Abstract:
A vehicle including a driving axle ( 10 ), a driven axle ( 20 ), a hydraulic pump ( 14 ) and a hydraulic motor ( 24 ) providing hydraulic assistance for driving the driven axle ( 20 ) by lapping off torque applied to the driving axle ( 10 ). The driving axle ( 10 ) comprising includes a differential ( 11 ) thus defining two output half axles on which wheels are mounted. Rotation of the box allows the output half axles to be rotationally driven at distinct speeds. The hydraulic pump ( 14 ) includes a rotor and a stator, the stator being mounted fixed with respect to the chassis and the rotor being connected to and rotating as one with the differential box ( 11 ). The hydraulic pumps ( 14 ) are rotationally driven at a speed equal to the average speed of the two half axles associated with the differential ( 11 ) on which the pump is mounted.

Description:
GENERAL TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to the field of vehicles comprising hydraulic assistance, typically vehicles which can shift from two-wheel drive configuration to an all-wheel drive transmission. 
     PRIOR ART 
     There are vehicles known fitted with hydraulic assistance which can be selectively engaged according to preferred driving conditions to initiate driving of all or some of the wheels. 
     Such vehicles conventionally comprise a primary motor, for example a thermal motor, to which a first hydraulic device can be connected, having a pump function for feeding hydraulic motors which are typically mounted on wheels to drive them. The first hydraulic motor operating as a pump is typically coupled to a power take-off of the primary motor or the gearbox of the vehicle by means of a clutch for putting the hydraulic assistance of the vehicle into service or not. 
     Such mountings pose several problems; they require multiple hydraulic devices and clutches, and impose substantial reduction ratios. 
     PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION 
     The aim of the present invention is to propose a vehicle fitted with hydraulic assistance not having this problem. 
     For this purpose, the invention proposes a vehicle comprising a chassis, a driving axle and a driven axle each connected to wheels, and a primary motor driving in rotation said driving axle, said vehicle further comprising a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic motor configured so as to selectively execute hydraulic assistance for driving the wheels of the driven axle, 
     said motor and hydraulic pumps being respectively mounted on the driven axle and on the driving axle, are each connected in rotation on the one hand to the chassis, and on the other hand to said driven axle and driving respectively, and are configured so that their operation executes driving wheels of the driven axle by sampling of the torque applied to the driving axle,
 
characterized in that the driving axle comprising a differential defining two semi-axles, said differential comprising a differential housing fitted with housing pinions adapted to cooperate with pinions each connected to an output semi-axle on which the wheels are mounted, the rotation of the housing enabling driving said output semi-axles in rotation at different speeds, the pump comprises a rotor and a stator, the stator being mounted fixed relative to the chassis and the rotor being connected in rotation to the housing of the differential,
 
the hydraulic pump being driven in rotation at a speed equal to the average speed of the two semi-axles attached to the differential on which it is mounted.
 
     As a variant, the driven axle comprises a differential defining two semi-axles, said differential comprising a differential housing fitted with housing pinions adapted to cooperate with pinions each connected to an output semi-axle on which the wheels are mounted, the rotation of the housing driving said output semi-axles in rotation at different speeds, the hydraulic motor comprising a rotor and a stator, the stator being mounted fixed relative to the chassis and the rotor being connected in rotation to the housing of the differential, each of said motors and hydraulic pumps is connected directly to said differential housing without the intermediary of a clutch. 
     The pump and the hydraulic motor are typically hydraulic devices having radial retractable pistons and a multilobe cam, which can alternate between a service configuration and a free wheel configuration in which they have zero displacement. 
     According to a particular embodiment, the pump and the hydraulic motor are hydraulic devices with radial pistons each comprising a casing, a shaft, a multilobe cam and a cylinder block, said hydraulic devices each comprising two assemblies mobile in rotation one relative to the other:
         a first assembly defined by the casing, and   a second assembly defined by the shaft, said first and second assemblies being free in rotation one relative to the other,
 
the cylinder block being mounted free in rotation relative to said first and second assemblies, the cam being connected in rotation to one or the other of these assemblies, each of said hydraulic devices further comprising an actuator for selectively producing immobilisation of the cylinder block relative to the other of said first or second assemblies, such that the cylinder block and the cam are each connected in rotation to a separate assembly, which causes operation of the hydraulic device.
       

