, for example an oblique shoulder, to stop the stop part of the limiting mechanism.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, the stop part of the limiting mechanism is able to expand radially in order to be assembly onto the shoulder or the step.

[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, the limiting mechanism has a protrusion protruding radially relative to the annular main body, and a hole for accommodating the protrusion is provided in the engagement groove. For example, the protrusion extends radially outside of the annular main body. For example, the limiting mechanism comprises three protrusions distributed angularly onto the annular main body.

[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, the shoulder has a diameter that gradually decreases in the axial direction from the side configured to abut the stop part.

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, the limiting mechanism further comprises a sleeve part provided between the connecting part and the stop part, and the connecting part and the stop part are formed as flanges that protrude from two ends of the sleeve part respectively.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, said one of the clutch member and the drive member is fixedly connected to the connecting part by a fastener, and said other is provided with a step for abutting the stop part.

[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, the connecting part and the stop part protrude in opposite directions.

[0026] In an exemplary embodiment, the limiting mechanism has a closed annular structure, and the stop part has a profile that bends towards the connecting part.

[0027] For example, the limiting mechanism may have an annular structure with gaps implemented onto the stop part.

[0028] In an exemplary embodiment, the disconnection module comprises a return mechanism, for applying pressure to the clutch member towards a position of disengagement from the drive member, wherein one side of the return mechanism abuts the drive member and another side abuts the clutch member, and the return mechanism is located at a radial inner side of the limiting mechanism.

[0029] Preferably, the return mechanism and the limiting mechanism can be interlocked in a concentric manner relative to the axis of rotation of the first shaft. In an exemplary embodiment, the clutch member and the drive member are both configured with end face teeth distributed on the external periphery of both members, for example like a dog clutch.

[0030] In an exemplary embodiment, the disconnection module further comprises:

[0031] - a shaft sleeve, the shaft sleeve being mounted on the first shaft by splines, and the clutch member being mounted on the shaft sleeve by splines;

[0032] - an electromagnetic actuator comprising an armature, the armature being able to apply an axial action force to the clutch member to cause the clutch member to engage with the drive member, wherein the electromagnetic actuator is configured to be fixed to a fixing structure and radially adjacent to the shaft sleeve; and

[0033] - a snap ring, located on a side of the electromagnetic actuator that is remote from the clutch member, and having one end inserted radially into an accommodating groove provided on the shaft sleeve, and another end that stops the electromagnetic actuator in the axial direction.

[0034] In an exemplary embodiment, the disconnection module further comprises a position sensor, which is able to detect an axial position of the clutch member, so as to judge the engaged and disengaged states of the disconnection module, wherein the position sensor is configured to be fixed to the fixing structure.

[0035] In an exemplary embodiment, the disconnection module is arranged in a housing, and the fixing structure is the housing or a component fixed to the housing.

[0036] In an exemplary embodiment, the drive member is connected to the first component by splines, and the shaft sleeve limits the drive member axially.

[0037] According to another aspect of the present invention, a power transmission system for a vehicle is provided, comprising: an electric motor having a drive shaft; a speed reducer having at least one transmission shaft; and the disconnection module described above, wherein the first shaft comprises the drive shaft or the at least one transmission shaft.

[0038] For example, the drive shaft is an intermediary shaft kinematically interposed between the drive shaft and an output shaft of the speed reducer.

[0039] According to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle is provided, comprising the power transmission system described above.

[0040] With reference to the following description, these and other features, aspects and advantages of the present application will become easier to understand. The accompanying drawings incorporated in this specification and constituting a part thereof illustrate embodiments of the present application, and are used to explain the principles of the present application together with the description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0041] The accompanying drawings are incorporated into and constitute a part of the specification. The accompanying drawings, together with the general description above and the detailed description of exemplary embodiments and methods given below, are used to explain the principles of the present invention. The objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent when studying the following description according to the accompanying drawings, in which identical elements are given identical or similar reference signs, and in which:

[0042] Fig. 1A shows a sectional drawing of an exemplary embodiment of a disconnection module according to the present invention.

