Electric axle

Abstract

The utility model relates to an electric axle. In one example, an electric axle includes a first electric machine directly connected to a sun gear of a planetary gear set and a second electric machine directly connected to a carrier of the planetary gear set. The planetary gear set includes a set of planetary gears that rotate on the carrier and an output gear that meshes with an input gear in the differential.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 491,887, filed on March 23, 2023, entitled “Electric Vehicle with Compact Electric Machine and Gearbox Arrangement,” the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to an electric axle including one or more electric machines and a gearbox having a space efficient structure. Background Art

[0004] All sectors of the automotive market are moving toward electrification. However, the inventors recognize that electrifying vehicle platforms presents challenges to automakers and suppliers due to investment costs and project management complexity. The inventors recognize that in order to manage this complexity, in some cases it may be desirable to retain certain features of existing platforms when electrifying existing vehicle platforms. However, the inventors also recognize that the retention of these components may present packaging challenges. Specifically, the features of certain hybrid powertrains and their internal combustion engine counterparts may create space constraints for electric axles, such as electrified rigid beam axles. Utility Model Content

[0005] The inventors have recognized the above challenges and developed an electric axle (e.g., an electric beam axle) to at least partially overcome these challenges. In one example, the electric axle includes a first electric motor directly coupled to a sun gear of a planetary gear set. The electric axle also includes a second electric motor directly connected to a carrier of the planetary gear set. In addition, in the electric axle, the planetary gear set includes a set of planetary gears rotating on the carrier, and an output gear meshing with an input gear in a differential. In this way, the electric axle is made in a space-saving package and achieves the desired performance goals.

[0006] In another example, an electric axle is provided, which includes a first motor directly connected to a first planetary gear set. In this example, the electric axle also includes a second motor directly coupled to a second planetary gear set. In addition, in this example, the first and second planetary gear sets each include a first carrier and a second carrier, which are respectively rotatably coupled to an output gear, which meshes with an input gear of a differential. In this way, a compact gear transmission system is achieved.

[0007] In addition, in one example, the electric axle includes an electric motor having two output shafts, each of which is connected to a rotor shaft of the electric motor in an axially opposite direction. In this example, the electric axle also includes a first gear system rotationally coupled to the first output shaft and a second gear system rotationally coupled to the second output shaft. In this way, the electric axle achieves a space-efficient structure.

[0008] Additionally, in one example, the electric axle may be combined with a support structure having grooves in the sides to enable suspension movement. In other embodiments, when the support structure is used in an internal combustion engine (ICE) platform, the support structure may be further configured to cooperate with a portion of the internal combustion engine (ICE) and a lubricating oil pan. The use of the support structure increases the adaptability of the assembly to powertrain configurations. In other words, the support structure can be used for multiple vehicle platforms if desired. Therefore, the manufacturing benefits of economies of scale can be utilized if desired.

[0009] It should be understood that the above summary is intended to introduce in a simplified form the concepts that are further described in the detailed description. It is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, the scope of which is uniquely determined by the claims that follow the detailed description. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that solve any disadvantages noted above or in any part of this disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a vehicle with a first example of an electric axle is shown.

[0011] Figure 2 A second structural example of an electric axle is shown.

[0012] Figure 3 A third structural example of an electric axle is shown.

[0013] Figure 4-7 Shown are different detail views of a support structure that contains the electric axle's motor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] The powertrain described herein includes a space-efficient electric axle that is structurally designed to be combined with a support structure while achieving target performance characteristics. Specifically, the shape design of the electric axle can be combined with a support structure that can be used in a vehicle having an electric powertrain structure described herein, which can take the form of an all-electric powertrain or a P4 hybrid electric powertrain. In other embodiments, the support structure can also be used for an internal combustion engine (ICE) powertrain. Therefore, the support structure and the electric axle assembly are applicable to a wider variety of vehicle platforms, thereby increasing customer appeal and enabling the assembly to take advantage of economies of scale cost efficiencies associated with manufacturing. The electric axle can have a lateral length that enables the axle to be mounted in a groove between axially opposed protrusions that form the sides of a support structure (e.g., a bracket).

