Clutch assembly, and power module and control method therefor

Abstract

A clutch assembly (2), comprising a clutch (20) and an adapter (30), wherein the clutch (20) comprises a first ring (21) and a second ring (22) which are arranged coaxially, and a rolling element (24) which is retained between the first ring (21) and the second ring (22) via a retainer (23), the first ring (21) and the second ring (22) being configured to transmit torque to each other via the retainer (23); and the adapter (30) is connected to the retainer (23) in a rotationally fixed manner and comprises a first adapter portion (331) configured to be connected to the first ring (21) and a second adapter portion (332) configured to be connected to the second ring (22), and the adapter (30) is configured to be selectively connected to the first ring (21) in a rotationally fixed manner via the first adapter portion (331) or connected to the second ring (22) in a rotationally fixed manner via the second adapter portion (332) according to a predetermined condition. Further provided are a power module (1) and a method for controlling the power module (1).

Description

Clutch assembly, power module and control method thereof Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of vehicle transmission, and in particular to a clutch assembly, a power module and a control method thereof. Background Art

[0002] The clutch acts like a switch, connecting or disconnecting the power source to or from the power transmission system.

[0003] Clutches can be used in hybrid vehicles or pure electric vehicles. The power system of a hybrid vehicle includes two drive devices, an internal combustion engine and an electric motor, while the power system of a pure electric vehicle includes only one drive device, an electric motor. Switching between the two drive devices, the internal combustion engine and the electric motor, or switching between multiple electric motors, greatly affects the driving of the vehicle and the comfort of the passengers. Specifically, in existing hybrid vehicles, there are two power transmission modes: a mode in which the internal combustion engine participates in power transmission and a mode in which it does not participate in power transmission; and in pure electric vehicles, there are two power transmission modes: a mode in which all electric motors participate in power transmission and a mode in which only some electric motors participate in power transmission. For this purpose, a clutch is provided, which is designed to connect the internal combustion engine / electric motor to the power transmission system in some cases and to disconnect the internal combustion engine / electric motor from the power transmission system in other cases. Such a clutch is, for example, a slip clutch, which has a complex structure, high cost, and a large size.

[0004] Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a clutch assembly and a power module including the clutch assembly, which have the characteristics of simple structure, low cost and small size; the present invention also provides a control method thereof, which also has the characteristics of simple control and thus low design cost.

[0006] A first aspect of the present invention provides a clutch assembly comprising:

[0007] Clutches and adapters,

[0008] The clutch includes a first ring and a second ring that are coaxially arranged, and rolling elements held therebetween via a cage, wherein the first ring and the second ring are configured to transmit torque to each other via the rolling elements;

[0009] The adapter is connected to the cage in a rotationally fixed manner and comprises a first adapter portion for connecting to the first ring and a second adapter portion for connecting to the second ring.

[0010] The adapter is configured to be selectively connected to the first ring in a rotationally fixed manner via the first adapter portion or to the second ring in a rotationally fixed manner via the second adapter portion, depending on predetermined conditions.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a profile portion is provided on a side of the first ring or the second ring for contacting the rolling element, the profile portion including a first profile segment and a second profile segment, and when the rolling element is located in the first profile segment, the clutch is in an engaged state, and when the rolling element is located in the second profile segment, the clutch is in a disengaged state;

[0012] The predetermined condition is defined as a need to transmit torque between the second ring and the first ring. When the predetermined condition is not satisfied, the adapter connects the retainer to the first ring at a first predetermined position via the first transition portion in a torsionally fixed manner.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the adapter includes a driving element, a biasing element, and an actuating element, the actuating element is coaxially arranged with the clutch and is torsionally connected to the retaining frame, and the first adapter portion and the second adapter portion are both arranged on the actuating element;

[0014] The actuating element is configured to be positioned relative to the clutch at a first position along the axial direction of the clutch under the biasing force applied by the biasing element, and to be positioned relative to the clutch at a second position along the axial direction of the clutch by overcoming the biasing force of the biasing element when driven by the driving element;

[0015] Therein, in the first position, the adapter is connected to the first ring via the first adapter portion in a rotationally fixed manner, and in the second position, the adapter is connected to the second ring via the second adapter portion in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the action element includes an annular main body portion, the first adapter portion is arranged at one end of the annular main body portion, the second adapter portion is arranged at the other end of the annular main body portion, and the biasing element is arranged to abut against the end side surface of the annular main body portion.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a first docking portion cooperating with the first adapter portion is provided on the first ring, the first predetermined position is positioned at the position of the first docking portion, and a second docking portion cooperating with the second adapter portion is provided on the second ring.

