SE541599C2

SE541599C2 - Dog clutch control arrangement, transmission, and vehicle comprising transmission

Info

Publication number: SE541599C2
Application number: SE1750084A
Authority: SE
Inventors: Benjamin Geiger; Elias Bartos; Jörgen Forsberg
Original assignee: Scania Cv Ab
Priority date: 2017-02-02
Filing date: 2017-02-02
Publication date: 2019-11-12
Also published as: DE112018000286B4; SE1750084A1; DE112018000286T5; WO2018143872A1

Abstract

Herein a dog clutch control arrangement (1) is disclosed for controlling engagement of a dog clutch (3) at a shaft (5) of a transmission (7) of a vehicle (9). The arrangement (1) comprises a control rod (15), a first control member (17), and a second control member (19). The control rod (15) is connected to the first control member (17). The second control member (19) is configured to be connected to a second mesh unit (12) of the dog clutch (3). The first control member (17) is connected to the second control member (19) such that a displacement of the control rod (15) in a radial direction (Rd) of the shaft (5) is transferred to a displacement of the second control member (19) in the axial direction (Ad). The present disclosure also relates to a transmission (7) for a vehicle (9) and a vehicle (9) comprising a transmission (7).

Description

DOG CLUTCH CONTROL ARRANGEMENT, TRANSMISSION, AND VEHICLE COMPRISING TRANSMISSION TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to dog clutch control arrangement for controlling engagement of a dog clutch at a shaft of a transmission of a vehicle, a transmission for a vehicle and a vehicle comprising a transmission.

BACKGROUND Dog clutches are used in vehicle transmissions for engaging and disengaging power transmission between shafts and gears within the transmission. Dog clutches comprises mesh units with meshing members arranged to engage to allow power transmission between two mesh units and between shafts and gears rotatably connected thereto. Generally, one of the mesh units is displaceably arranged in an axial direction of the shaft. Further, the transmission usually comprises a dog clutch control arrangement comprising forks moveable in the axial direction to displace the mesh unit. The forks can be moved by the force of an actuator or by the force of a driver applied onto a gear shift lever being transferred to the forks via linkages.

It is an advantage if a transmission can be made compact, especially in the axial direction of the transmission. One reason for this is space utilization within an engine compartment. Another reason is weight of the transmission. In addition, the development of vehicles, have led to vehicles having an increasing number of components and functions which are to be fitted within engine compartment demanding existing components to be made more compact. Further, recently developed hybrid vehicles at least partially being driven by an electric motor put new challenges on the design of a transmission, such as spatial requirements.

Further, when designing a transmission, one must ensure that it is reliable and that seals of components of the transmission are satisfactory so as to keep the risk of oil and air leakages low. In addition, when designing a transmission, it is a great advantage if it is designed to make it easy to maintain and service.

SUMMARY It is an object of the present invention to provide a dog clutch control arrangement providing conditions for an efficient space utilization in a transmission of a vehicle.

According to an aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a dog clutch control arrangement for controlling engagement of a dog clutch at a shaft of a transmission of a vehicle. The dog clutch comprises a first mesh unit and a second mesh unit. The second mesh unit is displaceably arranged in an axial direction of the shaft to control power transmission between the first and second mesh units. The arrangement comprises a control rod, a first control member, and a second control member. The control rod is connected to the first control member. The second control member is configured to be connected to the second mesh unit of the dog clutch. The control rod and the first control member are configured to be movably arranged in a radial direction of the shaft. The second control member is configured to be movably arranged in an axial direction of the shaft. The first control member is connected to the second control member such that a displacement of the control rod in the radial direction is transferred to a displacement of the second control member in the axial direction.

Thereby, upon displacement of the control rod in the radial direction, the second control member will, when arranged at a transmission, displace the second mesh in the axial direction of the shaft to control power transmission between the first and second mesh units. Accordingly, a dog clutch control arrangement is provided where engagement of a dog clutch can be performed by displacing the control rod in the radial direction of the shaft, instead of an axial direction of the shaft. Thereby, the dog clutch control arrangement provided requires less space in the axial direction of the shaft than the traditional dog clutch control arrangement. Further, since engagement of a dog clutch can be performed by displacing the control rod in the radial direction of the shaft, instead of an axial direction of the shaft, the control rod can be arranged closer to other components than a fork arranged to control engagement of a dog clutch by displacement in the axial direction. Thus, the dog clutch control arrangement provides conditions for an efficient space utilization in a transmission of a vehicle.

As a result, the above-mentioned object is achieved.

Further, since the engagement of a dog clutch can be performed by displacing the control rod in the radial direction of the shaft, instead of an axial direction of the shaft, it is easier to arrange seals for sealing the control rod against a housing of a transmission, since the control rod only needs to move in the radial direction of the shaft. Further, such seals will be more reliable and more effectively seal against leakages of air and/or oil.

In addition, the dog clutch control arrangement provides conditions for a transmission being simple to maintain since components such as an actuator arranged to displace the control rod, as well as a sensor arranged to sense a position of the second mesh unit, can be positioned outside of a housing of the transmission at an end of the control rod.

