GB2466968A - Hybrid vehicle with auxiliary drive member providing an offset torque - Google Patents

Hybrid vehicle with auxiliary drive member providing an offset torque Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2466968A
GB2466968A GB0900658A GB0900658A GB2466968A GB 2466968 A GB2466968 A GB 2466968A GB 0900658 A GB0900658 A GB 0900658A GB 0900658 A GB0900658 A GB 0900658A GB 2466968 A GB2466968 A GB 2466968A
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United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
torque
planetary gear
gear set
mechanism according
coupled
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB0900658A
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GB0900658D0 (en
Inventor
Erik Sten
Mats Strandberg
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GM Global Technology Operations LLC
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GM Global Technology Operations LLC
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Publication date
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Priority to GB0900658A priority Critical patent/GB2466968A/en
Publication of GB0900658D0 publication Critical patent/GB0900658D0/en
Publication of GB2466968A publication Critical patent/GB2466968A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16H—GEARING
    • F16H48/00—Differential gearings
    • F16H48/20—Arrangements for suppressing or influencing the differential action, e.g. locking devices
    • F16H48/30—Arrangements for suppressing or influencing the differential action, e.g. locking devices using externally-actuatable means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K6/00—Arrangement or mounting of plural diverse prime-movers for mutual or common propulsion, e.g. hybrid propulsion systems comprising electric motors and internal combustion engines ; Control systems therefor, i.e. systems controlling two or more prime movers, or controlling one of these prime movers and any of the transmission, drive or drive units Informative references: mechanical gearings with secondary electric drive F16H3/72; arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with the dynamo-electric machine H02K7/00; machines comprising structurally interrelated motor and generator parts H02K51/00; dynamo-electric machines not otherwise provided for in H02K see H02K99/00
    • B60K6/20—Arrangement or mounting of plural diverse prime-movers for mutual or common propulsion, e.g. hybrid propulsion systems comprising electric motors and internal combustion engines ; Control systems therefor, i.e. systems controlling two or more prime movers, or controlling one of these prime movers and any of the transmission, drive or drive units Informative references: mechanical gearings with secondary electric drive F16H3/72; arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with the dynamo-electric machine H02K7/00; machines comprising structurally interrelated motor and generator parts H02K51/00; dynamo-electric machines not otherwise provided for in H02K see H02K99/00 the prime-movers consisting of electric motors and internal combustion engines, e.g. HEVs
    • B60K6/50—Architecture of the driveline characterised by arrangement or kind of transmission units
    • B60K6/52—Driving a plurality of drive axles, e.g. four-wheel drive
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K17/00—Arrangement or mounting of transmissions in vehicles
    • B60K17/04—Arrangement or mounting of transmissions in vehicles characterised by arrangement, location, or kind of gearing
    • B60K17/16—Arrangement or mounting of transmissions in vehicles characterised by arrangement, location, or kind of gearing of differential gearing
    • B60K17/165—Arrangement or mounting of transmissions in vehicles characterised by arrangement, location, or kind of gearing of differential gearing provided between independent half axles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K17/00—Arrangement or mounting of transmissions in vehicles
    • B60K17/34—Arrangement or mounting of transmissions in vehicles for driving both front and rear wheels, e.g. four wheel drive vehicles
    • B60K17/356—Arrangement or mounting of transmissions in vehicles for driving both front and rear wheels, e.g. four wheel drive vehicles having fluid or electric motor, for driving one or more wheels
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K23/00—Arrangement or mounting of control devices for vehicle transmissions, or parts thereof, not otherwise provided for
    • B60K23/04—Arrangement or mounting of control devices for vehicle transmissions, or parts thereof, not otherwise provided for for differential gearing
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K23/00—Arrangement or mounting of control devices for vehicle transmissions, or parts thereof, not otherwise provided for
    • B60K23/08—Arrangement or mounting of control devices for vehicle transmissions, or parts thereof, not otherwise provided for for changing number of driven wheels, for switching from driving one axle to driving two or more axles
    • B60K23/0808—Arrangement or mounting of control devices for vehicle transmissions, or parts thereof, not otherwise provided for for changing number of driven wheels, for switching from driving one axle to driving two or more axles for varying torque distribution between driven axles, e.g. by transfer clutch
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60W—CONJOINT CONTROL OF VEHICLE SUB-UNITS OF DIFFERENT TYPE OR DIFFERENT FUNCTION; CONTROL SYSTEMS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR HYBRID VEHICLES; ROAD VEHICLE DRIVE CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR PURPOSES NOT RELATED TO THE CONTROL OF A PARTICULAR SUB-UNIT
    • B60W20/00—Control systems specially adapted for hybrid vehicles
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16H—GEARING
    • F16H3/00—Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio or for reversing rotary motion
    • F16H3/44—Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio or for reversing rotary motion using gears having orbital motion
    • F16H3/72—Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio or for reversing rotary motion using gears having orbital motion with a secondary drive, e.g. regulating motor, in order to vary speed continuously
    • F16H3/724—Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio or for reversing rotary motion using gears having orbital motion with a secondary drive, e.g. regulating motor, in order to vary speed continuously using external powered electric machines
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16H—GEARING
    • F16H48/00—Differential gearings
    • F16H48/36—Differential gearings characterised by intentionally generating speed difference between outputs
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K1/00—Arrangement or mounting of electrical propulsion units
    • B60K2001/001—Arrangement or mounting of electrical propulsion units one motor mounted on a propulsion axle for rotating right and left wheels of this axle
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16H—GEARING
    • F16H48/00—Differential gearings
    • F16H48/36—Differential gearings characterised by intentionally generating speed difference between outputs
    • F16H2048/364—Differential gearings characterised by intentionally generating speed difference between outputs using electric or hydraulic motors

