EP3924206A1

EP3924206A1 - Torque transmission device for a motor vehicle

Info

Publication number: EP3924206A1
Application number: EP20704300.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Hervé MAUREL
Original assignee: Valeo Embrayages SAS
Current assignee: Valeo Embrayages SAS
Priority date: 2019-02-15
Filing date: 2020-02-13
Publication date: 2021-12-22
Also published as: FR3092793B1; JP7253631B2; WO2020165311A1; JP2022520613A; FR3092793A1; KR20210126588A; US20220136569A1; CN113573933A

Abstract

The invention concerns a torque transmission device (1) for a motor vehicle comprising at least one engine (2), comprising: a first output shaft (14) rotatably coupled to an output element (12) of a first clutch (E1) and to an output element (13) of a second clutch (E2), the first output shaft (14) being intended to drive a first wheel of the vehicle, a second output shaft (17) rotatably coupled to an output element (15) of a third clutch (E3) and to an output element (16) of a fourth clutch (E4), the second output shaft (17) being intended to drive a second wheel of the vehicle, opposite the first wheel, a torque transfer mechanism (5, R1, R2, R3, 7, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10) arranged to transmit the torque from the engine (2) to an input element (9) of the first clutch (E1) and to an input element (10) of the fourth clutch (E4) according to a first gear ratio, and to transmit the torque from the engine (2) to an input element (11) of the second clutch (E2) and to an input element (11) of the third clutch (E3) according to a second gear ratio.

Description

DESCRIPTION

TITLE: TORQUE TRANSMISSION DEVICE FOR A VEHICLE

AUTOMOTIVE

Technical field of the invention

The invention relates to a torque transmission device for an electric or hybrid vehicle, in particular for an electric or hybrid motor vehicle.

State of the prior art

Motor vehicles may in particular belong to one of the following categories:

- vehicles powered by an internal combustion engine,

- so-called hybrid vehicles,

- so-called electric vehicles.

Vehicles propelled by a thermal internal combustion engine conventionally include a gearbox and a mechanical or hydraulic transmission system. The role of the gearbox is to adapt the speed and torque transmitted to the wheels according to the needs of the user, the speed and the torque of the heat engine. So-called hybrid vehicles generally use an internal combustion engine as well as an electric motor. So-called electric vehicles are powered only by electric motors.

The invention applies more particularly to hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles.

To match speed and torque, the use of electric motors typically requires a transmission with a complex set of gears and a differential mechanism to achieve the desired output speed and torque levels at each wheel.

In a bend, the wheel located inside the bend has a shorter distance to travel and therefore spins less quickly than the wheel located outside the bend. Thanks to the differential, traction is maintained while allowing the difference in speed between the wheels. It thus ensures better road holding and makes it possible to limit tire wear.

The disadvantage of using a differential is that it transfers the same torque, in the same direction, to each wheel. However, in many cases of use, it is rather desirable to apply a higher torque on the shaft opposing the greatest resistance, that is to say on the wheel having the best grip. With the use of a conventional differential, when one of the wheels is resting on slippery ground (ice for example), it tends to spin in a vacuum, thus limiting the movement of the vehicle.

In order to overcome such a drawback, it is known practice to use a technique known as torque vectoring, which offers the possibility of varying the torque transmitted to each wheel so as to thus improve road holding. It is for example known to use a differential electronic limited slip or self-locking (eLSD), which ensures that each wheel receives sufficient torque by means of an electronic control unit. An eLSD-type system monitors the signals from various wheel sensors and, in the event of slipping, transfers more torque to the wheel with the best grip on the ground.

The use of such a differential system, however, requires significant space. In order to respond to this problem of bulk, document US Pat. No. 9,657,826 proposes a torque transmission device for a motor vehicle comprising an electric motor coupled to an input shaft of a first clutch mechanism via of a first epicyclic train, and coupled to an input shaft of a second clutch mechanism via a second epicyclic train. The outputs of the first and second clutch mechanisms are respectively coupled to a first wheel and a second wheel of the vehicle.

The first and second clutch mechanisms are controlled to vary the slip at the clutches according to the torque to be transmitted to the wheels. The control of the clutches thus enables the function of vectoring the torque between the wheels.

However, the gears of such a structure do not make it possible to vary the speed reduction ratio through the planetary gears, which limits the dynamic performance of the vehicle, in particular the ability of the vehicle to be able to quickly reach a high speed. . The invention aims to remedy this drawback while avoiding torque breaks or variations in acceleration perceptible by the user, in order to guarantee the comfort of the latter. The invention also aims to limit the size of the engine used and to reduce the energy consumption of the vehicle as well as the size of the torque transmission device.

