ELECTRIC VEHICLE PROPULSION SYSTEM

Abstract

A propulsion system for an electric vehicle includes a first electric propulsion motor including a stator and a rotor that has a first and second output shafts that are axially opposed and define first and second torque outputs of the first electric motor. The system also includes a second electric propulsion motor including a stator and a rotor having a second output shaft with a torque output. Further, the system includes a first reduction gearbox to receive the torque supplied on the first torque output of the first electric motor where appropriate via a first selective or non-selective coupling system, a second reduction gearbox to receive the torque supplied by the second electric motor where appropriate via a second selective or non-selective coupling system, and a third coupling system for coupling the second torque output of the first electric motor to the torque output of the second electric motor.

Claims

1-14. (canceled)

15. A propulsion system for an electric vehicle, comprising: a first electric propulsion motor comprising a stator and a rotor configured to rotate about an axis, the rotor including a first output shaft defining a first torque output of the first electric motor on one side of the stator and a second torque output of the first electric motor which output is arranged on another side of the stator, the first and the second torque outputs being axially opposed; a second electric propulsion motor comprising a stator and a rotor configured to rotate about an axis, the rotor of the second electric propulsion motor including a second output shaft with at least one torque output; a first reduction gearbox configured to receive the torque supplied on the first torque output of the first electric motor, where appropriate via a first selective or non-selective coupling system, the first reduction gearbox including a first reduction ratio; a second reduction gearbox configured to receive the torque supplied by the second electric motor, where appropriate via a second selective or non-selective coupling system, the second reduction gearbox including a second reduction ratio; and a third coupling system, which may or may not be selective, configured to couple the second torque output of the first electric motor to the torque output of the second electric motor.

16. The propulsion system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the first reduction gearbox is connected to the first torque output of the first electric motor via a first selective or non-selective coupling system, or the propulsion system comprises a first selective or non-selective coupling system connected to the first torque output via the first reduction gearbox.

17. The propulsion system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the second output shaft includes a first torque output on one side of the stator and a second torque output on another side of the stator, the first and second torque outputs of the second output shaft being axially opposed.

18. The propulsion system as claimed in claim 17, wherein the second reduction gearbox is connected to the first torque output of the second electric motor, and the second torque output of the second electric motor is coupled via the third coupling system to the second torque output of the first electric motor.

19. The propulsion system as claimed in claim 18, wherein the second reduction gearbox is connected to the first torque output of the second electric motor via a second coupling system, or the propulsion system comprises a second coupling system connected to the first torque output of the second electric motor via the second reduction gearbox.

20. The propulsion system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the torque output of the second output shaft is on just one side of the stator and the torque output of the second output shaft is connected to the second reduction gearbox and is coupled to the second torque output of the first electric motor via the third coupling system.

21. The propulsion system as claimed in claim 20, wherein the torque output of the second output shaft is connected to the second reduction gearbox via a second selective or non-selective coupling system, or the system comprises a second selective or non-selective coupling system connected to the torque output of the second output shaft via the second reduction gearbox.

22. The system as claimed in claim 15, wherein each coupling system employs a clutch.

23. The system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the first reduction gearbox is connected to the first torque output of the first electric motor via a first selective or non-selective coupling system, or the propulsion system comprises a first selective or non-selective coupling system connected to the first torque output via the first reduction gearbox, wherein the second output shaft includes a first torque output on one side of the stator and a second torque output on another side of the stator, the first and second torque outputs of the second output shaft being axially opposed, wherein the second reduction gearbox is connected to the first torque output of the second electric motor, and the second torque output of the second electric motor is coupled via the third coupling system to the second torque output of the first electric motor, wherein the second reduction gearbox is connected to the first torque output of the second electric motor via a second coupling system, or the propulsion system comprises a second coupling system connected to the first torque output of the second electric motor via the second reduction gearbox, wherein the first coupling system and the second coupling system employ a clutch, and wherein the third coupling system employs a dog clutch or is non-selective.

