Coupling device

Abstract

It is proposed a coupling device comprising:-a first input shaft (310a) coupled to a first component (R / 211; s / 212; c / 213); -a second input shaft (310b) coupled to a second component (R / 211; s / 212; c / 213); an output shaft (320); and-a sleeve (330) arranged to engage with a third part (R / 211; s / 212; c / 213) and arranged to be movable between a first position (337) and a second position (338), said sleeve comprising:-a second spline means (332) arranged to interact with a shaft spline means (321) arranged at a first end (322) of said output shaft wherein said second spline means and said shaft spline means are both helical splines; wherein:-the sleeve is arranged by the interaction to move towards the first position when the output shaft is rotated in a first direction relative to the sleeve, and wherein the first part, the second part and the third part are unlocked relative to each other when the sleeve is in the first position, and the sleeve is arranged to move towards the second position when the output shaft is in the second direction relative to the sleeve. The planetary gear is functionally used for coupling the first input shaft and the second input shaft to the output shaft; and-the sleeve is arranged by means of the interaction to move towards the second position when the output shaft is rotated relative to the sleeve in a second direction opposite the first direction, the sleeve locks two of the first component, the second component and the third component together, so that the first input shaft, the second input shaft and the output shaft rotate synchronously.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a coupling device arranged to be able to control a planetary gear such that the function of the planetary gear is utilized or the function of the planetary gear is bypassed. Background Art

[0002] The following background art description constitutes a description of the background art of the present invention, however, this does not necessarily have to constitute prior art.

[0003] Planetary gears, also known as epicyclic gears, are currently used in many different embodiments. For example, planetary gears are widely used in vehicle, helicopter, and marine applications. Planetary gears can be used, for example, in various gearboxes. Such a gearbox can transfer torque, for example, between one or more power sources (such as electric motors and / or internal combustion engines) and one or more drive wheels of a vehicle. Compared to other types of gears, planetary gears have many advantages, some of which are related to compactness and noise. Therefore, when high torque needs to be transmitted by a planetary gear, planetary gears are usually used, but the available space for the gears and the weight of the gears are limited. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In many current embodiments, it is desirable to be able to control the function of a planetary gear. For example, if a planetary gear is included in a gearbox, the function of the planetary gear needs to be controllable so that the gearbox can provide a suitable gear ratio, for example, between one or more power sources of a vehicle and one or more drive wheels.

[0005] In conventional solutions, movable actuators have been used to control planetary gears. Then, the movement of these actuators needs to be controlled so that the actuators can appropriately control the function of the planetary gear. Therefore, the actuator control systems (including electronic, hydraulic, and / or pneumatic control systems) used to move these actuators must be designed specifically for the specific characteristics of each planetary gear. Both the actuators and their control systems increase the size, weight, and complexity of the planetary gear. The cost of the equipment including the planetary gear and its control system is also increased.

[0006] It is usually difficult to design electronic, pneumatic, and / or hydraulic control systems such that they can provide the required accuracy and robustness under the possible harsh conditions where planetary gears can be used. Planetary gears can be used, for example, in situations where large temperature variations and / or significant vibrations may occur. Designing conventional actuator control systems such that they can ensure robust and precise control of planetary gears under such harsh conditions is both difficult and costly.

[0007] In addition, built-in delays are typically present in electronic, hydraulic, and pneumatic control systems, which can lead to a reduction in the accuracy of the actuator control system and thus also to a deterioration in the function of the planetary gear controlled by the actuator control system.

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a small, robust, low-complexity, and low-cost coupling device that is arranged to be able to provide precise and efficient control of a planetary gear.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, this object can be achieved by the coupling device described above, the coupling device comprising:

[0010] - A first input shaft that is coupled to a first component of the planetary gear;

[0011] - A second input shaft that is coupled to a second component of the planetary gear;

[0012] - An output shaft; and

[0013] - A sleeve that is arranged to interact with a third component of the planetary gear and is arranged to be movable between a first position and a second position, the sleeve comprising:

[0014] -- A second spline device that is arranged to interact with a shaft spline device arranged at a first end of the output shaft, wherein both the second spline device and the shaft spline device are helical splines; wherein:

[0015] -- The sleeve is arranged to move towards the first position when the output shaft rotates relative to the sleeve in a first direction by the interaction between the shaft spline device and the second spline device, wherein when the sleeve is in the first position, the first component, the second component, and the third component are unlocked relative to each other, such that the planetary gear is functionally arranged to couple the first input shaft and the second input shaft to the output shaft; and

[0016] -- The sleeve is arranged to move towards the second position when the output shaft rotates relative to the sleeve in a second direction opposite to the first direction by the interaction between the shaft spline device and the second spline device, wherein when the sleeve is in the second position, the sleeve locks two of the first component, the second component, and the third component together, such that the first input shaft, the second input shaft, and the output shaft rotate synchronously.

[0017] The helical splines of the interacting second spline device and shaft spline device cause an axial force on the sleeve when the output shaft rotates relative to the sleeve. The helical splines thus also cause the sleeve to move between its first position and its second position and move to its first position and second position. Thus, a low-complexity and automatic coupling device is provided that is self-controlled only by the torque provided above it (i.e., torque difference / direction) to control the planetary gear.

[0018] Through the interaction between the spline device of the output shaft and the second spline device of the sleeve, when the output shaft rotates relative to the sleeve, an axial force is induced on the sleeve, thereby achieving a robust and precise function of the coupling device.

[0019] The coupling device utilizes or bypasses the function of the first planetary gear. When the sleeve is in the first position, the planetary gear is controlled such that its function is utilized, whereby the torque and rotational relationship of the planetary gear are utilized / enabled, thus providing up gearing or down gearing.

[0020] However, when the sleeve is in the second position, the first input shaft, the second input shaft, and the output shaft of the coupling device rotate synchronously, whereby the planetary gear provides a 1:1 gear ratio. This can also be described as the planetary gear being bypassed, as the torque and rotational relationship of the planetary gear are not utilized / enabled, i.e., the planetary gear is controlled such that its function is bypassed / deactivated and does not provide any up gearing or down gearing. Thus, the gear ratio function of the planetary gear is not utilized.

[0021] According to the present invention, the switching between the utilization and bypassing of the function of the planetary gear is controlled by the coupling device. The coupling device is a low-complexity, small-sized, and low-cost device that provides robust, fast, and precise control of the planetary gear.

[0022] The coupling device is arranged to provide control such that the function of the planetary gear is enabled or disabled solely depending on the torque present / provided above the coupling device. The axial movement of the sleeve between its first and second positions causes the enabling and disabling of the function of the planetary gear to be driven solely by the torque applied above the coupling device. Thus, for the proposed torque-driven mechanical solution, no specific control logic is required to provide the functions of the coupling device described herein and the control of the planetary gear. Through this mechanical solution for the coupling device, a low-complexity and automatic coupling device is provided that is controlled solely by the first torque difference / direction and the second torque difference / direction provided above it, respectively. The coupling device is arranged such that the characteristics / features / nature of the first torque difference cause a relative rotation of the output shaft relative to the sleeve in a first direction. Conversely, the coupling device is also arranged such that the characteristics / features / nature of the second torque difference cause a relative rotation of the output shaft relative to the sleeve in a second direction.

[0023] It should be noted in particular that no additional conventional mechanical actuators are required to control the functions of the coupling device and the planetary gear, as the planetary gear is automatically controlled solely depending on the torque provided above the coupling device. According to various embodiments, the movement of the sleeve can be provided by a spline device including, for example, a helical spline, which is a low-complexity mechanical solution without the need for additional control logic. Thus, the control that causes the enabling and disabling of the functions of the planetary gear is automatically provided by the torque difference provided above the coupling device, i.e., by the relative rotation of the output shaft and the sleeve relative to each other. Thus, the coupling device does not increase the complexity of the control system of the device in which the coupling device will be implemented.

[0024] Omitting the need for conventional actuators and their corresponding hydraulic or pneumatic control systems greatly reduces the complexity and cost of the planetary gear, and also increases the robustness and reliability of the planetary gear.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0026] - The first input shaft, the second input shaft, the sleeve, and the output shaft are arranged coaxially with respect to the axis and are arranged to be rotatable about the axis;

[0027] - The first input shaft, the second input shaft, and the output shaft are axially fixed; and

[0028] - The sleeve is arranged to be axially movable between a first position and a second position.

[0029] The combination of the coaxially arranged, rotatable, and axially fixed input and output shafts with the rotatable and axially movable sleeve facilitates the movement of the sleeve between its first and second positions and thus facilitates the control of the planetary gear.

[0030] According to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0031] - The sleeve further includes:

[0032] -- A first spline device arranged to interact with a component spline device of a third component coupled to the planetary gear, wherein both the first spline device and the component spline device are axially oriented or both are helical splines.

[0033] The axially oriented splines of the first spline device and the component spline device prevent the sleeve from rotating and thus facilitate these movements of the sleeve. Alternatively, the helical splines of the first spline device and the component spline device cause an axial force on the sleeve.

[0034] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the arrangement of the first spline device is one of the following groupings:

[0035] - Arranged on the outside of the sleeve; and

[0036] - Arranged on the inside of the sleeve.

[0037] The coupling device according to this embodiment provides a robust interaction between the first spline device and the component spline device of the third component coupled to the planetary gear, which is applicable to various embodiments depending on the constitution of the sleeve and the output shaft.

[0038] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the arrangement of the first spline device is one of the following groupings:

[0039] - Arranged at the first end of the sleeve;

[0040] - Arranged at the second end of the sleeve;

[0041] - At least partially arranged between the first end and the second end of the sleeve; and

[0042] - Arranged from the first end to the second end of the sleeve.

[0043] Therefore, depending on the constitution of the sleeve and the output shaft, a robust interaction is provided between the first spline device and the component spline device of the third component coupled to the planetary gear for various embodiments.

[0044] According to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0045] - The sleeve is arranged to at least partially surround the first end of the output shaft; and

[0046] - The second spline device is arranged on the inside of the sleeve to interact with the shaft spline device arranged on the outside of the output shaft.

[0047] This embodiment provides a compact coupling device and a robust interaction between the second spline device of the sleeve and the shaft spline device, which is applicable to many applications.

[0048] According to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0049] - The first end of the output shaft is provided with a circular hollow section arranged to at least partially surround the sleeve and having a diameter such that the sleeve fits within the hollow section; and

[0050] - The second spline device is arranged on the outside of the sleeve to interact with the shaft spline device arranged on the inside of the hollow section.

[0051] The coupling device according to this embodiment provides a robust interaction between the second spline device of the sleeve and the shaft spline device, which is applicable to some embodiments depending on the constitution of the output shaft.

[0052] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the arrangement of the second spline device is one of the following groupings:

[0053] - be arranged at the first end of the sleeve;

[0054] - be arranged at the second end of the sleeve;

[0055] - be at least partially arranged between the first end and the second end of the sleeve; and

[0056] - be arranged from the first end to the second end of the sleeve.

[0057] Thus, the position of the second spline device of the sleeve can be provided to suit and match many different embodiments / designs of the output shaft and its shaft spline device.

[0058] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the interaction between the shaft spline device and the second spline device utilizes the inertial momentum of the planetary gear to cause the sleeve to move towards the first position.

[0059] For example, a torque pulse can be used here to set the sleeve in motion because the components of the planetary gear do not immediately respond to the pulse due to the inertial momentum of the planetary gear. This is a low-complexity solution that helps the axial movement of the sleeve and thus helps the function of the coupling device.

[0060] According to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0061] - The first spline device and the component spline device are helical splines, whereby the interaction between the first spline device and the component spline device causes:

[0062] -- When the output shaft rotates relative to the sleeve in the second direction, it helps the sleeve to move towards the second position; and

[0063] -- When the sleeve has reached a third position between the first position and the second position, when the output shaft rotates relative to the sleeve in the first direction, it helps the sleeve to move towards the first position.

[0064] Through the helical splines of the first spline device and the component spline device, it helps to generate an axial force on the sleeve, thus ensuring a robust and precise function of the coupling device.

[0065] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the interaction between the first spline device and the component spline device utilizes the inertial momentum of the planetary gear, thus helping the sleeve to move towards the second position.

[0066] Therefore, a simple torque pulse can be used to set the sleeve in motion, which is a low-complexity solution that helps the movement of the sleeve and the function of the coupling device.

[0067] According to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0068] - One of the first component, the second component, and the third component includes at least one component engaging member;

[0069] - The sleeve includes at least one sleeve engaging member; and

[0070] - The at least one component engaging member and the at least one sleeve engaging member are respectively arranged to engage with each other when in the second position and disengage when the sleeve is in a third position between the first position and the second position.

[0071] By utilizing the sleeve engaging member and the component engaging member, a firm and simple engagement and disengagement of the sleeve with one of the first component, the second component, or the third component are achieved. Thus, the sleeve is firmly engaged with one of the first component, the second component, and the third component in its second position and is completely disengaged from the first component, the second component, and the third component in the first position. In the third position, the actual engagement / disengagement of the sleeve engaging member and the component engaging member occurs.

[0072] According to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0073] - The at least one sleeve engaging member and the at least one component engaging member both include axially oriented splines.

[0074] The matching axially splines provide a compact, low-cost, and easily produced solution for providing the engagement and disengagement of one of the first component, the second component, and the third component with the sleeve respectively.

[0075] According to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0076] - The at least one sleeve engaging member and the at least one component engaging member both include coupling teeth.