[0043] Fig. 1 B shows a partial sectional drawing of the disconnection module in Fig. 1A, viewed in a direction G.

[0044] Fig. 10 shows a local detail D of the disconnection module in Fig. 1A.

[0045] Fig. 1 D shows a local detail DD of the disconnection module in Fig. 1A.

[0046] Fig. 1 E shows a schematic drawing of the connection relationship between the disconnection module and the first component in Fig. 1A.

[0047] Fig. 1 F shows a sectional drawing of the connection relationship between the disconnection module and the first component in Fig. 1A.

[0048] Fig. 2A shows a sectional drawing of another exemplary embodiment of a disconnection module according to the present invention.

[0049] Fig. 2B shows a partial detailed drawing of the disconnection module in Fig. 2A.

[0050] Fig. 20 shows an exemplary embodiment of the limiting mechanism in Fig. 2A.

[0051] Fig. 2D shows another exemplary embodiment of the limiting mechanism in Fig. 2A.

[0052] Fig. 2E shows another exemplary embodiment of the limiting mechanism in Fig. 2A.

[0053] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0054] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments and methods of the present invention shown in the accompanying drawings, in which identical reference signs designate identical or corresponding components. However, it should be noted that the present invention in its broader aspects is not limited to specific details, representative devices and methods, and illustrative examples shown and described in connection with the exemplary embodiments and methods. Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used herein shall have the common meanings understood by those skilled in the art. The words "first", "second", and the like used in the description and claims of the patent application disclosed herein do not indicate any order, quantity or importance, being merely used to distinguish different component parts. When the number of components is not specified, the number of components may be one or multiple. Similarly, the words "a", "the", "said" and the like do not necessarily indicate a quantity limitation. The words "comprise", "include" and the like mean that an element or object appearing before the word encompasses elements or objects listed after the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. "Upper", "lower", "left", "right", etc. are only intended to indicate the relative orientation relationship when a device is used or the orientation relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. When the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly. Unless otherwise explicitly described, the terms "connecting", "connected" and the like refer to a relationship in which the structures are fixed or attached to each other directly or indirectly through an intermediate structure.

[0055] Now refer to the accompanying drawings, in all of which, identical numerals represent identical elements.

[0056] Fig. 1A shows a sectional drawing of an exemplary embodiment of a disconnection module 10 according to the present invention. The disconnection module 10 of the present invention preferably comprises the entire assembly indicated by the dotted-line boxes in Fig. 1A.

[0057] As can be seen from Fig. 1A, the disconnection module 10 according to the present invention is arranged in a housing 40 of a speed reducer, and used for engaging or disengaging a first component 20 rotatable about a first shaft 30 with or from the first shaft 30. The first shaft 30 shown comprises the drive shaft and the at least one transmission shaft. The first shaft 30 is supported on the housing 40 by a bearing 60. The first component 20 is an idler gear in the speed reducer, and supported on the first shaft 30 by a needle roller bearing.

[0058] The disconnection module 10 comprises: a clutch member 12, mounted on the first shaft 30 in a rotatably fixed manner; and a drive member 11, arranged between the first component 20 and the clutch member 12 in an axial direction and fixedly connected to the first component 20, wherein the clutch member 12 can reciprocate axially to engage with and disengage from the drive member 11; the first shaft 30 can rotate together with the first component 20 in an engaged state, and the first shaft 30 can rotate independently of the first component 20 in a disengaged state. In this exemplary embodiment, the drive member 11 has a first engagement part 11a, the clutch member 12 has a second engagement part 12a, and the first engagement part can mesh with the second engagement part. In this exemplary embodiment, the first engagement part 11a and the second engagement part 12a are both configured as end face teeth.