[0018] According to an embodiment of the present invention, one of the first transition portion and the first docking portion is configured as a notch portion, and the other is configured as a protrusion portion;

[0019] and / or,

[0020] The second transition portion and the second docking portion are configured as wedge-shaped segments, and the wedge-shaped segments extend radially outward of the annular main body in a direction from the first position toward the second position.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a second predetermined position is further provided on the first ring, and the first predetermined position and the second predetermined position are spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the first ring.

[0022] When the predetermined condition is met, the adapter connects the retainer:

[0023] is connected to the second ring in a rotationally fixed manner via the second adapter, or

[0024] The second predetermined position is connected to the first ring in a rotationally fixed manner via the first transition portion.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the adapter further comprises a locking portion, the locking portion cooperates with a locking docking portion on the first ring, and the second predetermined position is positioned at the location of the locking docking portion.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the locking portion and the first transition portion are constructed as the same component, and the locking docking portion includes a first locking docking portion and a second locking docking portion respectively arranged on both sides of the first docking portion in the circumferential direction.

[0027] A second aspect of the present invention provides a power module, comprising a drive device and any one of the aforementioned clutch assemblies, wherein the clutch assembly is used to connect or disconnect power transmission from the drive device to the wheels.

[0028] A third aspect of the present invention provides a method for controlling the power module.

[0029] The method comprises the following steps:

[0030] Determine whether the predetermined condition is met,

[0031] When the predetermined condition is not satisfied, driving the first adapter portion to be connected to the first ring in a predetermined position in a torsionally fixed manner;

[0032] When the predetermined condition is met, the second adapter is driven to be connected to the second ring in a rotationally fixed manner for at least a period of time.

[0033] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the predetermined condition is defined as a need to transmit torque between the first ring and the second ring.

[0034] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the predetermined condition is not satisfied, the first adapter portion is driven to be connected to the first ring in a torsionally fixed manner at a first predetermined position of the first ring;

[0035] When the predetermined condition is met, the second adapter is driven to be connected to the second ring in a torsionally fixed manner for a predetermined time, and then the first adapter is driven to be connected to the first ring in a torsionally fixed manner at a second predetermined position of the first ring.

[0036] The first predetermined position and the second predetermined position are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the first ring. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] FIG1 schematically shows a power module in a clutch assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the clutch is in a disconnected state.

[0038] FIG2 schematically shows a power module in a clutch assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the clutch is in an engaged state.

[0039] FIG3( a ) and FIG3 ( b ) schematically illustrate some components of a power module according to an embodiment of the present invention corresponding to FIG1 .

[0040] FIG4( a ) and FIG4 ( b ) schematically illustrate some components of a power module according to an embodiment of the present invention corresponding to FIG2 .

[0041] 5( a ) to 5 ( c ) schematically illustrate some components of a power module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG6 schematically shows a flow chart of a method for controlling a power module according to the present invention.

[0043] 7( a ) to 7 ( d ) schematically illustrate the application of a clutch assembly according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] Specific embodiments of a clutch assembly, a power module, and a method for controlling a power module according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following detailed description and accompanying drawings are intended to illustrate the principles of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described herein. The various embodiments described herein may be used individually or in any combination. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the claims.

[0045] In addition, spatially relative terms (such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right") are used to describe the relative positional relationship of an element shown in the drawings to another element. Therefore, the spatially relative terms can be applied to orientations different from those shown in the drawings when used. Obviously, although all of these spatially relative terms refer to the orientations shown in the drawings for ease of description, those skilled in the art will understand that orientations different from those shown in the drawings can be used.

[0046] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a power module in a clutch assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, with the clutch in a disengaged state. Figure 2 schematically illustrates a power module in a clutch assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, with the clutch in an engaged state. The clutch assembly and power module according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

[0047] As shown in FIG1 and FIG2 , the present invention provides a power module 1 , which includes a drive device and a clutch assembly 2 . Each component is described in detail below.