     According to a particular embodiment, said driving and driven axles form a hydraulically autonomous assembly without hydraulic connection with other sections of said vehicle with the exception of a boost pump. 
     According to a particular embodiment, said vehicle further comprises a driven directive axle in which the driven axle comprising the hydraulic motor is an adjustable axle comprising an actuator adapted to vary its height relative to the ground. 
     According to a particular embodiment, said vehicle comprises a driving axle and N−1 driven axles with N a natural whole number greater than or equal to 2, each of said axles being fitted with a hydraulic device connected together so that the hydraulic devices of the driven axles are mounted in parallel relative to the hydraulic device of the driving axle, said N hydraulic devices being configured such that
         displacement of the hydraulic device mounted on the driving axle is equal to 1+(N×E) and   displacement of each of the hydraulic devices of the driven axles is equal to 1/(N−1),
 
where E represents the value of estimated losses and leaks for a hydraulic device mounted on a driven axle.
       

     The vehicle can also comprise a computer adapted, as a function of the conditions of travel of the vehicle, to define a threshold value such that when the travel speed of the vehicle is less than or equal to said threshold value, the motor(s) and the hydraulic pump(s) are put into service so as to provide hydraulic assistance on one or more axles of the vehicle, and the hydraulic assistance is disengaged when the travel speed of the vehicle is greater than said threshold value. 
    
    
     
       PRESENTATION OF FIGURES 
       Other characteristics, aims and advantages of the invention will emerge from the following description, which is purely illustrative and non-limiting, and which must be considered with respect to the appended drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  schematically illustrates an example of an assistance circuit for as vehicle according to an aspect of the invention, 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an example of integration of the boost circuit for such an assistance circuit, 
         FIG. 3  illustrates another variant example of an assistance circuit according to an aspect of the invention, 
         FIG. 4  illustrates another example of an embodiment of an assistance circuit according to an aspect of the invention, 
         FIGS. 5 and 6  illustrate an example of use of an assistance kit according to an aspect of the invention. 
     
    
    
     In all the figures, common elements are designated by identical reference numerals. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  schematically illustrates an example of an assistance circuit according to an aspect of the invention. 
     This figure schematically illustrates a structure of a vehicle comprising a chassis, a driving axle  10  and a driven axle  20 , each of the axles bearing two wheels, respectively  12 ,  13 ,  22  and  23 . 
     The driving axle  10  is connected to a primary motor M, typically thermal a motor, by means of a clutch  2  and a gearbox  3  ensuring it is driven. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, each of the driving axles  10  and driven axles  20  comprises a differential, respectively  11  and  21 , for turning the wheels of the same axle at different rotation speeds, especially in case of cornering or loss of adherence of one of the wheels. 
     The structure of a differential is well known and will not be detailed here. However the function of such a device is understood, which transmits input torque applied to a differential housing with two shafts, in this case two semi-axles via pinions, enabling both semi-axles to turn at different speeds. The speed of rotation of the differential case is equal to the average between the speeds of rotation of both semi-axles. 
     In the embodiment illustrated, each of the axles comprises a hydraulic device. The driving axle  10  comprises a first hydraulic device  14  connected on the one hand to the chassis, and on the other hand to the driving axle  10 , and the driven axle  20  comprises a second hydraulic device  24  connected on the one hand to the chassis, and on the other hand to the driven axle  20 . 
     Throughout the text, reference will be made to a hydraulic device mounted on a given axle, given that the rotor of this hydraulic device is connected in rotation to this axle, whereas the stator of the hydraulic device is connected to the fixed chassis of the vehicle. 
     These two hydraulic devices  14  and  24  are connected by hydraulic conduits so that one operates as a pump so as to generate a flow and feed the other which operates as a motor. 
     These two hydraulic devices  14  and  24  are typically reversible hydraulic devices of radial piston type well known to those skilled in the art, which can alternate between a free wheel configuration and a service configuration, for example by retraction of the pistons into their respective housings, or by disengagement of the cylinder bock so as to have zero displacement. 
     The hydraulic devices can have a function of a pump or motor, according to the nature of their feed. A hydraulic device is reversible, and can therefore alternate between these two functions if the nature of its feed varies. 
     A hydraulic device to which input torque is applied, for example by means of a shaft, will generate a flow and therefore function as a pump. Inversely, a hydraulic device to which a flow is applied will generate torque, and function as a motor. 
     An example of a structure of hydraulic device which can be put into service or disengaged by engagement or disengagement of the cylinder block comprises two assemblies mobile in rotation one relative to the other:
         a first assembly defined by the casing, and   a second assembly defined by the shaft, said first and second assemblies being free in rotation one relative to the other.       