[0059] It should be noted that the expression "rotatably fixed" used herein means that two components are connected in such a way as to be able to rotate together, wherein relative movement thereof in a rotation direction (e.g. a circumferential direction) is restricted so that they can rotate together. "Rotatably fixed" does not restrict displacement in a rotation axis direction, so the two rotatably fixed components can undergo relative displacement in the rotation axis direction. If displacement in the rotation axis direction is also fixed, the two components may be regarded as being completely fixedly connected. In this exemplary embodiment, the clutch member 12 and the first shaft 30 are rotatably fixed by means of a splined connection, and the drive member 11 and the first component 20 are fixedly connected.

[0060] It should be noted here that the first shaft 30 being able to rotate independently of the first component 20 in the disengaged state means that the motion state of the first shaft 30 is independent of the motion state of the first component 20 at this time, but does not mean that there is no connection relationship between them.

[0061] The disconnection module 10 of the present invention further comprises a limiting mechanism 13. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 1A, the limiting mechanism 13 is positioned on the clutch member 12, and can cooperate with the drive member 11 to limit the relative axial positions of the clutch member 12 and the drive member 11.

[0062] In the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 1A, the limiting mechanism 13 can slide axially relative to the drive member 11 and be stopped by the drive member, thereby allowing axial reciprocation of the clutch member 12, and can limit the relative axial positions of the clutch member 12 and the drive member 11 in the disengaged state of the clutch member 12.

[0063] The disconnection module 10 of the present invention splits a conventional clutch into two members, namely the drive member 11 and the clutch member 12, wherein the drive member 11 is fixedly connected to the first component 20, and the clutch member 12 is configured to be able to engage with and disengage from the drive member 11, so that the drive member 11 is used to transmit a driving force from the first component 20. Since the drive member 11 can be arranged close to the first component 20 in space, full use is made of axial space which is idle in an existing apparatus, so compared with a conventional clutch, the axial length of the entire assembly is advantageously reduced. At the same time, the present invention provides the limiting mechanism 13 to limit the relative axial positions of the clutch member 12 and the drive member 11 , so that the clutch member 12 and the drive member 11 will not separate. Thus, the disconnection module 10 of the present invention also has the advantage of being modular; the various components can be bundled and supplied as a module, and thus can be directly fitted to an existing power transmission system, thereby reducing time and labour costs.

[0064] In addition, compared with using a bearing to support and position the drive member 11 , the use of the limiting mechanism 13 for axial limiting according to the present invention is more cost-effective, because bearings require very good concentricity, making it necessary to spend additional time and effort to perform concentricity adjustment.

[0065] Fig. 1B shows a partial sectional drawing of the disconnection module 10 in Fig. 1A, viewed in a direction G. Figs. 10 and 1 D respectively show local details D and DD of the disconnection module 10 in Fig. 1A.

[0066] Figs. 1B - 1 D clearly show the structure of the limiting mechanism 13, and the way in which the limiting mechanism 13, the clutch member 12 and the drive member 11 are connected to each other.

[0067] Fig. 1B clearly shows that the limiting mechanism 13 has an annular main body 131, and protrusions 132, which protrude radially relative to the annular main body 131. For example, the protrusion extends radially outside of the annular main body. The limiting mechanism 13 comprises three protrusions 132 distributed angularly onto the annular main body 131 and the protrusions 132 extend radially outside of the annular main body.

[0068] Fig. 1D shows that the clutch member 12 is provided with an engagement groove 12b, the engagement groove 12b being configured to receive a radial outer side of the annular main body 131, wherein the radial outer side forms a connecting part 13a of the limiting mechanism 13, the connecting part being positioned on the clutch member 12 axially. A radial inner side of the annular main body 131 protrudes from the engagement groove 12b, forming a stop part 13b of the limiting mechanism 13, wherein the stop part can be stopped on the drive member 11 in a disengagement direction. Correspondingly, the drive member 11 is provided with a shoulder 11b for stopping the stop part 13b. The shoulder 11b has a diameter that gradually decreases in an axial direction from the side configured to abut the stop part 13b, so that the stop part 13b can be easily fitted into the shoulder 11b, but cannot easily come out from inside the shoulder 11b.