[0048] The drive device includes an output shaft 10. On the one hand, the output shaft can be connected to the wheels via a clutch assembly 2 in a torsionally fixed manner to provide power to the wheels; on the other hand, the output shaft can be disconnected from the wheels via a clutch 20 to prevent power from being provided to the wheels. Of course, the output shaft 10 described herein as the output shaft of the drive device is merely an example; the output shafts of other power transmission elements (e.g., a differential, axle shafts, etc.) are also applicable to the power module of the present invention.

[0049] The clutch assembly 2 includes a clutch 20. The clutch 20 comprises a first ring 21, a second ring 22, a retainer 23, and rolling elements 24. The first ring 21 and the second ring 22 are coaxially arranged, and the rolling elements 24, particularly a plurality of rolling elements 24, are retained between the first ring 21 and the second ring 22 via the retainer 23. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, both the first ring 21 and the second ring 22 of the clutch 20 are coaxially arranged with the output shaft 10 of the drive device. As will be described later, the first ring 21 and the second ring 22 are arranged on the output shaft 10 so as to be movable along the axial direction of the output shaft 10. Furthermore, the first ring 21 and the second ring 22 are configured to transmit torque to each other via the retainer 23. In other words, when the first ring 21 acts as the active element, torque can be transmitted to the second ring 22 via the rolling elements 24 on the retainer 23. Similarly, when the second ring 22 acts as the active element, torque can be transmitted to the first ring 21 via the rolling elements 24 on the retainer 23. That is, in the clutch 20 in the clutch assembly 2 of the present invention, the first ring 21 and the second ring 22 are configured to be able to transmit torque to each other via the rolling elements 24 .

[0050] In the example shown in Figures 1 and 2, the first ring 21 of the clutch 20 is configured as an outer ring and is connected to the wheel (for example, via a differential) in a torsionally fixed manner, and the second ring 22 of the clutch 20 is configured as an inner ring and is connected to the output shaft 10 of the drive device in a torsionally fixed manner. Of course, this is merely an example, and the first ring may also be configured as an inner ring, and the second ring may also be configured as an outer ring. Such designs are also encompassed by the clutch assembly 2 and the power module 1 of the present invention.

[0051] The clutch assembly 2 further includes an adapter 30, which is non-rotatably connected to the retainer 23 so as to always rotate synchronously with the retainer 23. Furthermore, the adapter 30 further includes a first adapter portion 331 and a second adapter portion 332. The first adapter portion 331 is configured to be non-rotatably connected to the first ring 21, and the second adapter portion 332 is configured to be non-rotatably connected to the second ring 22. When the first adapter 331 is torque-proofly connected to the first ring 21 at a first predetermined position (described in detail below) on the first ring 21, the second adapter 332 is disconnected from the second ring 22, and the retainer 23 and the rolling elements 24 thereon rotate synchronously with the first ring 21 via the first adapter 331, so that no torque is transmitted between the first ring 21 and the second ring 22. Furthermore, when the second adapter 223 is torque-proofly connected to the second ring 22, the first adapter 331 is disconnected from the first ring 21, and the retainer 23 and the rolling elements 24 thereon rotate synchronously with the second ring 22 via the second adapter 332 during torque transmission, thereby transmitting torque between the first ring 21 and the second ring 22. In this manner, the adapter 30 is configured to select either a torque-proof connection to the first ring 21 via the first adapter 331 or a torque-proof connection to the second ring 22 via the second adapter 332, depending on a predetermined condition (e.g., whether torque transmission between the first and second rings is required). The clutch assembly 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below.

[0052] Figures 3(a) and 3(b) schematically illustrate some components of a power module according to an embodiment of the present invention, corresponding to Figure 1. Figures 4(a) and 4(b) schematically illustrate some components of a power module according to an embodiment of the present invention, corresponding to Figure 2. The power module according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below in conjunction with Figures 3(a), 3(b), 4(a), and 4(b).

[0053] Continuing with reference to Figures 1 and 2, the adapter 30 may further include a drive element 35, a biasing element 34, and an operating element 33. The operating element 33 is configured to have a generally conical shape and a hollow structure, with a plurality of steps provided on the outer circumference of its right end and an outwardly flared wedge-shaped section provided on the inner circumference of its left end. As shown, the operating element 33 is coaxially disposed with the output shaft 10 of the drive device, and a first adapter portion 331 and a second adapter portion 332 are both provided on the operating element 33. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the operating element 33 is positioned at a first position in the axial direction relative to the clutch 20. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the operating element 33 is positioned at a second position in the axial direction relative to the clutch 20, and the operating element 33 is axially closer to the clutch 20 when in the first position than in the second position.