Optionally, the dog clutch control arrangement further comprises a guiding structure, wherein the first control member is movably connected to the second control member in the guiding structure, and wherein the guiding structure is inclined in relation to the axial direction of the shaft. Thereby, displacement of the control rod in the radial direction is transferred to a displacement of the second control member in the axial direction in a simple, effective, reliable and space efficient manner.

Optionally, the guiding structure comprises a slot. Thereby, a simple, effective and reliable guiding structure is provided.

Optionally, the second control member comprises the slot and the first control member comprises a body movably arranged in the slot. Thereby, displacement of the control rod in the radial direction is transferred to a displacement of the second control member in the axial direction in a simple, effective, reliable and space efficient manner.

Optionally, the guiding structure is provided with a varying inclination along the extension of the guiding structure. Thereby, displacement of the control rod in the radial direction will be transferred to a varying displacement of the second control member in the axial direction during a stroke of the control rod. Accordingly, due to the varying inclination, the force and speed of the second control member can be varied during a displacement of the control rod. As a result, a more controlled engagement of the mesh units can be provided and requirements of an actuator displacing the control rod can be lowered. This since it may necessarily not be made as accurate as it would have to be without the varying inclination of the guiding structure.

Optionally, the guiding structure comprises a first, a second and a third portion, wherein the first portion is arranged between the second and third portions along the extension of the guiding structure, wherein the first portion is inclined in a greater angle in relation to the axial direction of the shaft, than the second and third portions. Thereby, less displacement will be transferred to the second control member when the first control member moves along the first portion, than when the first control member moves along the second and third portions.

As a result, a more controlled engagement of mesh units can be achieved and requirements of an actuator displacing the control rod can be reduced.

Optionally, the dog clutch control arrangement further comprises a linear actuator arranged to displace the control rod. Thereby, a simple and reliable dog clutch control arrangement is provided capable of controlling engagement of a dog clutch at a shaft of a transmission of a vehicle. Further, a dog clutch control arrangement is provided in which the actuator can be arranged on the outside of a transmission housing which facilitates maintenance of the transmission since the actuator can be maintained or replaced without having to disassemble the transmission. Further, in embodiments where the actuator is arranged on the outside of the transmission housing, the actuator will not be subjected to the environment within the transmission which may eliminate the need for sealing surfaces around the actuator and which potentially increases the life span of the actuator. Still further, since the linear actuator only needs to displace the control rod in the radial direction, it may require little space in the axial direction of the transmission.

Optionally, the dog clutch control arrangement further comprises a position sensor arranged to sense a position of the control rod. Thereby, a dog clutch control arrangement is provided capable of sensing the position of the second control member in a simple and reliable manner, and thus also of a second mesh unit, when the second control member is connected to the second mesh unit. Further, a dog clutch control arrangement is provided in which the sensor can be arranged on the outside of a transmission housing which facilitates maintenance since the sensor can be maintained or replaced without having to disassemble the transmission. Further, in embodiments where the sensor is arranged on the outside of a transmission housing, the sensor will not be subjected to the environment within the transmission which may eliminate the need for sealing surfaces around the sensor and which potentially increases the life span of the sensor.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a transmission having conditions for a compact design of the transmission.

According to an aspect of the invention, the further object is achieved by a transmission for a vehicle comprising a dog clutch and a shaft, wherein the dog clutch is arranged at the shaft, wherein the transmission comprises a dog clutch control arrangement according to some embodiments, wherein the dog clutch control arrangement is arranged to control engagement of the dog clutch. Since the transmission comprises a dog clutch control arrangement having conditions for an efficient space utilization, a transmission is provided having conditions for a compact design.

As a result, the above-mentioned further object is achieved.

Optionally, the dog clutch comprises a first mesh unit arranged at a first shaft portion and a second mesh unit arranged at a second shaft portion wherein the first and second mesh units, each comprises meshing members. The second control member of the dog clutch control arrangement is connected to the second mesh unit of the dog clutch, wherein the second mesh unit is displaceably arranged in an axial direction of the second shaft portion between a first engaged position, in which meshing members of the first and second mesh units engage to allow power transmission between the first and second mesh units, and a disengaged position in which meshing members of the first and second mesh units are released from each other to allow free rotation between the first and second mesh units. The second control member of the dog clutch control arrangement is connected to the second mesh unit, wherein the control rod and the first control member are movably arranged in a radial direction of the shaft between at least a first and a second position. The first control member is connected to the second control member such that a radial displacement of the control rod between the first and second positions is transferred to displacement of the second mesh unit between the disengaged position and the first engaged position.

Thereby, a transmission is provided where displacement of the control rod in the radial direction is transferred to a displacement of the second mesh unit in the axial direction between the first engaged position and the disengaged position. Accordingly, a transmission is provided in which engagement of a dog clutch of the transmission can be performed by displacing the control rod in the radial direction of the shaft, instead of an axial direction of the shaft. Since engagement of a dog clutch can be performed by displacing the control rod in the radial direction of the shaft, the control rod can be arranged closer to other components than a fork arranged to control engagement of a dog clutch by displacement in the axial direction. Accordingly, a transmission is provided having conditions for a compact design, especially in the axial direction of the shaft.

