Classifications

• • 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
  • B60K1/02—Arrangement or mounting of electrical propulsion units comprising more than one electric motor
• • 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
  • B60K7/00—Disposition of motor in, or adjacent to, traction wheel
  • B60K7/0007—Disposition of motor in, or adjacent to, traction wheel the motor being electric
• • 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
  • B60K7/00—Disposition of motor in, or adjacent to, traction wheel
  • B60K7/0015—Disposition of motor in, or adjacent to, traction wheel the motor being hydraulic
• • 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
  • B60K7/00—Disposition of motor in, or adjacent to, traction wheel
  • B60K7/0023—Disposition of motor in, or adjacent to, traction wheel the motor being pneumatic
• • 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
  • B60K7/00—Disposition of motor in, or adjacent to, traction wheel
  • B60K2007/0046—Disposition of motor in, or adjacent to, traction wheel the motor moving together with the vehicle body, i.e. moving independently from the wheel 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
  • B60K7/00—Disposition of motor in, or adjacent to, traction wheel
  • B60K2007/0061—Disposition of motor in, or adjacent to, traction wheel the motor axle being parallel to the wheel 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
  • F16H57/00—General details of gearing
  • F16H57/04—Features relating to lubrication or cooling or heating
  • F16H57/0467—Elements of gearings to be lubricated, cooled or heated
  • F16H57/0469—Bearings or seals
  • F16H57/0471—Bearing

Definitions

• the present disclosure concerns a powertrain, a transmission for use in the powertrain, and a vehicle comprising the powertrain and/or the transmission.
• Electric vehicles such as cars, vans or trucks are usually driven by an engine.
• Electric vehicles use an electric machine for driving the vehicle instead of or in addition to a combustion engine.
• the electric machine can typically function both as a motor and generator.
• Electric vehicles can offer advantages over conventional vehicles, i.e. vehicles employing only a combustion engine, e.g. with respect to emission of exhaust gasses and versatility of the driving mechanism.
• the electrical machine typically comprises a machine shaft comprised in a rotor.
• the rotor is electrically driven to rotate with respect to a stator of the machine to provide a certain torque and/or angular velocity to the machine shaft.
• a transmission can be used for engaging the machine shaft and transmitting the torque and/or angular velocity of the machine shaft to an output shaft, e.g.
• the machine and transmission can be part of an integrated powertrain, e.g. machine block, for easy instalment in the vehicle.
• the term powertrain may generally refer to a group of components (electric machine, transmission, drive shafts, differentials) that generate power delivered to propel the vehicle.
• the separate electric machines are typically equipped with respective transmissions.
• a disadvantage of using multiple machines and transmissions can be that these components may occupy a large space in the vehicle. This may be exacerbated by the presence of typically large batteries that power the electric machines.
• the components can be dimensionally constrained by a width and/or length of the vehicle.
• the custom production and/or maintenance of components such as transmissions and electric machines can be expensive.
• pneumatic machines There is a need for a compact, efficient, integrated approach for a power train comprises more than one rotating machine.
• a first aspect of the present disclosure provides a powertrain for driving a vehicle, the powertrain comprising a first powertrain module comprising a first rotating machine, comprising a first machine shaft arranged to be rotationally driven by the first for providing a torque to the first machine shaft around a first rotating axis; a first transmission, comprising first torque transmitting elements arranged for transmitting the torque of the first machine shaft to a first output shaft, wherein the first output shaft has an output direction opposite to that of a second output shaft, wherein the first torque transmitting elements are housed in a first transmission housing; a second powertrain module comprising a second rotating machine, comprising a second machine shaft arranged to be rotationally driven by the second machine for providing a torque to the second machine shaft around a second rotating axis; a second transmission, comprising second torque transmitting elements arranged for transmitting the torque of the second machine shaft to the second output shaft, wherein the first output shaft has an output direction opposite to that of the second output shaft , wherein the second torque transmitting elements are housed
• the two powertrain modules may form together the powertrain, wherein the powertrain modules may be interchangeable.
• the two powertrain modules are assembled in such a way that no or a limited number of additional components may be necessary to suspend the powertrain in a vehicle.
• the complexity, number of components, variety of components and costs may be reduced.