[0077] Utilizing the matching coupling teeth is a robust, low-cost, and easily produced solution for providing the engagement and disengagement of one of the first component, the second component, and the third component with the sleeve respectively.

[0078] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the sleeve includes at least one stop device arranged to prevent the sleeve from further moving towards the second end of the output shaft when the sleeve has reached the first position.

[0079] Thus, that is, by utilizing the at least one stop device, the sleeve is safely stopped in the first position such that the spline device of the coupling device itself does not have to stop the sleeve. Therefore, the spline device itself does not have to bear all the axial forces for moving the sleeve.

[0080] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one stop device is arranged to prevent the sleeve from further moving towards the first end of the first input shaft when the sleeve has reached the second position.

[0081] Thus, the sleeve is safely stopped at the second position by the stop means, such that the spline means of the coupling means itself does not have to stop the sleeve.

[0082] According to an embodiment of the invention, the coupling means further comprises a first overrunning clutch means arranged to lock the planet carrier of the planet gears to the housing or to allow the planet carrier to rotate relative to the housing.

[0083] By using the first overrunning clutch means, efficient and automated control of the planet gears is provided. If the planet carrier is locked against rotation, the ring gear and the sun gear of the planet gears will rotate at different speeds and in different rotational directions. Thus, both a shift in the rotational direction and a gear transmission (i.e., gear ratio) can be provided between the ring gear and the sun gear by this control.

[0084] According to an embodiment of the invention, the coupling means further comprises a second overrunning clutch means for the cases of the following group:

[0085] - the second overrunning clutch means is arranged to lock the planet carrier and the sun gear of the planet gears to each other or to allow the planet carrier and the sun gear to rotate relative to each other; and

[0086] - the second overrunning clutch means is arranged to lock the planet carrier and the ring gear of the planet gears to each other or to allow the planet carrier and the ring gear to rotate relative to each other.

[0087] By using the second overrunning clutch means, efficient and automated control of the planet gears is provided. If two components of the planet gears, e.g., if the planet carrier is locked to either the sun gear or the ring gear, all components of the planet gears, i.e., all sun gears, planet carriers, and ring gears, will rotate in the same direction at the same speed. Thus, by this control, a gear transmission of 1:1 between the components of the planet gears can be easily achieved and there is no shift in the rotational direction.

[0088] According to an embodiment of the invention, the first end of the first input shaft is coupled to at least one of the following group:

[0089] - an electric motor;

[0090] - an internal combustion engine;

[0091] - a pump;

[0092] - a gearbox; and

[0093] - an overrunning clutch means.

[0094] Therefore, the coupling device is a flexible coupling that can be used in many different embodiments.

[0095] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first end of the second input shaft is coupled to at least one of the following group consisting of:

[0096] - An electric motor;

[0097] - An internal combustion engine;

[0098] - A pump;

[0099] - A gearbox; and

[0100] - A freewheel device.

[0101] Therefore, the coupling device is a flexible coupling that can be used in many different embodiments.

[0102] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second end of the output shaft is coupled to at least one drive wheel of a vehicle.

[0103] Therefore, the coupling device can be applied to, for example, a transmission device of a vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0104] Embodiments of the present invention will be illustrated in more detail below with reference to the drawings, where like reference numerals are used for like parts, and where:

[0105] Figure 1a -b schematically shows a coupling device according to various embodiments of the present invention,

[0106] Figure 2a -b schematically shows a coupling device according to various embodiments of the present invention,

[0107] Figure 3a -b schematically shows a coupling device according to various embodiments of the present invention,

[0108] Figure 4a -b schematically shows a coupling device according to various embodiments of the present invention,

[0109] Figure 5a -b schematically shows a coupling device according to various embodiments of the present invention,

[0110] Figure 6a -b schematically shows a coupling device according to various embodiments of the present invention,

[0111] Figure 7a -b schematically shows a coupling device according to various embodiments of the present invention,

[0112] Figure 8a-b schematically shows a coupling device according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0113] Figure 9a -b schematically shows a coupling device according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0114] Figure 10a -b schematically shows a coupling device according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0115] Figure 11a -b schematically shows a coupling device according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0116] Figure 12 Schematically shows an example vehicle in which some embodiments of the present invention can be implemented. Detailed Description

[0117] Here and throughout the document, the notation that two entities / components are "coupled" to each other means that these two entities / components are directly connected to each other (i.e., without any other intermediate entity / component) or indirectly connected to each other (i.e., connected via one or more intermediate entities / components). Thus, these two entities / components are then arranged / coupled to be able to transfer torque directly or indirectly between them.

[0118] Furthermore, in this document, the notation that two entities / components are "engaged" or "locked" to each other means that these entities / components are connected such that they are non-rotatable relative to each other, i.e., they are rotatably locked to each other, and thus are arranged to rotate synchronously or both remain stationary. Thus, two such engaged / locked entities / components rotate in conjunction with each other and thus at the same rate. Conversely, if two entities / components are "unlocked" or "disengaged", then these entities / components are allowed to rotate relative to each other.

[0119] In addition, when an entity / component is stated to be "locked" or "engaged" to a housing, it is locked / engaged to the housing of, for example, a powertrain component (such as an engine, an electric motor, a gearbox) or another component or any other fixed i.e., non-rotating body, component, entity, device or element. This means that the entity / component is then also fixed, i.e., non-rotating. For example, if an entity / component is locked / engaged to such a non-rotating housing, rotation of the entity / component can be prevented because the entity / component is non-rotatable relative to the fixed housing.

[0120] In addition, the notation that an entity / component is "locked" or "locked against / to prevent rotation" means that rotation of the entity / component is prevented / restricted / blocked. Conversely, an "unlocked" entity / component can rotate freely, which means that it is released, i.e., it is rotatable and rotation is unobstructed.

[0121] In this document, the terms "shaft" and "axle" are both used to describe rotatable elements for transmitting torque.

[0122] According to one aspect of the present invention, a coupling device 242 is provided. As mentioned above, the aspects and embodiments of the present invention enable robust and precise control of planetary gears without the need for a conventional actuator.

[0123] Various embodiments of the coupling device 242 are schematically shown in Figure 1a -b to 11a-b and are described in more detail below. Thus, the schematic references mentioned herein can be found in these figures.

[0124] As is known to those skilled in the art, a planetary gear typically includes three gear components arranged in a manner that allows relative rotation with respect to each other. These components are the sun gear S, the planet carrier C, and the ring gear R. Knowing the number of teeth on the gear components of a planetary gear enables determination of the relative orbiting speeds of these three components during operation. Generally speaking, the function of a planetary gear is defined by its torque equation / relationship and its speed equation / relationship.

[0125] In addition, a planetary gear typically has some specific characteristics that can be used, for example, in transmission device embodiments and also in other embodiments. One such characteristic is that when one of the components, i.e., one of the sun gear S, the planet carrier C, and the ring gear R, is prevented from rotating, the other two components are still allowed to rotate. These two components then rotate at different speeds, depending on the tooth engagement / tooth relationship between these two components, whereby, depending on the number of teeth of the tooth engagement / tooth, a gear ratio other than 1:1 is provided respectively.

[0126] For example, if the planet carrier C of the planetary gear is locked to prevent rotation, the ring gear R and the sun gear S will rotate at different speeds and in different rotational directions. Thus, both a shift in the rotational direction and a gear transmission (i.e., a gear ratio) are then provided between the ring gear R and the sun gear S.

[0127] However, if instead the ring gear R is locked to prevent rotation, the planet carrier C and the sun gear S will rotate at different speeds but in the same rotational direction. Thus, only a gear transmission is then provided between the ring gear R and the sun gear S, and no shift in the rotational direction occurs. Correspondingly, if the sun gear S is locked to prevent rotation, the planet carrier C and the ring gear R will rotate at different speeds but in the same rotational direction.

[0128] Alternatively, if two components, i.e., if any pair of the sun gear S, the planet carrier C, and the ring gear R are locked to each other, all components, i.e., all of the sun gear S, the planet carrier C, and the ring gear R will rotate in the same direction at the same speed. Accordingly, a 1:1 gear drive exists between the components of the planetary gear, and there is no shift in the direction of rotation.

[0129] According to one aspect of the present invention and as schematically shown in Figure 1a -b to 11a-b for various embodiments, the coupling device 242 includes a first input shaft 310a that is coupled to a first component of the planetary gear. According to various embodiments described below, this first planetary gear component may be one of the ring gear R / 211, the sun gear S / 212, and the planet carrier C / 213.

[0130] The coupling device 242 further includes a second input shaft 310b that is coupled to a second component of the planetary gear. According to various embodiments described below, this second planetary gear component may be one of the ring gear R / 211, the sun gear S / 212, and the planet carrier C / 213, and the second planetary gear component is decoupled from, i.e., not coupled to, the first input shaft 310a. Accordingly, the second component of the planetary gear is different from the first component of the planetary gear, i.e., the second component is another component other than the first component.

[0131] The coupling device 242 further includes an output shaft 320 and a sleeve 330. The sleeve 330 is arranged to interact with a third component of the planetary gear and the output shaft 320. Here, the third component of the planetary gear is one of the ring gear R / 211, the sun gear S / 212, and the planet carrier C / 213 other than the first component and the second component. Accordingly, the third component is different from the first component and the second component, i.e., is another component different from the first component and the second component.

[0132] The sleeve 330 includes a second spline device 332 that is arranged to interact with a shaft spline device 321 disposed at a first end 322 of the output shaft 320. Here, both the second spline device 332 and the shaft spline device 321 are helical splines.

[0133] The sleeve 330 is arranged to be movable between a first position 337 and a second position 338 of the sleeve. More specifically, the sleeve 330 is arranged by the interaction between the shaft spline device 321 and the second spline device 332 to move when the output shaft 320 is in a first direction ΔD relative to the sleeve 330 320_330_1When rotating upward, it moves towards the first position 337. Therefore, the sleeve 330 is only controlled by torque (i.e., the first torque difference / direction provided above the sleeve). Here, the characteristic / property / quality of the first torque difference causes the output shaft 320 to rotate relative to the sleeve 330 in the first direction ΔD 320_330_1 thereon.

[0134] When the sleeve 330 is in this first position, as described above, the first component, which can be any one of R / 211, S / 212, and C / 213, the second component, which can be another one of R / 211, S / 212, and C / 213, and the third component, which can be yet another one of R / 211, S / 212, and C / 213, are unlocked relative to each other. Therefore, none of the first, second, and third components are locked to another one of the first, second, and third components, which means the planetary gear provides another gear ratio other than a 1:1 gear ratio. Therefore, when the sleeve 330 is in the first position 337, the planetary gear 210 functions to couple the first input shaft 310a and the second input shaft 310b to the output shaft 320 such that, according to the engagement / tooth relationship between the first, second, and third components, a gear ratio other than 1:1 is provided by the coupling device 242.

[0135] The sleeve 330 is further arranged to move towards the second position 338 when the output shaft 320 rotates relative to the sleeve 330 in the second direction ΔD 320_330_2 thereon, where this second direction ΔD 320_330_2 is opposite to the first direction ΔD 320_330_1 Here, the sleeve 330 is controlled by torque (i.e., the second torque difference / direction provided above the sleeve). The characteristic / property / quality of the second torque difference causes the output shaft 320 to rotate relative to the sleeve 330 in the second direction ΔD 320_330_2 thereon.

[0136] When the sleeve 330 is in its second position 338, two of the first, second, and third components are locked together, i.e., one of the pairs of components R / 211 and S / 212, R / 211 and C / 213, and S / 212 and C213 is locked together. Since two components are locked to each other, all components will rotate in the same direction and at the same speed, and a 1:1 gear ratio is provided between the components of the planetary gear, so there is no shift in the direction of rotation. Therefore, the first input shaft 310a, the second input shaft 310b, and the output shaft 320 rotate synchronously, which also means the function of the planetary gear is bypassed / not utilized.

[0137] According to various embodiments, in Figure 1a-b to 11a-b, the coupling device 242 schematically shown for various embodiments is arranged such that: the first input shaft 310a, the second input shaft 310b, the sleeve 330, and the output shaft 320 are coaxially arranged relative to the axis 313 (which may be a rotational / hypothetical axis) and are arranged to be rotatable about the axis 313.

[0138] In addition, the first input shaft 310a, the second input shaft 310b, and the output shaft 320 are axially fixed, while the sleeve 330 is arranged to be axially movable between its first position 337 and its second position 338, as explained above.

[0139] According to various embodiments, as Figure 1a -b to 11a-b, the sleeve 330 schematically shown includes a first spline device 331 arranged to interact with a component spline device 341 coupled to a third component, which can be any one of R / 211, S / 212, and C / 213 of the planetary gear. Here, both the first spline device 331 and the component spline device 341 are axially oriented (i.e., are straight axial splines that are axially oriented), or both are helical splines, as Figure 1a -b to 11a-b schematically shown for various embodiments. The interaction between the first spline device 331 and the component spline device 341 prevents the sleeve 330 from rotating when axially oriented and thus facilitates the axial movement of the sleeve. Alternatively, if the first spline device and the component spline device are helical splines, their interaction will cause an axial force on the sleeve.

[0140] For those embodiments, for example Figure 1a -b to 3a-b and Figure 5a -b to 6a-b, in the shown embodiments, where both the first spline device 331 and the second spline device 332 are helical splines, these two helical splines are arranged in mutually different directions. Thus, if the first spline device 331 includes a helical spline with a right-handed thread, the second spline device 332 includes a helical spline with a left-handed thread, and vice versa. The directions of the component spline device 341 and the shaft spline device 321 are correspondingly arranged such that they are complementary to the first spline device 331 and the second spline device 332 respectively.