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Retarders (AREA)
  • Arrangement And Driving Of Transmission Devices (AREA)
  • Arrangement And Mounting Of Devices That Control Transmission Of Motive Force (AREA)

Abstract

A hybrid vehicle has a torque distribution drive mechanism comprising a first planetary gear set 24 coupled to a first output shaft 18 of an input differential 12 and a second planetary gear set 26 connected to a second output shaft 20 of the input differential 12 and the first planetary gear set 24. An auxiliary drive member, e.g. electric/hydraulic motor 22, is coupled to the first or to the second planetary gear set 24, 26 and induces an offset torque to the first and second output members 18, 20 thereby providing torque vectoring and active yaw control. The first and second gear sets 24, 26 are coupled by common planetary carriers 28, 30 having planet gears 44, 46 which engage with sun gears 32, 36 and ring gears 34, 38. Ring gear 34 is driven by the motor 22 and ring gear 38 is fixed to a base member. The motor 22 is adapted to vary magnitude and direction of the offset torque.

Description

Torque distributing drive mechanism for motorized vehicles
Description
The present invention relates to torque distributing drive mechanisms for motorized vehicles for differentiating and distributing torque between left and right wheels of a driven or non-driven vehicle axle. The invention further relates to motorized vehicles equipped with such torque distributing drive mechanism.
Background and prior art
In modern drive systems, such as power trains for motorized vehicles, torque vectoring and active-yaw becomes more and more prominent. With active-yaw-systems or torque-vectoring systems, torque is selectively I...
unevenly distributed to the left and right wheel of a vehicle axle. In order to manipulate angular yaw acceleration of the vehicle, electronically controlled * active-yaw or torque-vectoring systems therefore provide a kind of steering effect that may provide improved vehicle stability.
In effect, active-yaw systems or torque-vectoring systems improve the vehicle's stability against understeering or oversteering. Hence, an arising yaw momentum can be counterbalanced by precisely dosed longitudinal forces on front and rear axle. In this way, a fully adjustable optimized lateral driving dynamics can be achieved.
Generally, active yaw-systems and torque-vectoring systems make use of branching off a certain amount of torque from a propulsion drive mechanism. The branched off torque is then distributed unevenly to left and right wheels of a vehicle axle. Typical existing solutions include transmission gears between a left and a right wheel of an axle, wherein respective drive shafts of the transmission gears are to be coupled with the propulsion drive or with respective wheels by means of numerous clutches.
Almost any active-yaw-system or torque-vectoring-system makes use of such a torque branching off. In this way torque can be added to a selected wheel or to a selected axle always at the expense of the overall available propulsion of respective wheels or axles. *S.. * * * ** S
Such a solution is for examples illustrated in S...
DE 10 2005 040 253 B3. It is characterized by two clutches, whose outer parts are axially tensed by means of a bridging element.
:.:::. Such active yaw or torque-vectoring systems are generally quite elaborate in construction and cost-intensive in production.
Also, the uneven distribution of torque is always at the expense of the general propulsion of a driven axle.
Object of the invention It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved torque distributing drive mechanism for transmitting torque to at least a first and a second output member. The torque distributing drive mechanism should provide a better performance and a simplified internal structure, which is easy to assemble and to manufacture. Further, the torque distributing drive mechanism should be inexpensive in production and assembly and should provide a high degree of reliability.
Summary of the invention
The present invention provides a torque distributing drive mechanism for transmitting torque to at least a first and a second output member, wherein the first output member is operably coupled to a first planetary gear set and the second output member is operably coupled to a second planetary gear set. First and second planetary gear sets are operably coupled to each other. * **s
**.: 25 Further, an auxiliary drive member is operably coupled to the first or to the second planetary gear set * for inducting an offset torque to the first and second output members. Since first and second planetary gear sets are mechanically coupled, activation of the auxiliary drive member may lead to an increase of torque at the first output member, while the second output member experiences a respective oppositely directed torque of typically the same magnitude.
If both output members are designed as drive shafts of a driven axle of a vehicle, for instance as left and right wheel axle, by making use of the auxiliary drive member, the right wheel for instance will gain torque, whereas the left wheel's torque will decrease.