• first machine By arranging the first machine in front of the second machine, as seen from the side of the powertrain, i.e. seen in a direction transverse to the rotating axes direction, and by having the first rotating axis and the second rotating axis mirror- symmetrically offset with respect to each other, a more compact and versatile design is achieved.
• first electric machine By arranging the first electric machine in front of the second electric machine, e.g. wherein an axial position of the first rotating machine along a direction of rotating axes at least partially overlaps with an axial position of the second rotating machine, a width of the machines (measured along a direction of the rotating axes of the powertrain, or along a direction of a central axis of the powertrain, i.e.
• a width occupied by the powertrain in the vehicle or apparatus can be reduced, e.g. compared to a configuration wherein the machines are placed next to each other on a left side and right side in the vehicle.
• a dimension of the machine measured along the direction of the rotating axes can be larger, being less constrained by a width of the vehicle. Accordingly a larger rotating machine can be used.
• first axis and the second rotating axis By placing the first axis and the second rotating axis mirror- symmetrically offset on opposite sides of a central axis of the powertrain, it becomes possible to have the same powertrain modules with the same transmissions and rotating machines fit on either side of the powertrain.
• the powertrain modules including transmissions and rotating machine are then mirror imaged, by means of point reflection, on both sides of the powertrain.
• first Powertrain module interchangeable with the second powertrain module, only one type of transmission, rotating machine and other components need to be manufactured that can be used on either side of the powertrain. Also, by the symmetric arrangement of the
• the first rotating machine can be interchangeable with the second rotating machine.
• a single type of rotating machine and transmission can be integrated twice in the powertrain according to the invention, thereby reducing complexity and thus costs.
• the torque transmitting elements can for example be a gear drive, a chain drive, a belt drive or other torque transmitting elements. Many variants are possible.
• the first rotating axis, the second rotating axis, and the central axis can be arranged in a triangular configuration, when seen from a side of the powertrain.
• the first rotating axis, the second rotating axis and the output axes can form a triangular configuration, which may be a different triangular configuration on either side of the powertrain.
• both wheel axes of the pair of opposite wheels coincide with each other, which is not the case when driving a curve or in an otherwise uneven way.
• an increased distance can be provided for the torque transmitting elements between the rotating axis and the wheel axis, while still having the machines close together. This can save space along a length direction of the vehicle.
• a second aspect of the present disclosure provides a transmission for use in a powertrain according to the first aspect, the transmission comprising torque transmitting elements arranged for transmitting torque of a first machine shaft of a first rotating machine to a first output shaft; wherein the transmission comprises an input side for engaging the first machine shaft and an opposite output side for engaging the first output shaft; wherein the transmission supports the first rotating machine and a second rotating machine at the input side.
• the transmission according to the second aspect can be advantageously used e.g. in a powertrain according to the first aspect, providing similar advantages.
• Supporting the machines by means of the transmission can have an advantage that a more compact design of a powertrain can be achieved.
• the transmission can provide a support structure arranged for supporting a first and second machine in a mirror symmetrical fashion, by means of point reflection. This can enable using an interchangeable transmission on either sides of the powertrain.
• a bearing for carrying the machine shaft inside the transmission By housing a bearing for carrying the machine shaft inside the transmission, a bearing in the machine can be further supported or even omitted. This can provide additional savings in manufacturing and/or maintenance cost.
• the bearing can be lubricated by a lubrication system of the transmission, providing less wear to the bearing.
• a third aspect of the present disclosure provide a powertrain comprising two powertrain modules which may be assembled, disassembled and/or fixed together in a mirror imaged orientation.
• Each powertrain module may comprise mating structures which may be received and/or engaged by the mating structures of the other powertrain module.
• the mating structures which may preferably be fitted together as a mirror inverted/imaged construction which enhances the modularity, simplicity and compactness of the powertrain.
• These mating structures may be provided on several components of the powertrain modules.
• Each powertrain module may preferably be identical which may result in a compact powertrain and reduce assembly-,
• two powertrain modules may, when assembled together, form a powertrain.
• a fourth aspect of the present disclosure provides a vehicle comprising a powertrain according to the first aspect and/or a transmission according to the second aspect.
• the vehicle may have similar advantages in terms of space saving and/or production/maintenance costs as mentioned above.
