EP4638979A1

EP4638979A1 - A coupling arrangement

Info

Publication number: EP4638979A1
Application number: EP23907951.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Mikael Bergquist
Original assignee: Scania CV AB
Current assignee: Traton AB
Priority date: 2022-12-21
Filing date: 2023-12-13
Publication date: 2025-10-29
Also published as: SE546263C2; WO2024136725A1; SE2251505A1; CN120418549A

Abstract

A coupling arrangement is presented. The coupling arrangement comprises: - a first shaft (410); - a second shaft (420); and - a sleeve (430) comprising: -- a first spline arrangement (431) arranged to interact with a first shaft spline arrangement (411) of the first shaft, where the first spline arrangement and the first shaft spline arrangement both comprise spiral splines; wherein - the sleeve is arranged to be: -- interacting with the first shaft; -- engaged with the second shaft; and -- movable between a first (437) and a second (438) position; wherein: - the sleeve is arranged to be moved towards the first position by the interaction when the first shaft rotates in a first direction relative to the sleeve, where the second shaft, via the sleeve, is engaged with the first shaft, but is disengaged from at least one component (443), when the sleeve is in the first position; and - the sleeve is arranged to be moved towards the second position by the interaction when the first shaft rotates in a second direction relative to the sleeve, where the second shaft, via the sleeve, is engaged with both the first shaft and the at least one component when the sleeve is in the second position.

Description

A COUPLING ARRANGEMENT

Technical field

The present invention relates to a coupling arrangement arranged for being able to engage and disengage, respectively, a component to first and second shafts of the coupling arrangement.

Background

The following background description constitutes a description of the background to the present invention, which does not, however, necessarily have to constitute prior art.

In many implementations of today, it is desirable to be able to engage and disengage components, such as essentially any type devices, apparatuses, or parts thereof, to and from, respectively, shafts transferring torques.

There are conventional solutions utilizing movable actuators for coupling a component to and decoupling a component from, respectively, other components. Such actuators are conventionally controlled by usage of e.g. electronics, pneumatics and/or hydraulics for coupling and decoupling components from each other, respectively.

Brief description of the invention

The movements of the actuators of the above-mentioned conventional solutions need to be controlled for the components to be coupled to and decoupled from, respectively, each other at all. These actuators are then arranged to move a first component, or a part of the first component, such that it is coupled to and decoupled from, respectively, a second component, or a part of the second component. Therefore, control systems utilizing electronics, hydraulics and/or pneumatics to move these actuators have to be especially designed for the specific features of each conventional coupling. Both the actuators and their control systems add to the size and the complexity of such couplings and/or components. They therefore also add to the cost of devices in which the coupling and the component are comprised. Electronic, pneumatic and/or hydraulic control systems are generally difficult to design such that they can provide the needed accuracy and robustness during the possibly hard conditions in which such couplings may be used. The couplings might, for example, be used in situations where large temperature variations and/or substantial vibrations may occur. To design conventional control systems such that a robust and exact function is guaranteed for the couplings under such hard conditions is both difficult and costly.

Generally, there are also often delays in electronic, hydraulic and pneumatic control systems, which may cause a degraded function of the couplings.

Also, conventional couplings arranged for coupling a component to and decoupling a component from, respectively, a shaft transferring torque often interrupt the torque either when the component is coupled to the shaft or when the component is decoupled from the shaft. Thus, such conventional couplings are often unable to provide torque transfer over it in both its engaged component state and its disengaged component state.

It is an objective of the present invention to provide a robust, exact and less complex coupling arrangement arranged being able to engage and disengage, respectively, a component to its first and second shafts, whereby torque is transferred over the coupling arrangement both when the component is engaged to the shafts and when the component is disengaged from the shafts.

According to an aspect of the present invention, this objective is achieved by the above-mentioned coupling arrangement, which comprises:

- a first shaft;

- a second shaft; and

- a sleeve comprising:

-- a first spline arrangement arranged to interact with a first shaft spline arrangement of the first shaft, where the first spline arrangement and the first shaft spline arrangement both comprise spiral splines; wherein

- the sleeve is arranged to be:

-- engaged with the second shaft; and

-- movable between a first and a second position; wherein: - the sleeve is arranged to be moved towards the first position by the interaction between the first shaft spline arrangement and the first sleeve spline arrangement when the first shaft rotates in a first direction relative to the sleeve, where the second shaft, via the sleeve, is engaged with the first shaft, but is disengaged from at least one component, when the sleeve is in the first position; and

- the sleeve is arranged to be moved towards the second position by the interaction between the first shaft spline arrangement and the first sleeve spline arrangement when the first shaft rotates in a second direction relative to the sleeve, where the second shaft, via the sleeve, is engaged with both the first shaft and the at least one component when the sleeve is in the second position.

The spiral splines of the interacting first spline arrangement and first shaft spline arrangement cause the axially directed forces when the first shaft rotates in relation to the sleeve. The spiral splines thereby also cause the movements of the sleeve between its first and second positions. Hereby, a low complexity and automatic coupling arrangement is provided, which is controlled simply by the torque, i.e. the torque difference/direction, being provided over it.

By the interaction between the first shaft spline arrangement and the first spline arrangement of the sleeve, which causes the axially directed forces when the first shaft rotates in relation to the sleeve, a robust and exact functionality of the coupling arrangement is achieved.