     The cylinder block is mounted free in rotation relative to said first and second assemblies. The cam is connected in rotation to one or the other of these assemblies. An actuator selectively causes immobilisation of the cylinder block relative to the other of said first or second assemblies, such that the cylinder block and the cam are each connected in rotation to a separate assembly, which carries out the operation of the hydraulic device. 
     The two hydraulic devices  14  and  24  being each mounted on an axle, they turn at an intermediate speed between the speed of the wheels of this axle, the speed between the wheels of the same axle possibly being different due to the differential. 
     More precisely, given the driving axle  10 ; the differential  11  divides this driving axle  10  into two semi-axles  15  and  16 , on which the wheels  12  and  13  are respectively mounted. 
     The first hydraulic device  14  is connected in rotation to the housing of the differential  11 . 
     In the same way, the driven axle  20  is divided into two semi-axles  25  and  26  by the differential  21 , these axles respectively bearing the wheels  22  and  23 . The second hydraulic device  24  is connected in rotation to the housing of the differential  21  of this driven axle  20 . 
     As a variant, the driven axle  20  can be formed by separate semi-axles, not connected by a differential, each bearing one of the wheels  22  and  23 . Each of the wheels  22  and  23  is equipped with a separate hydraulic motor, commonly qualified as a wheel motor. These hydraulic motors are fed by the first hydraulic device  14 , typically according to mounting in series or in parallel. 
     The hydraulic devices  14  and  24  are typically hydraulic devices with radial pistons each comprising:
         a port plate and a multilobe cam defining a first assembly,   a cylinder block defining a second assembly,
 
one of said assemblies being mounted fixed in rotation relative to the differential housing, and the other of said assemblies being rotatably mounted relative to the differential housing so as to allow driving in rotation of the differential housing by said hydraulic device.
       