Presentation of the invention

To this end, the invention relates to a torque transmission device for a vehicle comprising at least one engine, the torque transmission device comprising:

a first output shaft rotatably coupled to an output member of a first clutch and to an output member of a second clutch, the first output shaft being intended to drive a first wheel of the vehicle,

a second output shaft rotatably coupled to an output member of a third clutch and to an output member of a fourth clutch, the second output shaft being intended to drive a second wheel of the vehicle, opposite the first wheel ,

a torque transfer mechanism arranged to transmit torque from said at least one motor to an input element of the first clutch and to an input element of the fourth clutch in a first gear ratio, and to transmit torque from the engine to an input element of the second clutch and an input element of the third clutch according to a second gear ratio.

The use of at least two gear ratios allows to reconcile high starting torque and maximum speed and therefore to reduce the time required for the vehicle to reach high speed.

The use of at least one clutch per gear ratio and per output shaft can make it possible to control the torque supplied to each wheel and for each gear ratio, through the sliding of the clutches. The use of clutches also helps ensure operator comfort by avoiding abrupt gear changes and noticeable variations in acceleration.

Such a structure also offers a good compromise between increasing the complexity of the device and the dynamic performance gain of the vehicle, the reduction in the consumption of the vehicle and the reduction in the size of the electric traction motor as well as the reduction of the size of the device.

The vehicle may have two or four wheel drive. The torque transmission device can operate with one or two electric motors, for example. In the case of the use of two electric motors, each electric motor could, for example, be coupled to two wheels of the vehicle, via the clutches and the corresponding torque transfer mechanism.

The number of speed ratios can also be greater than two, for example equal to three. In this case, a clutch is associated with each wheel and each gear ratio. In the case of three gear ratios, the number of clutch is thus equal to six.

According to one embodiment, the clutches are multi-disc clutches.

The first output shaft is intended to drive the first wheel of the vehicle and not the second wheel of the vehicle.

The second output shaft is intended to drive the second wheel of the vehicle and not the first wheel of the vehicle.

The device may include control means for controlling the slip at the level of the first clutch and of the fourth clutch and / or at the level of the second clutch and of the third clutch, said control means being able to control the distribution of torque between the first and the third clutch. second wheels of the vehicle, by sliding at the corresponding clutches.

The control means make it possible to provide the torque vectoring function in order to improve the road holding or traction of the vehicle as well as its ability to pass. Thus, the clutches are used both to change gear ratios, and to perform the functions of a differential and a torque vectoring device. The first clutch and the second clutch may be concentric with the first output shaft, the third clutch and the fourth clutch being concentric with the second output shaft, the clutches being offset axially with respect to each other. The axial direction is given here by the output shafts of the transmission device. Such a structure makes it possible to limit the radial size of the device.

Each clutch can be controlled through a source of hydraulic pressure and hydraulic distributors controlled by a control unit

Each clutch can be actuated by a hydraulic receiver (or piston). Each rotating hydraulic receiver can be equipped with a compensation chamber whose role is to compensate for the hydraulic pressure generated by the centrifugal force on the fluid. Thus the relationship between the actuating force of the hydraulic receiver and the control pressure is no longer modified by the rotational speed of the hydraulic receiver. By its axial displacement, the hydraulic receiver can ensure on the one hand the closing and opening of the clutches (clutch / disengagement) and on the other hand can ensure the adjustment of the slip at the friction surfaces of the clutch.

The input element of each clutch can be rotated by a toothed wheel concentric with the clutch and driven by a pinion whose axis is parallel to the toothed wheel. This makes it possible to reduce the axial size of the device.

The axes of said pinions can be concentric.

According to one embodiment, all the pinions meshing with the toothed wheels associated with the input elements of the clutches are coupled with the same shaft.

The transmission mechanism can comprise fixed and parallel shafts coupled by toothed wheels arranged in cascade.

The second clutch and the third clutch may have a common input element, driven in rotation by a toothed wheel common to the second clutch and the third clutch.

Such a feature makes it possible to limit the size and the number of elements of the device.

The first clutch and the fourth clutch may each have a respective input element driven by a respective toothed wheel.

The sprockets associated with the first clutch and the fourth clutch and / or the sprockets associated with the second clutch and the third clutch may have opposite helix angles.

The axial forces generated by the two toothed wheels with opposite propellers can thus be compensated for.

The device may include a device for locking the first and second wheels, so as to be able to immobilize the vehicle. Each clutch can be of the normally open type.