The first and second shafts are, thanks to the design of the coupling arrangement, arranged to be engaged with each other in both the first and second positions of the sleeve. Thus, the first and second shafts are arranged to corotate in both the first and second positions of the sleeve. This is made possible by the herein described interaction of the sleeve with the first and second shafts. The herein presented coupling arrangement therefore provides for a torque transfer through it in both the first and second positions of the sleeve. This means that torque is transferred through the coupling arrangement both when the component is engaged with the first and second shafts, and when the component is disengaged from the first and second shafts, which is useful in many situations and in many implementations. Also, the coupling arrangement is arranged to either enable or disable the function of the at least one component controlled only by the torque over it. The axial movement of the sleeve between its first and second positions, which causes the enabling and disabling of the at least one component, is driven solely by the torque applied over the coupling arrangement. Thus, for the presented torque driven mechanical solution, no specific control logic is necessary for providing the herein described functionality of the coupling arrangement. By this mechanical solution for the coupling arrangement, a low complexity and automatic coupling arrangement is provided, which is controlled simply by the first and second torque differences/directions, respectively, being provided over it. The coupling arrangement is arranged such that the features/characteristics/properties of the first torque difference cause the relative rotation of the shaft in relation to the sleeve in the first direction. Conversely, the coupling arrangement is also arranged such that the features/characteristics/properties of the second torque difference cause the relative rotation of the shaft in relation to the sleeve in the second direction.

It should especially be noted that no extra conventional mechanical actuators are needed for controlling the functionality of the coupling arrangement, since it is automatically controlled only by the torque provided over it. The enabling and disabling of the function of the at least one component are thus automatically provided by the torque differences being provided over the coupling arrangement. Thus, the coupling arrangement does not add to the complexity of a control system of a device in which the coupling arrangement is to be implemented.

The omission of the need for conventional actuators, and their respective hydraulic or pneumatic control systems, greatly reduces the complexity and cost of the coupling arrangement, as well as increases the robustness and reliability for the coupling arrangement.

According to an embodiment of the present invention,

- the first shaft, the sleeve and the second shaft are arranged coaxially in relation to an axis, and are arranged for being rotatable around the axis;

- the first shaft and the second shaft are axially fixed; and

- the sleeve is arranged axially movable between the first position and the second position. Hereby, the rotatable and axially fixed first and second shafts in combination with the rotatable and axially movable sleeve facilitates for the sleeve to be moved between its first and second positions.

According to an embodiment of the present invention,

- the sleeve further comprises:

-- a second spline arrangement arranged to engage with a second shaft spline arrangement of the second shaft, where the second spline arrangement and the second shaft spline arrangement both comprise axially oriented splines.

The axially oriented splines of the second spline arrangement and the second shaft spline arrangement facilitates these movements of the sleeve.

According to an embodiment of the present invention,

- the sleeve is arranged as at least partially surrounding the first shaft; and

- the first spline arrangement is arranged on the inside of the sleeve to interact with the first shaft spline arrangement arranged on the outside of the first shaft.

This embodiment provides for a compact coupling arrangement, and for a robust interaction between the first spline arrangement of the sleeve and the first shaft spline arrangement, which is useful in many applications.

According to an embodiment of the present invention,

- a second end of the first shaft is provided with a circular hollow section, the circular hollow section being arranged to at least partially surround the sleeve and to have a diameter such that the sleeve fits within the hollow section; and

- the first spline arrangement is arranged on the outside of the sleeve to interact with the first shaft spline arrangement arranged on the inside of the hollow section.

The coupling arrangement according to this embodiment provides for a robust interaction between the first spline arrangement of the sleeve and the first shaft spline arrangement, which is useful in some implementations depending on the constitution of the first shaft. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first spline arrangement is arranged as one in the group of:

- at the first end of the sleeve;

- at the second end of the sleeve;

- at least partially between the first and second ends of the sleeve; and

- from the first end to the second end of the sleeve.

Hereby, a position of the first spline arrangement of the sleeve being suitable for, and matching, many different implementations/designs of the first shaft and its first shaft spline arrangement may be provided.

According to an embodiment of the present invention,

- the sleeve is arranged as at least partially surrounding the second shaft; and

- the second spline arrangement is arranged on the inside of the sleeve to interact with the second shaft spline arrangement arranged on the outside of the output shaft.

The coupling arrangement according to this embodiment provides for a robust interaction between the second spline arrangement of the sleeve and the second shaft spline arrangement of the second shaft, which is useful in some implementations depending on the constitution of the second shaft.

According to an embodiment of the present invention,

- a first end of the second shaft is provided with a circular hollow section, the circular hollow section being arranged to at least partially surround the sleeve and to have a diameter such that the sleeve fits within the hollow section; and

- the second spline arrangement is arranged on the outside of the sleeve to interact with the second shaft spline arrangement arranged within the hollow section.

The coupling arrangement according to this embodiment provides for a robust interaction between the second spline arrangement of the sleeve and the second shaft spline arrangement, which is useful in some implementations depending on the constitution of the second shaft.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second spline arrangement is arranged as one in the group of:

- at the first end of the sleeve; - at the second end of the sleeve;

- at least partially between the first and second ends of the sleeve; and

- from the first end to the second end of the sleeve.

Hereby, a position of the second spline arrangement of the sleeve being suitable for, and matching, many different implementations/designs of the second shaft and its second shaft spline arrangement may be provided.

