GB2561217A - Powertrain components - Google Patents
Powertrain components Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2561217A GB2561217A GB1705539.3A GB201705539A GB2561217A GB 2561217 A GB2561217 A GB 2561217A GB 201705539 A GB201705539 A GB 201705539A GB 2561217 A GB2561217 A GB 2561217A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- unit
- differential
- rotor
- powertrain component
- transfer
- Prior art date
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Classifications
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- 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
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- 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
- B60K6/42—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 characterised by the architecture of the hybrid electric vehicle
- B60K6/48—Parallel type
- B60K6/485—Motor-assist type
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- 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
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- 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
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- 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
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- 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
- F16H48/06—Differential gearings with gears having orbital motion
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- 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
-
- 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
- B60K2001/003—Arrangement or mounting of electrical propulsion units with means for cooling the electrical propulsion units
- B60K2001/006—Arrangement or mounting of electrical propulsion units with means for cooling the electrical propulsion units the electric motors
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Retarders (AREA)
Abstract
A powertrain component 1 comprising a differential drive unit 14 having an outer surface, and a radial flux electrical machine 16 having a rotor (22 see fig 4) and a stator unit (20), wherein the electrical machine is mounted on the outer surface of the differential drive unit 14, and the rotor (22) of the electrical machine (16) is rotatable with respect to the stator unit (20) of the electrical machine (16) and with respect to the differential gear unit 14. Also provided is a powertrain component as above further comprising a power transfer unit 18 which comprises a transfer shaft (48) defining a transfer axis parallel to and spaced from the axis 10 of the drive unit, and transfer gears (56, 58) mounted on the transfer shaft, the gears being arranged to transfer rotary motion between the rotor of the electrical machine and an input gear (58) of the differential gear unit.
Description
(71) Applicant(s):
Ashwoods Automotive Ltd
Hybrid House, 80 Summerway, Pinhoe, EXETER,
Devon, EX4 8DS, United Kingdom (72) Inventor(s):
Lloyd Ash (56) Documents Cited:
US 20130274053 A1 US 20130274052 A1
US 20130123058 A1 US 20130123057 A1
US 20120031691 A1 US 20030196842 A1 (58) Field of Search:
INT CL B60K, F16H Other: EPODOC, WPI (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:
Astrum ElementOne Limited
Tower House, Fairfax Street, BRISTOL, BS1 3BN,
United Kingdom (54) Title of the Invention: Powertrain components Abstract Title: Powertrain Components (57) A powertrain component 1 comprising a differential drive unit 14 having an outer surface, and a radial flux electrical machine 16 having a rotor (22 see fig 4) and a stator unit (20), wherein the electrical machine is mounted on the outer surface of the differential drive unit 14, and the rotor (22) of the electrical machine (16) is rotatable with respect to the stator unit (20) of the electrical machine (16) and with respect to the differential gear unit 14. Also provided is a powertrain component as above further comprising a power transfer unit 18 which comprises a transfer shaft (48) defining a transfer axis parallel to and spaced from the axis 10 of the drive unit, and transfer gears (56, 58) mounted on the transfer shaft, the gears being arranged to transfer rotary motion between the rotor of the electrical machine and an input gear (58) of the differential gear unit.
FIGURE 1
FIGURE 2
OO
Οθ
FIGURE 3
5f &
3ο
V-
FIGURE 4
FIGURE 5
POWERTRAIN COMPONENTS
The present invention relates to powertrain components, and, in particular, to a combined differential and electrical motor/generator component.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Some vehicular applications of electrical powertrains require compact drive units. As such, there has been interest in combining electrical motor/generator units with gearboxes, and differential drive units. However, existing solutions do not provide significant packaging benefits over simple attachment of the two units concerned.