Further, since the engagement of the dog clutch of the transmission can be performed by displacing the control rod in the radial direction of the shaft, instead of an axial direction of the shaft, a transmission is provided in which it is easier to arrange seals for sealing the control rod against a housing of a transmission, since the control rod only needs to move in the radial direction of the shaft. Further, such seals will be more reliable and more effectively seal against leakages of air and/or oil.

In addition, a transmission is provided having conditions for a simple maintenance since components such as an actuator arranged to displace the control rod, as well as a sensor arranged to sense a position of the second mesh unit, can be positioned outside of a hosing of the transmission at an end of the control rod.

Optionally, the dog clutch comprises a third mesh unit arranged at a third shaft portion. wherein the third mesh unit comprises meshing members, wherein the second mesh unit further is displaceably arranged in an axial direction of the second shaft portion between a second engaged position, in which meshing members of the second and third mesh units, engage to allow power transmission between the second and third mesh units, and the disengaged position in which meshing members of the second and third mesh units, are released from each other to allow free rotation between the second and third mesh units, wherein the control rod and the first control member are movably arranged in the radial direction of the shaft between a third, the first, and the second position, wherein the second control member is further connected to the second mesh unit such that displacement of the control rod between the first and the third positions is transferred to displacement of the second mesh unit between the disengaged position and the second engaged position. Thereby, a transmission is provided where displacement of the control rod in the radial direction is transferred to a displacement of the second mesh unit in the axial direction also between the disengaged position and the second engaged position. Accordingly, a transmission is provided in which engagement between second and third mesh units of the transmission can be performed by displacing the control rod in the radial direction of the shaft, instead of an axial direction of the shaft. Thereby, engagement between second and third mesh units, as well as engagement between second and first mesh units, can be performed by the radial displacement of the control rod. As a result, the available space is even more efficiently used in comparison to a fork controlling engagement by an axial displacement, since the control rod requires considerable less space in the axial direction than such a fork.

Optionally, the transmission comprises a first electric machine for propulsion of an at least partially electric driven vehicle, wherein the dog clutch control arrangement is configured to engage and disengage power transmission to or from the first electric machine. An electric machine for propulsion of an at least partially electrically driven vehicle requires space in the axial direction, as well as the radial direction of the shaft. Since the transmission comprises the dog clutch control arrangement, the control rod can be arranged close to the electric machine since it does not need to be displaced in the axial direction of the shaft. Thereby, conditions are provided for an efficient space utilization and a compact transmission comprising an electric machine for propulsion of an at least partially electrically driven vehicle.

Optionally, the transmission comprises a second electric machine for propulsion of the at least partially electrically driven vehicle, wherein the dog clutch control arrangement is arranged between the first and second electric machines. Since the transmission comprises the dog clutch control arrangement, the first and second electric machines can be arranged close to each other since control rod of the dog clutch control arrangement does not need to be displaced in the axial direction of the shaft. Thereby, conditions are provided for an efficient space utilization and a compact transmission comprising two electric machines for propulsion of an at least partially electrically driven vehicle.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a vehicle with a transmission having conditions for a compact design.

According to an aspect of the invention, the further object is achieved by a vehicle comprising a transmission according to some embodiments. Since the vehicle comprises a transmission according to some embodiments, a vehicle is provided with a transmission having conditions for a compact design.

As a result, the above mentioned still further object is achieved.

Further features of, and advantages with, the present invention will become apparent when studying the appended claims and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Various aspects of the invention, including its particular features and advantages, will be readily understood from the example embodiments discussed in the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 illustrates a dog clutch control arrangement for controlling engagement of a dog clutch at a shaft of a transmission of a vehicle, Fig. 2 illustrates a transmission comprising a dog clutch and a shaft, Fig. 3 illustrates a cross section of the transmission illustrated in Fig. 2, Fig. 4 illustrates a cross section of the transmission illustrated in Fig. 2, where the second mesh unit of the dog clutch is in a first engaged position, Fig. 5 illustrates a cross section of the transmission illustrated in Fig. 2, where the second mesh unit of the dog clutch is in a second engaged position, Fig. 6 illustrates a transmission comprising a dog clutch and a shaft, according to some further embodiments, Fig. 7 illustrates a second control member, according to some further embodiments, Fig. 8 illustrates portions of a transmission, according to some further embodiments, and Fig. 9 illustrates a vehicle comprising a transmission, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Aspects of the present invention will now be described more fully. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Well-known functions or constructions will not necessarily be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity.

Fig. 1 illustrates a dog clutch control arrangement 1 for controlling engagement of a dog clutch at a shaft of a transmission of a vehicle.