[0015] Figure 1 A vehicle with a first example electric axle is shown. Figure 2 and Figure 3 Different examples of electric axle structures are shown. Figure 4-7 Different detail views of the support structure on which the electric axle can be mounted are shown. Figure 4-7 However, in other embodiments, at least a portion of the illustrated components may have other relative sizes.

[0016] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a vehicle 100 is shown including a powertrain 102 with an electric axle 104 . Figure 1 The stick diagram provides the topology of the vehicle, powertrain, e-axle and corresponding components.

[0017] As described herein, an electric axle is an electric drive device integrated into an axle. For example, the electric axle can be an electric beam axle. A beam axle can be an axle with mechanical components that structurally support each other and extend between the drive wheels. For example, in one embodiment, a beam axle can be a structurally continuous structure that spans the drive wheels on a transverse axis. Therefore, when, for example, the vehicle is traveling on an uneven road, the wheels connected to the axle can move synchronously when articulated. In one example, the beam axle can be connected to a slave suspension system 105. The slave suspension system can include shock absorbers, dampers, etc. connected to the beam axle. Therefore, the electric axle can be an unsprung mass. In this example, the camber angle of the wheel can remain substantially constant as the suspension moves during travel. Similar slave suspension systems can also be included in other electric axles described herein.

[0018] The electric shaft 104 includes a first motor 106 and a second motor 108. As shown, compared with radial flux motors, axial flux motors have a shorter axial length, higher efficiency, and lighter weight, so each motor can be specifically designed as an axial flux motor generator. In addition, each motor may have similar component designs and dimensions to improve manufacturing efficiency. However, other types of motors may also be used in other examples, such as transverse flux motors or radial flux motors. However, when using radial flux motors, the axial length of the shaft may increase. In addition, in some examples, the electric axle can use motors of different structures. The rotor shafts of the motors may not be directly coupled to each other. In this way, the traction performance of the electric axle can be improved as needed.

[0019] In the illustrated examples of axial flux motors, the motors each include a stator 110 and a rotor 112. The rotor 112 includes a radially arranged portion 113, an axially arranged portion 114, and a rotor shaft 115. Specifically, the rotor portion 114 of each axial flux motor is located on the opposite axial side of the stator, thereby capturing the stator 110 in the axial direction. The stator 110 specifically includes a winding located between the axial rotor portions 113. In this way, the axial flux motor achieves a compact length along its rotation axis.

[0020] The electric bridge 104 also includes a gearbox 111 coupled to the first motor 106 (e.g., directly coupled). As described herein, the coupling of two components to each other means that mechanical power can be transmitted between these components. The gearbox 111 is illustrated as a planetary gear set. Therefore, in the illustration, the planetary gear set 116 includes a sun gear 118, which is meshed with a set of planetary gears 119. The planetary gears in the planetary gears 119 are coupled to the carrier 120 so that they can rotate on the carrier 120. In order to enable the planetary gears in the planetary gears 119 to rotate with the carrier 120 and other planetary gears and carriers described herein, bearings (e.g., needle bearings) can be installed on the carrier. These bearings are used to support the corresponding planetary gears and allow them to rotate. Therefore, the bearings may include raceways, roller elements (e.g., needle rollers, cylindrical rollers, tapered cylindrical rollers, or balls), etc. Other bearings described herein may also include similar components.

[0021] The sun gear 118 is rotationally coupled (e.g., splines, bolts, welding, combinations thereof, etc.) to the rotor 115 of the first electric machine 106 via the shaft 133. The rotor 112 of the second electric machine 108 is rotationally coupled to the carrier 120. In this way, the electric machine can be effectively connected to the gearbox 111. In detail, coupling the planetary gear set to the electric machine in this manner allows the input of the planetary gear set to be summed with the input of the electric machine, thereby improving the performance of the electric axle.