[0069] It should be explained that the limiting mechanism 13 shown here has a circular cross section, but it could also be envisaged that the cross-sectional shape thereof could be designed to be rectangular, and this could likewise achieve the objective of the present invention. Figs. 1 B and 1C show that the clutch member 12 is provided with a hole 12c in the engagement groove 12b, the hole 12c being configured to accommodate the protrusion 132 of the limiting mechanism 13, to prevent rotation of the limiting mechanism 13.

[0070] Fig. 1E shows a schematic drawing of the connection relationship between the disconnection module 10 and the first component 20 in Fig. 1A.

[0071] Fig. 1 F shows a sectional drawing of the connection relationship between the disconnection module 10 and the first component 20 in Fig. 1A.

[0072] The drive member 11 is provided with multiple openings 20a evenly distributed in a circumferential direction on the side that faces the first component 20, and multiple corresponding openings (not shown) evenly distributed in a circumferential direction are provided on the side of the first component 20 that faces the drive member 11, the openings 20a being connected to the corresponding openings by bolts 21 to fixedly connect the drive member 11 to the first component 20. Within the scope of the present invention, other methods of connection, such as riveting or splined connection, could also be used to fixedly connect the drive member 11 to the first component 20.

[0073] As can be seen from Figs. 1 B and 1C, the disconnection module 10 comprises a return mechanism 14, for applying pressure to the clutch member 12 towards a position of disengagement from the drive member 11, wherein one side of the return mechanism 14 abuts the drive member 11 and another side abuts the clutch member 12, and the return mechanism is located at a radial inner side of the limiting mechanism 13. The return mechanism 14 is shown here as a disc spring, i.e. a Belleville spring. This type of spring has a short axial deformation length, so saves space. The axial deformation length of a disc spring is more easily matched to the meshing length of the end face teeth, so the objective of the present invention is achieved more effectively. Within the scope of the present invention, other types of return mechanism, such as a wave spring, may also be used to apply pressure to the clutch member 12.

[0074] In addition, as can be seen in Fig. 1A, the disconnection module 10 further comprises a shaft sleeve 17, the shaft sleeve 17 being mounted on the first shaft 30 by splines, and the clutch member 12 being mounted on the shaft sleeve 17 by splines.

[0075] The disconnection module 10 further comprises an electromagnetic actuator 15, which comprises an armature 15a, the armature being able to apply an axial action force to the clutch member 12 to cause the clutch member 12 to engage with the drive member 11, wherein the electromagnetic actuator 15 is configured to be fixed to the housing 40 and radially adjacent to the shaft sleeve 17.

[0076] The disconnection module 10 further comprises a snap ring 16, located on a side of the electromagnetic actuator 15 that is remote from the clutch member 12, and having one end inserted radially into an accommodating groove provided on the shaft sleeve 17, and another end that stops the electromagnetic actuator 15 in the axial direction.

[0077] As a result of providing the shaft sleeve 17, the electromagnetic actuator 15 and the snap ring 16, the clutch member 12 is advantageously enabled to reciprocate axially, while allowing the various components to be bundled and supplied as a module, which can be directly fitted to an existing power transmission system, thereby reducing time and labour costs.

[0078] As can be seen from Fig. 1A, the disconnection module 10 further comprises a position sensor 18, which can detect the axial position of the clutch member 12, so as to judge the engaged and disengaged states of the disconnection module 10, wherein the position sensor is configured to be fixed to the housing 40.

[0079] Fig. 2A shows a sectional drawing of another exemplary embodiment of a disconnection module 10 according to the present invention; the differences between this embodiment and the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 1A lie in the structure of the limiting mechanism 13 and the way in which the first component 20, the drive member 11 , the clutch member 12 and the limiting mechanism 13 are connected together. Fig. 2B shows a partial detailed drawing of the disconnection module in Fig. 2A.

