COUPLING DEVICE, AND POWER OUTPUT APPARATUS AND HYBRID VEHICLE INCLUDING COUPLING DEVICE

• US 20100018789A1
• Filed: 11/15/2007
• Published: 01/28/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 11/22/2006
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha (Toyota Motor Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha (Toyota Motor Corporation)
• Inventors: Ideshio, Yukihiko, Oba, Hidehiro
• Application Number:
  US12/515,865
• Publication Number:
  US 20100018789A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 180/65.235
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 6/365 with the gears having orbital motion
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 6/387 Actuated clutches, i.e. clutches engaged or disengaged by electric, hydraulic or mechanical actuating means
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 6/445 Differential gearing distribution type
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 15/20 for control of the vehicle or its driving motor to achieve a desired performance, e.g. speed, torque, programmed variation of speed
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 15/2054 by controlling transmissions or clutches
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2240/421 Speed
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2240/423 Torque
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2240/441 Speed
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2240/443 Torque
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2250/24 by lever actuation
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2250/26 by pedal actuation
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2260/26 Transition between different drive modes
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2270/145 Structure borne vibrations
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 50/16 with provision for separate direct mechanical propulsion
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 50/61 by batteries charged by engine-driven generators, e.g. series hybrid electric vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: F16D 27/118 with interengaging jaws or gear teeth
• CPC Class Codes: F16D 27/12 Clutch systems with a plurality of electro-magnetically-actuated clutches F16D27/004 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F16H 2037/0873 with switching, e.g. to change ranges
• CPC Class Codes: F16H 2200/2007 with two sets of orbital gears
• CPC Class Codes: F16H 2200/201 with three sets of orbital gears
• CPC Class Codes: F16H 2200/2038 : with three engaging means
• CPC Class Codes: F16H 2200/2041 : with four engaging means
• CPC Class Codes: F16H 2200/2064 : using at least one positive clutch, e.g. dog clutch
• CPC Class Codes: F16H 2200/2097 : comprising an orbital gear set member permanently connected to the housing, e.g. a sun wheel permanently connected to the housing
• CPC Class Codes: F16H 3/728 : with means to change ratio in the mechanical gearing
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/62 : Hybrid vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/64 : Electric machine technologies in electromobility
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/70 : Energy storage systems for electromobility, e.g. batteries
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/7072 : Electromobility specific charging systems or methods for batteries, ultracapacitors, supercapacitors or double-layer capacitors
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/72 : Electric energy management in electromobility

Abstract

A clutch included in a transmission includes a first engaging portion provided in a first motor shaft, a second engaging portion provided in a carrier shaft spaced apart from the first engaging portion in an axial direction, a third engaging portion provided in sun gear shaft so as to surround the first and second engaging portions, a first movable engaging member that can engage with both the first and third engaging portions and is movable in an axial direction, a second movable engaging member that can engage with both the second and third engaging portions and is movable in an axial direction and first and second actuators that move the movable engaging members in an axial direction.

Claims

1. A coupling device that can selectively couple a hollow first rotational element and a second rotational element coaxially arranged with said first rotational element to a third rotational element arranged coaxially with said first and second rotational elements, said coupling device comprising:

a first engaging portion provided in an end portion of said first rotational element;

a second engaging portion provided in an end portion of said second rotational element which projects from said end portion of said first rotational element so as to be spaced apart from said first engaging portion in an axial direction of said first, second and third rotational elements;

a third engaging portion provided in said third rotational element so as to surround at least an outer periphery of said second engaging portion;

a first movable engaging element that can engage with both of said first engaging portion and said third engaging portion, said first movable engaging element being disposed movably in said axial direction;

a first drive unit that moves said first movable engaging element in said axial direction;

a second movable engaging element that can engage with both of said second engaging portion and said third engaging portion, said second movable engaging element being disposed movably in said axial direction; and

a second drive unit that moves said second movable engaging element in said axial direction.

2. A coupling device according to claim 1, wherein said third engaging portion includes a cylindrical portion surrounding outer peripheries of both said first and second engaging portions, wherein said first movable engaging element is an annular member supported by an inner peripheral portion of said cylindrical portion slidably in said axial direction and is coupled with said first drive unit via a first coupling member which is inserted into a first hole formed in said cylindrical portion, wherein said first engaging portion can engage with an inner peripheral portion of said first movable engaging element, wherein said second movable engaging element is an annular member supported by an inner peripheral portion of said cylindrical portion slidably in said axial direction and is coupled with said second drive unit via a second coupling member which is inserted into a second hole formed in said cylindrical portion, and wherein said second engaging portion can engage with an inner peripheral portion of said second movable engaging element.