Since the drive mechanism comprises an auxiliary drive member that generates torque to be superimposed and to be supplied to the first and second output members, a torque difference in first and second output members can be generated and applied irrespective and independent of a general propulsion mechanism, which is for instance adapted to drive first and second output members, e.g. drive shafts of a driven axle.
Moreover, since the auxiliary driver member generates an auxiliary torque for the sole purpose of active-yaw or torque-vectoring applications, implementation of a torque branch-off is no longer required.
According to a first preferred embodiment, the offset torque to be generated by the auxiliary drive member is almost equally split into a first and a second *..: 25 offset torque.
S
The mechanical coupling of first and second planetary gear sets, the auxiliary drive member and first and second output members is designed such, that the total offset torque to be generated by the auxiliary drive member almost entirely and equally splits into first and second offset torques. While the first offset torque is supplied to the first output member, the second offset torque is supplied to the second output member.
Preferably, these first and second offset torques are diamytrically opposite to each other. In a torque vectoring implementation for motorized vehicles, a right wheel will therefore be supplied with the first offset torque, while the respective left wheel will be supplied with the second offset torque. Since first and second offset torques are opposite in direction, the total torque of the right wheel and the total torque of the left wheel substantially differ by the offset torque provided by the auxiliary drive member.
According to another embodiment, the first and second planetary gear sets are co-aligned and offset mounted in axial direction. Preferably, first and second planetary gear sets comprise comparable outer dimensions and they are coupled in axial direction. They might be further arranged in a common housing. They are spaced apart in axial direction but he gap between first and second planetary gear set might be negligible.
In a further preferred embodiment, the first planetary gear set and the second planetary gear set are * *a* operably coupled by means of common planetary carriers, that engage with first and second sun gears and first and second ring gears of respective first and second planetary gear sets.
In other words, the first planetary gear set has a first sun gear and the second planetary gear set has a second sun gear. First and second sun gears are operably coupled with respect to each other by common planetary carriers extending across the first and the second planetary gear set.
Additionally, the first planetary gear set has a first ring gear and the second planetary gear set has a second ring gear. First and second ring gears are also coupled by the common planetary carriers.
According to a further preferred embodiment, the ring gear of the first planetary gear set is fixed relative to a base member, e.g. to a chassis or body of a vehicle, whereas the second ring gear is operably engaged with the auxiliary drive. Since the first ring gear is fixed, a torque induced by the auxiliary drive and inducted into the second ring gear is then transmitted to mutually opposing torques at the first and second sun gears of respective first and second planetary gear sets.
In this way, a torque difference can be supplied to the first and second output members, irrespective of their angular velocity.
Due to this type of coupling between first and second planetary gear set, a clockwise rotation of for instance the first sun gear will lead to counter-*...
clockwise rotation of the second sun gear and vice versa. * * * * S.
** Furthermore, the torque generated by the * auxiliary drive member can be directly transferred to 5..., first and second output members irrespective of their state of motion or state of rotation. Hence, torque-vectoring and the uneven distribution of torque to first and second output members can be generated and provided independent on whether first and second output members are subject to an otherwise induced rotation or not.
Speaking in terms of drive shafts of a vehicle axle, an uneven distribution of torque can even be supplied to a non-moving vehicle, thus leading to a kind of skid steering or differential steering, wherein for instance a right wheel rotates clockwise and a left wheel rotates in opposite direction, hence counter-clockwise.
By means of such a steering supporting torque-vectoring, even the turning radius of a vehicle can be decreased.
According to another preferred embodiment, the first and second output members are further operably coupled to a common input member. First and second output members may be designed as drive shafts of a driven vehicle axle. In typical embodiments, the input member may be designed as an input differential being further operably coupled to an engine-driven power train. Most typically, the sun gears of first and second planetary gear sets are coupled to the input member or to the input differential. Shape and structure of this input differential can be arbitrarily designed. In typical applications and embodiments, the input differential serves to provide an evenly distributed propulsion torque to first and second output members. S...