[0141] According to some embodiments, for example Figure 1a -b, 2a-b, 3a-b, 4a-b, 5a-b, 8a-b, and 9a-b, in the shown embodiments, the first spline device 331 is arranged on the outside of the sleeve 330 to interact with the component spline device 341 coupled to the third components R / 211, S / 212, C / 213 of the planetary gear.

[0142] According to some embodiments, for exampleFigure 6a -b, and in the embodiments shown in 7a-b, 10a-b, and 11a-b, the first spline device 331 is actually disposed inside the sleeve 330 to interact with a component spline device 341 of a third component coupled to the planetary gear, the third component being one of R / 211, S / 212, and C / 213.

[0143] According to some embodiments, for example Figure 1a -b, and in the embodiments shown in 4a-b to 11a-b, the first spline device 331 is disposed at the first end 335 of the sleeve.

[0144] According to some embodiments, for example Figure 2a -b, and in the embodiments shown in 3a-b, the first spline device 331 is disposed at the second end 333 of the sleeve.

[0145] According to some embodiments, the first spline device 331 is at least partially disposed between the first end 335 and the second end 333 of the sleeve.

[0146] According to some embodiments, the first spline device 331 extends from the first end 335 to the second end 333 of the sleeve.

[0147] According to various embodiments, for example Figure 1a -b to 4a-b, and in the embodiments shown in 6a-b to 11a-b, the sleeve 330 is arranged to at least partially surround the first end 322 of the output shaft 320. A second spline device 332 is then disposed inside the sleeve 330 to interact at the first end 322 of the output shaft 320 with a shaft spline device 321 disposed on the outside of the output shaft 320.

[0148] According to some embodiments, for example Figure 5a -b, and in the embodiments shown in, the first end 322 of the output shaft 320 is provided with a circular hollow section 325. The circular hollow section 325 is then arranged to at least partially surround the sleeve 330 and has a diameter such that the sleeve 330 fits inside the hollow section 325. Here, the second spline device 332 is disposed on the outside of the sleeve 330 so as to interact with the shaft spline device, which is then disposed inside the hollow section 325. Thus, the sleeve 330 is then disposed inside the hollow section 325 at the first end 322 of the output shaft 320 to interact with the output shaft 320 to cause movement of the sleeve 330.

[0149] According to some embodiments, the second spline device 332 is disposed at the first end 335 of the sleeve.

[0150] According to various embodiments, for example Figure 1a-b to the embodiment schematically shown in 11a-b, the second spline device 332 is arranged at the second end 333 of the sleeve.

[0151] According to some embodiments, the second spline device 332 is at least partially arranged between the first end 335 and the second end 333 of the sleeve.

[0152] According to some embodiments, the second spline device 332 is arranged from the first end 335 to the second end 333 of the sleeve.

[0153] As explained above, the interaction between the shaft spline device 321 and the second spline device 332 causes the sleeve 330 to move towards the first position 337 when the output shaft 320 rotates relative to the sleeve 330 in the first direction ΔD 320_330_1 This movement may include the sleeve 330 reaching the first position 337 and remaining at the first position.

[0154] The interaction between the shaft spline device 321 and the second spline device 332 also causes the sleeve 330 to move towards the second position 338 when the output shaft 320 rotates relative to the sleeve 330 in the second direction ΔD 320_330_2 This movement may include the sleeve 330 reaching the second position 338 and remaining at the second position.

[0155] According to an embodiment, the interaction between the shaft spline device 321 and the second spline device 332 utilizes the inertial momentum of the planetary gear 210 to cause the sleeve 330 to move towards the first position 337. Here, by providing an increased torque on the output shaft 320, for example by providing a torque pulse to the output shaft 320 or another suitable torque increase, the sleeve 330 can be helped to start moving. Due to the inertial momentum, this torque pulse can cause a relative rotation of the output shaft 320 relative to the sleeve 330, because the sleeve 330 is held by the inertial momentum of the planetary gear 210 via the interaction of the first spline device 331 and the component spline device 341. Thus, when the torque is increased via the output shaft 320, for example in the form of a pulse, due to the inertia of the planetary gear 210, the components of the planetary gear 210 and thus the sleeve 330 do not move immediately, which causes the output shaft 320 to rotate relative to the sleeve 330 in the first direction ΔD 320_330_1 This movement may include the sleeve 330 reaching the first position 337 and remaining at the first position.

[0156] According to an embodiment, for example Figure 1a-b to 3a-b and 5a-b to 6a-b, in the illustrated embodiments, the first spline device 331 and the component spline device 341 are helical splines. Thus, when the sleeve 330 has reached a third position between the first position 337 and the second position 338, in which third position, the sleeve engaging member 334 and the component engaging member 314 are disengaged from each other, the interaction between the first spline device 331 and the component spline device 341 contributes to the movement of the sleeve 330 towards the first position 337 due to the rotation of the output shaft 320 relative to the sleeve 330 in the first direction ΔD 320_330_1 rotation in the first direction ΔD 320_330_2 rotation of the output shaft 320 relative to the sleeve 330 in the second direction ΔD

[0157] According to an embodiment, when the interaction between the first spline device 331 and the component spline device 341 contributes to the movement of the sleeve 330 towards the second position 338, the interaction also utilizes the inertial momentum of the planetary gear 210 as described above. As explained above, the torque pulse provided on the output shaft 320, along with the inertial momentum and the interaction between the first spline device 331 and the component spline device 341, can be used here to cause rotation relative to the sleeve 330 in the second direction ΔD 320_330_2 rotation, and thus movement towards the second position 338.

[0158] According to various embodiments, one of the first component, which can be any one of R / 211, S / 212, C / 213, the second component, which can be another one of R / 211, S / 212, C / 213, and the third component, which can be yet another one of R / 211, S / 212, C / 213, of the planetary gear 210 includes or is coupled to at least one component engaging member 314. Further, the sleeve 330 includes or is coupled to at least one sleeve engaging member 334. The at least one component engaging member 314 and the at least one sleeve engaging member 334 are respectively arranged to engage with each other at the second position 338 and disengage from each other when the sleeve 330 is in the third position, where the third position is between the first position 337 and the second position 338, such that the component engaging member and the sleeve engaging member also disengage at the first position 337.

[0159] Thus, the at least one component engaging member 314 and the at least one sleeve engaging member 334 are arranged to engage at the third position when the sleeve 330 moves towards the second position 338 and then engage at the second position 328. Conversely, when the sleeve 330 moves towards the first position 337, the at least one component engaging member 314 and the at least one sleeve engaging member 334 are arranged to disengage at the third position and then disengage at the first position 237.

[0160] According to some embodiments, including Figure 1a -b, the embodiments schematically shown in 4a-b to 7a-b, at least one sleeve engagement member 334 and at least one component engagement member 314 both include axially oriented splines.

[0161] According to some embodiments, including Figure 2a -b to 3a-b, 8a-b, 10a-b to 11a-b, the embodiments schematically shown, at least one sleeve engagement member 334 and at least one component engagement member 314 are both coupling teeth.

[0162] According to Figure 6a -b to 9a-b, the embodiments schematically shown, the sleeve 330 includes at least one stop device 336, the at least one stop device being arranged to prevent the sleeve from further moving towards the second end 323 of the output shaft 320 when the sleeve 330 has reached the first position 337, and / or to prevent the sleeve from further moving towards the first end 311 of the first input shaft 310a when the sleeve 330 has reached the second position 338. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, in Figure 1a -b to 5a-b and 10a-b to 11a-b, the embodiments schematically shown, a corresponding at least one stop device may also be arranged.

[0163] According to various embodiments, the at least one stop device 336 may include two or more stops such that one or more stops are arranged to prevent further movement beyond the first position 337 and one or more other stops are arranged to prevent further movement beyond the second position 338.

[0164] The stop device 336 may be arranged on the inside of the sleeve 330, for example as a stop sleeve, a stop ring or a stop lip. However, the stop device 336 may also be arranged at other positions on the sleeve 330, such as on the outside of the sleeve, at the first end 335 or the second end 333 of the sleeve or between the first end and the second end.

[0165] As Figure 5a -b schematically shows, the at least one stop device 336 may also be arranged on the output shaft 320 and / or on a suitable component of the planetary gear (for example, the ring gear 211) to prevent the sleeve 330 from moving beyond the first position 337 and / or the second position 338.

[0166] According to Figure 8a-b to the embodiment schematically shown in 11a-b, a first overrunning clutch device 231 is arranged in the coupling device 242. The first overrunning clutch device is arranged to lock the planet carrier C / 213 of the planetary gear 210 to the housing 235, or to allow the planet carrier C / 213 to rotate relative to the housing 235. As mentioned above, when the planet carrier C / 213 is locked to the housing 235, i.e., locked to prevent rotation, the ring gear R / 211 and the sun gear S / 212 will rotate at different speeds and in different rotational directions, i.e., a shift in the rotational direction is then provided between the ring gear R / 211 and the sun gear S / 212.

[0167] According to Figure 8a -b to the embodiment schematically shown in 11a-b, a second overrunning clutch device 232 is arranged in the coupling device 242. The second overrunning clutch device can be arranged to be able to lock the planet carrier C / 213 and the sun gear S / 212 of the planetary gear 210 to each other, or to allow the planet carrier C / 213 and the sun gear S / 212 to rotate relative to each other. Alternatively, the second overrunning clutch device can be arranged to be able to lock the planet carrier C / 213 and the ring gear R / 211 of the planetary gear 210 to each other, or to allow the planet carrier C / 213 and the ring gear R / 211 to rotate relative to each other. As mentioned above, if two components of the planetary gear, for example if the planet carrier C / 213 and the sun gear S / 212 or if the planet carrier C / 213 and the ring gear R / 211 are locked to each other, all components of the planetary gear will rotate in the same direction at the same speed. Therefore, there is a 1:1 gear ratio between the components of the planetary gear, and no shift in the rotational direction occurs.

[0168] The overrunning clutch device in this document is a component that allows rotation in one rotational direction but prevents / blocks rotation in the opposite rotational direction. The overrunning clutch device can be a mechanical component independent of the control logic, such as a mechanical component used in, for example, a bicycle hub to allow the bicycle to roll freely when the cyclist stops pedaling; or it can be a controllable component controlled by a control logic using, for example, pneumatic tires and / or pneumatics to allow rotation in only one rotational direction. The overrunning clutch device can also be an electrically controlled device, for example, including an electric actuator.

[0169] As will be understood by those skilled in the art, according to various embodiments of the coupling device 242, the first input shaft 310a and the second input shaft 310b can be respectively coupled to a large number of parts / devices / machines / apparatuses. Basically, any suitable device / component can be coupled to the coupling device 242 described herein. Such possible parts / devices / machines / apparatuses may include electric motors, internal combustion engines, pumps, gearboxes, and / or freewheel devices, as well as other components. Then, such components are respectively coupled to the first ends of the first input shaft 310a and the second input shaft 310b.

[0170] The second end 323 of the output shaft, i.e., the output shaft 320, can be coupled to a number of parts / devices / machines / apparatuses, such as at least one of the drive wheels 111, 112 of the vehicle 100, as Figure 12 shown therein.

[0171] As a non-limiting example, the coupling device 242 can be included in the transmission device 200 in the Figure 12 vehicle 100 schematically shown therein. In the transmission device 200, the coupling device 242 can be arranged, for example, to facilitate a braking operation mode and / or a reverse operation mode.

[0172] Figure 12 An exemplary heavy vehicle 100, such as a truck or a bus, is schematically shown. However, the embodiments described herein are not limited to use in vehicles such as Figure 12 shown therein, but can also be used in other vehicles, such as lighter vehicles, such as smaller trucks or buses or cars. The embodiments described herein can of course also be used in many non-vehicle embodiments, i.e., non-automotive embodiments.

[0173] Figure 12 The vehicle 100 in which the embodiments of the present invention can be implemented and schematically shown therein includes at least one drive wheel 111, 112, such as a pair of drive wheels and at least one pair of wheels for steering. The vehicle 100 also includes a powertrain configured to transmit torque between at least two power sources 101, 102 (e.g., at least a first electric motor 101 and a second electric motor 102) and the drive wheels 111, 112.

[0174] The first output shaft / axle 106 of the first electric motor 101 and the second output shaft / axle 107 of the second electric motor 102 are respectively directly or indirectly coupled to the transmission device 200. The output shaft / axle 108 of the transmission device 200 may be directly or indirectly coupled to at least one of the drive wheels 111, 112 via a central gear 109 such as a differential gear and / or may be via a first drive shaft 113 and a second drive shaft 114 connected to the central gear 109.

[0175] The output shaft 108 of the transmission device 200 can be coupled to at least one drive wheel 111, 112 in substantially any manner known to a person skilled in the art, as long as the coupling provides the resulting output torque from the transmission device 200 to at least one drive wheel 111, 112. Additionally, the first electric machine 101 and the second electric machine 102, as well as the transmission device 200, can be arranged substantially anywhere in the vehicle, as long as the torque is provided to at least one drive wheel 111, 112 via the transmission device 200. This can be, for example, closer to at least one drive wheel 111, 112 and / or without any intermediate central gear 109 or drive shafts 113, 114 than the situation shown in Figure 12 as understood by a person skilled in the art.