• FIG 1 shows a schematic side view and top view of an embodiment of a powertrain
• FIG 2 shows a schematic side view and top view of an embodiment of a vehicle with the powertrain of FIG 1;
• FIG 3 shows a schematic top view of parts forming an embodiment of the powertrain
• FIG 4A shows a schematic top view of an embodiment of a powertrain
• FIG 4B shows a schematic top view of another embodiment of a powertrain
• FIG 5 shows a schematic top view of another embodiment of a powertrain
• FIG 6 shows side view and top view of an embodiment of a powertrain according to the invention.
• the machine is a primary source of rotational energy e.g. in a vehicle or an apparatus otherwise.
• the machine typically comprises a machine shaft that is a mechanism receiving rotational motion from the machine and transferring such motion, e.g. to a transmission also referred to as the transmission.
• the transmission can be of modular design, e.g. comprising a transmission housing with torque transmitting elements therein.
• the housing of the transmission can be any suitable shape, e.g. not limited to a "box" shape. Modular design of the transmission or other parts of the powertrain may improve manufacturing cost and/or time.
• the transmission comprises torque transmitting elements capable of changing a speed ratio and/or rotational direction between a the machine shaft and a wheel bearing shaft.
• the torque transmitting elements typically comprises a mechanism including relatively rotatable bodies having engaging surfaces whereby a rotatable body will impart to or receive rotary motion or power from another rotary body by rolling contact.
• the term "torque transmitting elements” may include other transmission mechanisms for transmitting rotational motion such as belts and/or chains.
• the torque transmitting elements is arranged to reduce the angular velocity of the machine shaft to the wheel bearing shaft. As a result, a torque on the wheel bearing shaft can be increased compared to the machine shaft.
• the transmission may also comprise a clutch that can engage/disengage the torque transmitting elements and/or change a speed ratio/rotational direction between the input shaft and the output shaft or wheel bearing shaft.
• the output shaft refers to a mechanism that receives rotational motion from the torque transmitting elements and transfers such motion to a load.
• the load can be a mechanism, e.g. wheel bearing shaft, that receives rotational motion from the torque transmitting elements to do useful work, e.g. put a vehicle in motion.
• FIG 1 shows a schematic side view Vs and top view Vt of an embodiment of a powertrain K.
• FIG 2 shows a vehicle C comprising a powertrain K as described herein.
• the vehicle C comprises a transmission T as described herein.
• the powertrain K comprises two powertrain modules Y, Y', comprising a respective first rotating machine M and second rotating machine M' as well as a respective first transmission T and second transmission T'.
• Each rotating machine M, M' comprises or engages a respective machine shaft Si, Si'.
• the machine shafts Si, Si' are arranged to be rotationally driven by the respective rotating machine M, M' for providing a torque to the respective machine shaft Si, Si' around a respective first and second rotating axis A3, A3'.
• the transmissions T, T' each comprise torque transmitting elements, in this embodiment a gear transmission, which, in this case is formed by gears Gl,G2,G3,G4 or gears Gl',G2',G3',G4'.
• only a single set of gears Gl, G2 may be sufficient to provide for the transmission ratio and/or direction.
• the gear transmissions are arranged for transmitting torque of the respective machine shaft Si, Si' to a respective first and second output shaft S2,S2', wherein the gear transmissions may be housed in a transmission housing Z, Z'
• the first output shaft S2 has an output direction opposite to the output direction of the second output shaft S2', i.e. the output shaft S2 sticks out of the powertrain K at an opposite side with respect to the output shaft S2', as shown in the top view Vt.
• the output shafts extend outwardly with respect to the powertrain K, however in other embodiments the output shafts may extend inwardly with respect to the powertrain K.
• the first and second transmissions T, T' are in this
• the output shafts S2, S2' are thus arranged for driving a pair of opposite wheels of the vehicle C, e.g. a pair of front wheels Wlf and Wrf or a pair of rear wheels Wlb and Wrb.
• Fig. 2 also shows the vehicle with the wheels parallel, and thus with coinciding wheel axes Al, Al'.
• the coinciding wheel axes Al, A'l coincide with a central axis AO of the powertrain K.