A clutch is said to be normally open if it is in the disengaged position when it is not actuated. Conversely, a clutch is said to be normally closed if it is in the engaged position when not actuated.

A wheel locking device may be located between a fixed housing and each output shaft. Each locking device thus enables the wheel associated with the corresponding output shaft to be blocked.

Each wheel locking device may include a toothed wheel coupled in rotation to the corresponding output shaft, each toothed wheel being associated with a controlled locking lever which can move between a locking position in which it engages in the toothing. of the corresponding toothed wheel so as to prevent rotation of the corresponding output shaft, and a release position in which it is disengaged from the teeth of the toothed wheel so as to allow rotation of the output shaft.

The first clutch and the fourth clutch may be of the normally closed type, the second clutch and the third clutch being of the normally open type, or vice versa.

The wheel locking device can then be located between a fixed housing and a shaft of the torque transfer mechanism located between the engine and the clutches.

Each clutch can be a wet clutch. Each clutch can be of the multi-disc type. The linings of each clutch can be paper, metal and / or carbon.

Alternatively, each clutch may be of the normally closed type. In this case, when the clutches are not actuated, that is to say are in the engaged position, the output shafts are blocked via the clutches and the two-speed torque transfer mechanism.

The device may include speed sensors at the output shafts, and calculation means capable of determining the torque transmitted to each wheel, for example as a function of the speed of the output shaft and / or as a function of the pressure. in the clutches. Each output shaft may have a first end coupled to the corresponding wheel and a second end opposite the first end.

Each output shaft may include at least a first cylindrical part having a first diameter, located on the side of the first end, and a second cylindrical part having a second diameter, located on the side of the second end, the first diameter being greater than the second. diameter.

The clutch associated with the lower gear ratio is located on the side of the first end, the clutch associated with the higher gear ratio being located on the side of the second end. The first gear ratio is the ratio of the speed of the input elements of the first clutch and / or the fourth clutch to the engine speed. The second gear ratio is the ratio of the speed of the input elements of the second clutch and / or of the third clutch to the engine speed.

A low gear ratio generates large torque at the output shaft, while a relatively higher gear ratio generates relatively lower torque at the output shaft.

The speed ratio of the input elements of the first clutch and the fourth clutch is lower than the speed ratio of the input elements of the second clutch and the third clutch.

According to one embodiment, the output elements of the second clutch and of the third clutch are disposed axially between the output elements of the first clutch and of the fourth clutch. In other words, for each output shaft, the clutch associated with the lowest gear ratio is disposed closest to the wheel relative to the other clutch or other clutches associated with this output shaft.

The aforementioned characteristic therefore makes it possible to limit the axial distance between the wheel and the clutch which transmits the highest torques, so as to reduce twisting or bending of the shaft. This is all the more important as the shaft can be stepped and have a diameter tapering away from the wheel.

According to another embodiment, the shaft of the transmission mechanism carrying the drive pinions is formed from at least two sections.

The clutches can each have a respective input element driven by a respective toothed wheel.

According to one embodiment, certain input elements and their respective toothed wheel can be manufactured in the same part.

According to one embodiment, the first clutch and the second clutch comprise a common output element. Likewise, the third clutch and the fourth clutch have a common output element.

The output elements each have a body of cylindrical or tubular section.

These bodies preferably extend axially in the extension of the output shafts.

The transmission device includes at least one fluid supply line.

Preferably, a space axially separates the common output element of the first and second clutches and the common output element of the third and fourth clutches. Advantageously, part of said at least one pipe is arranged in this space. Preferably, at least one of the output elements of the clutches comprises a tubular body and part of said at least one pipe is arranged inside the tubular body. The axis of the tubular body is preferably coaxial with the axes of the output shafts. Where appropriate, the body of this output element also comprises a bore making the inside of the tubular body communicate with the outside of the tubular body, at the level of an actuation chamber of a clutch.

Where appropriate, said at least one pipe communicates with the bore or passes through this bore.

According to another embodiment not shown, each clutch has its own output element, the output element of the first clutch being coupled with the output element of the second clutch and the output element of the third clutch being coupled with the output element. fourth clutch output element, a space axially separating the output element of the second clutch and the output element of the third clutch.

The invention also relates to a torque transmission module for a torque transmission device as described above, the module comprising:

an input element of the first clutch and an input element of the fourth clutch configured to transmit torque in a first operating range,

a second clutch input element and a third clutch input element configured to transmit torque in a second operating range, the second operating range corresponding to higher speed regimes.

The invention also relates to a torque transmission system for a vehicle comprising an electric motor and a torque transmission device as described above, the transmission mechanism being arranged to be driven by the engine.