[0054] For example, as shown in Figures 3(a), 3(b), 4(a), and 4(b), the operating element 33 includes an annular main body, a first adapter portion 331 disposed at one end of the annular main body (the right end in the figure), and a second adapter portion 332 disposed at the other end of the annular main body (the left end in the figure). Specifically, the first adapter portion 331 is disposed on a stepped surface of the annular main body, and the first adapter portion 331 is specifically configured as a protrusion that protrudes axially from the stepped surface on which it is located. Accordingly, the first ring 21 is provided with a first docking portion 211 that mates with the first adapter portion 331, and the first docking portion 211 is configured as a notch. It will be understood that when the first adapter portion 331 is positioned within the first docking portion 211, the circumferential abutment between the two causes the operating element 33 to rotate synchronously with the first ring 21. Of course, this is only an example, and the first transition portion and the second transition portion may also be configured as other forms. For example, the first transition portion may be configured as a notch portion, and the first docking portion may be configured as a protrusion portion.

[0055] Optionally, a third transition portion 333 may be disposed at the right end of the annular main portion of the actuator 33. The connection between the third transition portion 333 and the retainer 23 is similar to the connection between the first transition portion 331 and the first ring 21. Specifically, the third transition portion 333 is disposed on another stepped surface of the annular main portion. Compared to the stepped surface on which the first transition portion 331 is located, this other stepped surface is located radially inward and protrudes axially for a greater length. It can be understood that, considering that the retaining frame 23 is located radially inside the first ring 21, the third transition portion 333 is arranged to be located radially inside the first transition portion 331; at the same time, compared with the first transition portion 331, the third transition portion 333 has a larger axial protruding length, which ensures that during operation, no matter how the actuating element 33 moves axially, the third transition portion 333 is reliably positioned in the notch portion 231 of the retaining frame 23 (as shown in Figure 4 (a)), thereby ensuring that the retaining frame 23 and the actuating element 33 are both torsionally connected and always rotate synchronously.

[0056] Furthermore, a wedge-shaped section on the inner circumference of the left end of the operating element 33 is provided as a second adapter portion 332. Accordingly, a second docking portion 221 is provided on the second ring 22 to mate with the second adapter portion 332. Both the second adapter portion 332 and the second docking portion 221 are configured as wedge-shaped sections. The second adapter portion 332 is designed as an outwardly flared wedge-shaped section, meaning that the radial dimension of the wedge-shaped section increases from the right end to the left end, extending away from the output shaft 10 of the drive device. Accordingly, the second docking portion 221 of the second ring 22 increases in radial dimension from the right end to the left end, extending away from the output shaft 10 of the drive device. Thus, during movement of the operating element 33 from the first position to the second position, the second adapter portion 332 and the second docking portion 221 are connected together in a form-locking manner and locked together by friction, rotating synchronously.

[0057] Continuing with Figures 1 and 2 , as shown, the biasing element 34 is positioned against the left end surface of the annular main body of the operating element 33. The biasing element 34 is in a deformed state and applies a thrust to the operating element 33, thereby forcing the operating element 33 away from the biasing element 34 and positioning the operating element 33 in a first position (i.e., the first position in the axial direction relative to the clutch 20 as previously mentioned). It should be noted that the axial position of the operating element 33 relative to the clutch 20 shown in Figure 1 is defined as the first position, and the axial position of the operating element 33 relative to the clutch 20 shown in Figure 2 is defined as the second position. In other words, the operating element 33 is configured to be positioned in the first position in the axial direction of the output shaft 10 of the drive device under the biasing force applied by the biasing element 34, and to be positioned in the second position in the axial direction of the output shaft 10 of the drive device under the biasing force applied by the biasing element 34, when driven by the drive element 35, against the biasing force of the biasing element 34. And, in the first position, the adapter 30 is connected to the first ring 21 via the first adapter portion 331 in a rotationally fixed manner and disconnected from the second ring 22, and, in the second position, the adapter 30 is connected to the second ring 22 via the second adapter portion 332 in a rotationally fixed manner and disconnected from the first ring 21.