• the powertrain K may have a different position inside the vehicle, for example more to the front of the vehicle or more to the rear, or the powertrain K may even be provided to drive the pair of rear wheels.
• first and second output shafts S2, S2' are arranged on a first and second output axis A2, A2'.
• first and second output axis A2, A2' coincide with the wheel axes Al, Al', and with the central axis AO of the powertrain, such that the first and second output shafts S2, S2' are aligned with respect to each other and extend in opposite direction with respect to each other.
• Each output shaft is arranged to being directed towards the wheel axis for driving the wheel to which the output shaft is, in use, being connected, using known shafts and joints.
• the first rotating machine M is arranged in front of the second rotating machine M', as seen from a side of the powertrain along a direction transverse to the output axes A2, A2'.
• the first rotating axis A3 is, in use, offset towards a front side Df of the vehicle C with respect to the wheel axis Al
• the second rotating axis A3' is, in use, offset towards a rear side Db of the vehicle C with respect to the wheel axis Al.
• the first rotating axis A3, second rotating axis A3' are parallel and offset with respect to the each other.
• the first rotating axis A3 and the second rotating axis A3' are mirror- symmetrically offset on opposite sides of the central axis AO.
• a plane can be imagined through the central axis AO wherein a placement of the first rotating axis A3 is mirrored in said plane by placement of the second rotating axis A3'.
• This arrangement can alternatively be described as having the first rotating axis A3 and the second rotating axis A3' at equal distances from the central axis AO, but on opposite sides of the central axis AO, e.g. one offset towards a front side of the vehicle and the other offset towards a rear side of the powertrain K.
• the first transmission T is interchangeable with the second transmission T'.
• the first rotating machine M is interchangeable with the second rotating machine M'.
• Interchangeable parts are parts that are, for practical purposes, identical. They are made to specifications that ensure that they are so nearly identical that they will fit into any assembly of the same type. One such part can freely replace another, without custom fitting or modification. This interchangeability allows easy assembly of new devices, and easier repair or replacement of existing devices, while minimizing both the time and skill required of the person doing the assembly or repair.
• the first rotating axis A3, the second rotating axis A3', and the output axes A2, A2' are arranged parallel and offset in a triangular fashion in a side view Vs of the powertrain K as viewed along any of the parallel axes A3, A3', or A2, A2'.
• the triangular configuration may result in a different triangle at either side of the powertrain K. While it is usually practical to have the machine axes A3,A3' offset towards a top side Dt of the vehicle, these can also be offset towards a bottom side, if there is enough clearance between the machines and the ground beneath the vehicle. In general, the
• the powertrain K can be tilted and/or rotated with respect to the vehicle C e.g. around the axis Al, provided there is enough clearance and space in the vehicle.
• the wheel axes Al, Al' of the pair of opposite wheels may be arranged lower with respect to the rotating axes A3, A3'.
• the arrangement may be different.
• the rotating machines typically may be electric machines.
• the rotating machines may be electric machines, or hydraulic machines or pneumatic machines, or any other type of rotating machine.
• a width B of the machines ⁇ , ⁇ ' installed in the vehicle C can be less than a sum of a width of the first machine M and a width of the second machine M', the widths measured along a direction of the first or second rotating axis A3, A3'.
• positions of the first and second rotating machines along the axial direction of central axis AO fully overlap, i.e. the first machine is positioned fully in front or behind the second machine as viewed in a direction transverse to the direction of the central axis AO.
• the gear transmission of the transmission T comprises a plurality of gears Gl,G2,G3,G4 arranged for transmitting a torque of a machine shaft Si from a first machine M to an output shaft around an output axis A2.
• Rotational motion is initiated by providing controlled power to the machine M driving a rotating machine shaft Si.
• the machine shaft Si is connected to and/or engages a first gear Gl.
• the first gear Gl in use thus rotates together with the machine shaft
• the first gear Gl engages a second gear G2, imparting rotational motion to the second gear G2. Because in the shown embodiment, a radius of the second gear G2 is larger than that of the first gear Gl, an angular velocity of the second gear G2 will be lower than that of the first gear Gl while at the same time a higher torque of driving force is provided to the second gear G2.
• the second gear G2 is connected via a shaft to a third gear G3, that thus in use rotates with the second gear G2.