According to an embodiment of the present invention,

-- the engagement of the axially oriented second spline arrangement and second shaft spline arrangement allows the movement of the sleeve between the first and second positions.

The axially oriented splines of the second spline arrangement of the sleeve and of the second shaft spline arrangement facilitate the movements of the sleeve when it experiences axial forces, since they allow the sleeve to glide back and forth axially.

According to an embodiment of the present invention,

- the at least one component is coupled to at least one component engaging member;

- the sleeve comprises at least one sleeve engaging member; and

- the at least one component engaging member and the at least one sleeve engaging member are arranged to be engaged with each other in the second position, and to be disengaged when the sleeve is in a third position, between the first and second positions.

By utilization of the sleeve and component engaging members, robust and simple engagement and disengagement of the component to and from, respectively, the sleeve and the first and second shafts are provided.

According to an embodiment of the present invention,

- both of the at least one component engaging member and the at least one sleeve engaging member comprise coupling cogs. Utilization of matching coupling cogs is a robust, low cost and easily produced solution for providing the engagement and disengagement of the component to and from, respectively, the sleeve and the first and second shafts.

According to an embodiment of the present invention,

- both of the at least one component engaging member and the at least one sleeve engaging member comprise axially directed splines.

Matching axially directed splines offers a compact, low cost and easily produced solution for providing the engagement and disengagement of the component to and from, respectively, the sleeve and the first and second shafts.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the sleeve comprises at least one stopper arrangement arranged for stopping the sleeve from further movement towards a first end of the first shaft when it has reached the first position.

Hereby, i.e. by utilization of at least one stopper arrangement, the sleeve is safely stopped in the first position, such that the first shaft does not have to stop the sleeve itself. The first shaft does thus not have to take up all the axial forces of the sleeve moving itself.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the at least one stopper arrangement is arranged for stopping the sleeve from further movement towards a second end of the second shaft when it has reached the second position.

Hereby, the sleeve is safely stopped in the second position by a stopper arrangement, such that the second shaft does not have to stop the sleeve itself.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one component comprises at least one freewheel arrangement.

Hereby, many possible implementations utilizing freewheels are made possible by the coupling arrangement, such as e.g. transmission arrangement implementations.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the freewheel arrangement is arranged such that, when the sleeve is in the second position:

- the at least one freewheel arrangement locks the sleeve against rotation in a first rotation direction; and

- the at least one freewheel arrangement allows the sleeve to rotate in a second rotation direction, which is opposite to the first rotation direction.

Hereby, the coupling arrangement may, when the freewheel is engaged with the first and second shafts, be used for preventing the first and second shafts to rotate in one specific direction, which may be useful e.g. in transmission arrangement implementations. Conversely, when the freewheel is disengaged from the first and second shafts, the functionality of the freewheel is disabled regarding the first and second shafts.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one component comprises one or more in the group of:

- at least one cog wheel;

- at least one electrical machine;

- at least one internal combustion engine; and

- at least one pump.

Thus, the coupling arrangement is a flexible coupling being usable in a large number of different implementations including cog wheels, electrical machines, engines and/or pumps.

According to an embodiment of the present invention,

- a first end of the first shaft is coupled to at least one electrical machine; and

- a second end of the second shaft is coupled to at least one drive wheel of a vehicle.

The coupling arrangement is hereby possible to utilize in e.g. transmission arrangements.

Brief list of figures

Embodiments of the invention will be illustrated in more detail below, along with the enclosed drawings, where similar references are used for similar parts, and where:

Figures 1a-b schematically illustrate a coupling arrangement according to various embodiments of the present invention, Figures 2a-b schematically illustrate a coupling arrangement according to various embodiments of the present invention,

Figures 3a-b schematically illustrate a coupling arrangement according to various embodiments of the present invention,

Figures 4 schematically illustrates an example vehicle, in which some embodiments of the present invention may be implemented.

Description of preferred embodiments

Here, and in this whole document, the notation that two entities/components are “coupled” to each other means that these two entities/components are either directly connected to each other, i.e. without any further intermediate entities/components, or are indirectly connected to each other, i.e. via one or more intermediate entities/components. Thus, the two entities/components are then arranged/coupled to be able to transfer a torque between them, either directly or indirectly.

Also, in this document, the notation that two entities/components are “engaged” with each other, or are “locked” to each other, means that these entities/components are connected such that they are non-rotatable in relation to each other, i.e. that they are rotatably locked to each other and therefore are arranged to corotate, or to both stand still. Thus, two such engaged/locked entities/components rotate in conjunction with each other, and therefore rotate at the same rate. Conversely, if two entities/components are “unlocked” or “disengaged”, then these entities/components are allowed to rotate in relation to each other.

Further, when an entity/component is stated to be “locked” or “engaged” to a housing, it is locked/engaged to e.g. a housing of a powertrain component, such as an engine, an electrical machine, a gearbox or another component, or any other fixed, i.e. nonrotating, body, component, entity, arrangement or element. This means that the entity/component is then also fixed, i.e. non-rotating. For example, if an entity/component is locked/engaged to such a non-rotating housing, then this entity/component is prevented from rotating, because the entity/component is non- rotatable in relation to the fixed housing. Further, the notation that an entity/component is “locked” or “locked from/against rotation” means that this entity/component is prevented/restrained/stopped from rotating. Conversely, an “unlocked” entity/component is free to rotate in the meaning that it is released, i.e. is rotatable and not prevented from rotating.

