US 11,674,566 B2
Methods and systems for a multi-speed electric axle assembly
Andrew T. Brammer, Toledo, OH (US); Michael D. Cook, Holland, OH (US); and Jordan M. Houser, Toledo, OH (US)
Assigned to Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC, Maumee, OH (US)
Filed by Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC, Maumee, OH (US)
Filed on Apr. 7, 2020, as Appl. No. 16/842,570.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/831,784, filed on Apr. 10, 2019.
Prior Publication US 2020/0325966 A1, Oct. 15, 2020
Int. Cl. F16H 3/66 (2006.01); F16H 37/08 (2006.01)
CPC F16H 3/663 (2013.01) [F16H 37/0806 (2013.01); F16H 2200/0021 (2013.01); F16H 2200/0039 (2013.01); F16H 2200/2007 (2013.01)] 6 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A multi-speed electric axle assembly with three discrete gear ratios, comprising:
one or more electric motor generators;
a hollow shaft coupled coaxially to the one or more electric motor generators;
one or more Ravigneaux gear assemblies, the one or more Ravigneaux gear assemblies providing the three discrete gear ratios,
a first Ravigneaux gear assembly comprising a sun gear connected concentrically with the hollow shaft and a ring gear coupled to a first gear set and a second gear set;
a first axle shaft extending through the hollow shaft and a second sun gear concentric with the first axle shaft driven by the first gear set;
a second axle shaft coupled to the second gear set;
a plurality of clutches coupled to different gears; and
a controller designed to, while the one or more electric motor generators are generating mechanical power, selectively engage a first clutch in the plurality of clutches to engage selected gears in the one or more Ravigneaux gear assemblies to permit the multi-speed electric axle assembly to operate in one of the three discrete gear ratios and selectively engage a second clutch to a gear reduction;
wherein the first clutch is positioned between the first axle shaft and the second axle shaft and coaxial to the one or more Ravigneaux gear assemblies.