     The two hydraulic devices  14  and  24  are typically fixed displacement devices and have advantageously the same displacement so that the wheels of the different axles turn at the same speed. 
     Displacement of the hydraulic devices is however adapted to take into consideration the losses and leaks; their different displacements are therefore of the order of a few percent for example. 
     To illustrate the function, the configuration in which the primary motor M drives the driving axle  10 , and the two hydraulic devices are in free wheel configuration is considered. 
     Only the driving axle drives the wheels which are therefore the only motorised wheels of the vehicle. 
     In the example presented, given that the driven axle  20  is the front directive axle, this configuration is therefore that of a propulsion vehicle. 
     To put hydraulic assistance into service, the two hydraulic devices  14  and  24  are operated, typically by extending the pistons from their housings in case of hydraulic devices with retractable radial pistons. 
     The first hydraulic device  14  is driven by the driving axle  10 , and more particularly by the housing of the differential  11  of the driving axle  10  and operates as a hydraulic pump, to deliver a flow which feeds the second hydraulic device  24  which operates as a hydraulic motor, and drives the housing of the differential  21  of the driven axle  20  in rotation. This produces all-wheel transmission on the vehicle, by sampling torque on the driving axle  10  and transmitting this torque to the driven axle  20  via the hydraulic devices  14  and  24 . 
     Inversely, to disengage the hydraulic assistance, it suffices to switch the hydraulic devices  14  and  24  into free wheel configuration, for example by retraction of their pistons in the respective housings of their cylinder blocks. 
     Also, during braking, negative torque is applied to the driving axle  10 . The function of the hydraulic devices is now reversed; the hydraulic device  14  of the axle  10  has a motor function, whereas the hydraulic device  24  of the axle  20  has a pump function, enabling synchronisation of axles at braking, by deferral of the braking torque. 
     The system also typically comprises a boost pump associated with a boost circuit to especially compensate for the losses of the hydraulic circuit. 
     The boost pump can be arranged so as to be driven in rotation by the primary shaft of the gearbox  3  of the vehicle  1 , or by the primary motor M. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates an example of integration of the boost circuit for the assistance circuit presented in  FIG. 1 . 
     This figure illustrates a boost pump  61  mounted on the primary shaft  31  of the gearbox  3  of the vehicle  1 , the boost pump  61  being configured so as to sample oil in a reservoir or a casing, for example the casing of the hydraulic device  14  of the axle  10 , to boost the hydraulic circuit connecting the hydraulic device  14  of the axle  10  and the hydraulic device  24  of the axle  20 . 
     The boost is done here by means of a known structure of non-return valves  62  adapted to inject oil into the hydraulic circuit, and a pressure limiter  63  for evacuating excess pressure for example when the boost of the circuit is not necessary. 
     Such mounting of the boost pump  61  on the primary shaft  31  of the gearbox  3  ensures continuous boost of the hydraulic circuit whenever the vehicle is in motion. 
       FIG. 3  presents another variant example of an assistance circuit according to an aspect of the invention. 
     The presented structure comprises a driving axle  10  connected to a primary motor M via the intermediary of a clutch  2  and a gearbox  3  as presented previously. 
     The driving axle  10  is divided by the differential  11  into two semi-axles  15  and  16 , on which are respectively mounted the wheels  12  and  13   
     In this embodiment, the wheels  22  and  23  are each mounted on a separate semi-driven axle, respectively  27  and  28 . 
     Each of the driving and driven semi-axles comprises a hydraulic device. 
     The semi-axles  15  and  16  of the driving axle  10  each comprise a hydraulic device, respectively  17  and  18 . The semi-driven axles  27  and  28  each comprise a hydraulic device, respectively  37  and  38 , commonly qualified as wheel motors. 
     Contrary to the embodiment presented in  FIG. 1 , hydraulic devices are not necessarily connected in rotation to the housing of the differential of their associated axle, and the speed of rotation of each of the hydraulic devices is identical to the speed of rotation of the wheel with which it is associated. 
     The hydraulic devices are connected two by two, defining two couples of hydraulic devices each corresponding to one side of the vehicle. 
     The hydraulic device  17  is connected to the hydraulic device  37 , and the hydraulic device  18  is connected to the hydraulic device  38 . 
     As for the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , it is considered here by way of example that the primary motor M drives the driving axle  10 , and the four hydraulic devices  17 ,  18 ,  37 ,  38  are in free wheel configuration. 
     These hydraulic devices can be switched to service configuration to produce partial or total hydraulic assistance on the vehicle; the hydraulic device  17  functions as a pump to drive the hydraulic device  37  which functions as a motor and drives the wheel  22 , and the hydraulic device  18  functions as a pump to drive the hydraulic device  38  which functions as a motor and drives the wheel  23 . 
     As a variant, the driving axle  10  can comprise a single hydraulic device connected in rotation to the housing of the differential  11  in the same way as on the structure presented in  FIG. 1 , this hydraulic device being connected to two hydraulic devices  37  and  38  mounted on the two rear semi-axles as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     The displacements of the different hydraulic devices are adapted as a consequence; considering that the single hydraulic device of the driving axle  10  has a displacement equal to 1, each of the hydraulic devices  37  and  38  has a displacement equal to ½, except for the losses and leaks. 