[0058] As shown in Figures 3(a), 3(b), 4(a) and 4(b), the inner side surface of the first ring 21 is constructed as a contour design surface with a prismatic structure, on which a contour portion is arranged, the contour portion including a first contour segment 21A and a second contour segment 21B. As shown in the figure, the radial distance between the first contour segment 21A and the outer side surface of the second ring 22 is smaller, and the radial distance between the second contour segment 21B and the outer side surface of the second ring 22 is larger. When the rolling element 24 is located in the first contour segment 21A, the rolling element 24 can contact both the inner side surface of the first ring 21 and the outer side surface of the second ring 22, thereby placing the clutch 30 in an engaged state. When the rolling element 24 is located in the second contour segment 21B, the rolling element 24 is lifted by a spring (not shown) and contacts only the inner side surface of the first ring 21 and does not contact the outer side surface of the second ring 22, thereby placing the clutch 30 in a disengaged state. It should be noted that the above embodiment of the first ring is merely an example, and the inner side surface of the first ring may be designed as a surface with other contour designs having a varying radial distance from the second ring.

[0059] The working principle of the power module of the present invention is described below with reference to FIG. 3( a ), FIG. 3( b ), FIG. 4( a ) and FIG. 4( b ).

[0060] When torque transmission between the second ring 22 and the first ring 21 is not required, that is, when the predetermined condition is not satisfied, that is, when the drive device needs to be disconnected from the power transmission system, when the rolling elements 24 are located in the second profile section 21B (e.g., this can be determined by detecting the angles of the various clutch components), the biasing element 34 applies a biasing force to the actuating element 33, causing the actuating element 33 to move to a first position in the axial direction of the output shaft 10 shown in FIG1 . In this first position, the actuating element 33 is non-rotatably connected to the first abutting portion 211 of the first ring 21 (i.e., the first predetermined position) via the first adapter portion 331, as shown in FIG3( a ) and FIG3( b ). In this manner, the actuating element 33 rotates synchronously with the first ring 21 and can rotate relative to the output shaft 10 (e.g., a bearing can be provided therebetween). As a result, the retainer 23 and the rolling elements 24 thereon, which are non-rotatably connected to the actuating element 33, also rotate synchronously with the first ring 21. It will be appreciated that because the retainer 23, and therefore the rolling elements 24, rotate synchronously with the first ring 21, there is no relative displacement between the retainer 23 and the rolling elements 24 and the first ring 21 in the circumferential direction. Consequently, the rolling elements 24 are always located within the second profile section 21B of the first ring 21. Because the rolling elements 24 do not contact the second ring 22, torque cannot be transmitted from the first ring 21 to the second ring 22, and the second ring 22 can remain stationary or rotate at a low speed.

[0061] When torque needs to be transmitted from the second ring 22 to the first ring 21, that is, when a predetermined condition is met, i.e., when the drive device needs to be connected to the power transmission system, the drive element 35 drives the operating element 33 to overcome the biasing force applied by the biasing element 34 and move it to a second position in the axial direction of the output shaft 10. In this second position, the first adapter portion 331 of the operating element 33 is disconnected from the first ring 21 and is torque-proof connected to the second ring 22 via the second adapter portion 332, as shown in Figures 4(a) and 4(b). Because the second ring 22 does not rotate synchronously with the first ring 21, the operating element 33, which originally rotated synchronously with the first ring 21, also fails to rotate synchronously with the first ring 21 during the initial stage of its torque-proof connection with the second ring 22. This causes relative circumferential displacement between the operating element 33 (and the retainer 23 to which the operating element 33 is torque-proof connected) and the first ring 21. In this way, the rolling element 24 will move to the first contour section 21A, where it can contact both the inner side surface of the first ring 21 and the outer side surface of the second ring 22, thereby engaging the clutch 230. Therefore, torque transmission can be achieved between the second ring 22 and the first ring 21.