Fig. 2 illustrates a transmission 7 comprising a dog clutch 3 and a shaft 5, wherein the dog clutch 3 is arranged at the shaft 5. The transmission 7 is a transmission for of a vehicle. The dog clutch 3 comprises a first mesh unit 11 arranged at a first shaft portion 5.1, and a second mesh unit 12 arranged at a second shaft portion 5.2. The second mesh unit 12 is displaceably arranged in an axial direction Ad of the shaft 5 to control power transmission between the first and second mesh units 11, 12.

Fig. 3 illustrates a cross section of the transmission 7 illustrated in Fig. 2. As is illustrated in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the first mesh unit 11 and the second mesh unit 12 of the dog clutch 3 comprise meshing members 13. In the illustrated example embodiments, the meshing members 13 of the first mesh unit 11 and the second mesh unit 12 comprise splines. Further, the second mesh unit 12 is rotatably connected to the shaft 5 via meshing members 13, also in the form of splines. In Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the second mesh unit 12 is in a disengaged position in which meshing members 13 of the first and second mesh units 11, 12 are disengaged from each other to allow free rotation between the first and second mesh units 11, 12.

Fig. 4 illustrates a cross section of the transmission 7 illustrated in Fig. 2, where the second mesh unit 12 of the dog clutch 3 is in a first engaged position. In the first engaged position, meshing members 13 of the first and second mesh units 11, 12 engage to allow power transmission between the first and second mesh units 11, 12. In the illustrated embodiments, meshing members 13 of the first and second mesh units 11, 12 engage when the second mesh unit 12 is displaced in the axial direction Ad such that at least a portion of the second mesh unit 12 extends into the first shaft portion 5.1.

Accordingly, the second mesh unit 12 is displaceably arranged in the axial direction Ad of the second shaft portion 5.2 between the first engaged position, in which meshing members 13 of the first and second mesh units 11, 12 engage to allow power transmission between the first and second mesh units 11, 12, as illustrated in Fig. 4, and a disengaged position in which meshing members 13 of the first and second mesh units 11, 12 are released from each other, as illustrated in Fig. 3, to allow free rotation between the first and second mesh units 11, 12.

In the illustrated embodiments, the second mesh unit 12 comprises a track 14 configured to receive a protrusion 16 of the second control member 19 of the dog clutch control arrangement 1, illustrated in Fig. 1. Accordingly, the second control member 19 of the dog clutch control arrangement 1 is connected to the second mesh unit 12 of the dog clutch 3 via the protrusion 16 being positioned in the track 14. During rotation of the shaft 5, the track 14 slides relative the protrusion 16. The protrusion 16 may also be referred to as a pin or a pad.

As is illustrated in Fig. 1, the dog clutch control arrangement 1 comprises a control rod 15 and a first control member 17. The control rod 15 is connected to the first control member 17, and may be firmly attached thereto. The dog clutch control arrangement 1 further comprises the second control member 19 which, as mentioned above, is configured to be connected to the second mesh unit 12 of the dog clutch 3 illustrated in Fig. 2 - Fig. 4. The control rod 15 and the first control member 17 are configured to be movably arranged in a radial direction Rd of the shaft 5. In the illustrated embodiments, the control rod 15 and the first control member 17 are configured to be movably arranged in a radial direction Rd of the shaft 5 in bearings 20. The second control member 19 is configured to be movably arranged in an axial direction Ad of the shaft 5, for example by being arranged in a track of a housing of the transmission.

The first control member 17 is connected to the second control member 19 such that a displacement of the control rod 15 in the radial direction Rd is transferred to a displacement of the second control member 19 in the axial direction Ad. Since the second control member 19 is configured to be connected to the second mesh unit 12 of the dog clutch 3 illustrated in Fig. 2 - Fig. 4, displacement of the control rod 15 in the radial direction Rd will displace the second mesh unit 12 in the axial direction Ad of the shaft 5 to control power transmission between the first and second mesh units 11, 12. Thereby, a dog clutch control arrangement 1 is provided where engagement of a dog clutch can be performed by displacing the control rod 15 in the radial direction Rd of the shaft, instead of an axial direction Ad of the shaft 5. Thereby, the dog clutch control arrangement 1 provided requires less space in the axial direction Ad of the shaft than a traditional dog clutch control arrangement.

According to the illustrated embodiments, the control rod 15 and the first control member 17 are movably arranged in a radial direction Rd of the shaft 5 between at least a first and a second position, wherein the first control member 17 is connected to the second control member 19 such that a radial displacement of the control rod 15 between the first and second positions is transferred to displacement of the second mesh unit 12 between the first engaged position, as illustrated in Fig. 4, and the disengaged position, as illustrated in Fig. 3.

According to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 2 - Fig. 4, the dog clutch 3 comprises a third mesh unit 27 arranged at a third shaft portion 5.3. The third mesh unit 27 comprises meshing members 13. In these embodiments, the second mesh unit 12 is displaceably arranged in the axial direction Ad of the second shaft portion 5.2 between the disengaged position, as illustrated in Fig. 3, and a second engaged position.