[0080] As can be seen from the drawings, the limiting mechanism 13 comprises a connecting part 13a positioned axially on the clutch member 12, a stop part 13b stopped on the drive member 11 in a disengagement direction, and a sleeve part 13c provided between the connecting part 13a and the stop part 13b. The connecting part 13a and the stop part 13b are formed as flanges, which protrude in opposite directions from two ends of the sleeve part 13c respectively. It could also be envisaged that the connecting part 13a and the stop part 13b protrude in the same direction from two ends of the sleeve part 13c respectively.

[0081] Here, the clutch member 12 is fixedly connected to the connecting part 13a by fasteners 13d. The drive member 11 is provided with process holes 11d to allow the fasteners 13d to pass through for the purpose of installation. In addition, the drive member 11 is provided with a step 11e for abutting the stop part 13b.

[0082] In the disconnection module 10 shown in Fig. 2A, the limiting mechanism 13 may have an annular structure with gaps, or a closed annular structure. Figs. 2C - 2E show different exemplary embodiments of the limiting mechanism 13.

[0083] The limiting mechanism 13 in Fig. 2C has a closed annular structure, and the stop part 13b is preferably designed to have a profile that bends towards the connecting part 13a; in this case, the step 11e of the drive member 11 is provided with an oblique shoulder, to ensure that the stop part 13b can be easily pushed into the step 11e, but cannot easily come out from inside the step 11e. The limiting mechanism 13 in Fig. 2D is an annular structure with a gap, allowing the annular structure to be pulled apart so that it deforms elastically, in order to fit the stop part 13b into the step 11e of the drive member 11.

[0084] The limiting mechanism 13 in Fig. 2E is an annular structure with multiple gaps, i.e. the limiting mechanism 13 is formed of multiple segments. The limiting mechanism 13 as a whole can be simply and conveniently mounted by separately mounting these segments.

[0085] Here, the drive member 11 of the disconnection module 10 is connected to the first component 20 by splines. The first component 20 is provided with external splines, and the drive member 11 is provided with internal splines 11c, which mate with the external splines. The drive member 11 is precisely limited axially by the shaft sleeve 17, so that the drive member 11 and the first component 20 are fixedly connected, i.e. can rotate together without any relative movement in the rotation axis direction. Here, the shaft sleeve 17 has multiple action, not only providing support for axial reciprocation of the clutch member 12, but also providing axial limiting for the drive member 11 and the electromagnetic actuator 15, and thus facilitates modular design of the disconnection module 10, for more convenient installation and use.

[0086] In another aspect, a power transmission system provided by the present invention comprises: an electric motor (not shown) having a drive shaft; a speed reducer having at least one transmission shaft; and the disconnection module 10, wherein the first shaft 30 shown comprises the drive shaft and the at least one transmission shaft. The first component 20 is a gear supported on the first shaft.

[0087] It should be understood that the power transmission system is an apparatus, which is driven to operate by means of electric power. As an example, an electric motor, as a driving mechanism, can convert inputted electrical energy to rotational mechanical energy; the speed reducer is mechanically coupled to the electric motor, adjusts the speed of rotation and the torque generated by the electric motor, and then transmits same to wheels of the vehicle.