• the third gear G3 engages a fourth gear G4 having a smaller radius than G3. In this way again a reduction of the angular velocity and an increase of the torque is provided to the fourth gear G4.
• the fourth gear G4 is connected to or engages an output shaft S2 arranged on the output axis A2.
• the output shaft S2 may comprise e.g. a wheel bearing shaft or engage said wheel bearing shaft. When installed in a vehicle, the output shaft may thus impart rotational motion and torque to a wheel of the said vehicle, to put the vehicle in motion. While the present embodiments show a gear transmission using a number of gears that reduce the angular velocity between the machine shaft and the output shaft, also other gear configurations are possible. Instead of or in addition to using gear wheels, also belts, chains, or other mechanisms for transferring rotational motion can be used.
• While the powertrain K of the embodiment of FIG 2 is placed in front of the vehicle C to drive a pair of front wheels Wrf, Wlf, alternatively or in addition a powertrain K can be installed in the rear of the vehicle to drive a pair of rear wheels Wrb, Wlb.
• FIG 3 shows a schematic top view Vt of parts forming an embodiment of a powertrain K comprising two powertrain modules ⁇ , ⁇ ', wherein each powertrain module ⁇ , ⁇ ' comprise at least one rotating machine ⁇ , ⁇ ' and at least one transmissions ⁇ , ⁇ '.
• the Fig. 3 shows a transmission T for use in a powertrain K as described herein.
• transmission T comprises a gear transmission Gl,G2,G3,G4 arranged for transmitting torque of a first machine shaft Si of a first rotating machine M to a first output shaft S2.
• the transmission T further comprises a
• the two powertrain modules ⁇ , ⁇ ' are identical which may be assembled in mirror inverted/imaged orientation in respect to the axis AO and wherein the rotating machine M of the first powertrain module Y may be received and/or engaged by the transmission housing of the second powertrain module Y' and vice versa.
• Mating structures are identical which may be assembled in mirror inverted/imaged orientation in respect to the axis AO and wherein the rotating machine M of the first powertrain module Y may be received and/or engaged by the transmission housing of the second powertrain module Y' and vice versa.
• N1,N2,N1',N2' may be provided for assembling and/or mounting and/or fixating the first and second powertrain module ⁇ , ⁇ '.
• the first and second mating structures N1,N2 of the first powertrain module Y may be
• One or more second mating structures N2,N2' may be arranged in, on or as part of the transmission housing ⁇ , ⁇ '. These mating structures may be embodied as, but not limited to, holes, pins, bolts, protrusions, cavities, rims, shoulders or flanges comprising optionally additional connection elements like screw thread or magnetic elements. Mating structures N2,N2' may preferably arranged to receive respectively the first mating structures ⁇ , ⁇ '.
• mating structure may be arranged on, in or as part of the rotating machines ⁇ , ⁇ ' of the first and second powertrain module ⁇ , ⁇ ', wherein the mating structures may be embodied as and not limited to pins holes, protrusions, cavities, rims or flanges, shoulders or any other connecting elements, comprising optionally additional connection elements like crew thread or magnetic elements.
• the first mating structures ⁇ , ⁇ ' may be embodied as a protrusion-, rim- or flange like protruding element Nib, Nlbl' on or as part of the rotating machines ⁇ , ⁇ ' which protrudes concentrically in axial direction of the machine shafts Si, Si', wherein each end of the rotating machines ⁇ , ⁇ ' comprise a rim Nla, Nla' on the outer periphery.
• the mating structure Nib, Nlbl' may comprise a cavity, ring shaped cavity, protrusions, holes or pins.
• the first mating structures ⁇ , ⁇ ' may be received and/or engaged by one or more second mating structures N2,N2', wherein the mating structures N2, N2' preferably comprise a concentric protruding rim or a concentrically ring shaped cavity. So, the first mating structures ⁇ , ⁇ ' comprise in principle elements of mirrored/negative configuration in respect of the second mating structures N2,N2'. Alternatively, the mating structures N2, N2' may comprise one or more holes, protrusions or pins which may be received and/or engaged by first mating structures ⁇ , ⁇ ' with mirrored/negative mating structure elements.