*:*. 25 In a further embodiment, the sun gear of the * first or second planetary gear set is rigidly coupled to * the housing of the input differential. Typically, the sun S.:.. gear of the residual second or first planetary gear set is rigidly coupled to one of the differential's internal gears, such as a side gear of an open or beveled differential. Typically, the power train of the vehicle is coupled to the differential carrier. In this way, a substantially equal propulsion torque can be provided to the half-shafts, being connected to the vehicle's driven wheels.
These half-shafts or drive shafts are further connected and coupled to the first and second sun gears of the first and second planetary gear sets, respectively.
If no offset torque is applied by the auxiliary drive member, the two half shafts connected to the input differential will be supplied with an almost equal propulsion torque. If a vehicle for instance drives straight on, also the first and second sun gears of respective first and second planetary gear sets will rotate at the same rate with the effect, that the common coupling planetary carriers do not have to transfer any noteworthy torque or angular momentum between sun gears and outer ring gears.
In active-yaw or torque-vectoring mode, the auxiliary drive member superimposes an offset torque to the second ring gear, which transfers in opposite directions to first and second sun gears via the common planetary carriers. In this way, a required torque offset can be provided to the two half shafts and to the left and right vehicle wheels. * **
According to a further preferred embodiment, the * * auxiliary drive member comprises an electric or hydraulic motor. Hence, the auxiliary drive member is adapted to operate independent of the vehicle's general power train, which is adapted to serve as propulsion for driving the first and second output members.
Since the auxiliary drive member is decoupled from the general propulsion, e.g. from the power train of the vehicle, and thus serves as a separate drive mechanism to exclusively provide torque vectoring, the auxiliary torque generated by the auxiliary drive member is superimposed to the first output torque of the first output member and at the same time an oppositely directed torque of substantially the same magnitude is superimposed to the second output member. In effect, at the second output member, the offset torque is subtracted.
Additionally and alternatively, torque superposition and torque subtraction can be arbitrarily applied always in opposite directions to both first and second output members, depending on the actual driving situations of the vehicle.
According to a further embodiment of the invention, the auxiliary drive member is adapted to vary magnitude and direction of the offset torque to be inducted to first and second output member. Especially when designed as electric or hydraulic motor, the * so.
magnitude of the offset torque can be precisely *..: 25 controlled. In this way, it is generally not necessary to ** provide a clutch mechanism for controlling the * superposition or subtraction of torque to or from first and second output members.
**i*** * . In a further preferred embodiment, the auxiliary drive member can be switched into a locking mode, in which the ring gear of the second planetary gear set is rotatably locked by means of the auxiliary drive member.
-10 -If the ring gear of the first planetary gear set is also fixed to a base member, by means of locking the ring gear of the second planetary gear set, the entire coupled double planetary gear will be turned into a rigid coupling device, for rigidly coupling of first and second output members. In this way, the double planetary gear serves to provide a differential locking device on demand. In locking mode, the auxiliary drive member serves to inhibit any relative rotational movement of first and second output member.
In a further aspect, the present invention also provides a motorized vehicle equipped with the above-described torque distributing drive mechanism. In typical embodiments, first and second output members of the torque distributing drive mechanism are designed as half shafts of the vehicle's driven axle, wherein the input differential is connected to a combustion engine-driven power train.
In this way, first and second output members are *: coupled and connected to left and right wheels of a vehicle's front and/or rear axle. ** *
In further additional or alternative embodiments, it is also conceivable to connect first and : second output members to the front and rear axle of a vehicle, in order to provide uneven torque distribution to the vehicles front and rear axle.
Brief description of the drawings