Fig. 5 illustrates a cross section of the transmission 7 illustrated in Fig. 2, where the second mesh unit 12 of the dog clutch 3 is in a second engaged position. In the second engaged position, meshing members 13 of the second and third mesh units 12, 27 engage to allow power transmission between the second and third mesh units 12, 27. In the disengaged position, illustrated in Fig. 3, meshing members 13 of the second and third mesh units 12, 27 are released from each other to allow free rotation between the second and third mesh units 12, 27. In these embodiments, the control rod 15 and the first control member 17, illustrated in Fig. 1, are movably arranged in the radial direction Rd of the shaft 5 between a third, the first, and the second position. Since the second control member 19 is connected to the second mesh unit 12, displacement of the control rod 15 between the first and the third positions is transferred to displacement of the second mesh unit 12 between the disengaged position and the second engaged position. Consequently, according to these embodiments, the first position is between the second and third positions. In the illustrated embodiments, meshing members 13 of the second and third mesh units 12, 27 engage when the second mesh unit 12 is displaced in the axial direction Ad such that at least a portion of the second mesh unit 12 extends into the third shaft portion 5.3.

As best seen in the cross sections of the transmission 7 illustrated in Fig. 3 - Fig. 5, the second mesh unit 12 is rotatably connected to the shaft 5 via the meshing members 13 in all three positions, i.e. in the first, in the second and in the third position. Consequently, the second mesh unit 12 will rotate with the shaft 5 in all three positions. The first mesh unit 11, as well as the third mesh unit 27, are rotatably arranged in relation to the shaft 5. When the second mesh unit 12 is in the disengaged position, as illustrated in Fig. 3, the first mesh unit 11, as well as the third mesh unit 27, are free to rotate relative the shaft 5. When the second mesh unit 12 is in the first engaged position, as illustrated in Fig. 4, meshing members 13 of the first and second mesh units 11, 12 engage to allow power transmission between the first and second mesh units 11, 12. Since the second mesh unit 12 is rotatably connected to the shaft 5 also when the second mesh unit 12 is in the first engaged position, the engaging of the meshing members 13 allow power transmission between the first mesh unit 11 and the shaft 5. Likewise, when the second mesh unit 12 is in the second engaged position, as illustrated in Fig. 5, meshing members 13 of the second and third mesh units 12, 27 engage to allow power transmission between the second and third mesh units 12, 27. Since the second mesh unit 12 is rotatably connected to the shaft 5 also when the second mesh unit 12 is in the second engaged position, the engaging of the meshing members 13 allow power transmission between the third mesh unit 13 and the shaft 5.

The first mesh unit 11, as well as the third mesh unit 27, may be rotatably connected to, or provided at a portion of, a transmission gear, as is illustrated in the Fig. 2 - Fig. 5.

Fig. 6 illustrates a transmission 7 comprising a dog clutch 3 and a shaft 5, according to some further embodiments. The dog clutch 3 comprises a first mesh unit 11 arranged at a first shaft portion 5.1 . In these embodiments, the first mesh unit 11 is provided at a first shaft portion 5.1 and is rotatably connected thereto. The second mesh unit 12 is arranged at a second shaft portion 5.2 and is rotatably connected thereto. The second mesh unit 12 is displaceably arranged in the axial direction Ad of the second shaft portion 5.2 by meshing members 13, in the form of splines of the second mesh unit 12 and of the second shaft portion 5.2. The first mesh unit 11 also comprises meshing members 13, in the form of splines. In Fig. 6, the second mesh unit 12 is illustrated in a disengaged position in which meshing members 13 of the first and second mesh units 11, 12 allow free rotation between the first and second mesh units 11, 12, and thus also allows free rotation between the first shaft portion 5.1 and the second shaft portion 5.2. The second mesh unit 12 is displaceable to an engaged position, in which meshing members 13 of the first and second mesh units 11, 12 engage to allow power transmission between the first and second mesh units 11, 12, and thus also allow power transmission between the first and second shaft portions 5.1, 5.2. In such engaged position, the second mesh unit 12 extends into the first shaft portion 5.1 . Also in these embodiments, the second control member 19 of the dog clutch control arrangement 1, as illustrated in Fig. 1, may be connected to the second mesh unit 12 of the dog clutch 3 via the protrusion 16 being positioned in the track 14 of the second mesh unit 12 of the transmission 7 illustrated in Fig. 6. Thereby, displacement of the control rod 15 in the radial direction Rd is transferred to a displacement of the second control member 19 in the axial direction Ad, to control transmission of power transmission between the first and second shaft portions 5.1, 5.2. Accordingly, in these embodiments, the dog clutch control arrangement 1 may control engagement of a dog clutch 3 configured to control power transmission between two shaft portions, i.e. the first and second shaft portions 5.1, 5.2.

In all embodiments described, the transmission 7 may further comprise one or more synchronizing rings arranged to synchronize rotational speed of mesh units 11, 12, 27 prior to engagement between the mesh units 11, 12, 27.