As such, it is desirable to provide a powertrain component that combines a differential drive unit with an electrical motor/generator unit with improved compactness.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Aspects of the present invention are set out in the attached claims.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a powertrain component a differential drive unit having an outer surface, and a radial flux electrical machine having a rotor and a stator, wherein the electrical machine is mounted on the outer surface of the differential drive unit, and wherein the rotor of the electrical machine is rotatable with respect to the stator of the electrical machine and with respect to the differential gear unit.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a powertrain component comprising a case defining an inner volume, and containing a differential drive unit having a housing which has an external surface, and a differential gear unit located within the housing, the differential gear unit defining a drive axis; a radial flux electrical machine mounted coaxially with the differential drive unit, the electrical machine comprising a stator unit spaced radially outwardly from the differential drive unit; a rotor hub mounted on the external surface of the differential drive unit for rotation with respect thereto and with respect to the stator unit; and a rotor mounted on the rotor hub for rotation therewith with respect to the stator unit, the rotor being located radially inwardly of the stator unit and being substantially axially aligned with the stator unit; and a power transfer unit comprising a transfer shaft defining a transfer axis which is substantially parallel to, and spaced apart from, the drive axis; and transfer gears mounted on the transfer shaft for rotation therewith, the transfer gears being arranged to transfer rotary motion between the rotor of the electrical machine and an input gear of the differential gear unit.
In one example, the differential drive unit comprises a differential drive gear mounted on the housing for rotation thereof, the differential drive gear being in geared engagement with the differential gear unit.
In such an example, the rotor hub extends along the external surface of the housing, and has 5 an end portion having engagement teeth extending therefrom, and the transfer gears are provided by first and second transfer gears, the first transfer gear being in geared engagement with the engagement teeth of the end portion of the rotor hub, and the second transfer gear being in geared engagement with the differential drive gear.
In such an example, the rotor hub is carried on the outer surface of the housing by at least 10 one bearing.
In one example, the differential drive unit includes first and second differential shafts, which are supported by respective bearings mounted in the case, the first and second differential shaft extending in respective direction along the drive axis, and being in geared engagement with the differential gear unit.
Such an example may further comprise first and second driveshafts engaged with the first and second differential shafts respectively.
In one example, the transfer shaft is supported by at least one bearing mounted in the case.
In one example, the stator unit is mounted on an inner surface of the case.
In one example, the rotor and stator unit define an air gap therebetween, the powertrain 20 component further comprising first and second oil covers mounted on the rotor hub to respective axial sides of the rotor, each oil cover extending radially outwardly adjacent the rotor, in the direction of the stator unit, so as to extend adjacent a portion of the stator unit, thereby substantially to seal the airgap.
In such an example, at least one of the first and second oil covers may define features of 25 shape which extend therefrom, the features of shape being arranged to distribute cooling oil to the stator unit when the powertrain component is in use.
In one example, the stator unit comprises a plurality of pole portions of magnetic material arranged circumferentially around the stator unit, and a corresponding plurality of coils arranged around respective pole portions.
Such an example may further comprise electrical supply and control connections connected with the coils of the stator unit for supply of electrical energy thereto.
In such an example, the rotor may include a plurality of magnetic elements therein or the rotor may be of a magnetic material.
One example further comprises a heatsink mounted on an external surface of the case.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a powertrain component embodying aspects of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a schematic cut-away perspective view of the powertrain component of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a schematic cut-away side view of the powertrain component of Figure 1;
Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional plan view of the powertrain component of Figure 1; and
Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional end view of the powertrain component of Figure 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
A powertrain component 1 embodying aspects of the present invention is illustrated schematically in Figure 1 to 5. As shown in Figure 1, the powertrain component 1 comprises a case 2. First and second driveshafts (also known as “half-shafts”) 4 and 6 extend from respective side portions of the case 2, and are supported by respective driveshaft tubes 5 and 7 and by appropriate bearings in the case 2. A lower face of the case 2 carries a heatsink 8, which will be described in more detail below.
The driveshafts 4 and 6 extend along a drive axis 10 of the powertrain component 1, which drive axis is substantially perpendicular to the side portions of the case 2.