24. The system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the first reduction gearbox is connected to the first torque output of the first electric motor via a first selective or non-selective coupling system, or the propulsion system comprises a first selective or non-selective coupling system connected to the first torque output via the first reduction gearbox, wherein the torque output of the second output shaft is on just one side of the stator and the torque output of the second output shaft is connected to the second reduction gearbox and is coupled to the second torque output of the first electric motor via the third coupling system, wherein the torque output of the second output shaft is connected to the second reduction gearbox via a second selective or non-selective coupling system, or the system comprises a second selective or non-selective coupling system connected to the torque output of the second output shaft via the second reduction gearbox, wherein the first coupling system and the second coupling system employ a clutch, and wherein the third coupling system employs a dog clutch or is non-selective.

25. The system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the first reduction gearbox is connected to the first torque output of the first electric motor via a first selective or non-selective coupling system, or the propulsion system comprises a first selective or non-selective coupling system connected to the first torque output via the first reduction gearbox, wherein the second output shaft includes a first torque output on one side of the stator and a second torque output on another side of the stator, the first and second torque outputs of the second output shaft being axially opposed, wherein the second reduction gearbox is connected to the first torque output of the second electric motor, and the second torque output of the second electric motor is coupled via the third coupling system to the second torque output of the first electric motor, wherein the second reduction gearbox is connected to the first torque output of the second electric motor via a second coupling system, or the propulsion system comprises a second coupling system connected to the first torque output of the second electric motor via the second reduction gearbox, wherein the first coupling system and the second coupling system employ a clutch, and wherein the third coupling system employs a dog clutch or is non-selective.

26. The system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the first reduction gearbox is connected to the first torque output of the first electric motor via a first selective or non-selective coupling system, or the propulsion system comprises a first selective or non-selective coupling system connected to the first torque output via the first reduction gearbox, wherein the torque output of the second output shaft is on just one side of the stator and the torque output of the second output shaft is connected to the second reduction gearbox and is coupled to the second torque output of the first electric motor via the third coupling system, wherein the torque output of the second output shaft is connected to the second reduction gearbox via a second selective or non-selective coupling system, or the system comprises a second selective or non-selective coupling system connected to the torque output of the second output shaft via the second reduction gearbox, wherein the first coupling system and the second coupling system employ a clutch, and wherein the third coupling system employs a dog clutch or is non-selective.

27. The system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the axis of rotation of the first output shaft is coincident with the axis of rotation of the second output shaft.

28. The system as claimed in claim 15, further comprising a differential arranged in such a way as to receive at least one of: the torque passing via the first reduction gearbox, and the torque passing via the second reduction gearbox.

29. The system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the first reduction gearbox is connected to the first torque output of the first electric motor via a first selective or non-selective coupling system, or the propulsion system comprises a first selective or non-selective coupling system connected to the first torque output via the first reduction gearbox, wherein the second output shaft includes a first torque output on one side of the stator and a second torque output on another side of the stator, the first and second torque outputs of the second output shaft being axially opposed, wherein the second reduction gearbox is connected to the first torque output of the second electric motor, and the second torque output of the second electric motor is coupled via the third coupling system to the second torque output of the first electric motor, wherein the second reduction gearbox is connected to the first torque output of the second electric motor via a second coupling system, or the propulsion system comprises a second coupling system connected to the first torque output of the second electric motor via the second reduction gearbox, wherein the system further comprises a differential arranged in such a way as to receive at least one of: the torque passing via the first reduction gearbox, and the torque passing via the second reduction gearbox, and wherein the system further comprises a control member configured to control the first, second, and third coupling systems so that the propulsion system can adopt all or some of the following configurations: a configuration whereby the differential receives the torque passing via the first reduction gearbox, the torque passing via the first reduction gearbox being generated by the first electric motor, a configuration whereby the differential receives the torque passing via the second reduction gearbox, the torque passing via the second reduction gearbox being generated by the second electric motor, a configuration whereby the differential receives the torque passing via the first reduction gearbox, the torque passing via the first reduction gearbox being generated by the first electric motor, and also the torque passing via the second reduction gearbox, the torque passing via the second reduction gearbox being generated by the second electric motor, a configuration whereby the differential receives the torque passing via the first reduction gearbox, the torque passing via the first reduction gearbox being generated by the first electric motor, and by the second electric motor or, where appropriate, only by the second electric motor, and a configuration whereby the differential receives the torque passing via the second reduction gearbox, the torque passing via the second reduction gearbox being generated by the first electric motor, and by the second electric motor or, where appropriate, only by the first electric motor, and a parking-brake configuration in which the three coupling systems are in the coupled configuration.