[0062] As an example application, as shown in FIG7( a ), a power module 1 is configured as a hybrid power module, comprising an internal combustion engine (ICE), a first electric motor P1, a second electric motor P3, and the aforementioned clutch assembly 2. The first ring 21 of the clutch 20 is configured as an outer ring and is torque-proof connected to the wheel 3 via a differential. Furthermore, the second ring 22 of the clutch 20 is configured as an inner ring and is torque-proof connected to the output shaft of the ICE. When the electric motor alone is required to power the vehicle, a biasing element 34 of an adapter 30 applies a biasing force to the actuating element 33, causing the actuating element 33 to rotate synchronously with the first ring 21 when the clutch 20 is disengaged. Consequently, the retainer 23 and the rolling elements 24 thereon, which are torque-proof connected to the actuating element 33, also rotate synchronously with the first ring 21. In this case, torque transmission from the first ring 21 to the second ring 22 is impossible, meaning that the ICE is disconnected from the power transmission system, and the second ring 22 may not rotate or may rotate only at a low speed. When the vehicle needs to be powered by both the electric motor and the internal combustion engine, the driving element 35 drives the actuating element 33 to overcome the biasing force applied by the biasing element 34, causing the actuating element 33 to disconnect from the first ring 21 and connect to the second ring 22. While in a torsionally fixed connection with the second ring 22, the clutch 20 engages, enabling torque transfer from the second ring 22 to the first ring 21. This connects the internal combustion engine to the power transmission system. This allows the hybrid module to be configured in different power transmission modes: powered solely by the electric motor or jointly by the electric motor and the internal combustion engine.

[0063] As an application example, as shown in FIG7( b ), the power module 1 is configured as a pure electric power module, including a motor P and the aforementioned clutch assembly 2. The first ring 21 of the clutch 20 is configured as an outer ring and is torque-proof connected to the wheel 3. The second ring 22 of the clutch 20 is configured as an inner ring and is torque-proof connected to the output shaft of the differential. The differential is disposed between the motor P and the clutch assembly 2. When the motor P is required to power the vehicle, the biasing element 34 of the adapter 30 applies a biasing force to the actuating element 33, causing the actuating element 33, the retaining cage 23 to which it is torque-proof connected, and the rolling elements 24 thereon to rotate synchronously with the first ring 21. At this point, torque cannot be transferred from the first ring 21 to the second ring 22, meaning that the motor P is disconnected from the power transmission system. When the motor P is required to power the vehicle, the driving element 35 drives the actuating element 33 to overcome the biasing force applied by the biasing element 34, enabling torque transfer from the second ring 22 to the first ring 21, meaning that the motor P is connected to the power transmission system. Thus, the power module is set to different power transmission modes of two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.

[0064] Figure 7(c) shows another application example, which is similar to the example shown in Figure 7(b), and only the differences between the two are described here. The first ring 21 of the clutch 20 is set as the outer ring and is connected to the wheel 3 via the differential in a torsion-proof manner, and the second ring 22 of the clutch 20 is set as the inner ring and is connected to the output shaft of the motor P via the differential in a torsion-proof manner. Figure 7(d) also shows an application example, in which the first ring 21 of the clutch 20 is set as the outer ring and is connected to the wheel 3 via the differential in a torsion-proof manner, and the second ring 22 of the clutch 20 is set as the inner ring and is connected to the output shaft of the motor P in a torsion-proof manner. Similarly, in these two examples, the power module of the present invention can be set to different power transmission modes of two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.

[0065] Another embodiment of the power module is described below.

[0066] Figures 5(a) to 5(c) schematically illustrate some components of a power module according to another embodiment of the present invention. The power module according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 5(a) to 5(c).

[0067] As an embodiment of the present invention, the adapter 30 also includes a locking portion, which can be constructed as the same component as the first adapter portion 331. Accordingly, a locking docking portion 212 is provided on the first ring 21, and the two locking docking portions 212 are respectively provided on both sides of the circumference of the first docking portion 211, and are similarly provided in the form of a notch portion. Each of the two locking docking portions 212 is designed to be able to cooperate with the locking portion on the adapter portion 30, and this design can function as a means of replacing the driving element under specific circumstances. Specifically, as shown in Figure 5(a), under the action of the driving element 35, the action element 33 overcomes the biasing force of the biasing element 34 and moves in the direction indicated by the arrow to be positioned at a second position in its axial direction relative to the clutch 20. As previously described, after the operating element 33 is non-rotatably connected to the second ring 22 via the second adapter portion 332, relative circumferential displacement occurs between the second ring 22 and between the operating element 33 and the first ring 21 (as shown in FIG5(b)), causing the rolling elements 24 to move to the first profile segment 21A, thereby engaging the clutch 230. When the operating element 33 is in this second position, if the drive element 35 stops driving, the operating element 33, under the action of the biasing element 34, will move in the direction indicated by the arrow, as shown in FIG5(c), to reposition itself in its first axial position relative to the clutch 20. However, due to the circumferential displacement of the operating element 33 relative to the first ring 21, the first adapter portion 331 of the operating element 33 is circumferentially offset from the first docking portion 211. For this purpose, the aforementioned locking portion and locking docking portion are provided. Specifically, the actuating element 33 engages with a locking docking portion 212 (i.e., the second predetermined position) on the first ring 21 via a locking portion (i.e., the first adapter portion 331), which similarly ensures that the clutch 20 remains engaged. It will be appreciated that this arrangement prevents the drive element from operating continuously for extended periods of time, thereby saving energy costs and increasing the service life of the drive element. It should be noted that, although the locking portion and the first adapter portion are described above as being integrated into a single component, the clutch assembly of the present invention is not limited thereto; the locking portion and the first adapter portion may also be configured as two separate, distinct components.