[0088] The at least one transmission shaft of the speed reducer may comprise a speed reducer input shaft and an intermediate shaft arranged parallel to each other. An input gear may be provided on the speed reducer input shaft; the input gear may be integrally formed on the speed reducer input shaft and arranged coaxially with the speed reducer input shaft. An intermediate first gear and an intermediate second gear may be provided on the intermediate shaft. The intermediate first gear is transmission-meshed with the input gear. The intermediate second gear may be transmission-meshed with a driven gear connected to a differential. In this way, a two-stage helical gear parallel-shaft speed reducer arrangement from the speed reducer input shaft to the differential is realized. The mode of operation of the disconnection module 10 of the present invention in the power transmission system is as follows: when engagement is necessary, the armature 15a is energized and pushes the clutch member 12 to overcome the reaction force of the return mechanism 14, so as to realize engagement with the drive member 11; in this engaged state, driving force / torque from the electric motor is able to be transmitted via the first shaft 30 to the differential and wheels connected thereto; conversely, when disengagement is necessary, the armature 15a is de-energized and retracts, the return mechanism 14 pushes the clutch member 12 to disengage from the drive member 11, the transmission of driving force / torque is disconnected, and even if the wheels still drive the auxiliary-drive differential to operate, the wheel rotation drives as few transmission mechanisms as possible, thereby reducing drag losses.

[0089] A vehicle provided by the present invention includes the power transmission system as described previously. The vehicle may be an electrified vehicle, such as a battery electric vehicle (BEV), a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) or a range-extended electrified vehicle (REEV). The vehicle may also be a hydrogen-powered vehicle. It should be understood that the vehicle of the present invention also has the advantages described above in relation to the disconnection module and the power transmission system.

[0090] Although exemplary embodiments are described in the foregoing description, it should be noted that a large number of variants are possible. In addition, it should be noted that the exemplary embodiments are merely examples and should not be regarded as any form of limitation on the scope of protection, applicability and device structure according to the exemplary embodiments. More precisely, the summary and the description of embodiments are to provide professionals with guidance for implementing at least one exemplary embodiment, wherein various modifications can be made in terms of the function and layout of the assembly, as long as they do not deviate from the scope of protection determined by the claims and equivalent feature combinations.

[0091] REFERENCE NUMBERS

[0092] Disconnection module 10

[0093] First component 20

[0094] Opening 20a

[0095] First shaft 30

[0096] Drive member 11

[0097] First engagement part 11a

[0098] Shoulder 11b

[0099] Internal splines 11c

[0100] Step 11 e

[0101] Process hole 11 d

[0102] Clutch member 12

[0103] Second engagement part 12a

[0104] Engagement groove 12b

[0105] Hole 12c

[0106] Limiting mechanism 13

[0107] Annular main body 131

[0108] Protrusion 132

[0109] Connecting part 13a

[0110] Stop part 13b

[0111] Sleeve part 13c

[0112] Fastener 13d

[0113] Return mechanism 14

[0114] Electromagnetic actuator 15

[0115] Armature 15a

[0116] Snap ring 16

[0117] Shaft sleeve 17

[0118] Position sensor 18

[0119] Housing 40

[0120] Fixing bolt 50

[0121] Bearing 60

[0122] Local detail D

[0123] Local detail DD

Claims

CLAIMS1. Disconnection module (10) for engaging or disengaging a first component (20) rotatable about a first shaft (30) with or from the first shaft (30), the disconnection module (10) comprising:- a clutch member (12), mounted on the first shaft (30) in a rotatably fixed manner;- a drive member (11), arranged between the first component (20) and the clutch member (12) in an axial direction and fixedly connected to the first component (20), wherein the clutch member (12) is able to reciprocate axially to engage with and disengage from the drive member (11), the first shaft (30) is able to rotate together with the first component (20) in an engaged state, and the first shaft (30) is able to rotate independently of the first component (20) in a disengaged state, and- a limiting mechanism (13), positioned on one of the clutch member (12) and the drive member (11), and able to cooperate with the other of the clutch member (12) and the drive member (11) to limit relative axial positions of the clutch member (12) and the drive member (11).

2. Disconnection module (10) according to Claim 1 , wherein the limiting mechanism (13) is able to slide axially relative to, and be stopped by, said other of the clutch member(12) and the drive member (11).

3. Disconnection module (10) according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the limiting mechanism(13) comprises a connecting part (13a) axially positioned on said one of the clutch member (12) and the drive member (11), and a stop part (13b) capable of being stopped on said other of the clutch member (12) and the drive member (11) in a disengagement direction.