According to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 1, the first control member 17 is movably connected to the second control member 19 in a guiding structure 21 having a main extension e in a plane p being inclined in relation to the axial direction Ad of the shaft 5. The main extension may be defined as the main extension e in the plane p in which the first control member 17 is movably connected to the second control member 19.

Further, according to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 1, the guiding structure 21 comprises a slot 22. The slot 22 may also be referred to as a groove. In the illustrated embodiments, the guiding structure 21 comprises the slot 22 and the first control member 17 comprises a body 24 movably arranged in the slot 22.

The body 17 may for example comprise a block slidably arranged in the slot 22 or a roller, wheel, or the like, rotatably arranged at the first control member 17, being arranged to rotate against surfaces of the slot 21 upon displacement of the control rod 15 in the radial direction Rd.

According to further embodiments, not illustrated, the first control member 17 comprises the slot 22 and the second control member 19 comprises the body 24 movably arranged in the slot 22.

According to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 1, the guiding structure 21 is provided with a constant inclination along the extension of the guiding structure 21 . The plane p in which the guiding structure 21 extends may be inclined at an angle within 20° to 90° in relation to the axial direction Ad of the shaft 5.

Fig. 7 illustrates a second control member 19 according to some further embodiments. The second control member 19 is configured to be connected to a second mesh unit 12 of a dog clutch 3, illustrated in any of the Fig. 2-6, by the protrusion 16 protruding into a track of such second mesh unit 12. The body 24 of the first control member 17 illustrated in Fig. 1 may be movably connected to the second control member 19 by being displaceably arranged in the guiding structure 21. In the illustrated embodiments, the guiding structure 21 comprises a slot. The second control member 19, illustrated in Fig. 7, comprises a guiding structure 21 provided with a varying inclination along the extension of the guiding structure 21 .

The guiding structure 21 comprises a first, a second and a third portion 26.1, 26.2, 26.3. The first portion 26.1 is arranged between the second and third portions 26.2, 26.3 along the extension of the guiding structure 21 . The first portion 26.1 is provided with a greater angle in relation to the axial direction Ad of the shaft 5, than the second and third portions 26.2, 26.3. As mentioned above, the control rod 15 and the first control member 17, of the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 1 is configured to be movably arranged in the radial direction Rd of the shaft. Therefore, generally, upon a certain displacement of the control rod, a great angle of the guiding structure 21, in relation to the axial direction Ad, will result in a shorter displacement of the second control member 19, than a smaller angle of the guiding structure 21, in relation to the axial direction Ad.

Thus, in the illustrated embodiments, since the first portion 26.1 is provided with a greater angle in relation to the axial direction Ad of the shaft 5, than the second and third portions 26.2, 26.3, less displacement will be transferred to the second control member 19 when the first control member 17 moves along the first portion 26.1, than when the first control member 17 moves along the second and third portions 26.2, 26.3. As a result, a more controlled engagement of mesh units can be achieved and requirements of an actuator displacing the control rod can be reduced.

Further, according to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 7, the angle of the first portion 26.1 in relation to the axial direction Ad of the shaft 5, is essentially 90°. That is, the main extension of the first portion 26.1 essentially coincides with the radial direction Rd of the shaft. As a result, essentially no movement is transferred to the second control member 19 when the first control member 17 moves along the first portion 26.1 . In such embodiments, the first portion 26.1 may be referred to as a neutral zone in which essentially no displacement is transferred to the second control member 19. In addition, the guiding structure 21 may be provided with neural zones at endpoints of the guiding structure 21 essentially having 90° inclination in relation to the axial direction of the shaft. Due to these features, requirements of an actuator displacing the control rod can be even further reduced since the actuator does not need to be as accurate in the displacement and in the positioning of the control rod 15. As an alternative, or in addition to the portions 26.1, 26.2, 26.3, the guiding structure 21 may be provided with a continuous varying inclination along the extension of the guiding structure 21 .

In the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 1, the control rod 15 is connected to the first control member 17 via a bracket 30. The bracket 30 is also connected to a further first control member (not visible in Fig. 1). The further first control member is connected to a further second control member 28 such that a displacement of the control rod 15 in the radial direction Rd is transferred to a displacement of the further second control member 28 in the axial direction Ad. As illustrated in Fig. 1, the further second control member 28 is provided with a protrusion 16 also configured to protrude into a track 14 of a second mesh unit 12. Accordingly, the dog clutch control arrangement 1 may comprise two second control members 19, 28, which are positioned at opposite sides of a shaft of the transmission when the dog clutch control arrangement 1 is arranged at a transmission. Thereby, displacement of a second mesh unit 12 is performed by two opposite protrusions 16 ensuring a proper displacement of the second mesh unit 12. The second control member 19 and the further second control member 28 may be of identical but mirrored design.