30. The system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the first reduction gearbox is connected to the first torque output of the first electric motor via a first selective or non-selective coupling system, or the propulsion system comprises a first selective or non-selective coupling system connected to the first torque output via the first reduction gearbox, wherein the torque output of the second output shaft is on just one side of the stator and the torque output of the second output shaft is connected to the second reduction gearbox and is coupled to the second torque output of the first electric motor via the third coupling system, wherein the torque output of the second output shaft is connected to the second reduction gearbox via a second selective or non-selective coupling system, or the system comprises a second selective or non-selective coupling system connected to the torque output of the second output shaft via the second reduction gearbox, wherein the system further comprises a differential arranged in such a way as to receive at least one of: the torque passing via the first reduction gearbox, and the torque passing via the second reduction gearbox, and wherein the system further comprises a control member configured to control the first, second, and third coupling systems so that the propulsion system can adopt all or some of the following configurations: a configuration whereby the differential receives the torque passing via the first reduction gearbox, the torque passing via the first reduction gearbox being generated by the first electric motor, a configuration whereby the differential receives the torque passing via the second reduction gearbox, the torque passing via the second reduction gearbox being generated by the second electric motor, a configuration whereby the differential receives the torque passing via the first reduction gearbox, the torque passing via the first reduction gearbox being generated by the first electric motor, and also the torque passing via the second reduction gearbox, the torque passing via the second reduction gearbox being generated by the second electric motor, a configuration whereby the differential receives the torque passing via the first reduction gearbox, the torque passing via the first reduction gearbox being generated by the first electric motor, and by the second electric motor or, where appropriate, only by the second electric motor, and a configuration whereby the differential receives the torque passing via the second reduction gearbox, the torque passing via the second reduction gearbox being generated by the first electric motor, and by the second electric motor or, where appropriate, only by the first electric motor, and a parking-brake configuration in which the three coupling systems are in the coupled configuration.

31. The system as claimed in claim 15, wherein several first reduction gearboxes with first reduction gear ratios that differ from one first reduction gearbox to the other are arranged in parallel and/or several second reduction gearboxes with second reduction gear ratios that differ from one second reduction gearbox to the other are arranged in parallel.

32. The system as claimed in claim 15, wherein two first reduction gearboxes with first reduction gear ratios that differ from one another are arranged in parallel and/or two second reduction gearboxes with second reduction gear ratios that differ from one another are arranged in parallel.

Description

[0062] The invention may be better understood on reading the following description of nonlimiting exemplary embodiments thereof and on studying the appended drawing, in which:

[0063] FIG. 1 schematically depicts a propulsion system according to a first embodiment of the invention,

[0064] FIGS. 2 to 4 depict variants of the propulsion system of FIG. 1,

[0065] FIG. 5 schematically depicts a propulsion system according to a second embodiment of the invention,

[0066] FIGS. 6 to 9 schematically depict propulsion systems not covered by claim 1 but which are beneficial to an understanding of the invention,

[0067] FIG. 10 depicts a clutch that can be used to create a first or second coupling system, and

[0068] FIG. 11 depicts a dog clutch that can be used to create a first or second or third coupling system.

[0069] FIG. 1 depicts a vehicle propulsion system 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0070] This propulsion system 1 is, in this instance, purely electrical, which means to say that it does not employ any combustion engine to drive the vehicle which in this instance is an automobile. This propulsion system 1 here comprises a first electric motor 10 and a second electric motor 11.

[0071] The first electric motor 10 and the second electric motor 11 are, for example, permanent-magnet synchronous machines. The first electric motor 10 for example has a nominal torque of 50 Nm, while the second electric motor 11 for example has a nominal torque of 70 Nm. As can be seen in FIG. 1, each electric motor 10, 11 has, in the example described, a rotor having an output shaft rotating about an axis of rotation and extending axially on each side of the stator of the corresponding electric motor. In the example described, the axes of rotation of the first electric motor and of the second electric motor are coincident, the two electric motors 10 and 11 being aligned along this axis X.