[0176] Below, each of the coupling devices schematically shown in Figure 1a -b to 11a-b is described in more detail, where the corresponding features of the various embodiments are given corresponding reference numerals. As understood by a person skilled in the art, these embodiments are examples of possible embodiments of the coupling device 242, selected to illustrate and describe some features of the coupling device 242.

[0177] Figure 1a An embodiment of the coupling device 242 in its first position 337 is shown, and Figure 1b an embodiment of the coupling device 242 in its second position 338 is shown.

[0178] The first input shaft 310a is coupled to a first component of the planetary gear, which is the sun gear S / 212. The second input shaft 310b is coupled to a second component of the planetary gear, which is the ring gear R / 211. The coupling device 242 further includes an output shaft 320 and a sleeve 330. The sleeve 330 is arranged to interact with a third component of the planetary gear and the output shaft 320, which third component is the planetary carrier C / 213.

[0179] The sleeve 330 is arranged to be movable between a first position 337 and a second position 338 of the sleeve, as shown respectively in Figure 1a and 1b .

[0180] According to the embodiment shown in Figure 1a -b, the sleeve 330 is arranged such that when the output shaft 320 moves relative to the sleeve 330 in a first direction ΔD 320_330_1When rotating in the upward direction, it moves towards the first position 337. When the sleeve 330 is in this first position, the first component S / 212, the second component R / 211, and the third component C / 213 are unlocked relative to each other. Thus, the planetary gear provides another gear ratio in addition to the 1:1 gear ratio, and when the sleeve 330 is in the first position 337, the planetary gear 210 functions to couple the first input shaft 310a and the second input shaft 310b to the output shaft 320. Therefore, the coupling device 242 controls the planetary gear 210 to provide a gear ratio other than 1:1.

[0181] The sleeve 330 is further arranged to move towards the second position 338 when the output shaft 320 rotates relative to the sleeve 330 in the second direction ΔD 320_330_2 where this second direction ΔD 320_330_2 is opposite to the first direction ΔD 320_330_1 In its second position 338, the sleeve 330 locks the first component S / 212 and the third component C / 213 together. Since the two components are locked to each other, all components will rotate in the same direction and at the same speed, and there is a 1:1 gear ratio between the components of the planetary gear and no shift in the direction of rotation occurs, which means that the planetary gear 210 is controlled such that its function is bypassed / unutilized.

[0182] The first input shaft 310a, the sleeve 330, and the output shaft 320 are arranged coaxially with respect to the axis 313 (which can be a rotational / hypothetical axis) and are arranged to be rotatable about said axis 313. The first input shaft 310a and the output shaft 320 are axially fixed, while the sleeve 330 is arranged to be axially movable between its first position 337 and its second position 338, as explained above.

[0183] According to Figure 1a -b of the illustrated embodiment, the sleeve 330 includes a first spline device 331 that is arranged to interact with a component spline device 341 that is coupled to the third component C / 213 of the planetary gear. Both the first spline device 331 and the component spline device 341 include helical splines. The first spline device 331 is arranged on the outside of the sleeve 330, at the first end 335 of the sleeve, to interact with the component spline device 341.

[0184] The sleeve 330 further includes a second spline device 332 disposed at a second end 333 of the sleeve to interact with a shaft spline device 321 of the output shaft 320. Both the second spline device 332 and the shaft spline device 321 include helical splines. The helical splines of the first spline device 331 and the second spline device 332 are arranged in mutually different directions. When the sleeve 330 is arranged to at least partially surround a first end 322 of the output shaft 320, the second spline device 332 is disposed on the inside of the sleeve 330 to interact with the shaft spline device 321 disposed on the outside of the output shaft 320.

[0185] As explained above, the interaction between the shaft spline device 321 and the second spline device 332 causes the sleeve 330 to move towards a first position 337 when the output shaft 320 rotates relative to the sleeve 330 in a first direction ΔD 320_330_1 The interaction between the shaft spline device 321 and the second spline device 332 also causes the sleeve 330 to move towards a second position 338 when the output shaft 320 rotates relative to the sleeve 330 in a second direction ΔD 320_330_2 The interaction between the shaft spline device 321 and the second spline device 332 can utilize the inertia momentum of the planetary gear 210 to cause the movement of the sleeve 330, as explained above.

[0186] Since the first spline device 331 and the component spline device 341 include helical splines, the interaction between the first spline device and the component spline device may also contribute to the movement of the sleeve 330, as explained above. The interaction between the first spline device 331 and the component spline device 341 can utilize the above-mentioned inertia momentum of the planetary gear 210.

[0187] According to Figure 1a -b, in the illustrated embodiment, the first component S / 212 includes or is coupled to at least one component engagement member 314, and the sleeve 330 includes at least one sleeve engagement member 334. Both the at least one sleeve engagement member 334 and the at least one component engagement member 314 include axially oriented splines arranged to engage with each other at the second position 338 and disengage from each other, i.e., loosen from each other, when the sleeve 330 is in a third position, where the third position is located between the first position 337 and the second position 338.

[0188] Figure 2a An embodiment of the coupling device 242 in its first position 337 is shown, and Figure 2b the coupling device 242 in its second position 338 is shown.

[0189] The first input shaft 310a is connected to a first component of the planetary gear, and the first component is the ring gear R / 211. The second input shaft 310b is connected to a second component of the planetary gear, and the second component is the carrier C / 213. The coupling device 242 further includes an output shaft 320 and a sleeve 330. The sleeve 330 is arranged to interact with a third component of the planetary gear and the output shaft 320, and the third component is the sun gear carrier S / 212.

[0190] The sleeve 330 is arranged to be movable between a first position 337 and a second position 338 of the sleeve, as Figure 2a and 2b respectively shown in.

[0191] According to Figure 2a -b of the embodiment shown, the sleeve 330 is arranged to move towards the first position 337 when the output shaft 320 rotates relative to the sleeve 330 in a first direction ΔD 320_330_1 When the sleeve 330 is in this first position, the first component R / 211, the second component C / 213, and the third component S / 212 are unlocked relative to each other. Therefore, the planetary gear 210 is controlled by the coupling device 242 to function to connect the first input shaft 310a and the second input shaft 310b to the output shaft 320 when the sleeve 330 is in the first position 337, whereby the planetary gear 210 provides a gear ratio other than 1:1.

[0192] The sleeve 330 is further arranged to move towards the second position 338 when the output shaft 320 rotates relative to the sleeve 330 in a second direction ΔD 320_330_2 wherein this second direction ΔD 320_330_2 is opposite to the first direction ΔD 320_330_1 In its second position 338, the sleeve 330 locks the first component R / 211 and the third component S / 212 together. Since the two components are locked to each other, all components will rotate in the same direction and at the same speed, and there is a 1:1 gear ratio between the components of the planetary gear and no shift in the direction of rotation occurs. Therefore, the planetary gear is controlled such that its function is bypassed / unutilized.

[0193] The first input shaft 310a, the sleeve 330, and the output shaft 320 are arranged coaxially with respect to an axis 313 (which may be a rotational / hypothetical axis), and are arranged to be rotatable about said axis 313. The first input shaft 310a and the output shaft 320 are axially fixed, while the sleeve 330 is arranged to be axially movable between its first position 337 and its second position 338, as explained above.

[0194] According to Figure 2aIn the embodiment shown in -b, the sleeve 330 includes a first spline device 331 that is arranged to interact with a component spline device 341 of a third component S / 212 coupled to a planetary gear. Both the first spline device 331 and the component spline device 341 include helical splines. The first spline device 331 is arranged on the outside of the sleeve 330, at the second end 333 of the sleeve, to interact with the component spline device 341.

[0195] The sleeve 330 further includes a second spline device 332 that is arranged at the second end 333 of the sleeve to interact with a shaft spline device 321 of the output shaft 320. Both the second spline device 332 and the shaft spline device 321 include helical splines. The helical splines of the first spline device 331 and the second spline device 332 are arranged in mutually different directions. When the sleeve 330 is arranged to at least partially surround the first end 322 of the output shaft 320, the second spline device 332 is arranged on the inside of the sleeve 330 to interact with the shaft spline device 321 arranged on the outside of the output shaft 320.

[0196] As explained above, the interaction between the shaft spline device 321 and the second spline device 332 causes the sleeve 330 to move towards the first position 337 when the output shaft 320 rotates relative to the sleeve 330 in a first direction ΔD 320_330_1 The interaction between the shaft spline device 321 and the second spline device 332 also causes the sleeve 330 to move towards the second position 338 when the output shaft 320 rotates relative to the sleeve 330 in a second direction ΔD 320_330_2 The interaction between the shaft spline device 321 and the second spline device 332 can utilize the inertial momentum of the planetary gear 210 to cause the movement of the sleeve 330, as explained above.

[0197] Since the first spline device 331 and the component spline device 341 include helical splines, the interaction between the first spline device and the component spline device may also contribute to the movement of the sleeve 330, as explained above. The interaction between the first spline device 331 and the component spline device 341 can utilize the above-mentioned inertial momentum of the planetary gear 210.

[0198] According to Figure 2a the embodiment shown in -b, the first component R / 211 includes or is coupled to at least one component engagement member 314, and the sleeve 330 includes at least one sleeve engagement member 334. Both the at least one sleeve engagement member 334 and the at least one component engagement member 314 include coupling teeth that are arranged to engage with each other at the second position 338 and disengage from each other when the sleeve 330 is in a third position, where the third position is between the first position 337 and the second position 338.

[0199] Figure 3a shows an embodiment of the coupling device 242 in its first position 337, and Figure 3b shows the coupling device 242 in its second position 338.

[0200] The first input shaft 310a is coupled to a first component of the planetary gear, which first component is the ring gear R / 211. The second input shaft 310b is coupled to a second component of the planetary gear, which second component is the carrier C / 213. The coupling device 242 further includes an output shaft 320 and a sleeve 330. The sleeve 330 is arranged to interact with a third component of the planetary gear and the output shaft 320, which third component is the sun gear carrier S / 212.

[0201] The sleeve 330 is arranged to be movable between a first position 337 and a second position 338 of the sleeve, as Figure 3a and 3b respectively shown.

[0202] According to Figure 3a -b in the illustrated embodiment, the sleeve 330 is arranged to move towards the first position 337 when the output shaft 320 rotates relative to the sleeve 330 in a first direction ΔD 320_330_1 When the sleeve 330 is in this first position, the first component R / 211, the second component C / 213 and the third component S / 212 are unlocked relative to each other. Thus, the coupling device 242 controls the planetary gear to provide a gear ratio other than a 1:1 gear ratio. Accordingly, the planetary gear 210 is controlled to functionally couple the first input shaft 310a and the second input shaft 310b to the output shaft 320 when the sleeve 330 is in the first position 337, whereby the planetary gear 210 provides a gear ratio other than 1:1.

[0203] The sleeve 330 is further arranged to move towards the second position 338 when the output shaft 320 rotates relative to the sleeve 330 in a second direction ΔD 320_330_2 wherein this second direction ΔD 320_330_2 is opposite to the first direction ΔD 320_330_1 In its second position 338, the sleeve 330 locks the second component C / 213 and the third component S / 212 together. Since the two components are locked to each other, all components will rotate in the same direction and at the same speed, and there is a 1:1 gear ratio between the components of the planetary gear and no shift in the direction of rotation occurs. Accordingly, the planetary gear is controlled such that its function is bypassed / not utilized.

[0204] The first input shaft 310a, the sleeve 330, and the output shaft 320 are arranged coaxially with respect to the axis 313 (which may be a rotational / hypothetical axis) and are arranged to be rotatable about said axis 313. The first input shaft 310a and the output shaft 320 are axially fixed, while the sleeve 330 is arranged to be axially movable between its first position 337 and its second position 338, as explained above.

[0205] According to Figure 3a -b of the illustrated embodiment, the sleeve 330 includes a first spline device 331 which is arranged to interact with a component spline device 341 of a third component S / 212 coupled to the planetary gear. Both the first spline device 331 and the component spline device 341 include helical splines. The first spline device 331 is arranged on the outside of the sleeve 330, at the second end 333 of the sleeve, to interact with the component spline device 341.

[0206] The sleeve 330 further includes a second spline device 332 which is arranged at the second end 333 of the sleeve to interact with a shaft spline device 321 of the output shaft 320. Both the second spline device 332 and the shaft spline device 321 include helical splines. The helical splines of the first spline device 331 and the second spline device 332 are arranged in mutually different directions. Since the sleeve 330 is arranged to at least partially surround the first end 322 of the output shaft 320, the second spline device 332 is arranged on the inside of the sleeve 330 to interact with the shaft spline device 321 arranged on the outside of the output shaft 320.

[0207] As explained above, the interaction between the shaft spline device 321 and the second spline device 332 causes the sleeve 330 to move towards the first position 337 when the output shaft 320 rotates relative to the sleeve 330 in a first direction ΔD 320_330_1 The interaction between the shaft spline device 321 and the second spline device 332 also causes the sleeve 330 to move towards the second position 338 when the output shaft 320 rotates relative to the sleeve 330 in a second direction ΔD 320_330_2 The interaction between the shaft spline device 321 and the second spline device 332 can utilize the inertia momentum of the planetary gear 210 to cause the movement of the sleeve 330, as explained above.

[0208] Since the first spline device 331 and the component spline device 341 include helical splines, the interaction between said first spline device and said component spline device may also contribute to the movement of the sleeve 330, as explained above. The interaction between the first spline device 331 and the component spline device 341 can utilize the above-mentioned inertia momentum of the planetary gear 210.