Without any limitation, the present invention will be explained in greater detail below in connection -11 -with preferred embodiments and with reference to the drawings in which: Figure 1 schematically illustrates the torque distributing drive mechanism in a cross-sectional illustration, Figure 2 depicts shows en enlarged view of the double planetary gear according to figure land Figure 3 schematically shows a perspective illustration of the coupling planetary carriers.
Figures 1 and 2 schematically illustrates a cross-section of a driven axle of a vehicle, wherein a left half shaft 18 is connected to a left wheel 14 and wherein a right half shaft 20 is connected to a right wheel 16. The two half shafts 18, 20 serve as first and second output members of an input differential 12, which *: is to be connected and coupled to e.g. a combustion engine by means of a not explicitly illustrated power train. * S * * S * **
The torque distributing drive mechanism comprises a double planetary gear 10, which in turn comprises a first planetary gear set 24 and a second planetary gear set 26. The two planetary gear sets 24, 26 are arranged co-axially and they are coupled by means of common planetary carriers 28, 30. These carriers 28, 30 are engaged with a first sun gear 36 of the first planetary gear set 24 and with a second sun gear 32 of the second planetary gear set 26. Further, the common -12 -planetary carriers 28, 30 engage or mesh with radially outer ring gears 38, 34 of respective first and second planetary gear sets 24, 26.
While the ring gear 38 of the first planetary gear set 24 is mechanically fixed and coupled to e.g. a vehicle chassis or vehicle body, the second ring gear 34 is engaged with an auxiliary drive member 22, which is typically designed as electric or hydraulic motor.
By means of such a separate drive member 22, torque vectoring can be supplied to left and rear wheels 14, 16 irrespective of the angular velocity of the drive shafts 18, 20. Moreover, the offset torque provided by the auxiliary drive member 22 can be superimposed to the torque provided by the input differential 12.
If for instance, the vehicle drives straight on with a rather high velocity, the two sun gears 36, 32 of respective first and second planetary gear sets 24, 26 will rotate with a substantially equal velocity. As a .. : consequence, the engaged planetary carriers 28, 30 will *::::* rotate correspondingly.
Since the rotation of first and second sun gear 32, 36 is substantially synchronized, almost no effect or : torque will be transferred to the outer ring gears 34, 38.
S
S S
Irrespective and independent of the absolute angular velocity of the sun gears 32, 36, the offset torque provided by the motor 22 is inducted to the second ring gear 34 of the second planetary gear set 26. Due to the axial coupling of first and second planetary sets 24, -13 - 26, a respective offset torque will be transferred to respective first and second output members 18, 20.
Depending on the direction of the offset torque generated by the motor 22, total torque of drive shaft 20 may increase, while the total torque of the other drive shaft 18 may decrease by the same magnitude. In any case, the offset torque provided by the auxiliary drive member 22 will be oppositely superimposed to the drive shafts 18, 20.
As can be further seen in Figure 1, the second sun gear 32 is further connected with a side gear 42 of the differential 12, whereas the first sun gear 36 is connected to the differential carrier 40.
It is further of advantage, that already a relatively low power of the auxiliary drive member 22 leads to a vast offset torque provided at the output members 18, 20. In the present embodiment, a major component of the total power provided by the auxiliary *: drive member 22 is mechanically and directly transferred to the half shafts 18, 20 via the double planetary gear set. ** I * & *
* .. 25 In this way, a power of a few kW of the drive * ,* member 22 is sufficient to generate torque offset of several hundred Nm at the output members 18, 20.
I.....
In a perspective illustration, figure 3 shows the coupling planetary carriers of both planetary gear sets 24, 26. As illustrated, the entire coupling structure comprises altogether four planetary carriers 28, 30 that serve as rotation axes for altogether eight planetary gears 44, 46. The planetary gears 44, 46 are -14 -fixed to their respective planetary carriers 28, 30. The carrier axes 28, 30 are in turn connected to ring-like axial end plates 48, 50 of the double planetary gear 10.
These ring-like end plates 48, 50 are rigidly connected to each other by means of the planetary carrier axes 28, 30. *S.* * * * Se * I... * * * Ssa ** * * * S * S. * S..
S * .* * S S I... ***.. * S
-15 -List of reference numerals double planetary gear 12 differential 14 wheel 16 wheel 18 drive shaft drive shaft 22 drive member 24 first planetary gear set 26 second planetary gear set 28 planetary carrier planetary carrier 32 second sun gear 34 second ring gear 36 first sun gear 38 first ring gear differential carrier 42 side gear * *.* 44 planetary gear **,* 46 planetary gear ** 48 end plate : 50 end plate
S
S.....
S