[0022] The planetary gear set 116 also includes a ring gear 122 that rotates on a shaft 124. The ring gear 122 includes internal teeth 123 that mesh with the planetary gears 119. The ring gear 122 also includes external teeth 125 that mesh with an input gear 126 of a differential 128. The differential 128 is rotationally coupled to the drive wheel 130 via a shaft 132. The outer diameter 151 of the ring gear 122 can be smaller than the outer diameter 152 of the first and second electric machines 106 and 108. In the illustrated example, the outer diameters 152 of the electric machines are substantially equal. In this way, the electric axle achieves a compact form factor that can be effectively integrated into the support structure. Figure 1 The differential 128 shown and other differentials described herein may be open differentials, locking differentials, limited slip differentials, etc. The type of differential used in the electric axle 104 may be based on the end-use design goals of the vehicle platform, such as packaging goals, performance goals, etc. The configuration of the planetary gear set 116 allows the inputs from the electric machines to be summed, thereby increasing the torque of the system. Therefore, the performance of the electric axle is enhanced.

[0023] Furthermore, in the illustrated example, the gearbox 111 does not include a clutch to reduce the complexity of the electric axle and improve the space efficiency of the gearbox. However, in other examples, the gearbox may include one or more clutches to change the gear ratio of the gearbox and improve the efficiency of the motor, but this may increase the size, complexity and possibility of component degradation of the axle. In other words, the gearbox 111 is shown as a single speed gearbox, which allows the electric axle to meet the packaging requirements required by the support structure 400, such as Figure 4-7 As shown, this article will be described in more detail. However, in other examples, the gearbox can be a multi-speed gearbox, including one or more clutches, as described above.

[0024] Bearings 134 and 136 may be coupled to the axially inner and outer sides of the rotor shaft 121 of the first and second motors 106 and 108. In detail, in the illustrated example, the bearings 134 and 136 are directly connected to the rotor shaft 115 and the radially aligned portion 113 of the rotor. However, other bearing arrangements may also be used for the axial flux motor.

[0025] A bearing 138 (e.g., a thrust bearing) may be connected to the bracket 120. Additionally, a bearing 140 may be connected to the shaft 133, which provides a mechanical connection between the motor 106 and the sun gear 118. Additionally, a bearing 142 may be connected to the shaft 124 to enable rotation thereof. The bearing 144 may also be connected to or to the differential 128 to enable rotation of the shaft.

[0026] As described above, the above bearings and other bearings described herein may include inner raceways, outer raceways, roller elements, and other components. It is understood that the size and / or structure of the bearings may be selected based on factors such as the expected rotational speed of the connected components, packaging constraints, and the like. Therefore, in some cases, the size and / or structure of at least a portion of the bearings may be different. However, the size and / or structure of at least a portion of the bearings may be similar.

[0027] like Figure 1 As shown, the first motor 106 and the second motor 108 may be connected to an inverter 150, respectively. These inverters are intended to convert direct current (DC) power into alternating current (AC) power, and vice versa. Therefore, in one example, the motors 106 and 108 may be AC ​​motors. However, in other examples, the motors may be DC motors, so in such examples, the inverter may be omitted from the powertrain. The inverter 150 may receive power from one or more energy storage devices 152 (e.g., traction batteries, capacitors, combinations thereof, etc.). Arrow 153 indicates the transmission of power between the motors 106 and 108, the inverter 150, and the energy storage device 152, which may occur in different system operating modes. Therefore, in the driving mode, power may flow from the energy storage device 152 to the motors 106 and 108 through the inverter 150, and in the regenerative mode, power may flow from the motor to the energy storage device in reverse. Other motors described herein may also be similarly electrically coupled to the inverter, and the inverter may be electrically coupled to the energy storage device.

[0028] In one example, the electric axle 104 may be a front axle. In this example, the axle may include steering system components, such as joints 155 (eg, universal joints, constant velocity joints, etc.), steering cylinders, steering knuckles, etc.

[0029] The vehicle 100 may also include a control system 180 with a controller 182. The controller 182 includes a processor 184 and a memory 186. The memory 186 may store instructions that, when executed by the processor, may cause the controller 182 to perform various methods, control techniques, etc. described herein. The processor 184 may include a microprocessor unit and / or other types of circuits. The memory 186 may include known data storage media, such as random access memory, read-only memory, keep-alive memory, combinations thereof, etc.