     The structure presented can also be adapted to a vehicle having more than two axles. To illustrate such variants,  FIG. 4  illustrates a variant of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , adapted to a vehicle having two driven axles. 
     This figure shows the structure presented in  FIG. 1 , to which is added a second driven axle  40  similar to the driven axle  20  presented previously. 
     As for the driven axle  20 , the second driven axle  40  comprises a differential  41  dividing in into two semi-axles  45  and  46  each bearing a wheel, respectively  42  and  43 . A hydraulic device  44  is mounted on the second axle  40 , and connected in rotation to the housing of the differential  41  of the second driven axle  40 . 
     The hydraulic devices  24  and  44  mounted on the driven axles are mounted in parallel. So, in the event where the hydraulic device  14  of the driving axle  10  functions as a pump and the two hydraulic devices  24  and  44  function as a motor, the intakes of the hydraulic devices  24  and  44  are both connected to the backflow of the hydraulic device  14 , and the backflows of the hydraulic devices  24  and  44  are both connected to the intake of the hydraulic device  14 . 
     The displacements of the different hydraulic devices are adapted consequently; considering that the hydraulic device  14  of the driving axle  10  has a displacement equal to 1, each of the hydraulic devices  24  and  44  has a displacement equal to ½. 
     More generally, given a mounting with a driving axle and N−1 driven axles each comprising a hydraulic device, the hydraulic device of the driving axle has a displacement equal to 1+(N×E) and each of the hydraulic devices of the driven axles has a displacement equal to 1/(N−1), E representing the value of the estimated losses and leaks for a hydraulic device mounted on a driven axle. 
     The hydraulic devices used can have controlled variable displacement so that their displacements respective are adapted so the sum of the displacements of the hydraulic devices operating as a pump is equal to the sum of the displacements of the hydraulic devices operating as a motor close to the losses and leaks, or fixed displacement. 
     The structure of hydraulic assistance circuit presented applies advantageously to trucks. 
     Trucks are known, for example having three axles; a front axle and two rear axles. The front axle is driven, whereas the two rear axles are commonly driving, such transmission with two axles driving being necessary in some conditions of use, especially during snow, or when starting on a hill. 
     But, apart from these conditions of use, such assistance is superfluous and simple transmission with a single driving axle is enough. 
     The assistance structure presented previously can be exploited to create hydraulic assistance engaged selectively. 
     A truck has for example 6 or 8 wheels distributed over 3 or 4 axles. Of these axles, only one “rear” axle, that is, an axle arranged near the coupling point of the truck with a trailer, is driving, driven by the primary motor of the vehicle, for example a thermal motor. 
     This driving axle has a hydraulic device adapted to function as a pump, as shown previously, coupled to a second hydraulic device adapted to function as a motor, arranged on another axle of the vehicle, typically a second rear axle of the vehicle, these two hydraulic devices being connected by a hydraulic circuit so as to allow sampling of the torque of the driving axle to create hydraulic assistance on another axle. 
     Assistance can also be placed on several axles, as shown previously especially in reference to  FIG. 4 . 
     The hydraulic assistance is advantageously coupled to a computer, configured so as to selectively engage or disengage the hydraulic assistance as a function of the conditions of use. 
     For example, the hydraulic assistance can be configured so as to be engaged when the speed of the vehicle is less than or equal to a threshold value, and to disengage when the speed of the vehicle exceeds this threshold value. 
     The computer can also consider the inclination of the vehicle, its load and the presence or not of a hitching point. 
     The hydraulic assistance structure presented moves for example from a configuration 6×2 to a configuration 6×4 or 6×6, or from a configuration 8×2 to a configuration 8×4, 8×6 or 8×8 when the conditions of use require this, and the hydraulic assistance is deactivated when it becomes superfluous, which prevents losses in power. 
     The designation N×M designates a vehicle having N wheels whereof M are motorised wheels. 
     The hydraulic assistance structure presented can also be in the form of a kit which can be adapted to an existing vehicle, such as a truck. 
     Such a kit comprises two axles, each fitted with a hydraulic device connected together as described previously, such that the association of one of these hydraulic devices to an input shaft, for example a primary motor of a vehicle turns a function of this hydraulic device into a pump, which then feeds the other hydraulic device having a motor function, and creates hydraulic assistance on its axle by sampling torque applied to the axle of the hydraulic device operating as a pump. 
     Such a kit forms a hydraulically independent assembly; the hydraulic circuit connecting the hydraulic devices is closed and needs additional no hydraulic components, with the exception of a boost pump, enabling simplified installation on a vehicle. 
     Such a kit can be mounted on a vehicle, for example replacing two or more of its existing axles. 
       FIGS. 5 and 6  show an example of application of such a kit. 
       FIG. 5  shows a conventional structure of a truck with 6 wheels distributed over 3 axles:
         a driving axle  10  comprising a differential  11  driven in rotation by a gearbox  3  coupled to a primary motor M via a clutch  2 ,   a directive front axle  50  comprising two directive wheels  51  and  52 ,   a rear driven axle  60  comprising a differential  61  and two wheels  62  and  63 .       