3. A coupling device according to claim 2, wherein said first and second engaging portions are flange portions including an outer peripheral portion that extends radially from said first or second rotational element and can engage with an inner peripheral portion of said first or second movable engaging element.

4. A coupling device according to claim 1, wherein said third engaging portion includes a cylindrical portion that surrounds an outer periphery of said second engaging portion, wherein said second movable engaging element corresponding to said second engaging portion is an annular member supported by an inner peripheral portion of said cylindrical portion slidably in said axial direction and is coupled with said second drive unit via a coupling member which is inserted in a hole formed in said cylindrical portion, wherein said second engaging portion can engage with an inner peripheral portion of said second movable engaging element corresponding thereto, and wherein said first movable engaging element corresponding to said first engaging portion can engage with a free end portion of said cylindrical portion.

5. A coupling device according to claim 4, wherein said first engaging portion is formed in an outer periphery at an end of said first rotational element.

7. A coupling device according to claim 1, further comprising:

a first annular member secured to one of said first movable engaging element and said first drive unit;

a first support member that is secured to the other of said first movable engaging element and said first drive unit and can rotatably support said first annular member;

a second annular member secured to one of said second movable engaging element and said second drive unit; and

a second support member that is secured to the other of said second movable engaging element and said second drive unit and can rotatably support said second annular member.

6. (canceled)

8. A power output apparatus that outputs power to a drive shaft, said power output apparatus comprising:

an internal combustion engine;

a first electric motor that can input/output power;

a second electric motor that can input/output power;

a power distribution and integration mechanism that includes a first element connected to a rotation shaft of said first electric motor, a second element connected to a rotation shaft of said second electric motor and a third element connected to an engine shaft of said internal combustion engine, said power distribution and integration mechanism being configured to allow the three elements to mutually perform differential rotation; and

a coupling device including a hollow first rotational element connected to one of said first and second elements of said power distribution and integration mechanism;

a second rotational element coaxially arranged within said first rotational element and connected to the other of said first and second elements of said power distribution and integration mechanism;

a third rotational element arranged coaxially with said first and second rotational elements and connected to said drive shaft;

a first engaging portion provided in an end portion of said first rotational element;

a second engaging portion provided in an end portion of said second rotational element which projects from said end portion of said first rotational element so as to be spaced apart from said first engaging portion in an axial direction of said first, second and third rotational elements;

a third engaging portion provided in said third rotational element so as to surround at least an outer periphery of said second engaging portion;

a first movable engaging element that can engage with both of said first engaging portion, and said third engaging portion, said first movable engaging element being disposed movably in said axial direction;

a first drive unit that moves said first movable engaging element in said axial direction;

a second movable engaging element that can engage with both said second engaging portion and said third engaging portion, said second movable engaging element being disposed movably in said axial direction; and

a second drive unit that moves said second movable engaging element in said axial direction.

9. A hybrid vehicle comprising drive wheels driven by power from a drive shaft, said hybrid vehicle comprising:

an internal combustion engine;

a first electric motor that can input/output power;

a second electric motor that can input/output power;

a power distribution and integration mechanism that includes a first element connected to a rotating shaft of said first electric motor, a second element connected to a rotating shaft of said second electric motor and a third element connected to an engine shaft of said internal combustion engine, said power distribution and integration mechanism being configured to allow the three elements to mutually perform differential rotation; and

a coupling device including a hollow first rotational element connected to one of said first and second elements of said power distribution and integration mechanism;

a second rotational element coaxially arranged within said first rotational element and connected to the other of said first and second elements of said power distribution and integration mechanism;

a third rotational element arranged coaxially with said first and second rotational elements and connected to said drive shaft;

a first engaging portion provided in an end portion of said first rotational element;

a second engaging portion provided in an end portion of said second rotational element which projects from said end portion of said first rotational element so as to be spaced apart from said first engaging portion in an axial direction of said first, second and third rotational elements;

a third engaging portion provided in said third rotational element so as to surround at least an outer periphery of said second engaging portion;

a first movable engaging element that can engage with both of said first engaging portion and said third engaging portion, said first movable engaging element being disposed movably in said axial direction;

a first drive unit that moves said first movable engaging element in said axial direction;

a second movable engaging element that can engage with both said second engaging portion and said third engaging portion, said second movable engaging element being disposed movably in said axial direction; and

a second drive unit that moves said second movable engaging element in said axial direction.