The invention also relates to a method of controlling a torque transmission device as described above, in which the torque transmission device comprises a first output shaft rotatably coupled to an output element of a first clutch. and to an output member of a second clutch, the first output shaft being adapted to drive a first wheel of the vehicle, a second output shaft rotatably coupled to an output member of a third clutch and to a shift member. release of a fourth clutch, the second output shaft being intended to drive a second wheel of the vehicle, opposite the first wheel, the method comprising the following steps:

engage the first and fourth clutches and disengage the second and third clutch when at least one of the first output shaft and the second output shaft are rotating at a first operating speed,

engage the second and third clutches and disengage the first and second clutch when at least one of the first output shaft and the second output shaft are rotating at a second operating speed.

The ordering process may further include the following step:

Control the slip of the first or fourth clutch when the first and fourth clutches are engaged to vary speed and torque between the first output shaft and second output shaft, or

Pilot the slip of the second or third clutch when the second and third clutches are engaged to vary speed and torque between the first output shaft and second output shaft.

The slip control can be triggered by a control unit when it receives data indicative of a change in direction of the vehicle. The control unit can perform the steps of controlling the clutches (clutch / disengaging) and controlling the slip at the clutches.

The invention also relates to a torque transmission device for a vehicle comprising at least one engine, the torque transmission device comprising:

a first output shaft rotatably coupled to an output element of a clutch, the first output shaft being intended to drive a first wheel of the vehicle,

a second output shaft rotatably coupled to an output element of another clutch, the second output shaft being intended to drive a second wheel of the vehicle, opposite the first wheel,

a torque transfer mechanism arranged to transmit torque from the engine to an input element of the two clutches,

each clutch being of the normally open type and the device further comprising a device for locking the first and second wheels, each wheel locking device comprising a toothed wheel rotatably coupled to the corresponding output shaft, each toothed wheel being associated with a locking lever movable between a locking position in which it engages in the teeth of the corresponding toothed wheel so as to prevent the rotation of the corresponding output shaft, and a release position in which it is released from the toothing of the toothed wheel so as to allow rotation of the output shaft. This torque transmission device can also include at least one of the characteristics mentioned above.

The invention also relates to a torque transmission device comprising a torque input member intended to be driven by a motor, in particular an electric motor, an output member, a transmission module arranged to transmit a torque between the input member and output member, the transmission module comprising:

a transmission member capable of rotating around an X axis,

a first wet clutch comprising a first radially outer disk carrier, a first radially inner disk carrier and a first multi-disk assembly with at least one friction disk rotatably coupled with the radially outer first disk carrier, and at least one other rotatably coupled disk with the first radially internal disc carrier,

a second wet clutch comprising a second radially outer disk carrier, a second radially inner disk carrier and a second multi-disk assembly with at least one friction disk rotatably coupled with the radially outer second disk carrier, and at least one other rotatably coupled disk with the second radially internal disc carrier,

a transmission wheel such as a toothed wheel coupled in rotation with the first radially internal disk carrier

another transmission wheel such as a toothed wheel rotatably coupled with the second radially internal disk carrier, the transmission device being configured such that for a first speed ratio between the input member and the output member the torque passes through one of the two transmission wheels and that for a second speed ratio between the input member and the output member, the torque passes through the other of the two transmission wheels,

the transmission member comprising the first radially outer disc holder and the second radially outer disc holder, as well as a tubular body rigidly connected in rotation to the first radially outer disc holder and to the second radially outer disc holder, the device further comprising at at least one pipe, at least a part of which extends inside the tubular body to supply the first and / or second clutches with fluid, the tubular body extending radially inside the first radially internal disc holder and the second door radially internal disc.

This torque transmission device may further include at least one of the characteristics mentioned above and / or at least one of the following characteristics: The first radially inner disk carrier and the second radially inner disk carrier are rotatably coupled with the input member respectively via the two transmission wheels and the tubular body is rotatably coupled with the output member .

As a variant, the first radially inner disk carrier and the second radially inner disk carrier are rotatably coupled with the output member respectively via the two transmission wheels and the tubular body is rotatably coupled with the member. entry.

The tubular body extends along the X axis.

The two transmission wheels have different diameters.

The device comprises a wheel meshing with one of the two transmission wheels and a wheel meshing with the other of the two transmission wheels, these two wheels having different diameters.

The discs of the multi-disc assembly of the first clutch and the discs of the multi-disc assembly of the second clutch have substantially the same diameters and are arranged around the X axis.

The first clutch has a first actuating piston and the second clutch has a second actuating piston, the first piston and the second piston being arranged axially between the first clutch multi-plate assembly and the second clutch multi-plate assembly.