In this example, the case 2 comprises first and second parts 2a and 2b, which join along a plane parallel to the sides of the case 2. The joining plane in this example is, therefore, substantially perpendicular to the drive axis 10. It will be readily appreciated that the case may be formed in any particular manner suitable for the application, and taking manufacturing issues into consideration. For example, the case 2 may have two parts that join along a plane substantially parallel to the drive axis, or may be provided with one or more removable access portions, such as to the sides of the case 2.
With reference to Figures 2 and 3, the case 2 defines an inner volume 12, which houses the remaining parts of the powertrain component 1. Contained within the inner volume 12 of the case 2 are a differential drive unit 14, an electrical machine 16 and a power transfer unit 18. The differential drive unit 14 defines the drive axis 10. The differential drive unit 14 and the electrical machine 16 are coaxial with one another, with the electrical machine 16 being located adjacent and radially outward of the differential drive unit 14. The electrical machine 16 overlaps, in an axial direction, the differential drive unit 14.
Figures 2 and 3 provide an overview of the powertrain component 1, and more detailed description of the various parts of the component will be described with reference to Figure 4 and 5. In summary, however, the differential drive unit 14 may be provided by a unit having broadly conventional construction and operation. The electrical machine 16 comprises a stator unit 20 and a rotor 22. The stator unit 20 is located appropriately in the case 2, and is fixed with respect to the case 2. For example, the stator may be press-fitted to one or both parts 2a and 2b of the case 2. It will be readily appreciated that the stator unit 20 may be held within the case in any suitable manner. The rotor 22 is mounted between the stator unit 20 and the differential drive unit 14, and is able to rotate with respect to both of the units 14 and 20. The power transfer unit 18 defines a transfer axis 19 which is substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the drive axis 10, and includes a transfer shaft (also known as a lay shaft or idler shaft), and first and second transfer gears mounted on the transfer shaft. The power transfer unit 18 operates to transfer power between the differential drive unit 14 and the electrical machine 16.
Figure 4 and 5 show detailed plan and end cross-sectional views respectively of the powertrain component 1. As described above, the case 2 (in this example, having two parts 2a and 2b) defines an inner volume 12 in which the other parts of the powertrain component 1 are housed.
The differential drive unit 14 is of conventional operation and includes a housing 24, and a differential drive gear 26 mounted on the housing 24. A differential gear unit 28 is located within the housing 24 provides first and second differential driveshafts 30 and 32. The first and second differential driveshafts 30 and 32 are supported by respective first and second differential bearings 34 and 36 fitted appropriately into the case 2. The first and second differential driveshafts 30 and 32 are configured for engagement with the first and second driveshafts 4 and 6 respectively. The differential drive unit 14 is conventional in operation. Rotation of the differential drive gear 26 causes rotation of the housing 24, and vice versa.
The differential gear unit within the housing 24 then transfers rotation of the housing into differential rotation of the first and second differential shafts 30 and 32.
The electrical machine 16 is a radial flux electrical machine, meaning that magnetic flux within the motor is directed radially. The electrical machine 16 comprises the stator unit 20, which is mounted in the case 2 so as to be fixed with respect to the case. The stator unit 20 includes a number of electrical coils, and pole elements which, when supplied with appropriately controlled electrical energy, produces a fluctuating radial magnetic field within the electrical machine 16. The rotor 22 is located radially inwardly of the stator unit 20, and includes magnets or magnetic material. The rotor 22 is separated from an inner surface of the stator unit 20 by an air gap 23. The magnets or magnetic material interacts with the magnetic field produced by the stator unit 20 to cause the rotor 22 to rotate with respect to the stator unit, as is well known and understood.