In this document, the notations shaft and axle are both used for describing a rotatable element used for transmitting torque.

Figures 1a-b schematically illustrate a coupling arrangement 241 according to various embodiments of the present invention.

The coupling arrangement comprises a first shaft 410, a second shaft 420, and a sleeve 430. The sleeve 430 is arranged to interact with the first shaft 410 and to be engaged with the second shaft 420. The sleeve 430 is arranged to be movable between a first 437 position, illustrated in figure 1a, and a second position 438, illustrated in figure 1 b. More in detail, the sleeve 430 comprises a first spline arrangement 431 arranged to interact with a first shaft spline arrangement 411 of the first shaft 410, where the first spline arrangement 431 and the first shaft spline arrangement 411 both comprise spiral splines.

In the first position 237, the second shaft 420 is, via the sleeve 430, engaged with the first shaft 410. Also, the first 410 and second 420 shafts are disengaged from the at least one component 443 in the first position. This is illustrated in figure 1a by the distance between the below described component 441 and sleeve 435 engaging members, i.e. by the non-contact between the component 441 and sleeve 435 engaging members. Thus, torque is here transferrable over the coupling arrangement 241 , between the first 410 and second 420 shafts via the sleeve 430, while the at least one component 433 is disengaged from the first 410 and second 420 shafts, and from the sleeve 430.

The sleeve 430 is, by the interaction between the first shaft spline arrangement 411 and the first sleeve spline arrangement 431 , arranged to be moved towards the first position 437 when the first shaft 410 rotates in a first direction AD4io_43o_i relative to the sleeve 430. Thus, the sleeve 430 moves towards, i.e. moves in the direction of, and also may reach and stay at, the first position 437, when a relative rotation of the first shaft 410 in the first direction AD4io_43o_i, in relation to the sleeve 430 is caused by a first torque difference T24i_ditr_i being present over the reverse coupling arrangement 241 . In other words, the second torque difference T24i_diff_2 acting on the reverse coupling arrangement 241 causes the rotation of the first shaft 410 in the second direction AD4io_43o_2 in relation to the sleeve 430. When the sleeve 430 is positioned in this first position 437, the second shaft 420 is, via the sleeve 430, engaged with the first shaft 410, but is disengaged from the at least one component 443.

In the second position 238, the second shaft 420 is, via the sleeve 430, engaged with both the first shaft 410 and the at least one component 443. This is illustrated in figure 1 b by the therein engaged component engaging member 441 and sleeve engaging member 435, i.e. by the contact between the component 441 and sleeve 435 engaging members. Thus, torque is here transferrable over the coupling arrangement 241 , between the first 410 and second 420 shafts, while the at least one component 433 is engaged with the first 410 and second 420 shafts, and with the sleeve 430.

The sleeve 430 is, by the interaction between the first shaft spline arrangement 411 and the first sleeve spline arrangement 431 , arranged to be moved towards the second position 438 when the first shaft 410 rotates in a second direction AD4io_43o_2 relative to the sleeve 430, where the second direction AD4io_43o_2 is opposite to the above mentioned first direction first direction AD4io_43o_i. Thus, the sleeve 430 moves towards, i.e. moves in the direction of, and also may reach and stay at, the second position 438, when the first shaft 410, relative to the sleeve 430, rotates in a relative rotation of the first shaft 410 in the second direction AD4io_43o_2, in relation to the sleeve 430, which is caused by the second torque difference T24i_diff_2 being present over the reverse coupling arrangement 241 . This may also be described as when the second torque difference T24i_diff_2 acts on the reverse coupling arrangement 241 , this causes the rotation of the first shaft 410 in the second direction AD4io_43o_2 in relation to the sleeve 430. When being in the second position 438, the second shaft 420 is, via the sleeve 430, engaged with both the first shaft 410 and the component 443. According to an embodiment, the first shaft 410, the sleeve 430 and the second shaft

420 are arranged coaxially in relation to an axis 414 shown e.g. in figures 1a-b, and are arranged for being rotatable around this axis 414. Thus, they are arranged coaxially with each other and are arranged for being rotatable. The first shaft 410 and the second shaft 420 are further axially fixed, whereas the sleeve 430 is arranged axially movable between its first position 437, shown in figure 1a, and its second position 438, shown in figure 1 b.

According to an example embodiment shown in figures 1 a-b, the sleeve 430 is arranged as at least partially surrounding a second end 412 of the first shaft 410, and a first end 422 of the second shaft 420. The sleeve 430 further comprises a first spline arrangement 431 on the inside of the sleeve 430, at its first end 433, to interact with a first shaft spline arrangement 411 on the outside of the first shaft 410, at its second end 412. The first spline arrangement 431 of the sleeve and the first shaft spline arrangement 411 here both comprise complementary/matching spiral splines.

The sleeve 430 may further, according to an embodiment shown in figures 1a-b, comprise a second spline arrangement 432 on the inside of the sleeve 430, at its second end 434, to engage with a second shaft spline arrangement 421 arranged on the outside of the second shaft 420, at its first end 422. The second spline arrangement 432 of the sleeve and the second shaft spline arrangement 421 both comprise complementary/matching axially oriented splines. The engagement of the axially oriented second spline arrangement 432 and second shaft spline arrangement

421 allows the sleeve 430 to slide axially, and thus to move between its first 437 and second 438 positions.