Claims (7)

  1. -16 -Cia � ms 1. A torque distributing drive mechanism for transmitting torque to at least a first (18) and a second output member (20), comprising: -a first planetary gear set (24) operably coupled to the first output member (18), -a second planetary gear set (26) operably coupled to the second output member (20) and operably coupled to the first planetary gear set (24), -an auxiliary drive member (22) operably coupled to the first or to the second planetary gear set (24, 26) for inducting an offset torque to the first and second output members (18, 20) *.. . * * 20 * S..
  2. 2. The drive mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the offset torque generated by the auxiliary drive member (22) substantially equally splits into a first and second offset torque that are supplied to first and second output members (18, 20) respectively and wherein the first and second offset torques are diametrically opposed.
  3. 3. The drive mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, wherein first and second planetary gear sets (24, 26) are co-aligned and offset mounted in axial direction..-17 -
  4. 4. The drive mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first gear set (24) and the second gear set (26) are coupled by means of common planetary carriers (28, 30) engaging with first and second sun gears (32, 34) and first and second ring gears (36, 38) of respective first and second planetary gear sets (24, 26)
  5. 5. The mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ring gear (38) of the first planetary gear set (24) is fixed to a base member and wherein the second ring gear (34) is operably engaged with the auxiliary drive member (22)
  6. 6. The mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein first and second output members (18, 20) are coupled to a common input member (12) .. :
  7. 7. The mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sun gears (32, 36) of first and . second planetary gear sets (24, 26) are coupled to an input differential (12).S8. The mechanism according to claim 7, wherein the sun gear (32, 36) of the first or second gear set (24, * 26) is rigidly coupled to the carrier (40) of the input differential (12).9. The mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims 7 or 8, wherein the input differential (12) is adapted to equally distribute an input torque to first and second output torques of first and second output members (18, 20).-18 - 10. The mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the auxiliary drive member (22) comprises an electric or hydraulic motor.11. The mechanism according to claim 10, wherein an auxiliary torque generated by the auxiliary drive member (22) is superimposed to the first output torque of the first output member (18) and subtracted from the second torque of the second output member (20) or vice versa.12. The mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the auxiliary drive member (22) is adapted to vary magnitude and direction of the offset torque.13. The mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in a locking mode, the auxiliary *: drive member (22) is adapted rotationally lock the ring gear (34) of the second planetary gear set (26) *S..14. A motorized vehicle comprising a torque distributing drive mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims. * *. * * S15. The vehicle according to claim 13, wherein the first and second output members (18, 20) are coupled to left and right wheels of a vehicle's front and/or rear axle.
GB0900658A 2009-01-16 2009-01-16 Hybrid vehicle with auxiliary drive member providing an offset torque Withdrawn GB2466968A (en)