The rotor 22 is mounted on a rotor hub 38, and the rotor 22 and rotor hub 38 are rotatable together with respect to the stator unit 20. The rotor hub 38 is mounted on an outer surface of the housing 24 of the differential drive unit 14, on suitable bearings. In this example, first and second hub bearings 40 and 42 are provided by a ball bearing and by a roller bearing respectively. The rotor hub 38 extends axially from the stator unit 20 and rotor 22 along and radially outside the housing 24 towards the first differential bearing 34 to define an end portion 44 of the rotor hub 38. The end portion 44 provides an output shaft of the electrical machine 16, and is provided with an outer surface having a series of axially extending gear teeth. As such, the end portion 44 provides a toothed output surface 46 for the electrical machine 14.
The electrical machine 16 may also include suitable electrical power, control and measurement connections which are not shown for the sake of clarity. Any appropriate such connections may be used, and the electrical machine may also include the appropriate power, control and measurement components, such as an electrical inverter.
The power transfer unit 18 is located within the inner volume 12 of the case 2, and includes a transfer shaft 48 which extends substantially parallel to, and is spaced from, the drive axis 10 of the differential drive unit 14. The transfer shaft 48 is mounted for rotation with respect to the case 2 on suitable first and second bearings 52 and 54 located in respective parts 2a and 2b of the case 2.
The power transfer unit 18 also includes first and second transfer gears 56 and 58, mounted on the transfer shaft 48 for rotation therewith. The first transfer gear 56 is located towards the first side of the case 2, and is in geared engagement with the toothed output surface 46 of the end portion 44 of the rotor hub 24, such that rotation of the rotor 22 causes rotation of the first transfer gear 56 and transfer shaft 48, and vice versa.
The second transfer gear 58 is located towards the second side of the case 2, and is in geared engagement with the differential drive gear 26, such that rotation of the second transfer gear 56 causes rotation of the differential drive gear 26 and differential housing 24, and vice versa.
When the electrical machine 16 operates as a motor, electrical energy is supplied to the stator unit 20, which causes a magnetic field to be produced within the electrical machine, thus causing the rotor 22 to rotate with respect to the stator unit 20 about the drive axis 10. The rotor hub 38 rotates with the rotor about the differential housing 24, and thereby causes rotation of the transfer shaft 48 by virtue of the engagement of the end portion 44 of the rotor hub 38 with the first transfer gear 56.
Rotation of the transfer shaft 48 causes rotation of the differential drive gear 26 (and hence the differential housing 24) by virtue of the engagement of the second transfer gear 58 with the differential drive gear 26. Rotation of the differential drive gear 26 causes the differential gear unit 28 to drive the first and second differential shafts 30 and 32, at respective appropriate speeds and directions.
When the electrical machine 16 acts as a motor, the powertrain component 1 serves to drive the driveshafts 4 and 6, thereby powering the vehicle in which the powertrain component 1 is mounted. In such a manner, power is transferred from the electrical machine to the driveshafts 4 and 6, via the power transfer unit 18 and the differential drive unit 14
The electrical machine 16 may also be operated as a generator. In such a case, rotation of the differential driveshafts 30 and 32 causes rotation of the differential housing 24 and differential drive gear 26. This, in turn, causes rotation of the transfer shaft 48, due to the engagement of the differential drive gear 26 with the second transfer gear 58 and, hence, rotation of the rotor hub 38 and rotor 22, due to the engagement of the first transfer gear 56 with the end portion 44 of the rotor hub 38. Rotation of the rotor 22 induces electrical current flow within coils of the stator unit 20, which is then output as electrical power, in line with wellknown and understood principles.
In order to provide suitable cooling for the parts of the powertrain component 1, the example shown makes use of oil cooling. Oil 60 (Figures 3 and 5) is provided in the base of the case
2, or in a sump, in conventional manner. The heatsink 8 provides increased surface area for dissipation of heat from the powertrain component 1, in conventional manner.