• first mating structures ⁇ , ⁇ ' of the first rotating and second rotating machines M, M' may be received and/or engaged by the second mating structures N2, N2' of the first and second transmission housings Z, Z' of respectively the first and second powertrain module ⁇ , ⁇ ' in a fashion that the powertrain modules ⁇ , ⁇ ' may be assembled and/or disassembled.
• the transmission T comprises an input side TA for engaging the respective machine shaft Si and an opposite output side TB for engaging the respective output shaft S2.
• the second transmission T" has the same configuration.
• the transmission is provided with an input TI in which the rotating machine shaft Si can be received, and an output TO in which the output shaft S2 can be received.
• the connection with the machine shaft Si and the output shaft S2 may be arranged in various ways.
• the respective transmission T in use, supports the first and second electric machines ⁇ , ⁇ ' at the input side TA.
• the respective transmission T supports the first and second electric machines ⁇ , ⁇ ' at the input side TA.
• the transmissions ⁇ , ⁇ ' shown in this embodiment comprises a third mating structure N3,N3' arranged for receiving and/or engaging a fourth mating structure N4,N4' of the first and second rotating machine ⁇ , ⁇ ' for carrying the machine.
• Third mating structures N3,N3' may be integrated in the transmission housings ⁇ , ⁇ '.
• the third and fourth mating structures ⁇ 3, ⁇ 3' N4,N4' may be used to provide reliable support for the machines and hold the machines in a reproducible position.
• the mating structures N3,N3' on the transmission T can e.g. comprise a flange arranged for engaging a protrusion as mating structures N4,N4' on the rotating machines ⁇ , ⁇ '.
• the third and fourth mating structures N3, N3', N4, N4' are configured to mount the rotating machine M, M' to the transmission housing Z, Z'.
• Various embodiments of mating structures are possible.
• the first and second transmissions ⁇ , ⁇ ' shown in the embodiment comprises the second mating structures N2,N2' arranged for receiving and/or engaging a first mating structures ⁇ , ⁇ ' of the first and second rotating machines ⁇ , ⁇ '.
• This second mating structure N2,N2' may be integrated or a separate element in or on the transmission housing Z.
• the first and second transmissions ⁇ , ⁇ ' of the embodiment thus comprises a support structure for receiving and/or engaging two machines ⁇ , ⁇ '.
• the first and second transmission ⁇ , ⁇ ' preferably is arranged to support the first and the second rotating machines M, M' at its input sides TA, TA'.
• the output shafts S2,S2' of the gear transmission may be arranged, extending outwardly with respect to the powertrain towards the wheel to which the output shaft in use is connected.
• the output shafts S2,S2' may be arranged at the input sides ⁇ , ⁇ ', extending inwardly with respect to the powertrain and directed towards the wheel to which it is, in use, connected.
• the machines ⁇ , ⁇ ' are sandwiched between two transmissions ⁇ , ⁇ ' and carried by the
• the transmission housing Z, Z' may be configured to house the transmission gears and to hold and align the machines M, M'.
• the second transmission T" on the other side of the machines ⁇ , ⁇ ' comprises similar mating structures, e.g. N2', as the first transmission T, arranged for receiving and/or engaging the machines ⁇ , ⁇ ' from the other side.
• the machines ⁇ , ⁇ ' are
• FIGs 4A and 4B show schematic top views Vt of embodiments of powertrains K.
• the gears Gl - G4 and Gl' - G4' are drawn more schematically.
• Also shown in these figures are some of the front bearings Bl, ⁇ , and rear bearings B2, B2' that support the machine shaft SI.
• a front bearing Bl of the machine shaft Si on a side where the machine shaft Si engages the gears Gl,G2,G3,G4, is arranged in the transmission T housing said gears, e.g. comprised inside the transmission housing Z.
• a front bearing Bl of a machine shaft Si is arranged in the first transmission T and a rear bearing B2 of said machine shaft Si is arranged in the second transmission T". This can further improve the integrated design and save costs.
• a front bearing Bl and/or a rear bearing B2 of the machine shaft Si is lubricated by a lubrication circuit (not shown) of a transmission T and/or T' housing said bearing.
• a lubrication circuit (not shown) of a transmission T and/or T' housing said bearing.