According to an example embodiment, which is schematically shown in figures 2a-b, the first shaft 410 is at its second end 412 provided with a circular hollow section 415, which has an inner diameter such that the sleeve 430 fits within the hollow section 415. The first spline arrangement 431 is then arranged on the outside of the sleeve 430, at its first end 433, to interact with the first shaft spline arrangement 411 being arranged on the inside of the hollow section 415 of the second shaft 420. The first spline arrangement 431 of the sleeve and the first shaft spline arrangement 411 here both comprise complementary/matching spiral splines. According to various embodiments, the first spline arrangement 431 may be arranged at the first end 433 of the sleeve, at the second end 434 of the sleeve, at least partially between the first 433 and second 434 ends of the sleeve, or from the first end 433 to the second end 434 of the sleeve. The suitable location of the first spline arrangement 431 depends on the design of the first shaft 410, and on the sleeve 430. The first spline arrangement 431 may be arranged on the inside of the sleeve 430, as in the example shown in figures 1 a-b, or on the outside of the sleeve 430, as shown in figures 2a-b, such that the first spline arrangement 431 comes in contact with and can interact with the first shaft spline arrangement 411 arranged on the first shaft 410.

Irrespective of according to which one of the herein described embodiments the first spline arrangement 431 and the first shaft spline arrangement 411 are arranged to interact with each other, the interaction between the first shaft spline arrangement 411 and the first sleeve spline arrangement 431 causes the movements of the sleeve 430. Thus, this interaction causes its movement towards the first position 437 when the first shaft 410 rotates in the first direction AD4io_43o_i relative to the sleeve 430 due to the first torque difference T24i_diff_i . This interaction also causes the movement of the sleeve 430 towards the second position 438 when the first shaft 410 rotates in the second direction AD4io_43o_2 relative to the sleeve 430 due to the second torque difference T24i_diff_2.

Figures 3a-b show an example embodiment, in which the first end 422 of the second shaft 420 is provided with a circular hollow section 425. This circular hollow section 425 is arranged such that it at least partially surrounds the sleeve 430 and such that it has an inner diameter of the hollow section 425 which allows the sleeve 430 to fit within it. The second spline arrangement 432 is then arranged on the outside of the sleeve 430 to interact with the second shaft spline arrangement 421 arranged within the hollow section. The second sleeve spline arrangement 432 and the second shaft spline arrangement 421 both comprise complementary/matching axially oriented splines, such that their engagement allows the sleeve 430 to glide axially when experiencing axial forces, and thus allows the sleeve 430 to move between its first 437 and second 438 positions. According to various embodiments, the second spline arrangement 432 is arranged at the first end 433 of the sleeve, at the second end 434 of the sleeve, at least partially between the first 433 and second 434 ends of the sleeve, or from the first end 433 to the second end 434 of the sleeve. Thus, the second sleeve spline arrangement 432 may be arranged along the body of the sleeve 430 such that it may interact with the second shaft spline arrangement 421 . As explained above, the second spline arrangement 432 may, according to various embodiments, be arranged either on the outside of the sleeve 430 or on the inside of the sleeve 430.

As schematically shown in figures 2a-b, the first shaft 410 may, in various embodiments, be provided with a circular hollow section 415 at its second end 412, in which the sleeve 430 fits. As schematically shown in figures 3a-b, the second shaft 420 may, in various embodiments, be provided with a circular hollow section 425 at its first end 422, in which the sleeve 430 fits. It should be understood that the herein described embodiments of the coupling arrangement may be realized with without such circular hollow sections at all, i.e. as illustrated in figures 1a-b, be realized with one such hollow section 415, 425 at one end of the sleeve 433, 434, i.e. as illustrated in figures 2a-b or 3a-b, or be realized with two such hollow sections 415, 425 at both ends of the sleeve 433, 434, respectively. The first sleeve spline arrangement 431 and the first shaft spline arrangement 411 , and the second sleeve spline arrangement 432 and the second shaft spline arrangement 421 , respectively, are then arranged such that they are able to interact with each other in each one of these embodiments.

According to an embodiment, the at least one component 433 comprises, or is coupled, to at least one component engaging member 441 . The sleeve 430 also comprises, or is coupled to, matching at least one sleeve engaging members 435. The at least one component engaging member 441 and the at least one sleeve engaging member 435 are arranged to be engaged with each other, in the second position 438, shown in figures 1b, 2b and 3b, and to be disengaged from each other when the sleeve 430 is in a third position, between the first 437 and second 438 positions, i.e. between the positions shown in figures 1a-b, 2a-b and 3a-b, respectively. When the sleeve 430 moves towards the second position 438, the at least one component engaging member 441 and the at least one sleeve engaging member 435 become engaged in the third position and are then engaged in the second position 328. When the sleeve 430 moves towards the first position 437, they become disengaged in the third position and are then disengaged in the first position 327. Thus, the at least one sleeve engaging member 435 is arranged for engaging and disengaging the sleeve 430 to and from, respectively, the corresponding at least one component engaging member 441 comprised in, or coupled to, the at least one component, depending on the axial movements of the sleeve 430.