[0209] According toFigure 3a In the embodiment shown in -b, the second component C / 213 includes or is coupled to at least one component engagement member 314, and the sleeve 330 includes at least one sleeve engagement member 334. Both the at least one sleeve engagement member 334 and the at least one component engagement member 314 include coupling teeth and are arranged to engage with each other at the second position 338 and to disengage from each other and thus lose contact when the sleeve 330 is in the third position, where the third position is between the first position 337 and the second position 338.

[0210] Figure 4a An embodiment of the coupling device 242 in its first position 337 is shown, and Figure 4b an embodiment of the coupling device 242 in its second position 338 is shown.

[0211] The first input shaft 310a is coupled to the first component of the planetary gear, which is the sun gear S / 212. The second input shaft 310b is coupled to the second component of the planetary gear, which is the carrier C / 213. The coupling device 242 further includes an output shaft 320 and a sleeve 330. The sleeve 330 is arranged to interact with the third component of the planetary gear and the output shaft 320, and the third component is the ring gear R / 211.

[0212] The sleeve 330 is arranged to be movable between a first position 337 and a second position 338 of the sleeve, as Figure 4a and 4b shown respectively.

[0213] According to Figure 4a the embodiment shown in -b, the sleeve 330 is arranged to move towards the first position 337 when the output shaft 320 rotates relative to the sleeve 330 in a first direction ΔD 320_330_1 When the sleeve 330 is in this first position, the first component S / 212, the second component C / 213, and the third component R / 211 are unlocked relative to each other. Thus, the planetary gear 210 is controlled by the coupling device 242 to provide a gear ratio other than a 1:1 gear ratio. Thus, the planetary gear 210 is controlled to functionally couple the first input shaft 310a and the second input shaft 310b to the output shaft 320 when the sleeve 330 is in the first position 337, such that a gear ratio other than 1:1 is provided.

[0214] The sleeve 330 is further arranged to move towards the second position 338 when the output shaft 320 rotates relative to the sleeve 330 in a second direction ΔD 320_330_2 where this second direction ΔD 320_330_2 is opposite to the first direction ΔD 320_330_1Conversely, in its second position 338, the sleeve 330 locks the first component S / 212 and the third component R / 211 together. Since the two components are locked to each other, all components will rotate in the same direction and at the same speed, and there is a 1:1 gear drive between the components of the planetary gear 210 and no shift in the direction of rotation occurs. Therefore, the planetary gear 210 is controlled such that its function is bypassed / unutilized.

[0215] The first input shaft 310a, the sleeve 330, and the output shaft 320 are arranged coaxially with respect to an axis 313 (which may be a rotational / hypothetical axis) and are arranged to be rotatable about said axis 313. The first input shaft 310a and the output shaft 320 are axially fixed, while the sleeve 330 is arranged to be axially movable between its first position 337 and its second position 338, as explained above.

[0216] According to Figure 4a -b of the illustrated embodiment, the sleeve 330 includes a first spline device 331 that is arranged to interact with a component spline device 341 of the third component R / 211 coupled to the planetary gear. Both the first spline device 331 and the component spline device 341 include axially oriented splines. The first spline device 331 is arranged on the outside of the sleeve 330, at the first end 335 of the sleeve, to interact with the component spline device 341.

[0217] The sleeve 330 further includes a second spline device 332 that is arranged at the second end 333 of the sleeve to interact with a shaft spline device 321 of the output shaft 320. Both the second spline device 332 and the shaft spline device 321 include helical splines. Since the sleeve 330 is arranged to at least partially surround the first end 322 of the output shaft 320, the second spline device 332 is arranged on the inside of the sleeve 330 to interact with the shaft spline device 321 arranged on the outside of the output shaft 320.

[0218] As explained above, the interaction between the shaft spline device 321 and the second spline device 332 causes the sleeve 330 to move towards the first position 337 when the output shaft 320 rotates relative to the sleeve 330 in a first direction ΔD 320_330_1 The interaction between the shaft spline device 321 and the second spline device 332 also causes the sleeve 330 to move towards the second position 338 when the output shaft 320 rotates relative to the sleeve 330 in a second direction ΔD 320_330_2 The interaction between the shaft spline device 321 and the second spline device 332 can utilize the inertial momentum of the planetary gear 210 to cause the movement of the sleeve 330, as explained above.

[0219] According to Figure 4aIn the embodiment shown in -b, the first component S / 212 includes or is coupled to at least one component engaging member 314, and the sleeve 330 includes at least one sleeve engaging member 334. Both the at least one sleeve engaging member 334 and the at least one component engaging member 314 include axially oriented splines, which are arranged to engage with each other at the second position 338 and disengage from each other when the sleeve 330 is in the third position, where the third position is between the first position 337 and the second position 338.

[0220] Figure 4a The embodiment of the coupling device shown in -b further includes a stop device 336, which is arranged to prevent the sleeve 330 from moving further beyond the first position 337 and / or further beyond the second position 338.

[0221] Figure 5a An embodiment of the coupling device 242 in its first position 337 is shown, and Figure 5b An embodiment of the coupling device 242 in its second position 338 is shown.

[0222] The first input shaft 310a is coupled to the first component of the planetary gear, which is the planetary carrier C / 213. The second input shaft 310b is coupled to the second component of the planetary gear, which is the sun gear S / 212. The coupling device 242 further includes an output shaft 320 and a sleeve 330. The sleeve 330 is arranged to interact with the third component of the planetary gear and the output shaft 320, and the third component is the ring gear R / 211.

[0223] The sleeve 330 is arranged to be movable between a first position 337 and a second position 338 of the sleeve, as Figure 5a and 5b shown respectively.

[0224] According to Figure 5a -b In the embodiment shown, the sleeve 330 is arranged to move towards the first position 337 when the output shaft 320 rotates relative to the sleeve 330 in the first direction ΔD 320_330_1 When the sleeve 330 is in this first position, the first component C / 213, the second component S / 212, and the third component R / 211 are unlocked relative to each other. Thus, the coupling device controls the planetary gear 210 such that the planetary gear provides another gear ratio other than a 1:1 gear ratio, whereby when the sleeve 330 is in the first position 337, the planetary gear 210 functions to couple the first input shaft 310a and the second input shaft 310b to the output shaft 320.

[0225] The sleeve 330 is further arranged to when the output shaft 320 rotates relative to the sleeve 330 in the second direction ΔD 320_330_2When rotating upward, it moves towards the second position 338, where this second direction ΔD 320_330_2 is opposite to the first direction ΔD 320_330_1 In its second position 338, the sleeve 330 locks the first component C / 213 and the third component R / 211 together. Since the two components are controlled to lock with each other, all components will rotate in the same direction and at the same speed, and there is a 1:1 gear drive between the components of the planetary gear and no shift in the direction of rotation occurs. Therefore, the planetary gear 210 is controlled such that its function is bypassed / unutilized.

[0226] The first input shaft 310a, the sleeve 330, and the output shaft 320 are arranged coaxially with respect to the axis 313 (which can be a rotational / hypothetical axis) and are arranged to be rotatable about said axis 313. The first input shaft 310a and the output shaft 320 are axially fixed, while the sleeve 330 is arranged to be axially movable between its first position 337 and its second position 338, as explained above.

[0227] According to Figure 5a the embodiment shown in -b, the sleeve 330 includes a first spline device 331 which is arranged to interact with a component spline device 341 of the third component R / 211 coupled to the planetary gear. Both the first spline device 331 and the component spline device 341 include helical splines. The first spline device 331 is arranged on the outside of the sleeve 330, at the first end 335 of the sleeve, to interact with the component spline device 341.

[0228] The sleeve 330 further includes a second spline device 332 which is arranged at the second end 333 of the sleeve to interact with a shaft spline device 321 of the output shaft 320. Both the second spline device 332 and the shaft spline device 321 include helical splines. The helical splines of the first spline device 331 and the second spline device 332 are arranged in mutually different directions. The first end 322 of the output shaft 320 is provided with a circular hollow section 325, where the circular hollow section 325 is arranged to at least partially surround the sleeve 330 and has a diameter such that the sleeve 330 fits within the hollow section 325. Therefore, the second spline device 332 is arranged on the outside of the sleeve 330 to interact with the shaft spline device 321 arranged inside the output shaft 320.

[0229] As explained above, the interaction between the shaft spline device 321 and the second spline device 332 causes when the output shaft 320 is in the first direction ΔD relative to the sleeve 330 320_330_1When rotating upward, the sleeve 330 moves towards the first position 337. The interaction between the shaft spline device 321 and the second spline device 332 also causes the sleeve 330 to move when the output shaft 320 rotates relative to the sleeve 330 in the second direction ΔD 320_330_2 When rotating upward, the sleeve 330 moves towards the second position 338. The interaction between the shaft spline device 321 and the second spline device 332 can utilize the inertial momentum of the planetary gear 210 to cause the movement of the sleeve 330, as explained above.

[0230] According to Figure 5a -b in the illustrated embodiment, the first component C / 213 includes or is coupled to at least one component engaging member 314, and the sleeve 330 includes at least one sleeve engaging member 334. Both the at least one sleeve engaging member 334 and the at least one component engaging member 314 include axially oriented splines and are arranged to engage with each other at the second position 338 and disengage from each other when the sleeve 330 is in the third position, where the third position is between the first position 337 and the second position 338.

[0231] Figure 5a -b in the illustrated embodiment of the coupling device further includes two or more stop devices 336 arranged to prevent the sleeve 330 from moving further beyond the first position 337 and / or moving further beyond the second position 338.

[0232] Figure 6a An embodiment of the coupling device 242 in its first position 337 is shown, and Figure 6b An embodiment of the coupling device 242 in its second position 338 is shown.

[0233] The first input shaft 310a is coupled to the first component of the planetary gear, which is the planetary carrier C / 213. The second input shaft 310b is coupled to the second component of the planetary gear, which is the ring gear R / 211. The coupling device 242 further includes an output shaft 320 and a sleeve 330. The sleeve 330 is arranged to interact with the third component of the planetary gear and the output shaft 320, and the third component is the sun gear S / 212.

[0234] The sleeve 330 is arranged to be movable between the first position 337 and the second position 338 of the sleeve, as Figure 6a and 6b shown respectively.

[0235] According to Figure 6a -b in the illustrated embodiment, the sleeve 330 is arranged such that when the output shaft 320 rotates relative to the sleeve 330 in the first direction ΔD 320_330_1When rotating in the upward direction, it moves towards the first position 337. When the sleeve 330 is in this first position, the first component C / 213, the second component R / 211, and the third component S / 212 are unlocked relative to each other. Thus, the planetary gear is controlled via the coupling device 242 to provide a gear ratio other than 1:1, such that when the sleeve 330 is in the first position 337, the planetary gear 210 functions to couple the first input shaft 310a and the second input shaft 310b to the output shaft 320.

[0236] The sleeve 330 is further arranged to move towards a second position 338 when the output shaft 320 rotates relative to the sleeve 330 in a second direction ΔD 320_330_2 in the upward direction, where this second direction ΔD 320_330_2 is opposite to the first direction ΔD 320_330_1 In its second position 338, the sleeve 330 locks the first component C / 213 and the third component S / 212 together. Since the two components are locked to each other, all components will rotate in the same direction and at the same speed, and there is a 1:1 gear ratio between the components of the planetary gear and no shift in the direction of rotation occurs. Thus, the planetary gear is controlled via the coupling device such that its function is bypassed / unutilized.

[0237] The first input shaft 310a, the sleeve 330, and the output shaft 320 are arranged coaxially with respect to an axis 313 (which may be a rotational / hypothetical axis) and are arranged to be rotatable about said axis 313. The first input shaft 310a and the output shaft 320 are axially fixed, while the sleeve 330 is arranged to be axially movable between its first position 337 and its second position 338, as explained above.

[0238] According to Figure 6a -b of the illustrated embodiment, the sleeve 330 includes a first spline device 331 which is arranged to interact with a component spline device 341 of the third component S / 212 coupled to the planetary gear. Both the first spline device 331 and the component spline device 341 include helical splines. The first spline device 331 is arranged on the inside of the sleeve 330, at the first end 335 of the sleeve, to interact with the component spline device 341.

[0239] The sleeve 330 further includes a second spline device 332 which is arranged at the second end 333 of the sleeve to interact with the shaft spline device 321 of the output shaft 320. Both the second spline device 332 and the shaft spline device 321 include helical splines. The helical splines of the first spline device 331 and the second spline device 332 are arranged in mutually different directions. Since the sleeve 330 is arranged to at least partially surround the first end 322 of the output shaft 320, the second spline device 332 is arranged on the inside of the sleeve 330 to interact with the shaft spline device 321 arranged on the outside of the output shaft 320.

[0240] As explained above, the interaction between the shaft spline device 321 and the second spline device 332 causes the sleeve 330 to move towards the first position 337 when the output shaft 320 rotates relative to the sleeve 330 in the first direction ΔD 320_330_1 The interaction between the shaft spline device 321 and the second spline device 332 also causes the sleeve 330 to move towards the second position 338 when the output shaft 320 rotates relative to the sleeve 330 in the second direction ΔD 320_330_2 The interaction between the shaft spline device 321 and the second spline device 332 can utilize the inertial momentum of the planetary gear 210 to cause the movement of the sleeve 330, as explained above.