Ί
The oil level extends to partially cover a lower portion of the stator unit 20. In order to prevent oil ingress into the airgap 23 between the stator unit 20 and rotor 22, first and second oil covers 62 and 64 are provided. The first and second oil covers 62 and 64 are mounted on the rotor hub 38 to respective sides of the rotor 22. The oil covers 62 and 64 are spaced apart axially along the rotor hub 38. The first and second oil covers 62 and 64 extend radially outwardly from the rotor hub 38 adjacent the rotor 22, and overlap the airgap 23 to have an outer portion adjacent the stator unit. In the example, the oil covers 62 and 64 are circular. The oil covers 62 and 64 extend over the airgap 23 such that oil is effectively prevented from entering the airgap 23. Oil ingress into the airgap 23 would cause operational problem for the electrical machine 16.
Each of the oil covers 62 and 64 has features of shape that extend axially outwardly away from the rotor 22. These features of shape are designed to pick up oil from the oil sump, and to cause the oil to flow across the outer surface of the stator unit 20, thereby cooling the stator unit 20. The oil is then supplied to the various bearings and gears in the powertrain component
1 for cooling and lubrication. In order that the oil covers 62 and 64 are able to pick up the oil, the oil level in the case 2 must overlap the lower edges of the oil covers 62 and 64. In one example, the features of shape on the oil covers 62 and 64 are in the form of spiralled extensions out of the surface of the oil cover. It will be readily appreciated that any appropriate features of shape may be used in an embodiment of the present invention. Such an arrangement makes improved use of the cooling oil 60 in the combined differential/motor/generator unit provided by the powertrain component 1. Such improved use of the cooling oil enables the motor to have an improved continuous power rating.
In an alternative example, the oil covers 62 and 64 may be provided by plain flat discs, without the features of shape.
A powertrain component embodying the present invention provides a combined differential/motor/generator unit that is compact in size and relatively straightforward to manufacture
Claims (16)
1. A powertrain component comprising a differential drive unit having an outer surface, and a radial flux electrical machine having a rotor and a stator, wherein the electrical machine is mounted on the outer surface of the differential drive unit, and wherein the rotor of the
5 electrical machine is rotatable with respect to the stator of the electrical machine and with respect to the differential gear unit.
2. A powertrain component comprising:
a case defining an inner volume, and containing:
a differential drive unit having a housing which has an external surface, and a 10 differential gear unit located within the housing, the differential gear unit defining a drive axis;
a radial flux electrical machine mounted coaxially with the differential drive unit, the electrical machine comprising:
a stator unit spaced radially outwardly from the differential drive unit;
15 a rotor hub mounted on the external surface of the differential drive unit for rotation with respect thereto and with respect to the stator unit; and a rotor mounted on the rotor hub for rotation therewith with respect to the stator unit, the rotor being located radially inwardly of the stator unit and being substantially axially aligned with the stator unit; and
20 a power transfer unit comprising:
a transfer shaft defining a transfer axis which is substantially parallel to, and spaced apart from, the drive axis; and transfer gears mounted on the transfer shaft for rotation therewith, the transfer gears being arranged to transfer rotary motion between the rotor of the electrical machine and an input gear of the differential gear unit.
3. A powertrain component as claimed in claim 2, wherein the differential drive unit comprises a differential drive gear mounted on the housing for rotation thereof, the differential drive gear being in geared engagement with the differential gear unit.
4. A powertrain component as claimed in claim 3, wherein the rotor hub extends along the external surface of the housing, and has an end portion having engagement teeth extending therefrom, wherein the transfer gears are provided by first and second transfer gears, the first transfer gear being in geared engagement with the engagement teeth of the end portion of the rotor hub, and the second transfer gear being in geared engagement with the differential drive gear.
5. A powertrain component as claimed in claim 3 or 4, wherein the rotor hub is carried on the outer surface of the housing by at least one bearing.
6. A powertrain component as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the differential drive unit includes first and second differential shafts, which are supported by respective bearings mounted in the case, the first and second differential shaft extending in respective direction along the drive axis, and being in geared engagement with the differential gear unit.
7. A powertrain component as claimed in claim 6, further comprising first and second driveshafts engaged with the first and second differential shafts respectively.