The first piston moves axially away from the second clutch to compress the first clutch multi-plate assembly and the second piston moves axially away from the first clutch to compress the second clutch multi-plate assembly.

The first clutch and the second clutch are arranged around the X axis.

The first and second clutches are arranged symmetrically with respect to a plane extending radially between the first piston and the second piston.

The first radially inner disc carrier is rotatably mounted on the tubular body via a first bearing, including a rolling bearing.

The second radially inner disc carrier is rotatably mounted on the tubular body via a second bearing, including a rolling bearing.

The transmission member comprises a connecting portion which extends radially and which connects the first radially outer disk carrier and the second radially outer disk carrier to the tubular body.

The transmission member has an axis of symmetry passing through the connecting portion.

A first actuating chamber is formed between the first piston and the connecting portion

A second actuation chamber is formed between the second piston and the connecting portion. Said at least one pipe communicates with the first actuation chamber and / or the second actuation chamber.

The arrangement of the transmission module is thus well suited in a simple manner for actuation by fluid.

The output member is adapted to drive a vehicle differential or a vehicle wheel.

Brief description of the figures

[Fig. 1] is a perspective view of a torque transmission device according to an embodiment of the invention,

[Fig. 2] is a side view of the device,

[Fig. 3] is a sectional view of the device.

[Fig. 4] is a schematic sectional view of the device according to another embodiment. Detailed description of the invention

Figures 1 to 3 show a torque transmission system 1 for a motor vehicle with hybrid or fully electric motor. The transmission system comprises an engine 2 and a transmission device 1 arranged to transmit a torque between the engine and the wheels of the vehicle.

The transmission device comprises a first output shaft 14 intended to drive a first wheel of the vehicle, and a second output shaft 17 intended to drive a second wheel of the vehicle, opposite to the first wheel.

The electric motor 2 comprises a stator and a rotor coupled to a rotating shaft 3 of the motor 2. The rotating shaft 3 of the motor 2, of axis X3, is guided in rotation by means of ball bearings 4. The shaft 3 drives a transmission mechanism comprising a toothed wheel R1 carried by shaft 3.

The transmission mechanism further comprises a first rotating shaft 5, axis X5, guided in rotation by ball bearings 6. The first rotating shaft 5 carries a toothed wheel R2 and a toothed wheel R3. The toothed wheel R2 meshes with the toothed wheel R1. The diameter of the toothed wheel R3 is smaller than the diameter of the toothed wheel R2. The toothed wheel R3 is located to the right of the toothed wheel R2 in figure 3, that is to say the opposite of the electric motor 2.

The transmission mechanism further comprises a second rotating shaft 7, axis X7, guided in rotation by ball and / or roller bearings 8. The bearings 4, 6, 8 are supported by a fixed housing, not shown.

The second shaft 7 carries a toothed wheel R4, meshing with the toothed wheel R3, two pinions R5 and R6 associated with a first gear ratio and a pinion R7 associated with a second gear ratio. The gears R5, R6 and R7 are toothed. The diameter of the R4 gear wheel is larger than the diameter of the R3 gear

The pinion R7 is located axially, that is to say along the axis of the second shaft 7, between the pinion R5, located on the left in Figure 3, and the pinion R6, located on the right in this same figure. R4 toothed wheel is located to the right of R6 pinion.

The axes X3, X5 and X7 of the shafts 3, 5, 7 are parallel to each other. The toothed wheels and pinions R1 to R7 have helical teeth.

The pinion R5 and the pinion R6 mesh respectively with a crown or a toothed wheel R8 and with a crown or a toothed wheel R9.

The R5 and R6 gears have opposite helix angles. Likewise, crown gear R8 and R9 have opposite helix angles.

The ring gear R8 is carried by an annular input element 9 of a clutch E1. The ring gear R9 is carried by an annular input element 10 of a clutch E4. The pinion R7 meshes with a crown or a toothed wheel R10 carried by an annular input element 1 1 common to a clutch E2 and to a clutch E3.

The teeth of the toothed rings R8, R9, R10 are helical. The toothed rings are also coaxial, their X axis being parallel to the X3, X5 and X7 axes. Their X axis is also coaxial with the output shafts 16, 17.

The clutches E1 and E2 respectively comprise output elements 12, 13 coupled in rotation to the output shaft 14 of axis X.

The E3 and E4 clutches respectively have output elements 15, 16 rotatably coupled to the output shaft 17 of axis X.