10. A coupling device that can selectively couple a first rotational element and a second rotational element arranged coaxially with each other to a third rotational element arranged coaxially with said first and second rotational elements, said coupling device comprising:

a first engaging portion provided in said first rotational element;

a second engaging portion provided in said second rotational element so as to be spaced apart from said first engaging portion in an axial direction of said first, second and third rotational elements;

a third engaging portion provided in said third rotational element so as to surround an outer periphery of at least one of said first and second engaging portions;

a first movable engaging element that can engage with both of the other of said first and second engaging portions, and said third engaging portion, said first movable engaging element being disposed movably in said axial direction;

a first drive unit that moves said first movable engaging element in said axial direction;

a second movable engaging element that can engage with both of one of said first and second engaging portions surrounded by said third engaging portion, and said third engaging portion, said second movable engaging element being disposed movably in said axial direction; and

a second drive unit that moves said second movable engaging element in said axial direction,

wherein said third engaging portion includes a cylindrical portion surrounding outer peripheries of both said first and second engaging portions, wherein said first movable engaging element is an annular member supported by an inner peripheral portion of said cylindrical portion slidably in said axial direction and is coupled with said first drive unit via a first coupling member which is inserted into a first hole formed in said cylindrical portion, wherein said first engaging portion can engage with an inner peripheral portion of said first movable engaging element, wherein said second movable engaging element is an annular member supported by an inner peripheral portion of said cylindrical portion slidably in said axial direction and is coupled with said second drive unit via a second coupling member which is inserted into a second hole formed in said cylindrical portion, and wherein said second engaging portion can engage with an inner peripheral portion of said second movable engaging element.

11. A coupling device according to claim 10, wherein said first and second engaging portions are flange portions including an outer peripheral portion that extends radially from said first or second rotational element and can engage with an inner peripheral portion of said first or second movable engaging element.

12. A coupling device that can selectively couple a first rotational element and a second rotational element arranged coaxially with each other to a third rotational element arranged coaxially with said first and second rotational elements, said coupling device comprising:

a first engaging portion provided in said first rotational element;

a second engaging portion provided in said second rotational element so as to be spaced apart from said first engaging portion in an axial direction of said first, second and third rotational elements;

a third engaging portion provided in said third rotational element so as to surround an outer periphery of at least one of said first and second engaging portions;

a first movable engaging element that can engage with both of the other of said first and second engaging portions, and said third engaging portion, said first movable engaging element being disposed movably in said axial direction;

a first drive unit that moves said first movable engaging element in said axial direction;

a second movable engaging element that can engage with both of one of said first and second engaging portions surrounded by said third engaging portion, and said third engaging portion, said second movable engaging element being disposed movably in said axial direction; and

a second drive unit that moves said second movable engaging element in said axial direction,

wherein said third engaging portion includes a cylindrical portion that surrounds an outer periphery of at least one of said first and second engaging portions, wherein said first or second movable engaging element corresponding to one of said first and second engaging portions surrounded by said third engaging portion is an annular member supported by an inner peripheral portion of said cylindrical portion slidably in said axial direction and is coupled with said first or second drive unit via a coupling member which is inserted in a hole formed in said cylindrical portion, wherein one of said first and second engaging portions surrounded by said third engaging portion can engage with an inner peripheral portion of said first or second movable engaging element corresponding thereto, and wherein said first or second movable engaging element corresponding to the other of said first and second engaging portions can engage with a free end portion of said cylindrical portion.

13. A coupling device according to claim 12, wherein the other of said first and second engaging portions is formed in an outer periphery at an end of said first or second rotational element.

14. A coupling device that can selectively couple a first rotational element and a second rotational element arranged coaxially with each other to a third rotational element arranged coaxially with said first and second rotational elements, said coupling device comprising:

a first engaging portion provided in said first rotational element;

a second engaging portion provided in said second rotational element so as to be spaced apart from said first engaging portion in an axial direction of said first, second and third rotational elements;

a third engaging portion provided in said third rotational element so as to surround an outer periphery of at least one of said first and second engaging portions;

a first movable engaging element that can engage with both of the other of said first and second engaging portions, and said third engaging portion, said first movable engaging element being disposed movably in said axial direction;

a first drive unit that moves said first movable engaging element in said axial direction;

a second movable engaging element that can engage with both of one of said first and second engaging portions surrounded by said third engaging portion, and said third engaging portion, said second movable engaging element being disposed movably in said axial direction;

a second drive unit that moves said second movable engaging element in said axial direction;

a first annular member secured to one of said first movable engaging element and said first drive unit;

a first support member that is secured to the other of said first movable engaging element and said first drive unit and can rotatably support said first annular member;

a second annular member secured to one of said second movable engaging element and said second drive unit; and

a second support member that is secured to the other of said second movable engaging element and said second drive unit and can rotatably support said second annular member.