As schematically I illustrated in figures 1a-b and 2a-b, the at least one sleeve engaging member 435 may, according to some embodiments, be positioned at the second end 434 of the sleeve, directed towards the at least one component 443 and its component engaging member 441 . However, the at least one sleeve engaging member 435 may also, according to other embodiments, be positioned elsewhere on the sleeve 430, such as e.g. at the first end 433 of the sleeve and/or on the outside of the body of the sleeve 430, as schematically illustrated in figures 3a-b.

According to an embodiment, schematically shown in figures 1 a-b and 2a-b, both of the at least one component engaging member 441 and the at least one sleeve engaging member 435 comprise coupling cogs. Thus, the at least one component 443 then comprises, or is coupled to, component coupling cogs, and the sleeve 430 also comprises, or is coupled to, matching sleeve coupling cogs, for example on at its second end 434.

According to an embodiment, schematically shown in figures 3a-b, both of the at least one component engaging member 441 and the at least one sleeve engaging member 435 comprise axially directed splines. Thus, the at least one component 443 is then coupled to an axial component spline arrangement, and the sleeve 430 also comprises, or is coupled to, a matching axial sleeve spline arrangement, for example on the outside of the sleeve 430.

The sleeve 430 may further, according to an embodiment, comprise at least one stopper arrangement 436, which is arranged for stopping the sleeve 430 from further movement towards a first end 413 of the first shaft 410 when it has reached its first position 437. The at least one stopper arrangement 436 thus prevents sleeve movements past the first position 437.

Correspondingly, the sleeve 430 may, according to an embodiment, comprise at least one stopper arrangement 436 arranged for stopping the sleeve 430 from further movement towards a second end 423 of the second shaft 420 when it has reached the second position 438. In the second position 438, the engagement of the at least one component engaging member 441 and the at least one sleeve engaging member 435 may also prevent further movements in that direction, especially for the embodiments shown figures 1 a-b and 2a-b utilizing coupling cogs.

Further, the at least one stopper arrangement 436 may, according to various embodiments, comprise two or more such stoppers. One or more stoppers may then be arranged for preventing further movement beyond the first position 437, and one or more other stoppers may be arranged for preventing further movement beyond the second position 438.

In the example embodiments shown in figures 1 a-b, 2a-b and 3a-b, the stopper arrangement 436 is arranged on the inside of the sleeve 430, e.g. as a stopper sleeve, a stopper ring or a stopper lip, where it stops against the first 410 and/or second 420 shafts. According to other embodiments, the stopper 436 arrangement may, however, also be arranged somewhere else on or within the sleeve 430, e.g. on the outside of the sleeve, or at the first 433 or second 435 ends of the sleeve.

As illustrated in each one of figures 1 a, 2a and 3a, the sleeve 430 has been moved axially to the first position 437, because the first torque difference T24i_diff_i has been present over the reverse coupling arrangement 241 , such that the first shaft 410 has been rotated in the first direction AD4io_43o_i relative to the sleeve 430. This movement is caused by the interaction of the first sleeve spline arrangement 431 and the first shaft spline arrangement 411 , both comprising spiral splines. In the first position 437 shown in each one of figures 1 a, 2a and 3a, the at least one sleeve engaging member 435 is disengaged from the at least one component engaging member 441 . The first 410 and second 420 shafts are therefore not engaged with the at least one component 443 in the first position 437. The function of the at least one component is thus, in relation to the coupling arrangement 241 , disabled in the first position 437.

As shown in each one of figures 1 b, 2b and 3b, the sleeve 430 has been moved axially to the second position 438 because the second torque difference T24i_diff_2 has been present over the reverse coupling arrangement 241 , such that the first shaft 410 has been rotated in the second direction AD4io_43o_2 relative to the sleeve 430. This movement is also caused by the interaction of the first sleeve spline arrangement 431 and the first shaft spline arrangement 411 , both comprising spiral splines. In the second position 438, the at least one sleeve engaging member 435 is engaged with the corresponding component engaging member 441 . Thus, the first 410 and second 420 shafts are via the sleeve 430, coupled to the at least one component 443, as explained above. The function of the at least one component is thus, in relation to the coupling arrangement 241 , enabled in the second position 438.

According to various embodiments schematically illustrated in figures 1 a-b, 2a-b and 3a-b, the at least one component 443 comprises at least one freewheel arrangement 233.

When the sleeve 430 is in the first position 437, the freewheel arrangement 233 is disengaged and functionally disabled in relation to the coupling arrangement 241 . Conversely, when the sleeve 430 is in the second position 438, the freewheel arrangement 233 is engaged with the first 410 and second 420 shafts via the sleeve 430, and is thus functionally enabled.

The freewheel arrangement 233 may be arranged such that, when the sleeve 430 is in its second position 438, the freewheel arrangement 233 locks the sleeve 430, and thus also locks the first 410 and second 420 shafts, against rotation in a first rotation direction D233_I . This locking may be achieved by locking/engaging the sleeve 430 to a non-moving body/part/device 442, e.g. a housing, as schematically illustrated in figures 1a-b, 2a-b and 3a-b. conversely, the freewheel arrangement 233 may further be arranged such that it allows the sleeve 430, and thus also allows the first 410 and second 420 shafts, to rotate in a second rotation direction D233_2, e.g. by releasing the sleeve 430 from the non-moving body/part/device 442. The second rotation direction D233_2 is opposite to the first rotation direction (D233_I ).