Each clutch E1 to E4 further comprises a first series of discs 18 rotatably coupled to the input element and a second series of discs 19 rotatably coupled to the output element, the discs 19 being interposed between the discs 18 The discs 18, 19 are caused to be pressed against each other by an annular piston 20 actuated by a hydraulic fluid opening into a pressure chamber 21 of the corresponding inlet element 9, 10, 11, in which is mounted the piston 20.

The movement of each piston 20 is controlled by control means. It will be noted that, in this embodiment, the pistons 20 are movable in rotation with the input elements 9, 10, 11.

The input elements 9, 10, 11 of the clutches E1 to E4 are guided in rotation by means of roller bearings 22.

Each output shaft 14, 17 has a first end 23 rotatably coupled to a wheel of the vehicle, via a constant velocity connection such as a universal joint for example, and a second end 24 opposite the first end. 23. The output shafts 14, 17 are coaxial with each other, with the input elements 9, 10, 11 and output 12 to 16 of the clutches E1 to E4 and with the toothed rings R8, R9 and R10. Each output shaft 14, 17 comprises a first cylindrical part 25 having a first diameter, located on the side of the first end 23, and a second cylindrical part 26 having a second diameter, located on the side of the second end 24, the first diameter being greater than the second diameter. Each output shaft 14, 17 is thus stepped. The output elements 12, 16 of the clutches E1 and E4 are located near the first end 23 of each output shaft 14, 17. The output elements 13, 15 of the clutches E2 and E3 are located near the second end 24 of each output shaft 14, 17. The ratio of the rotational speed of the input elements 9, 10 of each of the clutches E1 and E4 to the rotational speed of the shaft 3 of the motor 2, called the first gear ratio. speeds, is for example between 1/20 and 1/10, when the clutches E1 and E4 are in the engaged position, that is to say that a torque can be transmitted to the output shafts 14, 17 through said E1 and E4 clutches.

The ratio of the speed of rotation of the input element 1 1 of the clutches E2 and E3 to the speed of rotation of the shaft 3 of the motor 2, called the second speed ratio, is for example between 1/10 and 1/5, when the clutches E2 and E3 are in the engaged position, that is to say that a torque can be transmitted to the output shafts 14, 17 through said clutches E2 and E3.

Generally, the first gear ratio is lower than the second gear ratio. The clutches dedicated to the first gear ratio are closer to the wheels than the clutches dedicated to the second gear ratio.

The clutches are of the normally open type in the embodiment shown in the figures.

Each output shaft 14, 17 is equipped with a corresponding wheel locking system, intended to enable the vehicle to be immobilized. Each locking system comprises a toothed wheel 27 coupled in rotation to the corresponding output shaft 14, 17, each toothed wheel 27 being associated with a controlled locking lever and movable between a locking position in which it engages in the toothing of the corresponding toothed wheel 27, so as to prevent the rotation of the corresponding output shaft 14, 17, and a release position in which it is disengaged from the teeth of the toothed wheel 27, so as to allow the rotation of the corresponding output shaft 14, 17.

In operation, the clutches E1 to E4 are actuated according to the gear ratio chosen. In other words, if the first gear ratio is to be used, the clutches E1 and E4 are actuated so as to be moved to the engaged or closed position, while the clutches E2 and E3 are not actuated so as to be moved. in disengaged position or open. The torque is then transmitted from the motor 2 to each of the output shafts 14, 17, in particular via the clutches E1 and E4.

Each clutch is of the multi-plate type and the input elements form radially outer disc carriers of the clutches and the output elements form the radially inner disc carriers of the clutches. The radial dimension is considered relative to the axes of the output shafts.

Conversely, if the second gear ratio is to be used, the clutches E2 and E3 are actuated so as to be moved into the engaged or closed position, while the clutches E1 and E4 are not actuated so as to be moved in disengaged or open position. The torque is then transmitted from the engine 1 to each of the output shafts 14, 17, notably through the clutches E2 and E3.

Furthermore, the torque vectoring function can be obtained by controlling the torque supplied to each wheel and for each speed, by regulating, if necessary, the slip of each clutch E1 to E4 concerned. Regulation can be achieved by calculating the torque transmitted to each wheel, for example from information on the speed of the output shafts 14, 17 and on the pressure in the clutches. For this, each output shaft 14, 17 can be equipped with a sensor, not shown, making it possible to detect its speed of rotation. Another embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 4. This embodiment differs from the previous one in particular by the characteristics presented below.

The shaft 3 can be formed in one piece with the toothed wheel R1. Likewise, the shaft 5 can be formed in one piece with the toothed wheel R3.