     The truck further comprises an anchoring point  66  to attach a trailer or a hitch, placed substantially near the axles  10  and  60 . 
     It is understood that this example is purely illustrative, and that such a kit can be also adapted to a vehicle having a separate number of wheels and axles. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates the effect of the use of a kit such as described previously to replace the axles  10  and  60  of the vehicle by axles fitted with hydraulic devices for providing assistance. 
     The axles  10  and  60  are replaced by axles  10 ′ and  60 ′, each comprising a differential respectively  11 ′ and  61 ′, two wheels, respectively  12 ′,  13 ′,  62 ′ and  63 ′, as well as a hydraulic device, respectively  14 ′ and  64 ′. 
     The function is similar to the function described previously for example in reference to  FIG. 1  with the axles  10  and  20 ; the hydraulic devices  14 ′ and  64 ′ take off torque on the driving axle  10 ′ driven by the primary motor M to create assistance on the driven axle  60 ′. 
     An existing vehicle can be fitted with selective hydraulic assistance on one or more of its axles by use of a kit such as presented. 
     Also, the axle  60 ′ fitted with hydraulic assistance can be an axle of adjustable type comprising an actuator for varying its height relative to the ground, for modifying its configuration and in particular the fact that the wheels of the axle are or are not in contact with the ground according to the conditions of use, creating savings in power when an extra axle is not required to support the load of the vehicle. 
     A structure with an adjustable driving axle is conventionally delicate to make; the mechanical transmissions used commonly involve fixed shafts connecting the axles. 
     The proposed structure for producing hydraulic assistance on a driven axle does away with such restrictions; the links and conduits employed for the hydraulic device placed on the driven axle  60 ′ for which assistance is created can be of flexible hydraulic type, and this driven axle  60 ′ can be mechanically independent of the driving axle  10 ′. 
     An adjustable driving axle can be produced, advantageous in terms of energy savings. In this way, the functions of double traction axle, temporarily, and adjustable axle can be combined on the vehicle and on the same axle. 
     In the different embodiments, the driving and driven axles can form a hydraulically autonomous assembly without hydraulic connection with other sections of said vehicle with the exception of a boost pump. 
     The vehicle structure presented produces hydraulic assistance by tapping off torque on an axle of a vehicle and transmitting this torque to another axle on which hydraulic assistance is provided. 
     This structure in which the hydraulic devices are mounted on the axles retains ratio substantially equal to 1 between the speed of rotation of the wheels and the speed of rotation of the different hydraulic devices, which is advantageous for hydraulic devices with radial pistons which function at low speeds of rotation and generate high torque. 
     Also, the use of hydraulic devices which can shift from a free wheel configuration to a service configuration produces this structure without clutches for different hydraulic devices, contrary to conventional structures in which hydraulic devices are mounted on a power take-off of a motor or on a gearbox shaft and therefore need an extra clutch to execute their selective operation. 
     The embodiments presented in  FIGS. 1 and 3  correspond for example to a transmission of propulsion type, with directive front wheels and rear motorised wheels, which can switch to all-wheel drive via hydraulic assistance. 
     It is clear that the structure presented can also be adapted to transmissions of traction type comprising front motorised and directive wheels, or with front motorised wheels and rear directive wheels, or again with a transmission of propulsion type with rear motorised and directive wheels.