[0241] According to Figure 6a the embodiment shown in -b, the first component C / 213 includes or is coupled to at least one component engagement member 314, and the sleeve 330 includes or is coupled to at least one sleeve engagement member 334. Both the at least one sleeve engagement member 334 and the at least one component engagement member 314 include axially oriented splines which are arranged to engage with each other at the second position 338 and disengage from each other when the sleeve 330 is in the third position, where the third position is between the first position 337 and the second position 338.

[0242] Figure 6a The embodiment of the coupling device shown in -b further includes a stop device 336 which is arranged to prevent the sleeve 330 from moving further beyond the first position 337 and / or further beyond the second position 338.

[0243] Figure 7a An embodiment of the coupling device 242 in its first position 337 is shown, and Figure 7b an embodiment of the coupling device 242 in its second position 338 is shown.

[0244] The first input shaft 310a is connected to a first component of the planetary gear, which first component is the sun gear S / 212. The second input shaft 310b is connected to a second component of the planetary gear, which second component is the ring gear R / 211. The coupling device 242 further includes an output shaft 320 and a sleeve 330. The sleeve 330 is arranged to interact with a third component of the planetary gear and the output shaft 320, which third component is the planetary carrier C / 213.

[0245] The sleeve 330 is arranged to be movable between a first position 337 and a second position 338 of the sleeve, as Figure 7a and 7b respectively shown in.

[0246] According to Figure 7a -b of the illustrated embodiment, the sleeve 330 is arranged to move towards the first position 337 when the output shaft 320 rotates relative to the sleeve 330 in a first direction ΔD 320_330_1 When the sleeve 330 is in this first position, the first component S / 212, the second component R / 211 and the third component C / 213 are unlocked relative to each other. Thus, the coupling device controls the planetary gear 210 to provide a gear ratio other than 1:1 and is functionally arranged to connect the first input shaft 310a and the second input shaft 310b to the output shaft 320 when the sleeve 330 is in the first position 337.

[0247] The sleeve 330 is further arranged to move towards the second position 338 when the output shaft 320 rotates relative to the sleeve 330 in a second direction ΔD 320_330_2 where this second direction ΔD 320_330_2 is opposite to the first direction ΔD 320_330_1 In its second position 338, the sleeve 330 locks the second component R / 211 and the third component C / 213 together. Since the coupling device 242 controls the two components to lock to each other, all components will rotate in the same direction and at the same speed, and there is a 1:1 gear ratio between the components of the planetary gear and no shift in the direction of rotation occurs. Here, the function of the planetary gear 210 is bypassed / not utilized.

[0248] The first input shaft 310a, the sleeve 330 and the output shaft 320 are arranged coaxially with respect to an axis 313 (which may be a rotational / hypothetical axis) and are arranged to be rotatable about said axis 313. The first input shaft 310a and the output shaft 320 are axially fixed, while the sleeve 330 is arranged to be axially movable between its first position 337 and its second position 338, as explained above.

[0249] According to Figure 7aIn the embodiment shown in -b, the sleeve 330 includes a first spline device 331 which is arranged to interact with a component spline device 341 of a third component C / 213 coupled to a planetary gear. Both the first spline device 331 and the component spline device 341 include axially - oriented splines. The first spline device 331 is arranged on the inside of the sleeve 330, at the first end 335 of the sleeve, to interact with the component spline device 341.

[0250] The sleeve 330 further includes a second spline device 332 which is arranged at the second end 333 of the sleeve to interact with a shaft spline device 321 of the output shaft 320. Both the second spline device 332 and the shaft spline device 321 include helical splines. Since the sleeve 330 is arranged to at least partially surround the first end 322 of the output shaft 320, the second spline device 332 is arranged on the inside of the sleeve 330 to interact with the shaft spline device 321 arranged on the outside of the output shaft 320.

[0251] As explained above, the interaction between the shaft spline device 321 and the second spline device 332 causes the sleeve 330 to move towards the first position 337 when the output shaft 320 rotates relative to the sleeve 330 in a first direction ΔD 320_330_1 The interaction between the shaft spline device 321 and the second spline device 332 also causes the sleeve 330 to move towards the second position 338 when the output shaft 320 rotates relative to the sleeve 330 in a second direction ΔD 320_330_2 The interaction between the shaft spline device 321 and the second spline device 332 can utilize the inertia momentum of the planetary gear 210 to cause the movement of the sleeve 330, as explained above.

[0252] According to Figure 7a In the embodiment shown in -b, the second component R / 211 includes or is coupled to at least one component engaging member 314, and the sleeve 330 includes or is coupled to at least one sleeve engaging member 334. Both the at least one sleeve engaging member 334 and the at least one component engaging member 314 include axially - oriented splines, are arranged to engage with each other at the second position 338, and disengage from each other when the sleeve 330 is in a third position, where the third position is between the first position 337 and the second position 338.

[0253] Figure 7a The embodiment of the coupling device shown in -b further includes a stop device 336 which is arranged to prevent the sleeve 330 from moving further beyond the first position 337 and / or further beyond the second position 338.

[0254] Figure 8aAn embodiment of the coupling device 242 in its first position 337 is shown, and Figure 8b the coupling device 242 in its second position 338 is shown.

[0255] The first input shaft 310a is connected to a first component of the planetary gear, which is the sun gear S / 212. The second input shaft 310b is connected to a second component of the planetary gear, which is the planetary carrier C / 213. The coupling device 242 further includes an output shaft 320 and a sleeve 330. The sleeve 330 is arranged to interact with a third component of the planetary gear and the output shaft 320, which third component is the ring gear R / 211.

[0256] The sleeve 330 is arranged to be movable between a first position 337 and a second position 338 of the sleeve, as Figure 8a and 8b shown respectively.

[0257] According to Figure 8a -b embodiment shown, the sleeve 330 is arranged to move towards the first position 337 when the output shaft 320 rotates relative to the sleeve 330 in a first direction ΔD 320_330_1 When the sleeve 330 is in this first position, the first component S / 212, the second component C / 213 and the third component R / 211 are unlocked relative to each other. Thus, the planetary gear 210 is then controlled by the coupling device to provide another gear ratio other than a 1:1 gear ratio, and when the sleeve 330 is in the first position 337, the planetary gear 210 is functionally utilized to connect the first input shaft 310a and the second input shaft 310b to the output shaft 320.

[0258] The sleeve 330 is further arranged to move towards the second position 338 when the output shaft 320 rotates relative to the sleeve 330 in a second direction ΔD 320_330_2 where this second direction ΔD 320_330_2 is opposite to the first direction ΔD 320_330_1 In its second position 338, the sleeve 330 locks the second component C / 213 and the third component R / 211 together. Since the two components are then controlled by the coupling device 242 to be locked to each other, all components will rotate in the same direction and at the same speed, and there is a 1:1 gear ratio between the components of the planetary gear and no shift in the direction of rotation occurs. Thus, the planetary gear 210 is controlled such that its function is bypassed / unutilized.

[0259] The first input shaft 310a, the sleeve 330, and the output shaft 320 are arranged coaxially with respect to an axis 313 (which may be a rotational / hypothetical axis) and are arranged to be rotatable about said axis 313. The first input shaft 310a and the output shaft 320 are axially fixed, while the sleeve 330 is arranged to be axially movable between its first position 337 and its second position 338, as explained above.

[0260] According to Figure 8a -b of the illustrated embodiment, the sleeve 330 includes a first spline means 331 which is arranged to interact with a component spline means 341 of a third component R / 211 coupled to a planetary gear. Both the first spline means 331 and the component spline means 341 include axially oriented splines. The first spline means 331 is arranged on the outside of the sleeve 330, at the first end 335 of the sleeve, to interact with the component spline means 341.

[0261] The sleeve 330 further includes a second spline means 332 which is arranged at the second end 333 of the sleeve to interact with a shaft spline means 321 of the output shaft 320. Both the second spline means 332 and the shaft spline means 321 include helical splines. Since the sleeve 330 is arranged to at least partially surround the first end 322 of the output shaft 320, the second spline means 332 is arranged on the inside of the sleeve 330 to interact with the shaft spline means 321 arranged on the outside of the output shaft 320.

[0262] As explained above, the interaction between the shaft spline means 321 and the second spline means 332 causes the sleeve 330 to move towards the first position 337 when the output shaft 320 rotates relative to the sleeve 330 in a first direction ΔD 320_330_1 The interaction between the shaft spline means 321 and the second spline means 332 also causes the sleeve 330 to move towards the second position 338 when the output shaft 320 rotates relative to the sleeve 330 in a second direction ΔD 320_330_2 The interaction between the shaft spline means 321 and the second spline means 332 can utilize the inertia momentum of the planetary gear 210 to cause the movement of the sleeve 330, as explained above.

[0263] According to Figure 8a -b of the illustrated embodiment, the second component C / 213 includes or is coupled to at least one component engagement member 314, and the sleeve 330 includes or is coupled to at least one sleeve engagement member 334. Both the at least one sleeve engagement member 334 and the at least one component engagement member 314 include coupling teeth which are arranged to engage with each other in the second position 338 and disengage from each other when the sleeve 330 is in a third position, where the third position is between the first position 337 and the second position 338.

[0264] Figure 8a The embodiment of the coupling device shown in -b further includes a stop device 336, which is arranged to prevent the sleeve 330 from moving further beyond the first position 337.

[0265] Figure 8a The embodiment of the coupling device shown in -b further includes a first overrunning clutch device 231, which is arranged such that the second component (i.e., the planetary carrier C / 213) is locked to prevent rotation in a specific rotational direction (its first rotational direction D C_1 )). Here, the first overrunning clutch device 231 can be arranged such that when the planetary carrier C / 213 attempts to rotate in the first rotational direction D C_1 ), the planetary carrier C / 213 is locked to, for example, the housing 235 of the transmission device 200, such that the planetary carrier C / 213 then remains fixed, i.e., is blocked / prevented / prohibited / counteracted / not allowed to rotate. In contrast, the first overrunning clutch device 231 is arranged such that it allows the second component (i.e., the planetary carrier C / 213) to rotate in its second rotational direction D C_1 opposite to the first rotational direction D C_2 ). Thus, the first overrunning clutch device 231 is arranged to lock the planetary carrier C / 213 to the housing 235, or to allow the planetary carrier C / 213 to rotate relative to the housing 235.

[0266] Figure 8a The embodiment of the coupling device shown in -b further includes a second overrunning clutch device 232, which is arranged such that the second component (i.e., the planetary carrier C / 213) can be locked to the first component, i.e., the sun gear S / 212. The second overrunning clutch device 232 is arranged such that when the sun gear S / 212 will rotate in a specific direction (its second rotational direction D S_2 ), the planetary carrier C / 213 is locked to the sun gear S / 212. This second direction D S_2 can, for example, be opposite to the first rotational direction D S_1 of the sun gear S / 212, which will cause the first overrunning clutch device 231 to lock the planetary carrier C / 213 to prevent rotation, as explained above. In contrast, the second overrunning clutch device 232 is arranged such that when the sun gear S / 212 rotates in its first rotational direction D S_2 opposite to the second rotational direction D S_1When rotating upward, the first and second components (i.e., the sun gear S / 212 and the planet carrier C / 213) are allowed to rotate relative to each other. Thus, the second overrunning clutch device 232 is arranged here to lock the planet carrier C / 213 to the sun gear S / 212, or to allow the planet carrier C / 213 and the sun gear S / 212 to rotate relative to each other.

[0267] According to the embodiment (not shown in Figure 8a -b), the second overrunning clutch device 232 can alternatively be arranged to be able to lock the second component (i.e., the planet carrier C / 213) and the third component (i.e., the ring gear R / 211) to each other, or to allow the planet carrier C / 213 and the ring gear R / 211 to rotate relative to each other. Then, the second overrunning clutch device 232 is arranged such that when the sun gear S / 212 rotates in the first direction D S_1 upward, the ring gear R / 211 and the planet carrier C / 213 are allowed to rotate relative to each other. Conversely, when the sun gear S / 212 rotates in the second direction D S_1 opposite to the first rotation direction D S_2 upward, this embodiment of the second overrunning clutch device 232 then locks the ring gear R / 211 to the planet carrier C / 213. Thus, the second overrunning clutch device 232 is arranged here to lock the planet carrier C / 213 to the ring gear R / 211, or to allow the planet carrier C / 213 and the ring gear R / 211 to rotate relative to each other.

[0268] Therefore, the first overrunning clutch device 231 and / or the second overrunning clutch device 232 can be used to further control the planetary gear 210.

[0269] Figure 9a An embodiment of the coupling device 242 in its first position 337 is shown, and Figure 9b an embodiment of the coupling device 242 in its second position 338 is shown.

[0270] The first input shaft 310a is coupled to the first component of the planetary gear, which is the sun gear S / 212. The second input shaft 310b is coupled to the second component of the planetary gear, which is the planet carrier C / 213. The coupling device 242 further includes an output shaft 320 and a sleeve 330. The sleeve 330 is arranged to interact with the third component of the planetary gear and the output shaft 320, and the third component is the ring gear R / 211.

[0271] The sleeve 330 is arranged to be movable between a first position 337 and a second position 338 of the sleeve, as Figure 9a and 9b shown respectively.

[0272] According toFigure 9a -b, the sleeve 330 is arranged to move towards the first position 337 when the output shaft 320 rotates relative to the sleeve 330 in the first direction ΔD 320_330_1 Thereby, the coupling device 242 controls the planetary gear 210 to provide another gear ratio other than the 1:1 gear ratio, and is functionally configured to couple the first input shaft 310a and the second input shaft 310b to the output shaft 320 when the sleeve 330 is in the first position 337.