The second shaft of the transmission mechanism is composed of two coaxial sections 7a and 7b coupled to each other. For example, a portion of the end of section 7a is centered in a portion of the end of section 7b and another portion of the end of section 7a engages with splines in another portion of the end of the section. section 7b. One of the sections 7a is associated with the first clutch E1 and the second clutch E2 and the other section 7b is associated with the third clutch E3 and the fourth clutch E4.

The pinions R5, R6, R7 and R1 1 can also be formed integrally with the corresponding shaft section 7a, 7b.

The clutches each have a respective input element 9, 1 1, 31, 10 driven by a respective toothed wheel. Each section 7a, 7b therefore carries, integrally in rotation, two pinions which each mesh with a toothed wheel.

The input elements 9, 1 1, 31, 10 form radially internal disk carriers of the clutches and the output elements 12 and 16 form the radially external disk carriers of the clutches. The first clutch E1 and the second clutch E2 comprise a common output element 12. Likewise, the third clutch E3 and the fourth clutch E4 comprise a common output element 16. The output elements 12 and 16 comprise a body of tubular section. extending axially in the extension of the first and second output shafts.

A space axially separates the common output member 12 from the first and second clutches and the common output member 16 from the third and fourth clutches. Thus, it is possible to use this space to pass there at least one pipe 40 supplying the clutches with fluid. In Figure 4, a single pipe is shown schematically for supplying the second clutch E2. Of course, each clutch can be supplied with fluid as shown schematically for the second clutch E2.

Since the output elements 12 and 16 of the clutches have a tubular body, each line 40 can pass inside the tubular body of the output element of the clutch that it will feed. This output element 12, 16 further comprises a bore communicating the interior of the tubular body and the exterior of the tubular body, at the level of an actuation chamber of the clutch to be supplied. The pipe can then communicate with the hole or pass inside this hole.

Each output element 12, 16 comprises a connecting disc respectively connecting:

- a portion of the output element forming the radially outer disc carrier of a clutch,

- a portion of the output element forming the radially outer disc holder of another clutch, the disc being arranged axially between these two disc holders,

- the tubular body of said outlet element disposed radially inside these disc holders.

The input elements of the clutches are mounted to pivot around the output elements of the corresponding clutches, in particular on their tubular body.

With regard to the first clutch and the second clutch, the first wet clutch E1 comprising a first radially outer disk carrier, a first radially inner disk carrier and a first multi-disk assembly with at least one friction disk rotatably coupled with the first carrier radially outer disc, and at least one other disc rotatably coupled with the first radially inner disc carrier. The second wet clutch E2 comprising a second radially outer disc holder, a second radially inner disc holder and a second multi-disc assembly with at least one friction disc coupled in rotation with the second radially outer disc holder, and at least one other disc coupled in rotation with the second radially internal disc carrier. The transmission toothed wheel R8 is rotatably coupled with the first radially inner disk carrier and the transmission gear R10 is rotatably coupled with the second radially internal disk carrier.

The first radially outer disc holder and the second radially outer disc holder, as well as the tubular body rigidly connected in rotation to the first radially outer disc holder and to the second radially outer disc holder, jointly form a transmission member which is here an output element 12. The tubular body extends along the X axis.

The first radially inner disc carrier and the second radially inner disc carrier are rotatably coupled with the torque transmission mechanism via the two wheels R8 and R10 respectively. The two wheels R8 and R10 have different diameters. The R5 and R7 gears meshing with the R8 and R10 toothed wheels also have different diameters.

The first clutch E1 has a first actuating piston and the second clutch E2 has a second actuating piston (not shown), the first piston and the second piston being arranged axially between the multi-disc assembly of the first clutch and the assembly. multiple discs of the second clutch. The first piston moves axially away from the second clutch to compress the first clutch multi-plate assembly and the second piston moves axially away from the first clutch to compress the second clutch multi-plate assembly.

It can be seen that the first and second clutches are arranged symmetrically with respect to a plane extending radially between the first piston and the second piston.

The first radially inner disc carrier is rotatably mounted on the tubular body via a first rolling bearing. The second radially inner disc carrier is rotatably mounted on the tubular body via a second rolling bearing. The transmission member comprises a connecting portion which extends radially and which connects the first radially outer disk carrier and the second radially outer disk carrier to the tubular body.

A first actuating chamber is provided between the first piston and the connecting portion and a second actuating chamber is provided between the second piston and the connecting portion.