• the lubrication circuit is shared by the front and/or rear bearing B1,B2 and the gear transmission Gl,G2,G3,G4 of the transmission T. Sharing the lubrication circuit, can provide a more compact design and/or save costs of separate lubrication.
• a housing H of a machine M comprises an open end cap Ml passing the shaft Si, wherein a transmission T adjoining the machine M is arranged to close the end cap Ml with a housing plate Tl of the adjoining transmission housing Z.
• the machine M comprises an open end cap M2 also on the other side of the machine M passing the shaft Si, wherein the second transmission T" adjoining the machine M on that side is arranged to close the other end cap M2 with a housing plate T2 of the adjoining second transmission housing Z'.
• FIG 4B embodiment of FIG 4B can be seen that the rotating shaft Slfrom the first motor M is extended to the second transmission T' such that the rear bearing B2 of the rotating shaft Si can be housed in the second
• FIG 5 shows a partial cut-out three-dimensional schematic top view Vt of another embodiment of a powertrain K.
• the powertrain K is an electric powertrain comprising two electric machines M, M'. Some parts of the electric powertrain K as previously discussed are schematically drawn in the powertrain K.
• the machine shaft Si is supported by a front bearing Bl and a rear bearing B2.
• the front bearing Bl is located in the transmission T and may be supported by the transmission housing Z.
• the machine shaft Si is kinematically connected via a gear transmission T to the output shaft S2 and may be supported by the transmission housing Z.
• connections F that can be used for supplying a cooling fluid to the machine M.
• an electric connection E arranged to provide electrical power and/or control signals to the respective electric machines M, M'.
• Electrical power can e.g. be supplied to the machine from a battery (not shown).
• the transmission housing Z, Z' is manufactured from a plurality of moulded pieces. This can improve manufacturability. For example gears, bearings, and/or lubrication circuitry can be built into a first moulded piece of the housing and then closed off by a further moulded piece of the housing.
• FIG 6 shows a further embodiment of the powertrain K according to the invention.
• the embodiment mainly corresponds with the embodiment shown in FIG 1 apart from the position of the output shafts S2, S2'.
• the output shafts S2, S2' are arranged on the output axis A2, A2' respectively.
• the output axes A2, A2' are parallel to and offset with respect to the central axis AO.
• the output shafts S2, S2' are directed towards the wheel axes Al, ⁇ of the pair of opposite wheels and are arranged to couple to the wheel to which they are, in use, connected, by means of known shafts and/or joints e.g. a homo-kinetic joint.
• the output shaft S2, S2' is therefore provided with at least one homo-kinetic joint.
• the output shafts S2, S2' extend inwardly with respect to the powertrain K, typically extending underneath, or at a lower end of, the powertrain K towards the wheel to which they are, in use, connected.
• the present disclosure relates to a powertrain (K) for driving a vehicle (C).
• the powertrain (K) comprises two rotating machines ( ⁇ , ⁇ ') and two transmissions ( ⁇ , ⁇ ').
• the transmissions ( ⁇ , ⁇ ') are arranged to align their respective output shafts (S2,S2') towards a wheel axes (Al, Al') for driving a pair of opposite wheels of the vehicle (C), wherein the transmission may comprise transmission housings ( ⁇ , ⁇ ') to align and hold the machines ⁇ , ⁇ ' and to form a barrier to e.g. dirt from the environment.
• the first rotating axis (A3), the second rotating axis (A3) and a central axis (AO) of the powertrain K are parallel and offset with respect to the each other and the first rotating axis (A3) and the second rotating axis (A3') are mirror- symmetrically offset on opposite sides of the central axis (AO). In this way a compact and versatile design is achieved.
• the above described example embodiments show a gear transmission comprising gears as torque transmitting elements.
• the torque transmitting elements may be a chain drive or a belt drive or other torque transmitting elements or a combination thereof.

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Citations (7)

• 2016
  • 2016-06-08 BE BE2016/5428A patent/BE1024269B1/nl not_active IP Right Cessation
• 2017
  • 2017-06-06 WO PCT/EP2017/063667 patent/WO2017211793A1/en active Application Filing
  • 2017-06-06 CN CN201790001156.9U patent/CN212242935U/zh active Active
  • 2017-06-06 DE DE212017000137.2U patent/DE212017000137U1/de not_active Expired - Lifetime

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