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WO2012082059A1 (en) * 2010-12-15 2012-06-21 Borgwarner Torqtransfer Systems Ab A torque vectoring device
US8663051B2 (en) 2010-07-14 2014-03-04 E-Aam Driveline Systems Ab Axle assembly with torque distribution drive mechanism
US8998765B2 (en) 2010-07-14 2015-04-07 E-Aam Driveline Systems Ab Axle assembly with torque distribution drive mechanism
US9958049B1 (en) 2017-05-15 2018-05-01 E-Aam Driveline Systems Ab Electric drive module with Ravigneaux gearset
WO2017178595A3 (en) * 2016-04-15 2018-05-24 Borgwarner Sweden Ab A vehicle driveline system
CN108386496A (en) * 2017-08-08 2018-08-10 邓进桃 Mechanical gear formula stepless automatic transmission
US10316946B2 (en) 2017-10-13 2019-06-11 E-Aam Driveline Systems Ab Two mode electric drive module with Ravigneaux gearset
DE102014019982B3 (en) 2013-03-13 2021-09-30 E-Aam Driveline Systems Ab DRIVE MODULE WITH PLANETARY GEAR WITH INSERTED SPROCKETS
US11933392B2 (en) 2021-04-28 2024-03-19 Dana Graziano S.R.L. Hybrid drive unit

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JP2006046495A (en) * 2004-08-04 2006-02-16 Toyoda Mach Works Ltd Differential device
JP2007137289A (en) * 2005-11-18 2007-06-07 Yanmar Co Ltd Working vehicle
JP2007216746A (en) * 2006-02-15 2007-08-30 Honda Motor Co Ltd Torque distribution device for vehicle

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GB2332719A (en) * 1997-09-18 1999-06-30 Honda Motor Co Ltd Running stabilizing apparatus for a vehicle
JP2006046495A (en) * 2004-08-04 2006-02-16 Toyoda Mach Works Ltd Differential device
JP2007137289A (en) * 2005-11-18 2007-06-07 Yanmar Co Ltd Working vehicle
JP2007216746A (en) * 2006-02-15 2007-08-30 Honda Motor Co Ltd Torque distribution device for vehicle

Cited By (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8663051B2 (en) 2010-07-14 2014-03-04 E-Aam Driveline Systems Ab Axle assembly with torque distribution drive mechanism
US8998765B2 (en) 2010-07-14 2015-04-07 E-Aam Driveline Systems Ab Axle assembly with torque distribution drive mechanism
US9593754B2 (en) 2010-07-14 2017-03-14 E-Aam Driveline Systems Ab Axle assembly with torque distribution drive mechanism
US9719585B2 (en) 2010-07-14 2017-08-01 E-Aam Driveline Systems Ab Axle assembly with torque distribution drive mechanism
US9353847B2 (en) 2010-12-15 2016-05-31 BorgWarner Torq Transfer Systems AB Torque vectoring device
WO2012082059A1 (en) * 2010-12-15 2012-06-21 Borgwarner Torqtransfer Systems Ab A torque vectoring device
DE102014019982B3 (en) 2013-03-13 2021-09-30 E-Aam Driveline Systems Ab DRIVE MODULE WITH PLANETARY GEAR WITH INSERTED SPROCKETS
US11034232B2 (en) 2016-04-15 2021-06-15 Borgwarner Sweden Ab Vehicle driveline system
WO2017178595A3 (en) * 2016-04-15 2018-05-24 Borgwarner Sweden Ab A vehicle driveline system
US9958049B1 (en) 2017-05-15 2018-05-01 E-Aam Driveline Systems Ab Electric drive module with Ravigneaux gearset
CN108386496B (en) * 2017-08-08 2021-07-23 邓进桃 Mechanical gear type stepless automatic speed variator
CN108386496A (en) * 2017-08-08 2018-08-10 邓进桃 Mechanical gear formula stepless automatic transmission
US10316946B2 (en) 2017-10-13 2019-06-11 E-Aam Driveline Systems Ab Two mode electric drive module with Ravigneaux gearset
US11933392B2 (en) 2021-04-28 2024-03-19 Dana Graziano S.R.L. Hybrid drive unit

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