[0072] The first electric motor 1 thus comprises a first torque output S1 arranged axially on one side of this motor and a second torque output S2 arranged axially on another side of this motor.

[0073] The second electric motor 2 comprises a first torque output S1′ arranged axially on one side of this motor and a second torque output S2′ arranged axially on another side of this motor.

[0074] It may be seen in FIG. 1 that the second output S2 of the first electric motor 10 faces toward the second electric motor 11 and that the second output S2′ of the second electric motor 11 faces toward the first electric motor 10.

[0075] The first output S1 of the first electric motor is, according to this first embodiment, connected to a first coupling system 20 which in this instance is a selective-coupling system. This coupling system 20 is depicted in the form of a clutch in FIGS. 1 to 5, but could be produced in some other way, for example using a dog clutch.

[0076] This first coupling system 20 allows the first output S1 of the first electric motor 10 to be coupled to a first reduction gearbox 21 which, for example, has a reduction ratio of the order of 12.

[0077] The first output S1′ of the second electric motor is, according to this first embodiment, connected to a second coupling system 22 which in this instance is a selective-coupling system. Similarly to that which was mentioned in respect of the first coupling system 20, this system is depicted in the form of a clutch in FIGS. 1 to 5, but could be produced in some other way, for example using a dog clutch.

[0078] FIG. 10 depicts an example of a clutch suitable for embodying the first coupling system 20 or for embodying the second coupling system 22. This clutch in this instance is a plate clutch, these plates 26 becoming coupled in order to transmit torque, under the action of a mobile piston.

[0079] In a variant, each coupling system 20, 22 could employ a dog clutch, as depicted in FIG. 11. Such a coupling system allows two components to be coupled using dogs 27.

[0080] The second coupling system 22 allows the first output S1′ of the second electric motor 11 to be coupled to a second reduction gearbox 23 which, for example, has a reduction ratio of the order of 8.

[0081] The invention is not restricted to the positioning of the first or, respectively, second, coupling system 20 or, respectively, 22, upstream of the first reduction gearbox 21 or, respectively, second reduction gearbox 23, in the path of the torque generated by the corresponding motor 10 or, respectively, 11. The first or, respectively, second, coupling system 20 or, respectively, 22, may, as a variant, be positioned downstream of the first reduction gearbox 21 or, respectively, second reduction gearbox 23, in the path of the torque generated by the corresponding motor 10 or, respectively, 11. Such another propulsion system with the reverse positioning of the reduction gearbox in comparison with the coupling system is visible for example in FIG. 2.

[0082] The propulsion system 1 further comprises a differential 30. In the examples considered, one or more gear wheels 32 are interposed between the first reduction gearbox(es) 21 and the differential 30 and between the second reduction gearbox(es) 23 and the differential 30. However, in variants, it is possible for no gear wheel to be provided.

[0083] In the example of FIGS. 1 and 2, the propulsion system 1 comprises just one single first reduction gearbox 21 and just one single second reduction gearbox 22, but the invention is not restricted to that scenario.

[0084] Thus, as depicted in FIG. 4, several first reduction gearboxes 21 may be arranged in parallel between the first torque output S1 of the first electric motor and the differential 30, and several second reduction gearboxes 23 may be arranged in parallel between the first torque output S1′ of the second electric motor 11 and the differential 30.

[0085] As may be seen in FIG. 4, two first reduction gearboxes 21 are in parallel here, and two second reduction gearboxes 23 are in parallel. The two first reduction gearboxes 21 here have a first reduction ratio that differs from one to the other, just like the two second reduction gearboxes 23. Where appropriate, a selection member 33 for selecting one of the first reduction gearboxes 21 and a selection member 34 for selecting one of the second reduction gearboxes 23 may be provided. Each of these selection members 33, 34 is in this instance a dog clutch.

[0086] It is also possible for the selection members 33 and 34 to be present in instances in which the proportion system comprises a single first reduction gearbox 21 and a single second reduction gearbox 22, as can be seen in FIG. 3. This selection member 33, 34 therefore allows the corresponding reduction gearbox 21, 23 to be disconnected.