Generally, a freewheel arrangement 233 is a component which allows rotation in one rotational direction, but prevents/blocks rotation in the opposite rotational direction. Freewheel arrangements 233 may be mechanical components being independent from control logic, as the ones used in e.g. bicycle hubs for allowing the bike to roll freely when the rider stops treading, or may be controllable components, controlled by control logic utilizing e.g. pneumatic and/or pneumatics, for only allowing rotation in one rotational direction. Freewheel arrangements may also be electrically controlled arrangements, e.g. including electric actuators.

As is understood by a skilled person, the at least one component 443 being engaged and disengaged with the first 410 and second 420 shafts via the sleeve 430 may, according to various embodiments of the coupling arrangement 241 , comprise one or more of a large number of parts/devices/machines/arrangements. Essentially any suitable component may be engaged and disengaged to the first 410 and second 420 shafts by utilization of a herein described coupling arrangement. Such possible parts/devices/ machines/arrangements may, among other components, include at least one cog wheel, at least one electrical machine, at least one internal combustion engine and/or at least one pump.

For example, in a possible implementation of the coupling arrangement 241 , the first end 413 of the first shaft 410 may be coupled to at least one electrical machine 101 , 102 and the second end 423 of the second shaft 420 may be coupled to at least one drive wheel 111 , 112 of a vehicle 100. As a non-limiting example, the coupling arrangement 241 may then be comprised in a transmission arrangement 200, schematically illustrated in figure 4. In the transmission arrangement 200, the coupling arrangement 241 may be arranged for engaging and disengaging, as described above, a freewheel arrangement 233 to and from, respectively, one or more shafts, gears, cog wheels, or other parts of the transmission arrangement 200. When the sleeve 430 is in the second position 438, the freewheel arrangement 233 is engaged with the first 410 and second 420 shafts via the sleeve 430. Figure 4 schematically shows an exemplary heavy vehicle 100, such as a truck or a bus. The herein described embodiments are, however, not limited to use in a vehicle as the one shown in figure 4, but may also be used in other vehicles, such as lighter vehicles, e.g. in smaller trucks or buses, or in cars. The herein described embodiments may of course also be used in many offboard implementations, i.e. in non-vehicle implementations.

A vehicle 100, in which embodiments of the present invention could be implemented and being shown schematically in figure 4, comprises at least one drive wheel 111 , 112, for example a pair of drive wheels, and at least one pair of wheels used for steering. The vehicle 100 furthermore comprises a drivetrain configured to transfer a torque between at least two power sources 101 , 102, such as e.g. at least a first 101 and a second 102 electrical machine, and the drive wheels 111 , 112.

A first output shaft/axle 106 of the first electrical machine 101 and a second output shaft/axle 107 of the second electrical machine 102 are coupled, respectively, either directly or indirectly, to a transmission arrangement 200. An output shaft/axle 108 of the transmission arrangement 200 is coupled to the at least one drive wheel 111 , 112, either directly or indirectly, possibly via a central gear 109, such as e.g. a differential gear, and/or possibly via first 113 and second 114 drive shafts connected with the central gear 109.

The output shaft 108 of the transmission arrangement 200 may be coupled to the at least one drive wheel 111 , 112 in essentially any way known for a skilled person, as long as this coupling provides the resulting output torque from the transmission arrangement 200 to the at least one drive wheel 111 , 112. Also, the first 101 and second 102 electrical machines, and the transmission arrangement 200, may be arranged essentially anywhere in the vehicle, as long as torque is provided to the at least one drive wheel 111 , 112 via the transmission arrangement 200. This could e.g. be closer to the at least one drive wheel 111 , 112 than illustrated in Figure 4 and/or without any intermediate central gears 109 or drive shafts 113, 114, as is understood by a skilled person. The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Instead, the present invention relates to, and encompasses all different embodiments being included within the scope of the independent claims.

Claims

1. A coupling arrangement (241 ) comprising:

- a first shaft (410);

- a second shaft (420); and

- a sleeve (430) comprising:

-- a first spline arrangement (431 ) arranged to interact with a first shaft spline arrangement (411 ) of the first shaft (410), where the first spline arrangement (431 ) and the first shaft spline arrangement (411 ) both comprise spiral splines; wherein

- the sleeve (430) is arranged to be:

-- engaged with the second shaft (420); and

-- movable between a first (437) and a second (438) position; wherein:

- the sleeve (430) is arranged to be moved towards the first position (437) by the interaction between the first shaft spline arrangement (411 ) and the first sleeve spline arrangement (431 ) when the first shaft (410) rotates in a first direction (AD4io_43o_i) relative to the sleeve (430), where the second shaft (420), via the sleeve (430), is engaged with the first shaft (410), but is disengaged from at least one component (443), when the sleeve (430) is in the first position (437); and

- the sleeve (430) is arranged to be moved towards the second position (438) by the interaction between the first shaft spline arrangement (411 ) and the first sleeve spline arrangement (431 ) when the first shaft (410) rotates in a second direction

(AD4-IO_43O_2) relative to the sleeve (430), where the second shaft (420), via the sleeve (430), is engaged with both the first shaft (410) and the at least one component (443) when the sleeve (430) is in the second position (438).

2. A coupling arrangement (241 ) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein

- the first shaft (410), the sleeve (430) and the second shaft (420) are arranged coaxially in relation to an axis (414), and are arranged for being rotatable around the axis (414);

- the first shaft (410) and the second shaft (420) are axially fixed; and

- the sleeve (430) is arranged axially movable between the first position (437) and the second position (438).