[0273] The sleeve 330 is further arranged to move towards the second position 338 when the output shaft 320 rotates relative to the sleeve 330 in the second direction ΔD 320_330_2 wherein this second direction ΔD 320_330_2 is opposite to the first direction ΔD 320_330_1 In its second position 338, the sleeve 330 locks the first member S / 212 and the third member R / 211 together. Since the two members are controlled to lock to each other, all members will rotate in the same direction and at the same speed, and there is a 1:1 gear ratio between the members of the planetary gear and no shift in the direction of rotation occurs. This means that the function of the planetary gear is bypassed / not utilized.

[0274] The first input shaft 310a, the sleeve 330, and the output shaft 320 are arranged coaxially with respect to the axis 313 (which may be a rotational / hypothetical axis) and are arranged to be rotatable about said axis 313. The first input shaft 310a and the output shaft 320 are axially fixed, while the sleeve 330 is arranged to be axially movable between its first position 337 and its second position 338, as explained above.

[0275] According to Figure 9a -b, the sleeve 330 includes a first spline device 331 which is arranged to interact with a component spline device 341 of the third component R / 211 coupled to the planetary gear. Both the first spline device 331 and the component spline device 341 include axially oriented splines. The first spline device 331 is arranged on the outside of the sleeve 330, at the first end 335 of the sleeve, to interact with the component spline device 341.

[0276] The sleeve 330 further includes a second spline device 332 disposed at the second end 333 of the sleeve to interact with the shaft spline device 321 of the output shaft 320. Both the second spline device 332 and the shaft spline device 321 include helical splines. Since the sleeve 330 is arranged to at least partially surround the first end 322 of the output shaft 320, the second spline device 332 is disposed on the inside of the sleeve 330 to interact with the shaft spline device 321 disposed on the outside of the output shaft 320.

[0277] As explained above, the interaction between the shaft spline device 321 and the second spline device 332 causes the sleeve 330 to move towards the first position 337 when the output shaft 320 rotates relative to the sleeve 330 in a first direction ΔD 320_330_1 The interaction between the shaft spline device 321 and the second spline device 332 also causes the sleeve 330 to move towards the second position 338 when the output shaft 320 rotates relative to the sleeve 330 in a second direction ΔD 320_330_2 The interaction between the shaft spline device 321 and the second spline device 332 can utilize the inertia momentum of the planetary gear 210 to cause the movement of the sleeve 330, as explained above.

[0278] According to Figure 9a -b, in the illustrated embodiment, the first component S / 212 includes or is coupled to at least one component engagement member 314, and the sleeve 330 includes at least one sleeve engagement member 334. Both the at least one sleeve engagement member 334 and the at least one component engagement member 314 include axially oriented splines and are arranged to engage with each other in the second position 338 and disengage from each other when the sleeve 330 is in a third position, where the third position is between the first position 337 and the second position 338.

[0279] Figure 9a -b, the illustrated embodiment of the coupling device further includes a stop device 336 arranged to prevent the sleeve 330 from moving further beyond the second position 338.

[0280] Figure 9a -b, the illustrated embodiment of the coupling device further includes a first freewheel device 231 arranged such that the second component (i.e., the planetary gear carrier C / 213) is locked against rotation in a particular rotational direction (its first rotational direction D C_1 ) Here, the first freewheel device 231 can be arranged such that when the planetary gear carrier C / 213 attempts to rotate in the first rotational direction D C_1When rotating upwards, the planetary gear carrier C / 213 is locked to, for example, the housing 235 of the transmission device 200, such that the planetary gear carrier C / 213 then remains fixed, i.e., is blocked / prevented / prohibited / counteracted / not allowed to rotate. Conversely, the first one-way clutch device 231 is arranged such that it allows the second component (i.e., the planetary gear carrier C / 213) to rotate in a second rotational direction D C_1 opposite thereto C_2 . Accordingly, the first one-way clutch device 231 is arranged to lock the planetary gear carrier C / 213 to the housing 235, or to allow the planetary gear carrier C / 213 to rotate relative to the housing 235.

[0281] Figure 9a The embodiment of the coupling device shown in -b further includes a second one-way clutch device 232, which is arranged such that the second component (i.e., the planetary gear carrier C / 213) can be locked to the first component, i.e., the sun gear S / 212. The second one-way clutch device 232 is arranged such that when the sun gear S / 212 will rotate in a specific direction (its second rotational direction D S_2 ), the planetary gear carrier C / 213 is locked to the sun gear S / 212. This second direction D S_2 can be, for example, opposite to the first rotational direction D S_1 of the sun gear S / 212, which will cause the first one-way clutch device 231 to lock the planetary gear carrier C / 213 to prevent rotation, as explained above. Conversely, the second one-way clutch device 232 is arranged such that when the sun gear S / 212 rotates in its first rotational direction D S_2 opposite to its second rotational direction D S_1 , it allows the first and second components (i.e., the sun gear S / 212 and the planetary gear carrier C / 213) to rotate relative to each other. Accordingly, the second one-way clutch device 232 is arranged here to lock the planetary gear carrier C / 213 to the sun gear S / 212, or to allow the planetary gear carrier C / 213 and the sun gear S / 212 to rotate relative to each other.

[0282] According to an embodiment (not shown in Figure 9a -b), the second one-way clutch device 232 can alternatively be arranged to be able to lock the second component (i.e., the planetary gear carrier C / 213) and the third component (i.e., the ring gear R / 211) to each other, or to allow the planetary gear carrier C / 213 and the ring gear R / 211 to rotate relative to each other. Then, the second one-way clutch device 232 is arranged such that when the sun gear S / 212 rotates in a first direction D S_1 , it allows the ring gear R / 211 and the planetary gear carrier C / 213 to rotate relative to each other. Conversely, when the sun gear S / 212 rotates in a second direction D S_1 opposite to the first rotational direction DS_2 When rotating upward, this embodiment of the second overrunning clutch device 232 then locks the ring gear R / 211 to the planet carrier C / 213. Therefore, the second overrunning clutch device 232 is arranged herein to lock the planet carrier C / 213 to the ring gear R / 211, or to allow the planet carrier C / 213 and the ring gear R / 211 to rotate relative to each other.

[0283] Therefore, the first overrunning clutch device 231 and / or the second overrunning clutch device 232 can be used to further control the planetary gear 210.

[0284] Figure 10a An embodiment of the coupling device 242 in its first position 337 is shown, and Figure 10b the coupling device 242 in its second position 338 is shown.

[0285] The first input shaft 310a is coupled to a first component of the planetary gear, and the first component is the ring gear R / 211. The second input shaft 310b is coupled to a second component of the planetary gear, and the second component is the planet carrier C / 213. The coupling device 242 further includes an output shaft 320 and a sleeve 330. The sleeve 330 is arranged to interact with a third component of the planetary gear and the output shaft 320, and the third component is the sun gear S / 212.

[0286] The sleeve 330 is arranged to be movable between a first position 337 and a second position 338 of the sleeve, as Figure 10a and 10b shown respectively.

[0287] According to Figure 10a -b of the embodiment shown, the sleeve 330 is arranged to move towards the first position 337 when the output shaft 320 rotates relative to the sleeve 330 in a first direction ΔD 320_330_1 When the sleeve 330 is in this first position, the first component R / 211, the second component C / 213, and the third component S / 212 are unlocked relative to each other. Therefore, the planetary gear 210 is controlled by the coupling device 242 to provide another gear ratio other than the 1:1 gear ratio, and is functionally used to couple the first input shaft 310a and the second input shaft 310b to the output shaft 320 when the sleeve 330 is in the first position 337.

[0288] The sleeve 330 is further arranged to move towards the second position 338 when the output shaft 320 rotates relative to the sleeve 330 in a second direction ΔD 320_330_2 wherein this second direction ΔD 320_330_2 is opposite to the first direction ΔD 320_330_1Conversely, in its second position 338, the sleeve 330 locks the second component C / 213 and the third component S / 212 together. Since the coupling device 242 controls the locking of the two components to each other, all the components will rotate in the same direction and at the same speed, and there is a 1:1 gear ratio between the components of the planetary gear and no shift in the direction of rotation occurs. Then, the function of the planetary gear 210 is bypassed / unutilized.

[0289] The first input shaft 310a, the sleeve 330, and the output shaft 320 are arranged coaxially with respect to an axis 313 (which may be a rotational / hypothetical axis) and are arranged to be rotatable about said axis 313. The first input shaft 310a and the output shaft 320 are axially fixed, while the sleeve 330 is arranged to be axially movable between its first position 337 and its second position 338, as explained above.

[0290] According to Figure 10a -b of the illustrated embodiment, the sleeve 330 includes a first spline device 331 which is arranged to interact with a component spline device 341 of a component S / 212 coupled to the third member of the planetary gear. Both the first spline device 331 and the component spline device 341 include axially oriented splines. The first spline device 331 is arranged on the interior of the sleeve 330, at the first end 335 of the sleeve, to interact with the component spline device 341.

[0291] The sleeve 330 further includes a second spline device 332 which is arranged at the second end 333 of the sleeve to interact with a shaft spline device 321 of the output shaft 320. Both the second spline device 332 and the shaft spline device 321 include helical splines. Since the sleeve 330 is arranged to at least partially surround the first end 322 of the output shaft 320, the second spline device 332 is arranged on the interior of the sleeve 330 to interact with the shaft spline device 321 arranged on the exterior of the output shaft 320.

[0292] As explained above, the interaction between the shaft spline device 321 and the second spline device 332 causes the sleeve 330 to move towards the first position 337 when the output shaft 320 rotates relative to the sleeve 330 in a first direction ΔD 320_330_1 The interaction between the shaft spline device 321 and the second spline device 332 also causes the sleeve 330 to move towards the second position 338 when the output shaft 320 rotates relative to the sleeve 330 in a second direction ΔD 320_330_2 The interaction between the shaft spline device 321 and the second spline device 332 can utilize the inertial momentum of the planetary gear 210 to cause the movement of the sleeve 330, as explained above.

[0293] According to Figure 10aIn the embodiment shown in -b, the third component S / 212 includes or is coupled to at least one component engagement member 314, and the sleeve 330 includes at least one sleeve engagement member 334. Both the at least one sleeve engagement member 334 and the at least one component engagement member 314 include coupling teeth, which are arranged to engage with each other at the second position 338 and disengage from each other when the sleeve 330 is in the third position, where the third position is between the first position 337 and the second position 338.

[0294] Figure 10a The embodiment of the coupling device shown in -b further includes a first overrunning clutch device 231, which is arranged such that the second component (i.e., the planetary carrier C / 213) is locked to prevent rotation in a specific rotational direction (its first rotational direction D C_1 )). Here, the first overrunning clutch device 231 can be arranged such that when the planetary carrier C / 213 attempts to rotate in the first rotational direction D C_1 , the planetary carrier C / 213 is locked to, for example, the housing 235 of the transmission device 200, such that the planetary carrier C / 213 then remains fixed, i.e., is blocked / prevented / prohibited / counteracted / not allowed to rotate. In contrast, the first overrunning clutch device 231 is arranged such that it allows the second component (i.e., the planetary carrier C / 213) to rotate in a second rotational direction D C_1 opposite to the first rotational direction D C_2 . Therefore, the first overrunning clutch device 231 is arranged to lock the planetary carrier C / 213 to the housing 235 or allow the planetary carrier C / 213 to rotate relative to the housing 235.

[0295] Figure 10a The embodiment of the coupling device shown in -b further includes a second overrunning clutch device 232, which is arranged such that the second component (i.e., the planetary carrier C / 213) can be locked to the third component, i.e., the sun gear S / 212. The second overrunning clutch device 232 is arranged such that when the sun gear S / 212 will rotate in a specific direction (its second rotational direction D S_2 ), the planetary carrier C / 213 is locked to the sun gear S / 212. This second direction D S_2 can be, for example, opposite to the first rotational direction D S_1 of the sun gear S / 212, which will cause the first overrunning clutch device 231 to lock the planetary carrier C / 213 to prevent rotation, as explained above. In contrast, the second overrunning clutch device 232 is arranged such that when the sun gear S / 212 rotates in its first rotational direction D S_2 opposite to the second rotational direction D S_1When rotating upwards, the second and third components (i.e., the planet gear carrier C / 213 and the sun gear S / 212) are allowed to rotate relative to each other. Therefore, the second overrunning clutch 232 is arranged here to lock the planet gear carrier C / 213 to the sun gear S / 212, or to allow the planet gear carrier C / 213 and the sun gear S / 212 to rotate relative to each other.

[0296] According to the embodiment (not shown in Figure 10a -b), the second overrunning clutch 232 can alternatively be arranged to be able to lock the second component (i.e., the planet gear carrier C / 213) and the first component (i.e., the ring gear R / 211) to each other, or to allow the planet gear carrier C / 213 and the ring gear R / 211 to rotate relative to each other. Then, the second overrunning clutch 232 is arranged such that when the sun gear S / 212 rotates in the first direction D S_1 the planet gear carrier C / 213 and the ring gear R / 211 are allowed to rotate relative to each other. Conversely, when the sun gear S / 212 rotates in the second direction D S_1 opposite to the first rotation direction D S_2 this embodiment of the second overrunning clutch 232 then locks the planet gear carrier C / 213 to the ring gear R / 211. Therefore, the second overrunning clutch 232 is arranged here to lock the planet gear carrier C / 213 to the ring gear R / 211, or to allow the planet gear carrier C / 213 and the ring gear R / 211 to rotate relative to each other.