[0068] As an example, the driving element may be a motor, a hydraulic driving element, a pneumatic driving element or the like.

[0069] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes the first ring as an outer ring and the second ring as an inner ring, this is merely an example. The power module of the present invention also includes embodiments in which the second ring is an inner ring and the second ring is an outer ring. In the case where the first ring is configured as an inner ring and the second ring is configured as an outer ring, the outer circumferential surface of the first ring can be configured to have a contoured portion. Similarly, the contoured portion includes a first contoured section and a second contoured section. When the rolling element is located in the first contoured section, the clutch is in an engaged state, and when the rolling element is located in the second contoured section, the clutch is in a disengaged state. The operating principles of the clutch assembly and power module of this design are similar to those of the embodiment described with reference to the accompanying drawings, and will not be repeated here to avoid redundancy.

[0070] It can be understood that in a power module having the clutch assembly of the present invention, by designing an adapter, the clutch that was originally able to transmit torque between the inner ring and the outer ring is placed in a position that can only transmit torque from the inner ring to the outer ring / from the outer ring to the inner ring. The clutch and the adapter themselves have a simple structure and a small size, and can be obtained in a cost-effective manner.

[0071] Fig. 6 schematically shows a flow chart of a method for controlling a power module according to the present invention. The control method for a power module according to the present invention will be described below with reference to Fig. 6 .

[0072] As shown in FIG6 , the control method includes the following steps:

[0073] S100, judging whether the predetermined conditions are met,

[0074] S200, when the predetermined condition is not met, driving the first adapter 331 and the first ring 21 to be connected in a torsionally fixed manner at a predetermined position;

[0075] S300 , when a predetermined condition is met, the second adapter portion 332 is driven to be connected to the second ring 22 in a torsionally fixed manner for at least a period of time.

[0076] As one embodiment of the present invention, the predetermined condition is defined as the need to transmit torque between the second ring 22 and the first ring 21. Exemplarily, when the predetermined condition is not met, the first adapter 331 is driven to be torque-resistantly connected to the first ring 21 at a first predetermined position on the first ring 21. When the predetermined condition is met, the second adapter 332 is driven to be torque-resistantly connected to the second ring 22 for a predetermined period of time, after which the first adapter 331 is driven to be torque-resistantly connected to the first ring 21 at a second predetermined position on the first ring 21. As described above, the first predetermined position and the second predetermined position are spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the first ring 21.

[0077] Likewise, the control method of the present invention has the characteristics of simple control and thus low design cost.

[0078] As mentioned above, although the exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to the above specific embodiments, and the scope of protection of the present invention should be defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A clutch assembly (2), characterized in that: include: Clutch (20) and adapter (30), The clutch (20) includes a first ring (21), a second ring (22) and a rolling element (24) held therebetween via a retaining frame (23), wherein the first ring (21) and the second ring (22) are configured to transmit torque to each other via the rolling element (24); The adapter (30) is connected to the holder (23) in a rotationally fixed manner and comprises a first adapter portion (331) for connecting to the first ring (21) and a second adapter portion (332) for connecting to the second ring (22). The adapter (30) is configured to selectively be connected to the first ring (21) in a rotationally fixed manner via the first adapter portion (331) or to the second ring (22) in a rotationally fixed manner via the second adapter portion (332) according to predetermined conditions.

2. The clutch assembly (2) according to claim 1, wherein: A profile portion is provided on the side of the first ring (21) or the second ring (22) for contacting the rolling element (24), the profile portion including a first profile section (21A) and a second profile section (21B), and when the rolling element (24) is located in the first profile section (21A), the clutch (30) is in an engaged state, and when the rolling element (24) is located in the second profile section (21B), the clutch (30) is in a disengaged state; The predetermined condition is defined as the need to transmit torque between the second ring (22) and the first ring (21). When the predetermined condition is not met, the adapter (30) connects the retainer (23) to the first predetermined position of the first ring (21) via the first adapter portion (331) in a torsionally fixed manner.