Claims

1. Torque transmission device (1) for a vehicle comprising at least one engine (2), the torque transmission device comprising:

a first output shaft (14) rotatably coupled to an output member (12) of a first clutch (E1) and to an output member (12, 13) of a second clutch (E2), the first shaft output (14) being intended to drive a first wheel of the vehicle,

a second output shaft (17) rotatably coupled to an output member (15, 16) of a third clutch (E3) and to an output member (16) of a fourth clutch (E4), the second shaft output (17) being intended to drive a second wheel of the vehicle, opposite to the first wheel,

a torque transfer mechanism (5, R1, R2, R3, 7, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10) arranged to transmit the torque from the motor (2) to an input element (9) of the first clutch (E1) and to an input element (10) of the fourth clutch (E4) according to a first gear ratio, and to transmit the torque from said at least one motor (2) to an input element (1 1) of the second clutch (E2) and to an input element (1 1, 31) of the third clutch (E3) according to a second gear ratio.

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises control means for controlling the sliding at the level of the first clutch (E1) and of the fourth clutch (E4) and / or at the level of the second clutch ( E2) and of the third clutch (E3), said control means being able to control the distribution of torque between the first and second wheels of the vehicle, by sliding at the level of the corresponding clutches.

3. Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first clutch (E1) and the second clutch (E2) are concentric with the first output shaft (14), the third clutch (E3) and the fourth clutch (E4) being concentric with the second output shaft (17), the clutches being offset axially with respect to each other.

4. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each clutch is controlled by means of a source of hydraulic pressure and hydraulic distributors controlled by a control unit.

5. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that each clutch is actuated by a hydraulic receiver (20) rotating.

6. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the input element (9, 10, 1 1, 31) of each clutch (E1, E2, E2, E4) is driven rotating by a toothed wheel (R8, R9, R10, R12) concentric with the clutch (E1, E2, E2, E4) and driven by a pinion (R5, R6, R7, R1 1) whose axis (X7 ) is parallel to the toothed wheel (R8, R9, R10, R1 1).

7. Device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the axes of said pinions (R5, R6, R7, R1 1) are concentric.

8. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the second clutch (E2) and the third clutch (E3) comprise a common input element (1 1), driven in rotation by a common toothed wheel (R10) to the second clutch (E2) and to the third clutch (E3).

9. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the first clutch (E1) and the fourth clutch (E4) each comprise a respective input element (9, 10) driven by a wheel. respective toothed (R8, R9).

10. Device (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the toothed wheels associated with the first clutch (E1) and the fourth clutch (E4) and / or the toothed wheels associated with the second clutch (E2) and the third clutch ( E3) have opposite helix angles.

1 1. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10 comprising a locking device (27) for the first and second wheels in which each clutch (E1, E2, E3, E4) is of the normally open type, each locking device for wheel comprising a toothed wheel (27) coupled in rotation to the corresponding output shaft (14, 17), each toothed wheel (27) being associated with a controlled locking lever and movable between a locking position in which it comes s '' engage in the toothing of the corresponding toothed wheel (27) so as to prevent the rotation of the corresponding output shaft (14, 17), and a release position in which it is disengaged from the teeth of the toothed wheel ( 27) so as to allow rotation of the output shaft (14, 17).

12. Device (1) according to one of claims 1-1 1 wherein the speed ratio of the input elements of the first clutch (E1) and of the fourth clutch (E4) is lower than the speed ratio of the elements. input of the second clutch (E2) and of the third clutch (E3); the output elements of the second clutch (E2) and of the third clutch (E3) being disposed axially between the output elements of the first clutch (E1) and of the fourth clutch (E4).

13. Device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12 wherein the transmission device comprises at least one fluid supply pipe (40) and at least one of the output elements of the clutches (E1, E2 , E3, E4) comprises a tubular body and said at least one pipe passes inside the tubular body.

14. Torque transmission module (1) for a torque transmission device according to one of the preceding claims, the module comprising

a first output shaft (14) rotatably coupled to an output member (12) of a first clutch (E1) and to an output member (13) of a second clutch (E2), the first output shaft (14) being intended to drive a first wheel of the vehicle, a second output shaft (17) rotatably coupled to an output member (15) of a third clutch (E3) and to an output member (16) of a fourth clutch (E4), the second output shaft (17) being intended to drive a second wheel of the vehicle, opposite to the first wheel,

- an input element (9) of the first clutch (E1) and an input element (10) of the fourth clutch (E4) configured to transmit torque in a first operating range,

an input element (1 1) of the second clutch (E2) and an input element (1 1) of the third clutch (E3) configured to transmit a torque in a second operating range, the second operating range corresponding to higher speed regimes.

15. Torque transmission system for a vehicle comprising an electric motor (2) and a torque transmission device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13, the transmission mechanism being arranged to be driven by the motor ( 2).