Fig. 8 illustrates portions of a transmission 7 according to some further embodiments. The transmission 7 comprises a first electric machine 29 for propulsion of an at least partially electrically driven vehicle, and a dog clutch control arrangement 1 according to some embodiments. The dog clutch control arrangement 1 is configured to engage and disengage power transmission to or from the first electric machine 29. As illustrated, an electric machine for propulsion of an at least partially electrically driven vehicle requires space in the axial direction, and, according to the illustrated embodiments, especially in the radial direction of the shaft. Since the transmission 7 comprises the dog clutch arrangement 1, the control rod 15 can be arranged close to the electric machine 29 since it does not need to be displaced in the axial direction of the shaft. Thereby, conditions are provided for an efficient space utilization and a compact transmission 7 comprising an electric machine 29 for propulsion of an at least partially electrically driven vehicle. In addition, since the electric machine 29 requires a lot of space in the radial direction of the shaft, traditional forks for displacing a mesh unit in the axial direction would have to have a considerable length in the radial direction. Such forks would be difficult to arrange and would be at risk to be too flexible, or would be difficult to design not to be too flexible. However, since the dog clutch control arrangement 1 provided is capable of displacing the second control member in the axial direction by a radial direction of the control rod 15, such problems are circumvented.

The transmission 7 illustrated in Fig. 8 further comprises a second electric machine 31 for propulsion of the at least partially electrically driven vehicle 9, wherein the dog clutch 3 is arranged between the first and second electric machines 29, 31 . Since the transmission 7 comprises the dog clutch control arrangement 1, the first and second electric machines 29, 31 can be arranged close to each other since control rod 15 of the dog clutch control arrangement 1 can be arranged between the first and second electric machines 29, 31 and does not need to be displaced in the axial direction of the shaft. Thereby, conditions are provided for an efficient space utilization and a compact transmission 7 comprising two electric machines for propulsion of an at least partially electrically driven vehicle.

The dog clutch control arrangement 1 illustrated in Fig. 8 further comprises a linear actuator 23 arranged to displace the control rod 15. The linear actuator 23 may comprise an electromechanical linear actuator, a hydraulic linear actuator or a pneumatic linear actuator.

The dog clutch control arrangement 1 illustrated in Fig. 8 further comprises a position sensor 25 arranged to sense a position of the control rod 15. In the illustrated embodiments, the position sensor 25 is arranged in the linear actuator 23. However, the position sensor 25 may be arranged at another position suitable for sensing the position of the control rod 15. Since the position sensor 25 is arranged to sense the position of the control rod 15, the position sensor 25 will also sense the position of the second control member as well as a second mesh unit connected thereto.

Due to these features, a dog clutch control arrangement 1 is provided in which the actuator 23, as well as the sensor 25, can be arranged on the outside of a transmission housing which facilitates maintenance of the transmission 7 since the actuator 23 and the sensor 25 can be maintained or replaced without having to disassemble the transmission 7. Further, in embodiments where the actuator 23 and the sensor 25 is arranged on the outside of a transmission housing, the actuator 23 and the sensor 25 will not be subjected to the environment within the transmission 7 which may eliminate the need for sealing surfaces around the actuator 23 and the sensor 25 and which potentially increases the life span of the actuator 23 and the sensor 25.

Fig. 9 illustrates a vehicle 9 comprising a transmission 7 according to some embodiments. The vehicle 9 may be an at least partially electrically driven vehicle 9, comprising one or more electric machines, and a transmission comprising a dog clutch control arrangement configured to control engagement of power transmission to or from one or more electric machines. The vehicle 9 may further comprise an internal combustion engine such as a diesel engine, or an Otto engine. The vehicle 9 illustrated in Fig. 9 is a truck. However, the dog clutch control arrangement provided may be arranged to control engagement of a dog clutch at a shaft of a transmission of another type of manned or unmanned vehicle for land based propulsion such as a bus, lorry, a construction vehicle, a tractor, a car, etc.

It is to be understood that the foregoing is illustrative of various example embodiments and that the invention is defined only by the appended claims. A person skilled in the art will realize that the example embodiments may be modified, and that different features of the example embodiments may be combined to create embodiments other than those described herein, without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims. The control rod 5 may for instance be biased, for example by a spring, towards one of the positions wherein the actuator 23 is configured to displace the control rod 15 to the one or more other positions. In addition, the second control member 19 may be biased in a first direction along the axial direction, wherein the first control member 17 is connected to the second control member 19 such that a displacement of the control rod 15 in the radial direction Rd is transferred to a displacement of the second control member 19 in a second direction along the axial direction Ad of the shaft, wherein the second direction is opposite to the first direction.

As used herein, the term "comprising" or "comprises" is open-ended, and includes one or more stated features, elements, steps, components or functions but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, steps, components, functions or groups thereof.

Claims

1. A dog clutch control arrangement (1 ) for controlling engagement of a dog clutch (3) at a shaft (5) of a transmission (7) of a vehicle (9), wherein the dog clutch (3) comprises a first mesh unit (11) and a second mesh unit (12), wherein the second mesh unit (12) is displaceably arranged in an axial direction (Ad) of the shaft (5) to control power transmission between the first and second mesh units (11, 12), characterized in that the arrangement (1) comprises a control rod (15), a first control member (17), and a second control member (19), wherein the control rod (15) is connected to the first control member (17) and the second control member (19) is configured to be connected to the second mesh unit (12) of the dog clutch (3), wherein the control rod (15) and the first control member (17) are configured to be movably arranged in a radial direction (Rd) of the shaft (5), wherein the second control member (19) is configured to be movably arranged in an axial direction (Ad) of the shaft (5), wherein the first control member (17) is connected to the second control member (19) such that a displacement of the control rod (15) in the radial direction (Rd) is transferred to a displacement of the second control member (19) in the axial direction (Ad).

