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 |
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.
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