[0087] The differential 30 is arranged in such a way as to receive: [0088] the torque available on the first output S1 of the first electric motor 10, after passing via the first coupling system 20 and the first reduction gearbox 21 in the example described, and/or [0089] the torque available on the first output S1′ of the second electric motor 11, after passing via the second coupling system 22 and the second reduction gearbox 23 in the example described.

[0090] The differential 30 allows the torque to be transmitted to the wheels 31.

[0091] As can be seen in FIGS. 1 to 4, the second output S2 of the first electric motor 10 is coupled to the second output S2′ of the second electric motor 11. This coupling is done via a third coupling system 35.

[0092] In FIGS. 1 and 2, this third coupling system 35 employs a clutch, for example similar to that of FIG. 10.

[0093] In FIGS. 3 and 4, this third coupling system 35 is not selective, being for example a belt or a direct connection of one output shaft to the other.

[0094] In FIG. 5, this third coupling system 35 employs a dog clutch, for example as depicted in FIG. 11.

[0095] Other examples for producing a selective or non-selective third coupling system are possible.

[0096] The third coupling system 35 is for example adapted from that depicted in FIG. 6. This FIG. 6 depicts a propulsion system 1 which comprises the same elements as the propulsion system of FIGS. 1 to 4, but arranged differently because each electric motor 10 or 11 comprises just one single torque output. Such a third coupling system 35 adapted from FIG. 6 to suit the examples of FIGS. 1 to 4 would be an assembly formed by: a pinion gear 40 which, by analogy with FIG. 6, would be secured to rotate as one with the second torque output S2 of the first electric motor 10, and meshing with a first pinion gear 41 secured to rotate as one with an intermediate shaft 42, a pinion gear 43 secured to rotate as one with the second torque output S2′ of the second electric motor 11 and meshing with an idling second pinion gear 44 mounted to rotate freely on the intermediate shaft 42, and a dog clutch 45 forming a coupling member for the selective coupling of the first pinion gear 41 and of the second pinion gear 44.

[0097] The third coupling system 35 may also be adapted from that depicted in FIG. 7. This FIG. 7 depicts a propulsion system 1 which comprises the same elements as the propulsion system of FIG. 1, but arranged differently because each electric motor 10 or 11 comprises just one single torque output. Such a coupling system 35, adapted from FIG. 7, would be an assembly formed by a pinion gear 45 secured to rotate as one with the second torque output S2 of the first electric motor 10, an idling pinion gear 47 mounted to rotate freely on the second torque output S2′ of the second electric motor 11, a first pinion gear 48 secured to rotate as one with an intermediate shaft 49 and meshing with the pinion gear 45, a second pinion gear 50 secured to rotate as one with the intermediate shaft 49 and meshing with the pinion gear 47, and a dog clutch 46 allowing the pinion gear 47 to be selectively coupled to the torque output S2′ on which it is mounted. In a variant, the pinion gears 48, 50 and the intermediate shaft 49 may be omitted, the idling pinion gear 47 meshing directly with the pinion gear 45. It may be noted from FIG. 7 that the first coupling system 20 and the second coupling system 22 here are replaced by the selection members 33 and 34.

[0098] The third coupling system 35 may also be adapted from that depicted in FIG. 8. This FIG. 8 depicts a propulsion system 1 which comprises the same elements as the propulsion system of FIG. 1, but arranged differently because each electric motor 10 or 11 comprises just one single torque output. Such a coupling system 35, adapted from FIG. 8, would be an assembly formed by a sprocket gear 52 secured to rotate as one with the second torque output S2 of the first electric motor 10, an idling sprocket gear 54 mounted to rotate freely on the second torque output S2′ of the second electric motor 11, and a chain 55 meshing with each sprocket gear 52 and 54. A dog clutch 56 is provided for selectively coupling the sprocket gear 54 to the torque output S2′ on which it is mounted.

[0099] The third coupling system 35 may also be adapted from that depicted in FIG. 9. This FIG. 9 depicts a propulsion system 1 which comprises the same elements as the propulsion system of FIG. 1, but arranged differently because each electric motor 10 or 11 comprises just one single torque output. Such a coupling system 35, adapted from FIG. 9, is an assembly formed by a sprocket gear 52 secured to rotate as one with the second torque output S2 of the first electric motor 10, a sprocket gear 53 secured to rotate as one with the second torque output S2′ of the second electric motor 11, and a chain 55 meshing with each sprocket gear 52 and 53. No selective-coupling means is provided here, the third coupling system 35 not being selective in this instance.