2. The dog clutch control arrangement (1 ) according to claim 1, further comprising a guiding structure (21), wherein the first control member (17) is movably connected to the second control member (19) in the guiding structure (21), and wherein the guiding structure (21) is inclined in relation to the axial direction (Ad) of the shaft (5).

3. The dog clutch control arrangement (1) according to claim 2, wherein the guiding structure (21) comprises a slot (22).

4. The dog clutch control arrangement (1) according to claim 3, wherein the second control member (19) comprises the slot (22) and wherein the first control member (17) comprises a body (24) movably arranged in the slot (22).

5. The dog clutch control arrangement (1 ) according to any one of claims 2-4, wherein the guiding structure (21) is provided with a varying inclination along the extension of the guiding structure (21).

6. The dog clutch control arrangement (1) according to claim 5, wherein the guiding structure (21) comprises a first, a second and a third portion (26.1, 26.2, 26.3), wherein the first portion (26.1) is arranged between the second and third portions (26.2, 26.3) along the extension of the guiding structure (21), wherein the first portion (26.1) is inclined in a greater angle in relation to the axial direction (Ad) of the shaft (5), than the second and third portions (26.2, 26.3).

7. The dog clutch control arrangement (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising a linear actuator (23) arranged to displace the control rod (15).

8. The dog clutch control arrangement (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising a position sensor (25) arranged to sense a position of the control rod (15).

9. A transmission (7) for a vehicle (9) comprising a dog clutch (3) and a shaft (5), wherein the dog clutch (3) is arranged at the shaft (5), wherein the transmission (7) comprises a dog clutch control arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dog clutch control arrangement (1) is arranged to control engagement of the dog clutch (3).

10. The transmission (7) according to claim 9, wherein the dog clutch (3) comprises a first mesh unit (11) arranged at a first shaft portion (5.1 ), and a second mesh unit (12) arranged at a second shaft portion (5.2), wherein the first and second mesh units (11, 12) each comprises meshing members (13), wherein the second control member (19) of the dog clutch control arrangement (1) is connected to the second mesh unit (12) of the dog clutch (3), wherein the second mesh unit (12) is displaceably arranged in an axial direction (Ad) of the second shaft portion (5.2) between a first engaged position, in which meshing members (13) of the first and second mesh units (11, 12) engage to allow power transmission between the first and second mesh units (11, 12), and a disengaged position in which meshing members (13) of the first and second mesh units (11, 12) are released from each other to allow free rotation between the first and second mesh units (11, 12), wherein the second control member (19) of the dog clutch control arrangement (1) is connected to the second mesh unit (12), wherein the control rod (15) and the first control member (17) are movably arranged in a radial direction (Rd) of the shaft (5) between at least a first and a second position, wherein the first control member (17) is connected to the second control member (19) such that a radial displacement of the control rod (15) between the first and second positions is transferred to displacement of the second mesh unit (12) between the disengaged position and the first engaged position.

11. . The transmission (7) according to claim 10, wherein the dog clutch (3) comprises a third mesh unit (27) arranged at a third shaft portion (5.3), wherein the third mesh unit (27) comprises meshing members (13), wherein the second mesh unit (12) further is displaceably arranged in an axial direction (Ad) of the second shaft portion (5.2) between a second engaged position, in which meshing members (13) of the second and third mesh units (12, 27) engage to allow power transmission between the second and third mesh units (12, 27) and the disengaged position in which meshing members (13) of the second and third mesh units (12, 27) are released from each other to allow free rotation between the second and third mesh units (12, 27), wherein the control rod (15) and the first control member (17) are movably arranged in the radial direction (Rd) of the shaft (5) between a third, the first, and the second position, wherein the second control member (19) is further connected to the second mesh unit (12) such that displacement of the control rod (15) between the first and the third positions is transferred to displacement of the second mesh unit (12) between the disengaged position and the second engaged position.

12. The transmission (7) according to claim 11, wherein the first position is between the second and third positions.

13. The transmission (7) according to any one of the claims 9 - 12 further comprising a first electric machine (29) for propulsion of an at least partially electrically driven vehicle (9), wherein dog clutch control arrangement (1) is configured to engage and disengage power transmission to or from the first electric machine (29).

14. The transmission (7) according to claim 13, further comprising a second electric machine (31) for propulsion of the at least partially electrically driven vehicle (9), wherein the dog clutch control arrangement (1) is arranged between the first and second electric machines (29, 31).

15. A vehicle (9) comprising a transmission (7) according to any one of the claims 9-14.