4. Disconnection module (10) according to Claim 3, wherein the limiting mechanism (13) has an annular main body (131), and said one of the clutch member (12) and the drive member (11) is provided with an engagement groove (12b) for receiving the connecting part (13a) of the annular main body.

5. Disconnection module (10) according to Claim 4, wherein said other of the clutch member (12) and the drive member (11) is provided with a shoulder to stop the stop part (13b) of the annular main body (131).

6. Disconnection module (10) according to Claim 4 or 5, wherein the limiting mechanism (13) has a protrusion (132) protruding radially relative to the annular main body (131), and a hole for accommodating the protrusion (132) is provided in the engagement groove (12b).

7. Disconnection module (10) according to Claim 5 or 6, wherein the shoulder has a diameter that gradually decreases in the axial direction from the side configured to abut the stop part (13b).

8. Disconnection module (10) according to anyone of the Claims 3 to 7, wherein the limiting mechanism (13) further comprises a sleeve part (13c) provided between the connecting part (13a) and the stop part (13b), and the connecting part (13a) and the stop part (13b) are formed as flanges that protrude from two ends of the sleeve part (13c) respectively.

9. Disconnection module (10) according to anyone of the Claims 3 to 8, wherein said one of the clutch member (12) and the drive member (11) is fixedly connected to the connecting part (13a) by a fastener, and said other is provided with a step for abutting the stop part (13b).

10. Disconnection module (10) according to Claim 8, wherein the connecting part (13a) and the stop part (13b) protrude in opposite directions.

11. Disconnection module (10) according to Claim 8, wherein the limiting mechanism (13) has a closed annular structure, and the stop part (13b) has a profile that bends towards the connecting part (13a).

12. Disconnection module (10) according to anyone of the Claims 1 to 11, wherein the disconnection module (10) comprises a return mechanism (14), for applying pressure to the clutch member (12) towards a position of disengagement from the drive member (11), wherein one side of the return mechanism (14) abuts the drive member (11) and another side abuts the clutch member (12), and the return mechanism is located at a radial inner side of the limiting mechanism (13).

13. Disconnection module (10) according to Claim 12, wherein the disconnection module (10) further comprises:- a shaft sleeve (17), the shaft sleeve (17) being mounted on the first shaft (30) by splines, and the clutch member (12) being mounted on the shaft sleeve (17) by splines;- an electromagnetic actuator (15) comprising an armature (15a), the armature being able to apply an axial action force to the clutch member (12) to cause the clutch member (12) to engage with the drive member (11), wherein the electromagnetic actuator (15) is configured to be fixed to a fixing structure and radially adjacent to the shaft sleeve (17); and- a snap ring (16), located on a side of the electromagnetic actuator (15) that is remote from the clutch member (12), and having one end inserted radially into an accommodating groove provided on the shaft sleeve (17), and another end that stops the electromagnetic actuator (15) in the axial direction.

14. Disconnection module (10) according to Claim 13, wherein the disconnection module (10) further comprises a position sensor (18), which is able to detect an axial position of the clutch member (12), so as to judge the engaged and disengaged states of the disconnection module (10), wherein the position sensor is configured to be fixed to the fixing structure.

15. Disconnection module (10) according to Claim 13 or 14, wherein the disconnection module (10) is arranged in a housing (40), and the fixing structure is the housing (40) or a component fixed to the housing (40).

16. Disconnection module (10) according to anyone of the Claims 13 to 15, wherein the drive member (11) is connected to the first component (20) by splines, and the shaft sleeve (17) limits the drive member (11) axially.

17. Power transmission system for a vehicle, comprising: an electric motor having a drive shaft; a speed reducer having at least one transmission shaft; and the disconnection module (10) according to one of Claims 1 to 16, wherein the first shaft (30) comprises the drive shaft or the at least one transmission shaft.

18. Vehicle, comprising the power transmission system according to Claim 17.

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