3. The clutch assembly (2) according to claim 2, wherein: The adapter (30) includes a driving element (35), a biasing element (34), and an operating element (33), wherein the operating element (33) is coaxially arranged with the clutch (20) and is connected to the retaining frame (23) in a torsionally fixed manner, and the first adapter portion (331) and the second adapter portion (332) are both arranged on the operating element (33); The actuating element (33) is configured to: Under the action of the driving element (35), the clutch (20) is positioned at a first position along the axial direction of the clutch (20) relative to the clutch (20); and, under the driving of the driving element (35), the biasing force of the biasing element (34) is overcome and the clutch (20) is positioned at a second position along the axial direction of the clutch (20) relative to the clutch (20); Wherein, at the first position, the adapter (30) is connected to the first ring (21) via the first adapter portion (331) in a rotationally fixed manner, and, at the second position, the adapter (30) is connected to the second ring (22) via the second adapter portion (332) in a rotationally fixed manner.

4. The clutch assembly (2) according to claim 3, wherein: The action element (33) includes an annular main body, the first adapter portion (331) is arranged at one end of the annular main body, the second adapter portion (332) is arranged at the other end of the annular main body, and the biasing element (34) is arranged to abut against the end side surface of the annular main body.

5. The clutch assembly (2) according to claim 4, wherein: The first ring (21) is provided with a first docking portion (211) that cooperates with the first adapter portion (331), the first predetermined position is positioned at the position of the first docking portion (211), and the second ring (22) is provided with a second docking portion (221) that cooperates with the second adapter portion (332).

6. The clutch assembly (2) according to claim 5, wherein: One of the first transition portion (331) and the first docking portion (211) is configured as a notch portion, and the other is configured as a protrusion portion; and / or, The second transition portion (332) and the second docking portion (221) are constructed as wedge-shaped segments, and in the direction from the first position toward the second position, the wedge-shaped segments extend in the radially outward direction of the annular main body.

7. The clutch assembly (2) according to claim 6, wherein a second predetermined position is further provided on the first ring (21), and the first predetermined position and the second predetermined position are spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the first ring (21). When the predetermined condition is met, the adapter (30) connects the retaining frame (23): is connected to the second ring (22) in a rotationally fixed manner via the second adapter (332), or The second predetermined position is connected to the first ring (21) in a rotationally fixed manner via the first transition portion (331).

8. The clutch assembly (2) according to claim 7, wherein: The adapter (30) further includes a locking portion, The locking portion is used to cooperate with the locking docking portion (212) on the first ring (21), and the second predetermined position is positioned at the location of the locking docking portion (212).

9. The clutch assembly (2) according to claim 8, wherein: The locking portion and the first transition portion (331) are constructed as the same component, and the locking docking portion (212) includes a first locking docking portion and a second locking docking portion respectively arranged on both sides of the first docking portion (211) in the circumferential direction.

10. A power module (1), It is characterized in that The power module (1) comprises a drive device and a clutch assembly (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the clutch assembly (2) is used to connect or disconnect the power transmission from the drive device to the wheels.

11. A method for controlling a power module (1) as claimed in claim 10, It is characterized in that The method comprises the following steps: Determine whether the predetermined condition is met, When the predetermined condition is not met, driving the first adapter (331) to be connected to the first ring (21) in a torsionally fixed manner at a predetermined position; When the predetermined condition is met, the second adapter (332) is driven to be connected to the second ring (22) in a rotationally fixed manner for at least a period of time.

12. The control method according to claim 11, wherein: The predetermined condition is defined as the need to transmit torque between the second ring (22) and the first ring (21).

13. The control method according to claim 11, wherein: When the predetermined condition is not satisfied, driving the first adapter (331) to be connected to the first ring (21) in a torsionally fixed manner at a first predetermined position of the first ring (21); When the predetermined condition is met, the second adapter (332) is driven to connect with the second ring (22) being connected in a torsionally fixed manner for a predetermined time, and thereafter, driving the first adapter (331) to be connected in a torsionally fixed manner to the first ring (21) at a second predetermined position of the first ring (21), The first predetermined position and the second predetermined position are spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the first ring (21).

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