3. A coupling arrangement (241 ) as claimed in any one of claims 1 -2, wherein

- the sleeve (430) further comprises:

-- a second spline arrangement (432) arranged to engage with a second shaft spline arrangement (421 ) of the second shaft (420), where the second spline arrangement (432) and the second shaft spline arrangement (421 ) both comprise axially oriented splines.

4. A coupling arrangement (242) as claimed in any one of claims 1-3, wherein

- the sleeve (430) is arranged as at least partially surrounding the first shaft (410); and

- the first spline arrangement (431 ) is arranged on the inside of the sleeve (430) to interact with the first shaft spline arrangement (411 ) arranged on the outside of the first shaft (410).

5. A coupling arrangement (242) as claimed in any one of claims 1-3, wherein

- a second end (412) of the first shaft (410) is provided with a circular hollow section (415), the circular hollow section being arranged to at least partially surround the sleeve (430) and to have a diameter such that the sleeve (430) fits within the hollow section (415); and

- the first spline arrangement (431 ) is arranged on the outside of the sleeve (430) to interact with the first shaft spline arrangement (411 ) arranged on the inside of the hollow section (415).

6. A coupling arrangement (241 ) as claimed in any one of claims 1 -5, wherein the first spline arrangement (431 ) is arranged as one in the group of:

- at the first end (433) of the sleeve;

- at the second end (434) of the sleeve;

- at least partially between the first (433) and second (434) ends of the sleeve; and

- from the first end (433) to the second end (434) of the sleeve.

7. A coupling arrangement (242) as claimed in any one of claims 3-6, wherein

- the sleeve (430) is arranged as at least partially surrounding the second shaft (420); and

- the second spline arrangement (432) is arranged on the inside of the sleeve (430) to interact with the second shaft spline arrangement (421 ) arranged on the outside of the output shaft (320).

8. A coupling arrangement (242) as claimed in any one of claims 3-7, wherein

- a first end (422) of the second shaft (420) is provided with a circular hollow section (425), the circular hollow section (425) being arranged to at least partially surround the sleeve (430) and to have a diameter such that the sleeve (430) fits within the hollow section (425); and

- the second spline arrangement (432) is arranged on the outside of the sleeve (430) to interact with the second shaft spline arrangement (421 ) arranged within the hollow section (425).

9. A coupling arrangement (242) as claimed in any one of claims 3-8, wherein the second spline arrangement (432) is arranged as one in the group of:

- at the first end (433) of the sleeve;

- at the second end (434) of the sleeve;

- from the first end (433) to the second end (434) of the sleeve.

10. A coupling arrangement (241 ) as claimed in any one of claims 3-9, wherein

-- the engagement of the axially oriented second spline arrangement (432) and second shaft spline arrangement (421 ) allows the movement of the sleeve (430) between the first (437) and second (438) positions.

11. A coupling arrangement (241 ) as claimed in any one of claims 1 -10, wherein

- the at least one component (443) is coupled to at least one component engaging member (441 );

- the sleeve (430) comprises at least one sleeve engaging member (435); and

- the at least one component engaging member (441 ) and the at least one sleeve engaging member (435) are arranged to be engaged with each other in the second position (438), and to be disengaged when the sleeve (430) is in a third position, between the first (437) and second (438) positions.

12. A coupling arrangement (241 ) as claimed in claim 11 , wherein

- both of the at least one component engaging member (441 ) and the at least one sleeve engaging member (435) comprise coupling cogs.

13. A coupling arrangement (241 ) as claimed in claim 11 , wherein

- both of the at least one component engaging member (441 ) and the at least one sleeve engaging member (435) comprise axially directed splines.

14. A coupling arrangement (241 ) as claimed in any one of claims 1 -13, wherein the sleeve (430) comprises at least one stopper arrangement (436) arranged for stopping the sleeve (430) from further movement towards a first end (413) of the first shaft (410) when it has reached the first position (437).

15. A coupling arrangement (241 ) as claimed in claim 14, wherein the at least one stopper arrangement (436) is arranged for stopping the sleeve (430) from further movement towards a second end (423) of the second shaft (420) when it has reached the second position (438).

16. A coupling arrangement (241 ) as claimed in any one of claims 1 -15, wherein the at least one component (443) comprises at least one freewheel arrangement (233).

17. A coupling arrangement (241 ) as claimed in claim 16, wherein the freewheel arrangement (233) is arranged such that, when the sleeve (430) is in the second position (438):

- the at least one freewheel arrangement (233) locks the sleeve (430) against rotation in a first rotation direction (D233_I ); and

- the at least one freewheel arrangement (233) allows the sleeve (430) to rotate in a second rotation direction (D233_2), which is opposite to the first rotation direction (D233_l).

18. A coupling arrangement (241 ) as claimed in any one of claims 1 -17, wherein the at least one component (443) comprises one or more in the group of: - at least one cog wheel;

- at least one electrical machine;

- at least one internal combustion engine; and

- at least one pump.

19. A coupling arrangement (241 ) as claimed in any one of claims 1 -18, wherein

- a first end (413) of the first shaft (410) is coupled to at least one electrical machine (101 ); and

- a second end (423) of the second shaft (420) is coupled to at least one drive wheel (111 , 112) of a vehicle (100).