[0030] The controller 182 may receive various signals from sensors 188 located at various locations in the vehicle 100, the powertrain 102, and the electric axle 104. The sensors may include motor speed sensors, energy storage device temperature sensors, energy storage device charge state sensors, wheel speed sensors, etc. The controller 182 may also send control signals to various actuators 190 coupled to various locations in the vehicle 100, the powertrain 102, and the electric axle 104. For example, the controller 182 may send signals to the inverters 150, 152 to adjust the speed of the electric machines 106 and 108. After receiving the control command, other controllable components in the vehicle and powertrain may adjust the command signals and actuators in a similar manner.

[0031] The vehicle 100 may also include one or more input devices 192 (e.g., an accelerator pedal, a brake pedal, a console dashboard, a touch interface, a touch panel, a keyboard, a combination thereof, etc.). The input device 192 may generate an acceleration adjustment request in response to the driver's input. Other electric axles described herein may include similar control systems, including controllers, sensors, actuators, and input devices. For the sake of brevity, redundant descriptions of the control system are omitted.

[0032] Figure 1 as well as Figure 2-7 An axis system is provided for reference. In one example, the z-axis can be a vertical axis (e.g., parallel to the gravity axis), the x-axis can be a lateral axis (e.g., a horizontal axis), and / or the y-axis can be a longitudinal axis. However, in other examples, these axes may have other orientations.

[0033] Figure 2 Another example of an electric bridge 200 is shown. The electric bridge 200 also includes two motors 202 and 204, and its structure is similar to Figure 1 In more detail, in the illustrated example, the motor is an axial flux motor. Therefore, for the sake of simplicity, the description of Figure 2 Redundant description of overlapping components in the electric axis shown.

[0034] The electric axle 200 also includes a gearbox 206 with a first planetary gear set 210 and a second planetary gear set 212. In the illustrated example, the planetary gear sets have similar structures and are arranged symmetrically with respect to the X axis. In more detail, in the illustrated example, the planetary gear sets are simple planetary gear sets. In this way, the space efficiency of the gear sets is improved compared to more complex planetary gear sets (e.g., compound planetary gear sets). In other examples, the planetary gear sets may also have other configurations.

[0035] The planetary gear sets 210 and 212 include a sun gear 214 that is rotationally coupled to the rotor shaft 213 of the motors 202 and 204 via shaft 221. The sun gear 214 meshes with corresponding planetary gears 215, which are in turn coupled to carrier 216. The planetary gears 215 mesh with corresponding ring gears 217, which in the illustrated example are grounded via component 218 (e.g., a transmission housing). However, other planetary gear set structures may be used in other examples. The configuration of the planetary gear sets 210 and 212 allows the inputs from the motors to be added together, thereby increasing the torque of the system. As a result, the performance of the electric axle 200 is improved.

[0036] The carriers 216 are directly connected to the output gear 219, and the output gear 219 meshes with the input gear 220 of the differential 222. The differential 222 is rotationally coupled to the drive wheels 224 via the shaft 226.

[0037] Bearings 230 and 232 are again coupled to opposite shaft sides of motors 202 and 204. Bearing 234 is further coupled to opposite shaft sides of each sun gear 214. Additionally, a bearing 236 is coupled to each carrier 216. However, other bearing arrangements are also contemplated.

[0038] Figure 3 Another example of an electric bridge 300 is shown, which is connected to a support structure 301. Specifically, in the illustrated example, the electric bridge 300 is connected to a vertical extension 303 of the support structure 301. A more detailed support structure example is shown in FIG. Figure 4-7 shown and discussed in more detail here.

[0039] The electric axle 300 includes an electric motor 302 having two output shafts 304 and 305 located on opposite axial sides of the motor. The electric axle also includes gear trains 306 and 308 located on opposite sides of the electric machine. The gear trains 306 and 308 include a multi-stage gear reduction device (e.g., a two-stage reduction device) with idler shafts 326 and 342. Positioning the gear trains in this manner can make the load on the axle more even, thereby extending the service life of the axle. The load balancing function of the gear trains 306 and 308 will be further described herein.

[0040] In the illustrated example, gear train 306 includes a first stage 320 having a gear 322 connected to output shaft 304 and a gear 324 connected to an idler shaft 326 and meshing with gear 322. A second stage 328 in gear train 306 includes a gear 330 connected to idler shaft 326 and a gear 332 connected to a cross shaft 334 that connects the outputs of gear trains 306 and 308. In other examples, the gear train may include additional stages, but this may reduce the space efficiency of the axle.

[0041] Gear train 308 also includes a first stage 336 including a gear 338 connected to output shaft 305 and a gear 340 connected to idler shaft 342. Gear train 308 also includes a second stage 344 including a gear 346 connected to idler shaft 342 and a gear 348 connected to cross shaft 334.

[0042] The cross shaft 334 may be connected to the drive wheel 350 via a final gear reduction device or may be directly connected to the drive wheel 350. The outer diameter 352 of the first stage 320 may be larger than the outer diameter 354 of the electric machine 302 to effectively integrate the electric machine into the electric shaft.

[0043] Cross shaft 334 may extend to the underside of electric machine 302, to which gears in the first and second gear trains are connected. In addition, electric bridge 300 may have a corresponding motor and gear train layout on the other side of support structure 301 to drive another wheel. Thus, electric bridge 300 may be equipped with two independent drive units for each drive wheel, each unit including a similar gear reduction device on the opposite side of the motor and a cross shaft.

[0044] Figure 4-7 An exemplary support structure 400 is shown. Any of the electric axles described above may be integrated into the support structure 400. Since the support structure may be used for both hybrid and internal combustion powertrains, incorporating the electric axle into the support structure may reduce cross-platform development costs for the axle.

[0045] Figure 4 A support structure 400 is shown with a first vertically extending protrusion 422 and a second vertically extending protrusion 424. These protrusions are located on sides 426 and 428, respectively, of the support structure 400. In addition, these protrusions may be of unequal heights to avoid interference of the structure with adjacent vehicle systems.

[0046] Figure 4 Further illustrated is a recess 430 in the support structure 400. Portions of the recess 430 are located within and vertically below the vertically extending protrusions 422 and 424. Figure 4A bottom surface 432 of the support structure 400 is further illustrated.

[0047] Figure 5 A top view of support structure 400 is shown. Grooves 500 and 516 are located on opposite sides of support structure 400. Figure 5 Further illustrated is a groove 430. The engine groove 430 may be disposed longitudinally in front of the slots 500 and 516. The groove may accommodate pulsation associated with a suspension system (eg, a slave suspension system).

[0048] The support structure 400 can be divided into a front side 550, a rear side 552, a first side 554, and a second side 556. Any of the above-described electric axles can be specifically installed in the support structure 400 in front of the slots 500 and 516. In addition, the electric axle described herein can be at least partially arranged below the groove 560. The groove 560 is shaped to receive the oil pan when the integrated electric drive device is installed in the support structure. In this way, the support structure can be used for different powertrain platforms.

[0049] The electric axle described herein can be disposed in front of the slots 500, 516 to improve the compactness of the system and avoid interference with the suspension system. Specifically, the electric axle can be arranged in front of the slots 500, 516 and on one side 562 and 563 of the groove 560. Therefore, in such an example, the electric axle can be located outside the side of the groove 560.

[0050] Figure 5 Further shown are first and second vertically extending protrusions 422, 424. The inner surfaces 530, 532 of these protrusions 422, 424 can form a bracket structure, which, as previously described, can wrap around and / or cooperate with other powertrain components (such as lubricating oil pans, gearboxes, etc.). The electric shaft can be integrated with the vertically extending protrusions 422, 424. The motor in the above-mentioned electric axle (such as an axial flux motor) can be contained in one or both of the vertically extending protrusions to improve the space efficiency of the powertrain. Compared with radial flux motors, axial flux motors have a shorter axial length and are therefore particularly suitable for installation in vertically extending protrusions.

[0051] Figure 6 The support structure 400 is shown. The vertically extending protrusions 422 and 424 and the bottom surface 432 of the support structure 400 are again shown.

[0052] Figure 7 The side 426 of the support structure 400 is shown. The groove 500 extends vertically along the side 426. It will be appreciated that Figure 7 Another slot 516 is shown extending vertically along the opposite side of the support structure 400. The vertically extending protrusion 424 is shown located in front of the slot 516, with its axis parallel to the Y axis. Figure 7 Further shown are a front side 720 and a back side 722 of the support structure 400 .

[0053] An electric axle and related vehicle systems, more particularly powertrain systems, components, etc., can provide an operating method of an electric axle, the method comprising operating a first axial flux motor-generator and a second axial flux motor-generator based on an acceleration request, wherein the electric axle includes first and second axial flux motor-generators directly coupled to respective planetary gearboxes.

[0054] The technical effect of the electric drive axle and operating method described herein is to achieve a space-efficient axle assembly with desirable performance characteristics that can be integrated into support structures designed for all-electric vehicle platforms, hybrid electric vehicle platforms, and internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle platforms.

[0055] Figure 1-7 Configuration examples of relative positioning of various components are shown. If the elements shown in the figure are in direct contact or directly coupled to each other, then at least in one example, these elements can be referred to as direct contact or direct coupling, respectively. Similarly, at least in one example, the elements shown as adjacent or adjacent to each other can be adjacent or adjacent to each other, respectively. For example, elements that are in face-to-face contact with each other can be referred to as face-to-face contact elements. Another example is that, at least in one example, the elements are placed separately from each other, with only space in the middle and no other elements, which can be referred to as being placed separately from each other. For example, relative to each other, the elements displayed above / below each other, relative to both sides of each other, or relative to the left / right side of each other can be referred to as such elements. In addition, as shown in the figure, in at least one example, the topmost element or element point can be referred to as the "top" of the element, and the bottommost element or element point can be referred to as the "bottom" of the element. The top / bottom, upper / lower, upper / lower used in this article can be relative to the vertical axis in the figure to describe the positioning of each element in the figure relative to each other. Therefore, in one example, the element displayed above other elements is vertically positioned above other elements. For another example, the shapes of the elements depicted in the figures may be referred to as having these shapes (e.g., circular, linear, planar, curved, rounded, chamfered, beveled, or the like). In addition, in one example, elements that are coaxial with each other may be referred to as coaxial elements. In addition, at least in one example, elements that are shown intersecting with each other may be referred to as intersecting elements or intersecting with each other. In addition, in one example, elements that are displayed within another element or displayed outside another element may be referred to as intersecting elements. In other examples, elements that are offset from each other may also be referred to as "offset elements."

[0056] The utility model will be further described below. In one aspect, the utility model provides an electric axle, which includes a first motor directly connected to the sun gear of a planetary gear set; and a second motor directly connected to the first carrier of the planetary gear set; wherein the planetary gear set includes a first set of planetary gears rotating on the first carrier, and a second set of planetary gears meshing with an input gear in a differential.

[0057] On the other hand, an electric axle is provided, which includes a first motor directly coupled to a first planetary gear set; and a second motor directly coupled to a second planetary gear set; wherein the first and second planetary gear sets include a first carrier and a second carrier, which are rotationally coupled to an output gear, and the output gear meshes with an input gear of a differential.

[0058] In another aspect, an electric axle is provided, which includes an electric motor, the electric motor including two output shafts, the two output shafts are respectively connected to the rotor shaft on both sides of the motor axis; a first gear set, the first gear set is rotationally connected to the first output shaft; and a second gear set, the second gear set is rotationally connected to the second output shaft.

[0059] In any or any combination of the above aspects, the electric axle may be a single speed electric axle.

[0060] In any or any combination of the above aspects, the planetary gear set can include a second carrier directly connected to the second electric machine.

[0061] In any or any combination of the above aspects, the electric axle may further include a support structure including an axle groove at least partially surrounding the electric axle.

[0062] In any or any combination of the above aspects, the first and second electric machines may be axial flux machines.

[0063] In any or any combination of the above aspects, the electric axle may be a single speed electric axle.

[0064] In any aspect or combination of the above aspects, the first and second planetary gear sets can be simple planetary gear sets.

[0065] In any or any combination of the above aspects, the first ring gear and the second ring gear in the first planetary gear set and the second planetary gear set can be grounded.

[0066] In any or all aspects or combinations of the above, the first and second gear trains may not include a clutch.

[0067] In any or all of the above aspects or combinations of the aspects, the first and second gear trains may include only the first stage and the second stage.

[0068] In the above aspects or combinations of the aspects, the electric shaft may further include a cross shaft extending axially through one side of the electric machine and connected to the first gear in the first gear train and the second gear in the second gear train.

[0069] In any or all of the above aspects, the cross shaft may be disposed vertically below the motor.

[0070] In any or any combination of the above aspects, the electric axle may be a front axle located in a vertically extending protrusion of the support structure.

[0071] In any or all of the above aspects, the gears in the first and second gear trains may be helical gears.

[0072] In the above aspects or combinations of the aspects, the output shaft may be disposed vertically below the motor.

[0073] Please note that the control and estimation routine examples included herein can be used in various powertrain, transmission and / or vehicle system configurations. The control methods and routines disclosed herein can be stored as executable instructions in a non-transitory memory and can be executed by a control system including a controller in combination with various sensors, actuators and other vehicle hardware. In addition, some methods may be physical operations taken in the real world to change the state of a device. The specific routines described herein may represent one or more of a variety of processing strategies. Therefore, the various actions, operations and / or functions illustrated can be performed in the order shown, in parallel, or omitted in some cases. Similarly, the processing order is not necessarily required to achieve the features and advantages of the examples described herein, but is only for ease of illustration and description. Depending on the specific strategy used, one or more of the illustrated actions, operations and / or functions may be repeated. In addition, the described actions, operations and / or functions may graphically represent the code to be programmed into the non-transitory memory of a computer-readable storage medium in a vehicle control system, wherein the described actions are implemented by executing instructions in a system including various hardware components combined with an electronic controller. If necessary, one or more method steps described herein may be omitted.

[0074] Although various embodiments are described above, it should be understood that these embodiments are examples only and not limitations. It is obvious to those familiar with the relevant technology that the disclosed subject matter can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit of the subject matter. Therefore, the above-mentioned embodiments should be regarded as exemplary and non-restrictive in all aspects. Therefore, these specific examples should not be regarded as restrictive because there can be many changes. For example, the above-mentioned technology can be applied to power systems containing different types of propulsion sources, including different types of motors and engines (such as internal combustion engines). The subject matter of the present disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of various systems and configurations, as well as other features, functions and / or characteristics disclosed herein.

[0075] The following claims particularly point out certain combinations and subcombinations regarded as novel and non-obvious. The claims may refer to "an" element or a "first" element or the equivalent. The claims should be understood to include one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements. Other combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed features, functions, elements, and / or properties may be claimed by amendment of the present claims or by presentation of new claims in this or a related application. Such claims, whether broader, narrower, equal, or different in scope to the original claims, are also deemed to be included in the subject matter of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An electric axle, characterized in that: include: a first electric machine, a rotor of the first electric machine being rotationally coupled to the sun gear of the first planetary gear set via a shaft; as well as a second electric machine, a rotor of the second electric machine being rotationally coupled to a carrier of the second planetary gear set; wherein the planetary gear set includes a set of planetary gears rotating on a carrier and an output gear meshing with an input gear in a differential; and The first motor, the second motor and the first and second planetary gear sets are coaxially arranged.

2. The electric axle of claim 1, wherein the electric axle is a single-speed electric axle. 3 . The electric axle of claim 1 , wherein the planetary gear set includes a second carrier directly connected to the second electric machine.

4. The electric axle according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also included is a support structure at least partially surrounding the electric axle. 5 . The electric axle of claim 1 , wherein the first and second electric machines are axial flux machines.

6. The electric axle of claim 1, wherein the electric axle is an electric beam axle. 7 . The electric axle of claim 1 , wherein the first planetary gear set is a simple planetary gear set.

8. The electric axle of claim 7, wherein the second planetary gear set is a simple planetary gear set.

9. The electric axle of claim 1, wherein the electric axle is a front axle located in a vertically extending protrusion of a support structure.

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