[0100] In yet another variant, the first coupling system 20 and the second coupling system 22 employ dog clutches, and the third coupling system 35 employs a clutch.

[0101] Throughout the foregoing, the propulsion system may further comprise a control member 50 for controlling the first 20, second 22 and third 35 coupling systems. When several first reduction gearboxes 21 and/or several second reduction gearboxes 23 are present, the control member 50 may also make it possible to select one of the reduction gearboxes, where appropriate via a module specific to these first reduction gearboxes or to these second reduction gearboxes, this specific module operating a selection member 33 or 34 as mentioned hereinabove. As already mentioned, these selection members may be present with a single first reduction gearbox and a single second reduction gearbox, in which case they can be controlled by the control member 50, without there necessarily having to be a first coupling system 20 and a second coupling system 22.

[0102] The control member 50 is programmed so that the propulsion system of FIG. 1 can adopt the following configurations: [0103] a configuration (i) whereby the differential 30 receives the torque passing via the first reduction gearbox 21, this torque being generated by the first electric motor 10, [0104] a configuration (ii) whereby the differential 30 receives the torque passing via the second reduction gearbox 23, this torque being generated by the second electric motor 11, [0105] a configuration (iii) whereby the differential 30 receives the torque passing via the first reduction gearbox 21, this torque being generated by the first electric motor 10, and also the torque passing via the second reduction gearbox 23, this torque being generated by the second electric motor 11, [0106] a configuration (iv) whereby the differential 30 receives the torque passing via the first reduction gearbox 21, this torque being generated by the first electric motor 10, and by the second electric motor 11 or, where appropriate, only by the second electric motor 11 when the first electric motor 10 is switched off, and [0107] a configuration (v) whereby the differential receives the torque passing via the second reduction gearbox 23, this torque being generated by the first electric motor 10, and by the second electric motor 11 or, where appropriate, only by the first electric motor 10 when the second electric motor 11 is switched off, and [0108] a configuration (vi) whereby each coupling system 20, 22 and 35 is in a coupled position.

[0109] The commands used by the control member 50 to control the coupling systems in order to obtain the configurations (i) to (vi) above are given in the table below.

TABLE-US-00001 First coupling system Second coupling Third coupling Configuration (20) system (22) system (35) (i) Couple Uncouple Uncouple (ii) Uncouple Couple Uncouple (iii) Couple Couple Uncouple (iv) Couple Uncouple Couple (v) Uncouple Couple Couple (vi) Couple Couple Couple

[0110] Configuration (i) is for example suited to low vehicle speeds with low torque demands.

[0111] Configuration (ii) is for example suited to high vehicle speeds with low torque demands.

[0112] Configuration (iii) is for example suited to transient speeds, for example when making the transition from one reduction ratio to another.

[0113] Configuration (iv) is for example suited to low vehicle speeds with high torque demands.

[0114] Configuration (v) is for example suited to high vehicle speeds with high torque demands.

[0115] Configuration (vi) is for example suited to operation as a parking brake.

[0116] A propulsion system according to a second embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to FIG. 5.

[0117] This second embodiment differs from that described with reference to FIG. 1 in that the second electric motor 11 comprises just one single torque output S1′. This torque output S1′ is, on the one hand, coupled selectively or otherwise via the second coupling system 22 to the second reduction gearbox 23 and, on the other hand, coupled selectively or otherwise via the third coupling system 35 to the first electric motor 10.

[0118] It may be seen in FIG. 5 that the first and the second coupling system may be concentric, the first coupling system 20 here being arranged around the second coupling system 22.

[0119] Each coupling system may be produced in accordance with that which has been described hereinabove. One of the three coupling systems 35 adapted from FIGS. 6 to 9 and described hereinabove can be used in the context of FIG. 5. It then differs from that described with reference to FIG. 1 in that the pinion gear 43, 47 or sprocket gear 53 or 54 is borne by the torque output S1′ of the second electric motor 11.

[0120] The invention is not limited to the examples that have been described above.