8. A powertrain component as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the transfer shaft is supported by at least one bearing mounted in the case.
9. A powertrain component as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the stator unit is mounted on an inner surface of the case.
10. A powertrain component as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the rotor and stator unit define an air gap therebetween, the powertrain component further comprising first and second oil covers mounted on the rotor hub to respective axial sides of the rotor, each oil cover extending radially outwardly adjacent the rotor, in the direction of the stator unit, so as to extend adjacent a portion of the stator unit, thereby substantially to seal the airgap.
11. A powertrain component as claimed in claim 10, wherein at least one of the first and second oil covers defines features of shape which extend therefrom, the features of shape being arranged to distribute cooling oil to the stator unit when the powertrain component is in use.
12. A powertrain component as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 11, wherein the stator unit 5 comprises a plurality of pole portions of magnetic material arranged circumferentially around the stator unit, and a corresponding plurality of coils arranged around respective pole portions.
13. A powertrain component as claimed in claim 12, further comprising electrical supply and control connections connected with the coils of the stator unit for supply of electrical energy
10 thereto.
14. A powertrain component as claimed in claim 12 or 13, wherein the rotor includes a plurality of magnetic elements therein.
15 15. A powertrain component as claimed in claim 12 or 13, wherein the rotor is of a magnetic material.
16. A powertrain component as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 15, further comprising a heatsink mounted on an external surface of the case.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1705539.3A GB2561217A (en) | 2017-04-05 | 2017-04-05 | Powertrain components |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1705539.3A GB2561217A (en) | 2017-04-05 | 2017-04-05 | Powertrain components |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB201705539D0 GB201705539D0 (en) | 2017-05-17 |
| GB2561217A true GB2561217A (en) | 2018-10-10 |
Family
ID=58682488
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1705539.3A Withdrawn GB2561217A (en) | 2017-04-05 | 2017-04-05 | Powertrain components |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2561217A (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US11799342B2 (en) | 2020-02-20 | 2023-10-24 | Kohler Co. | Printed circuit board electrical machine |
Citations (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20030196842A1 (en) * | 2002-04-19 | 2003-10-23 | Takenori Hashimoto | Driving apparatus for vehicle |
| US20120031691A1 (en) * | 2010-08-06 | 2012-02-09 | Dr. Ing. H.C.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft | Drive system and motor vehicle having such a drive system |
| US20130123057A1 (en) * | 2011-05-06 | 2013-05-16 | Audi Ag | Drive arrangement |
| US20130123058A1 (en) * | 2011-05-06 | 2013-05-16 | Audi Ag | Drive arrangement |
| US20130274052A1 (en) * | 2012-04-16 | 2013-10-17 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Drive device for a motor vehicle |
| US20130274053A1 (en) * | 2012-04-16 | 2013-10-17 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Drive device for a motor vehicle |
-
2017
- 2017-04-05 GB GB1705539.3A patent/GB2561217A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20030196842A1 (en) * | 2002-04-19 | 2003-10-23 | Takenori Hashimoto | Driving apparatus for vehicle |
| US20120031691A1 (en) * | 2010-08-06 | 2012-02-09 | Dr. Ing. H.C.F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft | Drive system and motor vehicle having such a drive system |
| US20130123057A1 (en) * | 2011-05-06 | 2013-05-16 | Audi Ag | Drive arrangement |
| US20130123058A1 (en) * | 2011-05-06 | 2013-05-16 | Audi Ag | Drive arrangement |
| US20130274052A1 (en) * | 2012-04-16 | 2013-10-17 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Drive device for a motor vehicle |
| US20130274053A1 (en) * | 2012-04-16 | 2013-10-17 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Drive device for a motor vehicle |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US11799342B2 (en) | 2020-02-20 | 2023-10-24 | Kohler Co. | Printed circuit board electrical machine |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB201705539D0 (en) | 2017-05-17 |
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| WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |