WORK VEHICLE REDUCTION DRIVE ASSEMBLY

Abstract

work vehicle reduction drive assembly. A work vehicle reduction drive assembly (10) includes a drive (16) having a drive shaft (38) mechanically connected to a moving work component (14) via a planetary gear train (28). The planetary gear train (28) includes a ring gear (30) having a number of teeth of tring, a sun gear (32) having a number of teeth of tsun, and a planet carrier assembly (34) including a plurality of planetary gears (36) each having a number of teeth of tplanet. tring, tsun, and tplanet are selected such that each planetary gear in the plurality of planetary gears (36) contacts at least two teeth of the sun gear (32) and at least two teeth of the ring gear (30) in all rotational positions of the planetary gear train (28).The sum of tring and tsun produces a positive integer when divided by a first number from the set {3, 4, 5} and when divided by a second number from the set {3, 4, 5}.

Description

/ 38 WORK VEHICLE REDUCTION DRIVE ASSEMBLY FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] This invention relates to work vehicle reduction drive assemblies including configurable, high-contact-ratio gearbox reductions, used in conjunction with machines and other drives used to power (or extract power from) various work vehicle functionalities. FUNDAMENTALS OF THE INVENTION

[002] E-machines capable of functioning as electric motors and generators are increasingly used within work vehicles employed in the agricultural, construction, forestry, and mining industries. In certain cases, such e-machines may function as electric motors serving as the driving engine of a work vehicle, such as an electric track loader and electric compact track loader. In other cases, an e-machine may function as electric motors used to provide propulsion assistance to (rather than the motive power of) a work vehicle. For example, in the latter case, an e-machine may function as an electric motor providing traction assistance by independently powering an axle of the work vehicle. The work vehicle may be a piloted, self-propelled work vehicle, such as a motor grader.Alternatively, the work vehicle may be an unmanned, non-self-propelled work vehicle, such as a pneumatic seeder, an applicator or sprayer, a goods cart, or other implement towed or otherwise moved by a tractor across a field. In still other cases, a work vehicle may be fitted with an e-machine, which functions as an electric generator when retro-driven by the motor or other rotating component of the work vehicle. Regardless of its particular use, a. Petition 870250008485, dated 01 / 31 / 2025, page 8 / 112 / 38. An e-machine is commonly paired with a gearbox reduction additionally implemented on board the work vehicle. The gearbox reduction provides a reduction in rotational speed, which converts the low torque, high-speed rotational output of the e-machine (when serving as an electric motor) to a higher torque, lower-speed rotational output, better suited to the particular work application in which the e-machine is used. Collectively, the combination of an e-machine and a gearbox reduction is referred to herein as an “e-machine reduction drive assembly”. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[003] In several embodiments, a work vehicle reduction drive assembly is used on board a work vehicle having a moving work component. The work vehicle reduction drive assembly includes a configurable, high-contact-ratio gearbox reduction and a drive. The configurable, high-contact-ratio gearbox reduction, in turn, includes a gearbox housing within which a planetary gear train is arranged. The planetary gear train contains a ring gear, a sun gear, and a planet carrier assembly including a plurality of planetary gears. The drive is mechanically connected to the moving work component via the planetary gear train when the work vehicle reduction drive assembly is implemented on board the work vehicle.The ring gear has a number of teeth Tring, the sun gear has a number of teeth Tsun, and the plurality of planetary gears each have a number of teeth Tplanet. In implementations, Tring, Tsun, and Tplanet are selected such that the plurality of planetary gears each contact at least two teeth of the sun gear and at least two teeth of the ring gear. Petition 870250008485, dated 01 / 31 / 2025, page 9 / 112 / 38 all rotational positions of the planetary gear train. Additionally, Trng and Tsun are selected so that the sum of Tring and Tsun produces a positive integer when divided by a first number from a set {3, 4, 5} and when divided by a second number from the set {3, 4, 5} different from the first number.

[004] In other embodiments, the work vehicle reduction drive assembly includes a configurable, high-contact-ratio gearbox reduction and a drive having a drive shaft. The configurable, high-contact-ratio gearbox reduction includes a gearbox housing and a planetary gear train. The planetary gear train contains: (i) an annular gear having a number of teeth of Tring, wherein Tring is a prime number exceeding 100; (ii) a sun gear having a number of teeth of Tsun, wherein Tsune is greater than 26 and less than Tring; and (iii) a planetary support assembly including a plurality of planetary gears each having a number of teeth of Tplanet, wherein Tplanet combines with Tring and Tsun to communicate the planetary gear train with a speed reduction ratio exceeding three.The drive shaft is mechanically connected to the moving working component via the planetary gear train when the work vehicle reduction drive assembly is implemented on board the work vehicle.

[005] The details of one or more embodiments are shown in the attached drawings and in the description below. Other features and advantages will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[006] At least one example of the present invention will be described hereafter in conjunction with the following figures: Figure 1 is a schematic of a drive assembly. Petition 870250008485, dated 01 / 31 / 2025, page 10 / 112 / 38 reduction of a work vehicle, generalized, including a configurable, high-contact-ratio gearbox reduction, and implemented on board a work vehicle, as illustrated according to an example embodiment; Figure 2 is a perspective view of three example work vehicles (here, a tractor, an air accelerator or applicator, and a goods cart), any or all of which may be fitted with embodiments of the work vehicle reduction drive assembly shown in Figure 1; Figures 3 and 4 are isometric and partial cross-sectional views, respectively, of a first example implementation of the generalized work vehicle reduction drive assembly shown in Figure 1, including a configurable, high-contact-ratio gearbox reduction containing a single-stage planetary gear train; and Figures 5 and 6 are isometric views of a second example implementation of the generalized work vehicle reduction drive assembly shown in Figure 1, including a configurable, high-contact-ratio gearbox reduction containing a multi-stage planetary gear train (whose annular gear is hidden from view in Figure 6).

[007] The same reference symbols in the various drawings indicate the same elements. For simplicity and clarity of illustration, descriptions and details of features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the exemplary and non-limiting embodiments of the invention described in the subsequent Detailed Description. It should further be understood that features or elements appearing in the accompanying figures are not necessarily drawn to scale unless otherwise stated. Petition 870250008485, dated 01 / 31 / 2025, p. 11 / 112 / 38 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[008] Embodiments of the present invention are shown in the accompanying figures of the drawings described briefly above. Various modifications of the exemplary embodiments may be contemplated by a person skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the present invention, as set forth in the appended claims. OVERVIEW

[009] As appears throughout this document, the term “work vehicle reduction drive assembly” refers to an assembly used on board a work vehicle and comprising a gearbox reduction mechanically coupled to the rotating shaft of a drive or drive device. Where additionally appearing herein, the term “drive device” and the term “drive” are used interchangeably with reference to a device or machine capable of generating energy in the form of a rotary output when driven forward; and, in certain cases, capable of generating electrical energy when reverse-driven and taking the form of an e-machine. Examples of drives include hydraulic motors and e-machines operating as electric motors and / or electric generators.The term “work vehicle reduction drive assembly” is additionally used here to refer to a work vehicle reduction drive, in which the drive device takes the form of a machine. Finally, where it also appears additionally here, the term “work vehicle” is broadly defined here to encompass work machines that move (or are moved) through a work area, cultivated field, or similar, when performing one or more tasks in the agricultural, construction, forestry, or mining industries. The term “work vehicle” thus encompasses not only manned, self-propelled vehicles, but also work implements and. Petition 870250008485, dated 01 / 31 / 2025, page 12 / 112 / 38 similar work machines that are towed or otherwise moved by another work vehicle (e.g., a tractor) during use. Generally, then, the work vehicle reduction drive assemblies described herein are of a highly versatile nature and can be integrated into a wide variety of work vehicle platforms without limitation.

[0010] As e-machine reduction drive assemblies are increasingly used on board work vehicles, certain technical challenges are encountered. One such challenge is encountered when using existing gearbox reductions in conjunction with e-machines (electric motors and generators), which tend to operate at higher speeds and lower torque outputs (or inputs, if acting as a generator) than other types of drives or motors, such as internal combustion engines. At higher rotational speeds, transmission errors in existing gearbox reductions result in relatively high noise levels, which may be noticeable to operators and detract from operator satisfaction. Such high noise levels may be particularly noticeable when an existing gearbox reduction is paired with an e-machine, which tends to generate relatively little operating noise.There is an industrial demand for e-machine reduction drive assemblies and, more generally, reduction drive assemblies (either containing an e-machine or other drive device, such as a hydraulic motor) suitable for integration into a wide range of work vehicles and providing low transmission error, low noise operation. Ideally, such a work vehicle reduction drive assembly would also possess other desirable characteristics including, for example, the ability to extend the service life of rotating components (e.g., bearings) within the drive assembly. Petition 870250008485, dated 01 / 31 / 2025, page 13 / 112 / 38, it is also desirable that such a reduction drive assembly be conducive to low manufacturing costs and provide a high level of design flexibility.

[0011] In response to the industrial demand described above, the following describes reduction drive assemblies for work vehicles, including configurable, high-contact-ratio gearbox reductions. The high contact ratio achieved by the gearbox reductions described below minimizes transmission errors to provide exceptionally smooth operation, particularly when the reduction drive assembly contains a drive in the form of an E-machine. The gearbox reductions are referred to as having “high contact ratios” due to the inclusion of planetary gear trains or assemblies, which have contact ratios (CRs) exceeding 2. This high contact ratio (CR > 2) denotes that at least two teeth of any given gear within the planetary gear train contact at least two teeth of each meshing gear through all rotational positions of the gear train.Such a high contact ratio is achieved, in part, by adhering to certain key design rules or fundamental relationships between the number of teeth of at least one ring gear (Ting) included in the planetary gear train, the number of teeth of at least one sun gear (Tsun) included in the gear train, and the number of teeth of each planetary gear of a planet carrier set (Tplanet) also included in the gear train. The ring gear is selected to have an ultra-high number of teeth (Tring) exceeding 100, in embodiments. Tring may also be selected as a prime number and, at least in some embodiments, may be selected from the set of numbers {113, 119, 121, 127, 131, 137, 139}, for the reasons explained below. Comparatively, the sun gear may be selected to have a number of teeth (Tsun) based on Tring shape. Petition 870250008485, dated 01 / 31 / 2025, p. 14 / 112 / 38 that the following mathematical relationship be satisfied: the sum of Tring and Tsun produces a positive integer or integral when divided by a first number from the set {3, 4, 5} and when divided by a second number from the set {3, 4, 5} different from the first number. In certain cases, the sum of Tring and Tsun may produce a positive integer when divided by all three numbers in the set {3, 4, 5}.

[0012] Selecting Tring and Tsunde according to the previous design principles, and additionally selecting a corresponding value for Tplanet (described below), allows the gearbox reduction to achieve the high contact ratio so that at least two teeth of each gear contact at least two teeth of each gear in meshing in all planetary gear positions, as noted above. Again, this produces a planetary gear train having exceptionally low transmission errors and smooth operation. Although running the gears with higher numbers of teeth may reduce the structural robustness of the teeth, this is typically acceptable in the context of e-machine (or hydraulic motor) drives that tend to operate at higher speeds and lower torque levels.Additionally, the stress concentrations applied to the gear teeth are also reduced due to the increased load sharing between the gear teeth at the various gear-to-gear or meshing interfaces of the planetary gear drive. Furthermore, by following the design particulars described herein, the high contact ratio of the gearbox reduction, and specifically the planetary gear train, can be obtained using cylindrical gears (i.e., gears lacking a helix angle relative to the geometric axis of rotation of the gear), such as the ring gear(s), sun gear(s), and planetary gears of the planetary gear train. The use of... Petition 870250008485, dated 01 / 31 / 2025, page 15 / 112 / 38 cylindrical gears can not only reduce manufacturing costs, but can also minimize thrust loads exerted on the bearings of the rolling elements (and other rotating components) inside the gearbox reduction. The operational service life of the gearbox reduction can be extended as a result.

[0013] As another benefit, selecting the respective number of teeth on the ring gear and sun gears such that the sum of Tring and Tsun produces a positive integer when divided by at least two numbers from the set {3, 4, 5} gives the gearbox reduction a configurable or modular design. The gearbox reduction is “configurable” in the sense that, when Tringe and Tsun are selected to satisfy this condition, the ring gear and sun gear allow compatibility with multiple planet carrier sets having varying numbers of planetary gears and similar critical dimensions (e.g., uniformly spaced planetary gears). Specifically, in cases where the sum of Tring and Tsun produces an integer when divided by three, a planet carrier set having three planetary gears can be installed with the ring gear and sun gear.Comparatively, in cases where the sum of Tring and Tsun produces an integer when divided by four, a planet carrier set having four planetary gears can be installed with the ring gear and the sun gear. Finally, in cases where the sum of Tring and Tsun produces an integer when divided by five, a planet carrier set having five planetary gears can be installed with the ring gear and the sun gear. Thus, by selecting the number of teeth on the ring gear and the sun gears such that the sum of Tring and Tsun produces a positive integer when divided by at least two numbers from the set {3, 4, 5}, as described above, multiple carrier sets can be installed. Petition 870250008485, dated 01 / 31 / 2025, page 16 / 112 / 38 of planets having different numbers of planetary gears (ranging from three planetary gears to five planetary gears inclusive) can be interchanged with the ring and sun gears within the gearbox housing, provided that the critical dimensions of the planet carrier assemblies remain substantially consistent. This communicates gearbox reduction with an interchangeable or configurable design to provide manufacturers and customers with greater design flexibility of a particular planetary gear assembly or module to suit a particular application; for example, for higher torque applications, a planet carrier assembly having four or five gears can be selected, while using a base subassembly containing a common ring and / or sun gear.Additionally, by using common annular and sun gears for multiple gearing configurations, cost savings can be achieved through economies of scale, while the gearbox assembly process can be simplified.

[0014] Additional critical relationships between Tring, Tsun, and Tplanet are also described. For example, in embodiments, Tring, Tsun, and Tplanet are selected such that the ring gear, sun gear, and planetary gears follow a hunting pattern during the operation of the working vehicle reduction drive assembly. The phrase “follow a hunting pattern,” the term “hunting behavior,” and the term “hunting,” as it appears throughout this document, indicates that each tooth of a given gear within the planetary gear train will contact or “hunt” all the teeth of the meshing gear over time through the rotational positions of the planetary gear train. Therefore, selecting Tring, Tsun, and Tplanet such that the ring gear, sun gear, and planetary gears follow a hunting pattern ensures that all gear teeth (rather than a subset of them) Petition 870250008485, dated 01 / 31 / 2025, page 17 / 112 / 38 gear teeth) at the sun-planet interfaces and at the planet-ring interfaces come into contact through the assembly phases of the planetary gear train to minimize gear wear and additionally extend the service life of the gearbox reduction. In many cases, Ting, Tsun, and Tplanet are each selected as a prime number to impart to the planetary gear train such hunting behavior at each of the gear-gear or meshing interfaces.In other implementations, Tring can be selected as a prime number (for example, Tring can be selected from the aforementioned set of numbers {113, 119, 121, 127, 131, 137, 139}), while Tsune and Tplanet are selected to have values ​​that, while not prime numbers, are divisible by different factors; for example, in a non-limiting embodiment Tring, Tsun, and Tplanet can be equal to 137, 58, and 39, respectively. This again ensures that the planetary gear train follows a hunting pattern during gearbox reduction operation.

[0015] Furthermore, additional benefits are obtained by embodiments of the configurable, high-contact-ratio gearbox reduction contained in the work vehicle reduction drive assemblies described herein. For example, in certain cases, the sun gear and planetary gears can be manufactured using a single plate or similar cutting tool for additional cost savings. In other implementations, the gearbox reduction can be provided with a relatively compact design, with the ring gear potentially having an inner diameter (when measured at the tooth roots) ranging from about 127 mm to about 305 mm in embodiments. Additionally or alternatively, in various implementations, the gearbox reduction can achieve a speed reduction ratio greater than 3; and, in certain cases, such as when a gear train Petition 870250008485, dated 01 / 31 / 2025, page 18 / 112 / 38. When multi-stage planetary gears are used, the speed reduction can approach, if not exceed, 6. These characteristics again make the gearbox reduction well-suited for use with e-machines, which tend to produce high-speed, low-torque rotational outputs (when used as electric motors). Additionally, in embodiments, the work vehicle reduction drive assembly can take the form of a so-called “pi drive assembly”, which is defined here as a drive assembly containing a gearbox reduction having a speed reduction ratio substantially equivalent to pi; the term “substantially equivalent to pi” is further defined here as pi ± 5%.Given this speed reduction ratio, such a pi drive assembly is well suited for use in place of the conventional hydraulic motor, with the pi drive assembly containing an e-machine in addition to a configurable, high-contact-ratio gearbox of the type mentioned above and described in detail below.

[0016] A generalized example of the work vehicle reduction drive assembly is described below in connection with Figure 1. Following this, examples of various work vehicles, into which embodiments of the reduction drive assembly may be integrated or incorporated, are described below in connection with Figure 2. Finally, a first example implementation of the work vehicle reduction drive assembly is shown in Figures 3 and 4 and further described below, while a second example implementation of the work vehicle reduction drive assembly is shown and discussed in conjunction with Figures 5 and 6. The following description is provided for non-limiting illustrative purposes only and should not be construed to unduly restrict the scope of the appended claims in any way. VEHICLE REDUCTION DRIVE ASSEMBLIES Petition 870250008485, dated 01 / 31 / 2025, page 19 / 112 / 38EXAMPLE CONTAINING A CONFIGURABLE, HIGH-CONTACT-RATIUM GEARBOX REDUCTION

[0017] With reference to Figure 1, a generalized scheme of an example work vehicle reduction drive assembly 10 on board a work vehicle 12 is presented. The work vehicle reduction drive assembly 10 is represented in a highly generalized manner in Figure 1 to emphasize that embodiments of the work vehicle reduction drive assembly 10 can be integrated into various types of work vehicles and used to power (or receive power from) different mobile work components or devices supporting various work vehicle functionalities.In this respect, the exemplary work vehicle 12 is schematically represented as containing at least one mobile component or device 14, which is mechanically connected to (i.e., is capable of exchanging rotational energy with) a drive 16, such as an e-machine or a hydraulic motor, contained in the work vehicle reduction drive assembly 10. The mobile work component or device 14 may take the form of (or may be included within) a power assist shaft 18, a drive sprocket 20 (for example, when included in the tracked subcart of a tracked loader work vehicle), a diesel engine 22, or a primary drive train 24 of the work vehicle 12, to list a few non-limiting examples.

[0018] Explaining the preceding sentence more fully, in embodiments where the work vehicle 12 takes the form of a piloted work vehicle (for example, a motor grader) or an unpiloted work vehicle (for example, a wheeled implement towed by, or otherwise moved by, a tractor), the mobile work component or device 14 may take the form of an axle. Petition 870250008485, dated 01 / 31 / 2025, page 20 / 112 / 38 independently energized or “power assist axle 18”, which is driven by the work vehicle reduction drive assembly 10 to provide assisted traction for the work vehicle 12. In embodiments where the work vehicle 12 takes the form of an electric track loader, the mobile work component 14 may take the form of a drive sprocket included in a tracked sub-carriage, driven by the work vehicle reduction drive assembly 10.In other embodiments where the work vehicle 12 contains a diesel engine, such as the diesel engine 22 schematically identified in Figure 1, the rotating components of the diesel engine 22 may be driven by the work vehicle reduction drive assembly 10 at the moment of engine start-up and / or the drive 16 may function as an electric generator when driven by the diesel engine 22 subsequent to engine start-up. Finally, as yet another example, the drive 16 may energize the primary drive train 24 of the work vehicle 12 when the work vehicle 12 takes the form of a wheeled loader, a compact tracked loader, or other work vehicle. Notably, in each of the example applications 18, 20, and 24, the work vehicle reduction drive assembly 10 propels or assists in propelling the work vehicle 12 during its operation.Thus, in such applications, the drive 16 can alternatively be described as mechanically connected to a driving element (e.g., an axle with wheels or a track) of the work vehicle 12 via the reduction of the gearbox 26.

[0019] Again, the previous examples are not limiting, and the work vehicle reduction drive assembly 10 is favorable for integration into a wide variety of work vehicles used to perform various tasks in the construction, agricultural, mining, and forestry industries. Additionally, although in many cases the assembly of Petition 870250008485, dated 01 / 31 / 2025, page 21 / 112 / 38. The work vehicle reduction drive 10 will be used to provide motive power propelling or assisting in propelling the work vehicle 12 when moving over the terrain; this need is not always the case, for example, when the drive 16 is used to assist in starting the diesel engine 22 and / or in generating power from the diesel engine 22 (or other rotating component intended for energy recovery or collection). The drive 16 will often take the form of an e-machine, which acts as an electric motor, an electric generator, or both during the operation of the work vehicle reduction drive assembly 10. In addition to the drive 16, the work vehicle reduction drive assembly 10 further includes a configurable, high-contact-ratio gearbox reduction, 26.For the reasons explained below, the configurable, high-contact-ratio gearbox reduction 26 provides low transmission error and low noise operation, due at least in part to the high contact ratio obtained by a planetary gear set or train 28 (described below) arranged within the gearbox reduction 26. Additionally, in at least some embodiments, the gearbox reduction 26 achieves relatively deep (high-value) speed reduction ratios that approach, if not exceed, 3 in many cases. These and other characteristics of the gearbox reduction 26 make the configurable, high-contact-ratio gearbox reduction 26 well-suited for use in conjunction with e-machines, which tend to provide low-noise operation at higher rotational speeds (at which conventional gearboxes produce undesirably high noise levels).Nevertheless, drive 16 does not need to take the form of an e-machine in all cases; for example, in certain implementations, drive 16 may take the form of a hydraulic motor included in, for example, a hydrostatic transmission. Petition 870250008485, dated 01 / 31 / 2025, page 22 / 112 / 38

[0020] As previously noted, the configurable, high-contact-ratio gearbox reduction 26 includes a planetary gear train 28 contained in the gearbox housing 31. The planetary gear train 28 in turn includes at least one ring gear 30, at least one sun gear 32, and at least one planet support subassemblies 34. For illustrative purposes, two such planet support subassemblies 34 are contained in the representative housing of the planetary gear train 28 in Figure 1 and identified as planet support subassemblies 34-1 and planet support subassemblies 34-2. The planet support subassemblies 34-1, 34-2 are represented in this way to emphasize that the subassemblies 34-1, 34-2 represent different options of interchangeable parts or modules.As further indicated graphically, the planet support subsets 34-1 include a first predetermined number (n1) of planetary gears 36-1, while the planet support subsets 34-2 include a second predetermined number (n2) of planetary gears 36-2. The planet support subsets 34-1 and 34-2 each have between three and five planetary gears inclusive, while containing a different number of planetary gears. As mentioned differently, n1 and n2 are both selected from the set of numbers {3, 4, 5}, while n1 is different from n2 (n1 ≠ n2).

[0021] The interchangeable nature of the planet carrier subsets 34-1, 34-2 provides the gearbox reduction 26 with its configurable design; that is, the gearbox reduction 26 is configured so that at least two (and possibly three or more) different planet carrier subsets 34 having different numbers of planetary gears can be used in conjunction with the ring gear 30 and the sun gear 32. To allow such interchangeability or modularity, certain mathematical relationships or rules Petition 870250008485, dated 01 / 31 / 2025, page 23 / 112 / 38 of the design are observed between the number of teeth of the ring gear 30 (Tring) and the number of teeth of the sun gear 32 (Tsun), as mentioned above and as discussed in more detail below. Additionally, besides variances in the number of teeth of the individual planetary gears contained in the planet carrier subassemblies 34 (Tplanet), critical dimensions (e.g., the dimensions of the planetary gear and the spacing from the geometric axis of rotation of the carrier) are maintained between the different subassemblies 34 to allow any chosen subassembly 34 to be mounted with the ring gear 30 and the sun gear 32 of the planetary gear train 28.Finally, although only two modules or subassemblies 34 are shown in Figure 1, three or more modules (e.g., first, second, and third subassembly modules containing three, four, and five planetary gears, respectively) can be used interchangeably with the ring gear 30 and the sun gear 32 in the embodiments, depending on the values ​​selected for Trmge Tsun (discussed below). In certain implementations, the gearbox housing 31 and the ring gear 30 can be designed so that different subassemblies of planet carriers 34-1, 34-2 can be “connected” or installed in a relatively straightforward modular manner.In such implementations, the sun gear 32 can be included as part of the base module (containing additionally the annular gear 30 and the gearbox housing 31) or, alternatively, the sun gear 32 can be included as part of a “plug-in” or easily insertable module, in addition to the planet support subassemblies 34-1, 34-2.

[0022] In addition to having a configurable design allowing different planetary gear sets to be interchanged, the 26 gearbox reduction also features a high contact ratio between the gear or gear interfaces. Petition 870250008485, dated 01 / 31 / 2025, page 24 / 112 / 38 planetary gear train 28. As indicated above, the term “high contact ratio” denotes a contact ratio wherein at least two teeth of each gear contact at least two teeth of each gear in the reduction gearbox 26 in all rotational positions of the planetary gear train 28. Differently stated, in all rotational positions of the planetary gear train 28, at least two teeth of each planetary gear 36 of the selected planet support subsets 34 contact at least two teeth of the ring gear 30 and at least two teeth of each planetary gear 36 also contact at least two teeth of the sun gear 32. This results in exceptionally low transmission errors and smooth operation of the reduction gearbox 26.Additionally, in embodiments, the gearbox reduction 26 can provide a speed reduction ratio exceeding three; and perhaps a speed reduction ratio exceeding 6 when a compound gear set is used such as the planetary gear train 28, as described more fully below in connection with Figures 5 and 6. To allow such a high contact ratio, the ring gear 30 will often (though not always need to) have an ultra-high number of teeth (Tring) exceeding 100, which is well above the number of teeth of many conventional ring gears. Furthermore, in many embodiments, the ring gear 30 is selected to have an ultra-high number of teeth (T-mg > 100) and a number of teeth (Tring) equal to a prime number, for reasons explained in more detail below.Simultaneously, the annular gear 30 can have an internal diameter (when measured at the tooth roots) ranging from about 127 millimeters to about 305 millimeters, in the various configurations.

[0023] As indicated above, the drive 16 of the work vehicle reduction drive assembly 10 can drive and / or be Petition 870250008485, dated 01 / 31 / 2025, page 25 / 112 / 38 driven by the moving working component 14 through the gearbox reduction 26. Generally, the drive 16 includes a rotating drive shaft 38, which is mechanically connected to a rotating shaft 40 of the moving working component 14 (hereinafter, the “component shaft 40”) through the rotating component within the gearbox housing 31. Consequently, the gearbox reduction 26 provides a rotary power transmission arrangement between the shafts 38, 40 and includes a first rotary input / output (I / O) member 42 and a second I / O member 44, which may also be splined shafts or other suitable rotating structures for transmitting rotational motion to, and from, selected gears within the planetary gear train 28.The first rotary I / O member 42 is mechanically connected to the drive shaft 38, either directly or indirectly through any number of intermediate components, as indicated by ellipses 46 in Figure 1. Similarly, the second rotary I / O member 44 is mechanically connected to the component shaft 40, either directly or indirectly through one or more intermediate components (indicated by ellipses 48). In an example scenario, where the drive 16 energizes the moving working component 14 through the gearbox reduction 26, the rotation of the drive shaft 38 results in the rotation of the I / O member 42 (here, acting as the mechanical input of the gearbox reduction 26).This causes the rotation of a first component of the planetary gear train 28 (for example, one of the ring gear 30, the sun gear 32, or the planet support subassemblies 34), which drives the rotation of at least one second component of the planetary gear train 28 (for example, a gear other than the ring gear 30, the sun gear 32, or the planet support subassemblies 34). This, in turn, drives the rotation of the I / O member 44 (here, functioning as...). Petition 870250008485, dated 01 / 31 / 2025, page 26 / 112 / 38 the mechanical output of the gearbox reduction 26) to then co-rotate the component shaft 40 and energize the moving working component 14. The rotational energy flow just described is reversed when the moving working component 14, instead, energizes the drive 16 through the gearbox reduction 26; for example, when the drive 16 is an electric motor serving as a starter-generator, and the moving working component 14 takes the form of the diesel engine 22 following the engine start.

[0024] Regardless of the particular path and direction of power transmission through the configurable, high-contact-ratio gearbox reduction 26, the work vehicle reduction drive assembly 10 provides several notable advantages. Two primary advantages obtained by the gearbox reduction 26 have already been mentioned; more specifically, the configurable nature of the gearbox reduction 26 and the high contact ratio obtained by the planetary gear train 28. Both of these advantages are achieved, in part, by selecting Tring to have a high number of teeth, such as an ultra-high number of teeth exceeding 100. However, it is also desirable to limit the number of Tring teeth to numbers lower than an upper limit to, for example, maintain the structural integrity of the ring gear 30 and to preserve the manufacturability of the ring gear 30.Additionally, the planetary gear train 28 is advantageously configured for hunting; this is achieved, in part, by selecting Tring to be a prime number. Considering these competing factors, along with the other factors described below (e.g., the desirability of the planetary gear train for hunting), Tring is advantageously selected from the following set of numbers in the embodiments: {113, 119, 121, 127, 131, 137, 139}. Simultaneously, and as indicated above, Tring and Tsun are beneficially selected to communicate the reduction of the gearbox 26 with a design. Petition 870250008485, dated 01 / 31 / 2025, page 27 / 112 / 38 configurable or modular and, specifically, to allow both planet support subsets 34-1 (having a first number of planetary gears between three and five) and planet support subsets 34-2 (having a second different number of planetary gears between three and five) to be mounted with ring gear 30 and sun gear 32. Consequently, in the embodiments, after Tringser is selected from the above set of numbers, Tsuné is then selected such that the sum of Tringe Tsun produces a positive integer when divided by at least two numbers (and possibly all three numbers) from the set {3, 4, 5}. Notably, only a limited number of countless gear combinations satisfy these specific requirements, as set forth in Tables 1A through 1G below. TABLE 1A: Tsun VALUES THAT ALLOW MODULARITY WHEN Tring = 113 ______________.______________.______________, Tsun 3 planets 4 planets 5 planets 27 XX 31 XX 37 XX 43 XX 47 XX 52 XX 55 XX TABLE 1B: Tsun VALUES THAT ALLOW MODULARITY WHEN Tring = 119 ______________,______________,______________, Tsun 3 planets 4 planets 5 planets 31 XX 37 XX 41 XX 46 XX 49 XX TABLE 1C: Tsun VALUES THAT ALLOW MODULARITY WHEN Tring = 121 ____________________________________ Tsun 3 planets 4 planets 5 planets 29 XX 35 XX 39 XX 44 XX 47 XX TABLE 1D: Tsun VALUES THAT ALLOW MODULARITY Petition 870250008485, dated 01 / 31 / 2025, page 28 / 112 / 38 WHEN Tring = 127 Tsun 3 planets 4 planets 5 planets 29 XX 33 XX 38 XX 41 XX 53 XXX TABLE 1E: Tsun VALUES THAT ALLOW MODULARITY WHEN Tri, 131 _________________________________ Tsun 3 planets 4 planets 5 planets 29 XX 34 XX 37 XX 49 XXX TABLE 1F: Tsun VALUES THAT ALLOW MODULARITY WHEN Tring = 137 ____________________________________ Tsun 3 planets 4 planets 5 planets 28 XX 31 XX 43 XXX 55 XX 58 XX TABLE 1G: Tsun VALUES THAT ALLOW MODULARITY WHEN Tring = 139 ______________,______________,______________, Tsun 3 planets 4 planets 5 planets 29 XX 41 XXX 53 XX 56 XX

[0025] As indicated in Table 1A above, the desired interchangeability or modularity (i.e., the ability of the gearbox reduction 26 to accept multiple plant support subsets having different numbers of planetary gears ranging from three to five planetary gears inclusive) can be obtained by Tsuna selection from the set of numbers {27, 31, 37, 43, 47, 52, 55} in the embodiments in which Tring equals 113. Table 1B indicates that the desired modularity can be obtained by Tsuna selection from the set of numbers {31, 37, 41, 46, 49} in the embodiments in which Tring equals 119. Table 1C then indicates that the desired modularity can be obtained by Tsuna selection from the set of numbers {29, 35, 39, 44, 47} in the embodiments in which Petition 870250008485, dated 01 / 31 / 2025, page 29 / 112 / 38 Tring equals 121. Table 1D demonstrates that the desired modularity can be obtained by selecting Tsun from the set of numbers {29, 33, 38, 41, 53} in the modalities where Tring equals 127. Table 1E indicates that the desired modularity can be obtained by selecting Tsun from the set of numbers {29, 34, 37, 49} in the modalities where Tring equals 131. Table 1F indicates that the desired modularity can be obtained by selecting Tsuna from the set of numbers {28, 31, 43, 55, 58} in the modalities where Tring equals 137. Table 1G indicates that the desired modularity can be obtained by selecting Tsuna from the set of numbers {29, 41, 53, 56} in the modalities where Tring equals 139.More generally, it can be mentioned that, in the embodiments of the work vehicle reduction drive set 10, Tring is selected from the set {113, 119, 121, 127, 131, 137, 139}, while Tsu is selected from the set {27, 28, 29, 31, 33, 34, 35, 37, 38, 39, 41, 43, 44, 46, 47, 49, 52, 53, 55, 56, 58}. In other embodiments, Tring can be selected as a prime number exceeding 100, while Tsun is selected to be greater than 26 and less than Tring.

[0026] By selecting Tring and Tsunde in such a way that the gearbox reduction 26 is compatible with multiple plant support subassemblies having different numbers of planetary gears, the manufacture of the work vehicle reduction drive assembly 10 can be simplified. Common ring gears and common sun gears can be used in different implementations to achieve economies of scale and lower manufacturing costs. Design flexibility is provided as a base subassembly including a single ring gear and perhaps a single sun gear can be provided and receives interchangeable planet support assemblies having a variable number of planetary gears, thus allowing the manufacturer (or other organization) to select a higher number of planetary gears when, for example, it is desired to increase the torque handling capabilities of the Petition 870250008485, dated 01 / 31 / 2025, page 30 / 112 / 38 gearbox reduction 26. Additionally, high contact ratios can be obtained, while the annular gear 30, the sun gear 32, and the planetary gears 36 assume the form of non-helical cylindrical gears to further lower manufacturing costs, while reducing thrust loads (or other desirable force vectors) on other components within the configurable, high-contact-ratio gearbox reduction 26. This can be particularly beneficial in extending the longevity of rolling element bearings, such as roller or ball bearings, arranged between the static housing infrastructure 31 and the rotating components contained therein.

[0027] In addition to selecting Tring and Tsun to provide the above-described interchangeability or modularity, Tringe Tsun (together with Tplanet) are also advantageously selected to ensure that the various meshing gears of the planetary gear train 28 mesh during operation. For this purpose, Tring is advantageously selected as a prime number exceeding 100 and is perhaps chosen from the above-mentioned set of numbers {113, 119, 121, 127, 131, 137, 139}. Also, and as can be inferred from the reference to Tables 1A to 1G above, Tsun can also be selected as a prime number in many cases. Thus, also, Tplanet can be selected as a prime number (together with Tringe Tsun) in embodiments to ensure that the planetary gear train 28 follows a meshing pattern during use.However, it is also possible that any or all of the Tring, Tsun, and Tplanet are selected as non-prime numbers in at least some implementations of the 26-gearbox reduction. For example, in certain embodiments, Tring can be selected as a prime number exceeding 100 (for example, Tring can be selected from the set of numbers {113, 119, 121, 127, 131, 137, 139}), while one or both of Tsune and Tplanet are selected as non-prime numbers, but with are not. Petition 870250008485, dated 01 / 31 / 2025, page 31 / 112 / 38 divisible by a common factor (while producing an integer or whole number) to obtain the desired hunting behavior of the planetary gear train 28. To provide a more specific, though not limiting, example, Tring Tsun, and Tplanet can be equal to 137, 58, and 39, respectively, in the embodiments to impart to the planetary gear train 28 the desired modularity, high contact ratio, and hunting behavior.

[0028] In the embodiments, the planetary gear train 28 obtains a speed reduction ratio approaching, if not exceeding, 3. The speed reduction ratio of the planetary gear train 28 will depend not only on the values ​​of Tring, Tsun, and Tplanet, but additionally on which members of the planetary gear train 28 serve as the mechanical input and output of the gear train 28, as well as whether the planetary gear train 28 has a single-stage or multi-stage design. As shown below, Table 2 displays example speed reduction ratios that can be obtained when Tring is selected as 137 and other conditions described above are also met. As can be seen in Table 2, most combinations of Tring, Tsun, and Tplanet obtain speed reduction ratios exceeding 3; and, in certain cases, exceeding 5.The speed reduction ratio of the gearbox reduction 26 can also be increased in embodiments by communication to the planetary gear train 28 of a multi-stage design, as described below in connection with figures 5 and 6. Finally, it can be noted that the second exposure in table 2 below (Tring= 137, Tsun= 43, Tplanet= 47, with the sun gear 32 serving as the mechanical input of the gear train 28 and the ring gear 30 serving as the mechanical output), the gearbox reduction 26 is well suited for use as a pi drive (in which case the drive 16 can take the form of an e-machine). Petition 870250008485, dated 01 / 31 / 2025, page 32 / 112 / 38 TABLE 2: EXAMPLE REDUCTION RATIOS WHEN Tring = 137 Example 1 Example 2 Example 3 Example 4 Tsun 31 43 58 27 Tplanet 53 47 39 55 Speed ​​reduction ratio (Sun inward, Annular outward) 4.4194 3.1860 2.3621 5.0741 Speed ​​reduction ratio (Sun inward, Support outward) 5.4194 4.1860 3.3621 6.0741

[0029] Proceeding next to Figure 2, a perspective view of three example work vehicles 50, 52, 54 is shown, any or all of which may be fitted with embodiments of the work vehicle reduction drive assembly 10 shown in Figure 1. Specifically, a tractor 50 is shown in towing arrangement with a work implement 52 (e.g., a pneumatic seeder, sprayer, or applicator) and a goods cart (e.g., seed cart) 54. Again, the towed implement 52 and the goods cart 54 are considered herein to be types of work vehicles, according to the definition previously assigned. A physical connection 56 links the tractor 50 to the towed implement 52 and may include any number of hydraulic, pneumatic, or electrical connections to provide hydraulic fluid, compressed air, power, or electrical signals to components located on board the towed implement 52.Similarly, a physical connection 58 links the towed implement 52 to the goods cart 54 and may again include any number of hydraulic, pneumatic, or electrical connections. In embodiments where the towed implement 52 takes the form of a pneumatic seeder, seed may be received from the goods cart 54 along with streams of compressed air into which the seed (and possibly other material) has entered. Comparatively, electrical power and / or control signals may be provided to the pneumatic seeder by a controller or other onboard processing architecture. Petition 870250008485, dated 01 / 31 / 2025, p. 33 / 112 / 38 of tractor 50.

[0030] As represented in Figure 2 by housings 62 and 64, the vehicle reduction drive assembly 10 can be integrated into the towed implement 52 and / or the goods cart 54, respectively, to provide a powered axle assist function. In such an application, the work vehicle reduction drive assembly 10 provides supplementary motive power by rotating certain wheels 66 of the towed implement 52 (when implemented as a powered axle 62) and / or provides supplementary motive power by rotating certain wheels 68 of the goods cart 54 (when implemented as a powered axle 64). This can enable the tractor 50 to tow the towed implement 52 and the goods cart 54 at a higher speed rate without wheel slippage 66, 68, for high efficiency.Additionally or alternatively, the provision of the towed implement 52 and / or the goods cart 54 with an independently powered axle may allow the span of the towed implement 52 and / or the dimensions of the goods cart 54 to be increased for further efficiency improvements; for example, allowing larger portions of land to be sown or treated by passing the towed implement 52. When it takes the form of such a power assist axle 62, 64, the vehicle reduction drive assembly 10 may be integrated into the towed implement 52 or the goods cart 54 during original manufacture. Alternatively, the vehicle reduction drive assembly 10 may be offered as a replacement kit (a trailer drive kit), which may be retrofitted to the towed implement 52 and / or the goods cart 54 following original manufacture.In still other implementations, the vehicle reduction drive assembly modalities 10 may be integrated into one or more of the work vehicles 50, 52, 54 in another manner; for example. Petition 870250008485, dated 01 / 31 / 2025, page 34 / 112 / 38 example, as indicated in figure 2 by box 70, a vehicle reduction drive assembly 10 can be integrated into the tractor 50 as, for example, a starter-generator motor, which assists in starting the tractor engine and, after the engine starts, then functions as an electric generator.

[0031] Figures 3 and 4 are isometric and partial cross-sectional views, respectively, of an example implementation 72 of the generalized work vehicle reduction drive assembly 10, shown in figure 1 (hereinafter referred to as “the work vehicle reduction drive assembly 72”). In this embodiment, the work vehicle reduction drive assembly 72 includes an e-machine 74 having electrical (power and signal) connections 76, a stator (hidden from view), and a rotor (also hidden from view) mounted to a motor shaft 82 (generally shown in dashed line).The motor shaft 82 is, in turn, mechanically coupled to a mechanical input member 84 of a planetary gear train 86, contained in a gearbox housing 88, 90, having a main body 88 and a cover piece 90. Collectively, the planetary gear train 86 and the gearbox housing 88, 90 form a configurable, high-contact-ratio gearbox reduction 92. The mechanical input member 84 of the planetary gear train 86 is a sun gear in this example and is consequently referred to hereafter as the “sun gear 84”. In addition to the sun gear 84, the planetary gear train 86 includes an annular gear 94 and a planet carrier assembly 96 (Figure 4). The planet carrier assembly 96 contains four planetary gears 98, which are each rotatably mounted to a carrier 100.The gearbox reduction 92 additionally contains several other components, such as ball bearings 102 that support the rotating components of the gearbox reduction 92 and a breather hole 104. The ring gear 94, the sun gear 84, and the... Petition 870250008485, dated 01 / 31 / 2025, page 35 / 112 / 38 planetary gears 98, can all assume the form of non-helical cylindrical gears.

[0032] The term “support,” when appearing herein, is defined as any structure that supports multiple planetary gears while allowing the planetary gears to rotate, regardless of whether the support itself rotates about a central geometric axis of rotation of the planetary gear train. In the example illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the support 100 is a non-rotating structure, which can be integrally formed with the breather hole housing 104, as shown. Comparatively, the ring gear 94 is rotatable about a central geometric axis of rotation 106 of the planetary gear train 86, in the example illustrated. Additionally, the ring gear 94 is mechanically connected to an output shaft 108 through a ring gear support structure 78 and splined interface 80.This structural arrangement thus provides for the co-rotation of the annular gear 94, the annular gear support structure 78, and the output shaft 108, as described in more detail below.

[0033] The rotational energy flow through the gearbox reduction 92 is as follows. The rotation of the motor shaft 82 drives the co-rotation of the sun gear 84, which can be mounted to the motor shaft 82 in a rotationally fixed relationship (e.g., by means of a splined coupling, as shown). The rotation of the sun gear 84 drives the rotation of the planetary gears 98. As mentioned above, the support 100 is rotationally fixed in the illustrated example, so that the rotation of the planetary gears 98 drives the rotation of the ring gear 94 (rather than the rotation of the support 100) around the central geometric axis of rotation 106 (Figure 4). The ring gear 94 serves as the mechanical output of the planetary gear train 86, with the rotation of the ring gear 94 provided to the output shaft 108 of the gearbox reduction. Petition 870250008485, dated 01 / 31 / 2025, page 36 / 112 / 38 gears 92. Again, the output shaft 108 is coupled to the ring gear 94 in a rotationally fixed relationship by means of the ring gear support structure 78 and the splined interface 80 between the inner circumference of the support structure 78 and an outer circumference of one end of the shaft 108, as previously noted. An unillustrated shaft may therefore be connected to the splined shaft 108 to mechanically connect the work vehicle reduction drive assembly 72 to a mobile component or device designed to perform a work vehicle function. For example, in the embodiments, the splined shaft 108 can be mechanically coupled to the rotating wheel hubs of a work vehicle when the work vehicle reduction drive assembly 72 is integrated into a power assist axle device or kit, as described above.Also, in such an embodiment, the 92 gearbox reduction can be provided with a rotational speed reduction ratio of approximately 3.19 to serve as a pi drive, well suited to replace a hydraulic motor, which might otherwise be used for such a function.

[0034] According to the previous description, the ring gear 94 of the planetary gear train 86 is provided with a number of teeth Tring, the sun gear 84 is provided with a number of teeth Tsun, and each of the planetary gears 98 is provided with a number of teeth Tplanet; wherein Tring, Tsun, and Tplanet are selected or designed according to the design rules or critical numerical relationships described in detail above. For example, in several embodiments, Tring, Tsun, and Tplanet are selected so that the planetary gears 98 each contact at least two teeth of the sun gear 84 and at least two teeth of the ring gear 94 in all rotational positions of the planetary gear train 86. Furthermore, the sum of Tring and Tsun produces a positive integer when divided by a first number of a set {3, Petition 870250008485, dated 01 / 31 / 2025, page 37 / 112 / 38 4, 5} and when divided by a second number from the set {3, 4, 5} different from the first number. Additionally, at least in some embodiments, Trng is selected as a prime number exceeding 100; and perhaps Tring is selected from the set of numbers {113, 119, 121, 127, 131, 137, 139}, with Tsun then selected from the various sets of numbers set out above in connection with Tables 1A through 1G. Still, in several implementations, Tring may be selected to be a prime number exceeding 100, while Tsuné is selected to be greater than 26 and less than Tring.

[0035] A second, non-limiting example implementation of a work vehicle reduction drive assembly 110 is shown in Figures 5 and 6. As was previously the case, the work vehicle reduction drive assembly 110 includes a drive (here, an e-machine 112) and a configurable, high-contact-ratio gearbox reduction 114. The gearbox reduction 114 in turn includes a gearbox housing, not shown, in which a planetary gear train 116 is arranged. In contrast to the planetary gear train 86 (Figures 3 and 4), however, the planetary gear train 116 contains an annular gear 118, two sets of planet carriers 124, 126, and two sun gears 128 (one of which can be seen in Figure 5).The planetary gear train 116 of the work vehicle reduction drive assembly 110 is thus a compound or multi-stage planetary gear set, in the latter embodiment. Additionally, the ring gear 118 remains rotationally fixed or stationary when the rotation of the planetary gear train 116 is driven by the e-machine 112; for example, as best shown in Figure 5, the ring gear 118 can be formed by the toothed inner periphery of a tubular shaped collar piece 120, which is bolted or otherwise attached. Petition 870250008485, dated 01 / 31 / 2025, page 38 / 112 / 38 rotationally affixed to a flange 122 of the e-machine 112.

[0036] The flow of energy through the planetary gear train 116. First, rotation of the e-machine output shaft 112 results in rotation of the first-stage sun gear (hidden from view), which meshes with the planetary gears 130 included in the planet support assembly 126. This causes rotation of the planetary gears 130 and rotation of a support 132 additionally included in the planet support assembly 126. The support 132 is rotationally fixed to the second-stage sun gear 128 (figure 5), which co-rotates with the support 132. Rotation of the second-stage sun gear 128 further drives rotation of the planetary gears 134, and consequently the support 136, included in the planet support assembly 124.The support 136 of the planetary support assembly 124 then serves as the mechanical output of the planetary gear train 116 and, when the work vehicle reduction drive assembly 110 is integrated into a work vehicle, it is coupled to a shaft (or other rotating member) in a rotationally fixed ratio using, for example, a splined coupling. The configuration of the planetary gear train 116 as a multi-stage design in this way allows the speed reduction ratio of the gearbox reduction 114 to be increased; for example, the speed reduction ratio of the gearbox reduction 114 is equivalent to the product of the ratio reduction provided by the first stage of the planetary gear train 116 multiplied by the ratio reduction provided by the second stage of the planetary gear train 116.Again, all of the gears within the 116 planetary gear train can be non-helical cylindrical gears.

[0037] Once again, the respective numbers of teeth of the ring gear 118, of each planetary gear 130, of each planetary gear 134, and of the sun gears 128 are Petition 870250008485, dated 01 / 31 / 2025, page 39 / 112 / 38 advantageously selected according to the design principles described throughout this document. Consequently, in the embodiments, the annular gear 118 may be provided with a number of Tring teeth, with Tring selected as a prime number exceeding 100 and possibly selected from the set of numbers {113, 119, 121, 127, 131, 137, 139}. The number of teeth of the first-stage and second-stage sun gears 128 may be identical or may, conversely, vary; however, the number of teeth of each sun gear 128 may be selected from the various sets of numbers set out above in connection with Tables 1A to 1G.The respective number of teeth of the ring gear 118, of each planetary gear 130, of each planetary gear 134, and of the sun gears 128 may be further selected to: (i) provide a high contact ratio, as previously described; and / or (ii) such that the sum of the number of teeth of the ring gear 118 added to the number of teeth of each of the sun gears 128 produces a positive integer when divided by a first number from a set {3, 4, 5} and when divided by a second number from the set {3, 4, 5} different from the first number. Finally, in at least some cases, Tring may be selected to be a prime number exceeding 100, while the number of teeth of one or both of the sun gears 128 is selected to be greater than 26 and less than Trmg.A low-transmission, quiet, high-contact-ratio gearbox reduction, 114, is thus provided, which is favorable to relatively low-cost manufacturing. The gearbox reduction 114 also possesses the above-described modularity or interchangeability so that each or both of the planetary gear sets 130, 134 can be interchanged with planetary gear sets having similar critical dimensions but varying in the number of planets, as previously discussed. Additionally, like the planetary gear train 116. Petition 870250008485, dated 01 / 31 / 2025, page 40 / 112 / 38 contains only cylindrical gears (although it still achieves a high contact ratio), manufacturing costs are reduced, while thrust loads are minimized to extend the service life of the bearings of the configurable gearbox reduction 114. NUMBERED EXAMPLES OF WORK VEHICLE REDUCTION DRIVE ASSEMBLY

[0038] The following examples of the example work vehicle reduction drive assembly are additionally provided and listed for ease of reference.

[0039] 1. In a first embodiment of the example, a work vehicle reduction drive assembly is used on board a work vehicle having a moving work component. The work vehicle reduction drive assembly includes a configurable, high-contact-ratio gearbox reduction and a drive. The gearbox reduction, in turn, includes a gearbox housing and a planetary gear train within the gearbox housing. The planetary gear train contains a ring gear, a sun gear, and a planet carrier assembly including a plurality of planetary gears. The drive is mechanically connected to the moving work component via the planetary gear train when the work vehicle reduction drive assembly is implemented on board the work vehicle.The ring gear has a number of teeth Tring, the sun gear has a number of teeth Tsun, and the plurality of planetary gears each have a number of teeth Tplanet. Furthermore, Tring, Tsun, and Tplanet are selected such that the plurality of planetary gears each contacts at least two teeth of the sun gear and at least two teeth of the ring gear in all rotational positions of the planetary gear train. Finally, the sum of Tring and Tsun equals one. Petition 870250008485, dated 01 / 31 / 2025, page 41 / 112 / 38 positive integer when divided by a first number from a set {3, 4, 5} and when divided by a second number from the set {3, 4, 5} different from the first number.

[0040]

[046] 2. Work vehicle reduction drive assembly according to example 1, wherein Tring, Tsun, and Tplanet are additionally selected so that the planetary gear train provides a rotational speed reduction ratio exceeding three.

[0041] 3. Work vehicle reduction drive assembly according to example 1, wherein Tring, Tsun, and Tplanet are additionally selected so that the ring gear, sun gear, and plurality of planetary gears follow a hunting pattern during the operation of the work vehicle reduction drive assembly.

[0042] 4. Work vehicle reduction drive assembly according to example 1, wherein Tring is a prime number exceeding 100.

[0043] 5. Work vehicle reduction drive assembly according to example 4, wherein Tringé is selected from an assembly {113, 119, 121, 127, 131, 137, 139}.

[0044] 6. Work vehicle reduction drive assembly according to example 5, wherein Tring is 113; and wherein Tsuné is selected from the set {27, 31, 37, 43, 47, 52, 55}.

[0045] 7. Work vehicle reduction drive assembly according to example 5, wherein Tring is 119; and wherein Tsun is selected from the set {31, 37, 41, 46, 49}.

[0046] 8. Work vehicle reduction drive assembly according to example 5, wherein Tring is 121; and wherein Tsuné is selected from the set {29, 35, 39, 44, 47}.

[0047] 9. Work vehicle reduction drive assembly according to example 5, wherein Tring is 127; and wherein Tsun is selected from the set {29, 33, 38, 41, 53}. Petition 870250008485, dated 01 / 31 / 2025, page 42 / 112 / 38

[0048] 10. Work vehicle reduction drive assembly according to example 5, wherein Tring is 131; and wherein Tsun is selected from the set {29, 34, 37, 49}.

[0049] 11. Work vehicle reduction drive assembly according to example 5, wherein Tring is 137; and wherein Tsun is selected from the set {28, 31, 43, 55, 58}.

[0050] 12. Work vehicle reduction drive assembly according to example 5, wherein Tring is 139; and wherein Tsun is selected from the set {29, 41, 53, 56}.

[0051] 13. Work vehicle reduction drive assembly according to example 1, wherein the ring gear, sun gear, and plurality of planetary gears include cylindrical gears.

[0052] 14. Work vehicle reduction drive assembly according to example 1, wherein the mobile work component takes the form of a drive element of the work vehicle, while the drive takes the form of an e-machine. The e-machine is mechanically connected to a drive element when the work vehicle reduction drive assembly is implemented on board the work vehicle.

[0053] 15. Work vehicle reduction drive assembly according to example 14, wherein the driving element takes the form of a powered shaft of the work vehicle. CONCLUSION

[0054] Thus, modalities of work vehicle reduction drive assemblies were provided, including configurable, high-contact-ratio gearbox reductions. Work vehicle reduction drives, such as electric work vehicle reduction drives, are capable of being manufactured at manufacturing costs and Petition 870250008485, dated 01 / 31 / 2025, page 43 / 112 / 38 lower complexities. Additionally, the reduction drives for work vehicles, described above, provide other benefits, including flexible or configurable designs. The modalities of reduction drives for work vehicles further minimize transmission errors and noise production, which can improve the operator experience (particularly when incorporating an e-machine capable of otherwise providing quiet operation). As a further advantage, the modalities of electric reduction drives for work vehicles include relatively compact gearbox reductions, which reduce bearing wear and otherwise extend the operational life of gearbox components. Reduction drives for work vehicles are thus well suited for use in performing various work vehicle functions.As indicated by the term "configurable," the gearbox reductions described above provide design flexibility, allowing variable combinations of sunplanets (i.e., different combinations of sun gears paired with planet carrier sets having varying numbers of planetary gears) to be used with a common annular gear (and perhaps a common base structure including the annular gear and gearbox). In this way, manufacturing costs can be reduced, while manufacturing processes are simplified through the use of common parts across different gearbox reduction configurations.

[0055] When used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” are intended to include plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the terms “comprises” and / or “comprising”, when used in this description, specify the presence of the characteristics, integrators, stages, operations, elements, and / or components mentioned, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other characteristics, integrators, stages, operations, Petition 870250008485, dated 01 / 31 / 2025, page 44 / 112 / 38 elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0056] The description of the present invention is presented for illustrative and descriptive purposes, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form described. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of common skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiments explicitly referenced herein have been chosen and described to better explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to enable others of common skill in the art to understand the invention and recognize many alternatives, modifications, and variations on the example(s) described. Consequently, various embodiments and implementations different from those explicitly described are within the scope of the claims that follow. Petition 870250008485, dated 01 / 31 / 2025, p. 45 / 112

Claims

1 / 4 CLAIMS 1. Work vehicle reduction drive assembly (10) used on board a work vehicle (12) having a movable work component (14), the work vehicle reduction drive assembly (10) characterized in that it comprises: a configurable, high-contact-ratio gearbox reduction (26), comprising: a gearbox housing (31); and a planetary gear train (28) within the gearbox housing (31), the planetary gear train (28) comprising an annular gear (30), a sun gear (32), and a planet carrier assembly (34) including a plurality of planetary gears (36); and a drive (16) mechanically connected to the movable work component (14) via the planetary gear train (28) when the work vehicle reduction drive assembly (10) is implemented on board the work vehicle (12);wherein the ring gear (30) has a number of teeth of Tring, the sun gear (32) has a number of teeth of Tsun, and the plurality of planetary gears (36) each have a number of teeth of Tplanet; wherein Trmg, Tsun, and Tplanet are selected such that the plurality of planetary gears (36) each contacts at least two teeth of the sun gear (32) and at least two teeth of the ring gear (30) in all rotational positions of the planetary gear train (28); and wherein the sum of Tring and Tsun produces a positive integer when divided by a first number of a set {3, 4, 5} and when divided by a second number of the set {3, 4, 5} different from the first number.

2. Work vehicle reduction drive assembly (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that Tring, Tsun, and Tplanet are additionally selected such that the planetary gear train (28) provides a rotational speed reduction ratio exceeding three.

3. Work vehicle reduction drive assembly (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that Tring, Tsun, and Tplanet are additionally selected such that the ring gear (30), the sun gear (32), and the plurality of planetary gears (36) follow a hunting pattern during the operation of the work vehicle reduction drive assembly (10).

4. Work vehicle reduction drive assembly (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that Tring is a prime number exceeding 100.

5. Work vehicle reduction drive assembly (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that Tring is selected from an assembly {113, 119, 121, 127, 131, 137, 139}.

6. Work vehicle reduction drive assembly (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that Tring is 113; and in that Tsun is selected from the set {27, 31, 37, 43, 47, 52, 55}.

7. Work vehicle reduction drive assembly (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that Tring is 119; and in which Tsun is selected from the set {31, 37, 41, 46, 49}.

8. Work vehicle reduction drive assembly (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that Tring is Petition 870250008485, dated 01 / 31 / 2025, page 47 / 112 3 / 4 121; and in which Tsun is selected from the set {29, 35, 39, 44, 47}.

9. Work vehicle reduction drive assembly (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that Tring is 127; and in which Tsun is selected from the set {29, 33, 38, 41, 53}.

10. Work vehicle reduction drive assembly (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that Tring is 131; and in which Tsun is selected from the set {29, 34, 37, 49}.

11. Work vehicle reduction drive assembly (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that Tring is 137; and in which Tsun is selected from the set {28, 31, 43, 55, 58}.

12. Work vehicle reduction drive assembly (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that Tring is 139; and in which Tsun is selected from the set {29, 41, 53, 56}.

13. Work vehicle reduction drive assembly (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the ring gear (30), the sun gear (32), and the plurality of planetary gears (36) comprise spur gears.

14. Work vehicle reduction drive assembly (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the mobile work component (14) comprises a drive element of the work vehicle (12); and in that the drive (16) comprises an e-machine, which is mechanically connected to a drive element when the work vehicle reduction drive assembly (10) is implemented on board Petition 870250008485, dated 01 / 31 / 2025, page 48 / 112 4 / 4 of the work vehicle (12).

15. Work vehicle reduction drive assembly (10) according to claim 14, characterized in that the driving element comprises an energized shaft (18) of the work vehicle (12). Petition 870250008485, dated 01 / 31 / 2025, page 49 / 112

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