[0297] Therefore, the first overrunning clutch 231 and / or the second overrunning clutch 232 can be used to further control the planetary gear 210.

[0298] Figure 11a An embodiment of the coupling device 242 in its first position 337 is shown, and Figure 11b an embodiment of the coupling device 242 in its second position 338 is shown.

[0299] The first input shaft 310a is connected to the first component of the planetary gear, which is the sun gear S / 212. The second input shaft 310b is connected to the second component of the planetary gear, which is the planet gear carrier C / 213. The coupling device 242 further includes an output shaft 320 and a sleeve 330. The sleeve 330 is arranged to interact with the third component of the planetary gear and the output shaft 320, and the third component is the ring gear R / 211.

[0300] The sleeve 330 is arranged to be movable between a first position 337 and a second position 338 of the sleeve, as shown respectively in Figure 10a and 10b respectively.

[0301] According toFigure 10a -b, the sleeve 330 is arranged to move towards the first position 337 when the output shaft 320 rotates relative to the sleeve 330 in the first direction ΔD 320_330_1 When the sleeve 330 is in this first position, the first member S / 212, the second member C / 213, and the third member R / 211 are unlocked relative to each other. Thus, the coupling device 242 controls the planetary gear 210 here such that the planetary gear provides another gear ratio other than the 1:1 gear ratio, and such that when the sleeve 330 is in the first position 337, the planetary gear 210 is functionally used to couple the first input shaft 310a and the second input shaft 310b to the output shaft 320.

[0302] The sleeve 330 is further arranged to move towards the second position 338 when the output shaft 320 rotates relative to the sleeve 330 in the second direction ΔD 320_330_2 where this second direction ΔD 320_330_2 is opposite to the first direction ΔD 320_330_1 In its second position 338, the sleeve 330 locks the second member C / 213 and the third member R / 211 together. Since the two members are controlled to lock to each other by the coupling device, all members will rotate in the same direction and at the same speed, and there is a 1:1 gear ratio between the components of the planetary gear and no shift in the direction of rotation occurs. Thus, this control causes the function of the planetary gear 210 to be bypassed / unutilized.

[0303] The first input shaft 310a, the sleeve 330, and the output shaft 320 are arranged coaxially relative to the axis 313 (which may be a rotational / hypothetical axis) and are arranged to be rotatable about said axis 313. The first input shaft 310a and the output shaft 320 are axially fixed, while the sleeve 330 is arranged to be axially movable between its first position 337 and its second position 338, as explained above.

[0304] According to Figure 11a -b, the sleeve 330 includes a first spline device 331 which is arranged to interact with a component spline device 341 of the third member R / 211 coupled to the planetary gear. Both the first spline device 331 and the component spline device 341 include axially oriented splines. The first spline device 331 is arranged on the inside of the sleeve 330, at the first end 335 of the sleeve, to interact with the component spline device 341.

[0305] The sleeve 330 further includes a second spline device 332 disposed at the second end 333 of the sleeve to interact with the shaft spline device 321 of the output shaft 320. Both the second spline device 332 and the shaft spline device 321 include helical splines. Since the sleeve 330 is arranged to at least partially surround the first end 322 of the output shaft 320, the second spline device 332 is disposed on the interior of the sleeve 330 to interact with the shaft spline device 321 disposed on the exterior of the output shaft 320.

[0306] As explained above, the interaction between the shaft spline device 321 and the second spline device 332 causes the sleeve 330 to move towards the first position 337 when the output shaft 320 rotates relative to the sleeve 330 in the first direction ΔD 320_330_1 The interaction between the shaft spline device 321 and the second spline device 332 also causes the sleeve 330 to move towards the second position 338 when the output shaft 320 rotates relative to the sleeve 330 in the second direction ΔD 320_330_2 The interaction between the shaft spline device 321 and the second spline device 332 can utilize the inertial momentum of the planetary gear 210 to cause the movement of the sleeve 330, as explained above.

[0307] According to Figure 11a the embodiment shown in -b, the second component C / 213 includes or is coupled to at least one component engagement member 314, and the sleeve 330 includes or is coupled to at least one sleeve engagement member 334. Both the at least one sleeve engagement member 334 and the at least one component engagement member 314 include coupling teeth arranged to engage with each other at the second position 338 and disengage from each other when the sleeve 330 is in a third position, where the third position is between the first position 337 and the second position 338.

[0308] Figure 11a The embodiment of the coupling device shown in -b further includes a first freewheel device 231 arranged such that the second component (i.e., the planetary gear carrier C / 213) is locked against rotation in a specific rotational direction (its first rotational direction D C_1 ). Here, the first freewheel device 231 can be arranged to lock the planetary gear carrier C / 213 to, for example, the housing 235 of the transmission device 200 when the planetary gear carrier C / 213 attempts to rotate in the first rotational direction D C_1 so that the planetary gear carrier C / 213 then remains fixed, i.e., is blocked / prevented / prohibited / counteracted / not allowed to rotate. In contrast, the first freewheel device 231 is arranged such that it allows the second component (i.e., the planetary gear carrier C / 213) to rotate in a second rotational direction D C_1 opposite to the first rotational direction D C_2Rotate upward. Therefore, the first overrunning clutch device 231 is arranged to lock the planet carrier C / 213 to the housing 235, or to allow the planet carrier C / 213 to rotate relative to the housing 235.

[0309] Figure 11a The embodiment of the coupling device shown in -b further includes a second overrunning clutch device 232, which is arranged such that the second component (i.e., the planet carrier C / 213) can be locked to the first component, i.e., the sun gear S / 212. The second overrunning clutch device 232 is arranged such that when the sun gear S / 212 will rotate in a specific direction (its second rotation direction D S_2 ) the planet carrier C / 213 is locked to the sun gear S / 212. This second direction D S_2 can be, for example, opposite to the first rotation direction D S_1 of the sun gear S / 212, which will cause the first overrunning clutch device 231 to lock the planet carrier C / 213 to prevent rotation, as explained above. Conversely, the second overrunning clutch device 232 is arranged such that when the sun gear S / 212 rotates in its first rotation direction D S_2 opposite to the second rotation direction D S_1 the first and second components (i.e., the sun gear S / 212 and the planet carrier C / 213) are allowed to rotate relative to each other. Therefore, the second overrunning clutch device 232 is arranged here to lock the planet carrier C / 213 to the sun gear S / 212, or to allow the planet carrier C / 213 and the sun gear S / 212 to rotate relative to each other.

[0310] According to an embodiment (not shown in Figure 11a -b), the second overrunning clutch device 232 can alternatively be arranged to be able to lock the second component (i.e., the planet carrier C / 213) and the third component (i.e., the ring gear R / 211) to each other, or to allow the planet carrier C / 213 and the ring gear R / 211 to rotate relative to each other. Then, the second overrunning clutch device 232 is arranged such that when the sun gear S / 212 rotates in the first direction D S_1 the planet carrier C / 213 and the ring gear R / 211 are allowed to rotate relative to each other. Conversely, when the sun gear S / 212 rotates in a second direction D S_1 opposite to the first rotation direction D S_2 this embodiment of the second overrunning clutch device 232 then locks the planet carrier C / 213 to the ring gear R / 211. Therefore, the second overrunning clutch device 232 is arranged here to lock the planet carrier C / 213 to the ring gear R / 211, or to allow the planet carrier C / 213 and the ring gear R / 211 to rotate relative to each other.

[0311] Therefore, the first overrunning clutch device 231 and / or the second overrunning clutch device 232 can be used to further control the planetary gear 210.

[0312] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. On the contrary, the present invention relates to and encompasses all different embodiments included within the scope of the independent claims.

Claims

1. A coupling device (242), comprising: - A first input shaft (310a) coupled to a first component (R / 211; S / 212； C / 213)； - A second input shaft (310b) coupled to a second component (R / 211; S / 212; C / 213) of the planetary gear (210); - An output shaft (320); and - A sleeve (330) arranged to interact with a third component (R / 211; S / 212; C / 213) of the planetary gear (210) and arranged to be movable between a first position (337) and a second position (338), the sleeve (340) comprising: -- A second spline device (332) arranged to interact with a shaft spline device (321) disposed at a first end (322) of the output shaft (320), wherein both the second spline device (332) and the shaft spline device (321) are helical splines; wherein: -- The sleeve (330) is arranged to move towards the first position (337) by the interaction between the shaft spline device (321) and the second spline device (332) when the output shaft (320) rotates relative to the sleeve (330) in a first direction (ΔD 320_330_1 ), wherein when the sleeve (330) is in the first position (337), the first component (R / 211; S / 212; C / 213), the second component (R / 211; S / 212; C / 213) and the third component (R / 211; S / 212; C / 213) are unlocked relative to each other, such that the planetary gear (210) is functionally arranged to couple the first input shaft (310a) and the second input shaft (310b) to the output shaft (320); and -- The sleeve (330) is arranged such that when the output shaft (320) rotates relative to the sleeve (330) in a second direction (ΔD 320_330_1 ) opposite to the first direction (ΔD 320_330_2 ), it moves towards the second position (338) through the interaction between the shaft spline device (321) and the second spline device (332). When the sleeve (330) is in the second position (338), the sleeve (330) locks two of the first component (R / 211; S / 212; C / 213), the second component (R / 211; S / 212; C / 213), and the third component (R / 211; S / 212; C / 213) together, so that the first input shaft (310a), the second input shaft (310b), and the output shaft (320) rotate synchronously.

2. The coupling device (242) according to claim 1, wherein - The first input shaft (310a), the second input shaft (310b), the sleeve (330) and the output shaft (320) are arranged coaxially with respect to an axis (313) and are arranged to be rotatable about the axis (313); - The first input shaft (310a), the second input shaft (310b) and the output shaft (320) are axially fixed; and - The sleeve (330) is arranged to be axially movable between the first position (337) and the second position (338).

3. The coupling device (242) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the sleeve (340) further comprises: -- A first spline device (331) arranged to interact with a component spline device (341) coupled to the third component (R / 211; S / 212; C / 213) of the planetary gear (210), wherein both the first spline device (331) and the component spline device (341) are axially oriented or both are helical splines.

4. The coupling device (242) according to claim 3, wherein the arrangement of the first spline device (331) is one of the following groupings: - Arranged on the outside of the sleeve (330); and - Arranged on the inside of the sleeve (330).

5. The coupling device (242) according to any one of claims 3 to 4, wherein the arrangement of the first spline device (331) is one of the following groupings: - Arranged at the first end (335) of the sleeve; - Arranged at the second end (333) of the sleeve; - At least partially arranged between the first end (335) and the second end (333) of the sleeve; and - Arranged from the first end (335) to the second end (333) of the sleeve.

6. The coupling device (242) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein - The sleeve (330) is arranged to at least partially surround the first end (322) of the output shaft (320); and - The second spline device (332) is arranged on the inside of the sleeve (330) to interact with the shaft spline device (321) arranged on the outside of the output shaft 320.

7. The coupling device (242) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein - The first end (322) of the output shaft (320) is provided with a circular hollow section (325) which is arranged to at least partially surround the sleeve (330) and has a diameter such that the sleeve (330) fits within the hollow section (325); and - The second spline device (332) is arranged on the outside of the sleeve (330) to interact with the shaft spline device (321) arranged on the inside of the hollow section (325).

8. The coupling device (242) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the arrangement of the second spline device (332) is one of the group consisting of: - Arranged at the first end (335) of the sleeve; - Arranged at the second end (333) of the sleeve; - At least partially arranged between the first end (335) and the second end (333) of the sleeve; and - Arranged from the first end (335) to the second end (333) of the sleeve.

9. The coupling device (242) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the interaction between the shaft spline device (321) and the second spline device (332) utilizes the inertial momentum of the planetary gear (210) to cause the sleeve (330) to move towards the first position (337).

10. The coupling device (242) according to any one of claims 3 to 9, wherein - The first spline device (331) and the component spline device (341) are helical splines, whereby the interaction between the first spline device (331) and the component spline device (341) causes: --When the output shaft (320) rotates relative to the sleeve (330) in the second direction (ΔD 320_330_2 ), it helps the sleeve (330) to move towards the second position (338); and --When the sleeve (330) has reached a third position between the first position (337) and the second position (338), when the output shaft (320) rotates relative to the sleeve (330) in the first direction (ΔD 320_330_1 ), it helps the sleeve (330) to move towards the first position (337).

11. The coupling device (242) according to claim 10, wherein the interaction between the first spline device (331) and the component spline device (341) utilizes the inertial momentum of the planetary gear (210), thereby assisting the sleeve (330) to move towards the second position (338).

12. The coupling device (242) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein - One of the first component (R / 211; S / 212; C / 213), the second component (R / 211; S / 212; C / 213) and the third component (R / 211; S / 212; C / 213) includes at least one component engagement member (314); - The sleeve (330) includes at least one sleeve engagement member (334); and - The at least one component engaging member (314) and the at least one sleeve engaging member (334) are respectively arranged to engage with each other when in the second position (338), and to disengage when the sleeve (330) is in a third position between the first position (337) and the second position (338).

13. The coupling device (242) according to claim 12, wherein - The at least one sleeve engaging member (334) and the at least one component engaging member (314) each include axially oriented splines.

14. The coupling device (242) according to claim 12, wherein - The at least one sleeve engaging member (334) and the at least one component engaging member (314) each include coupling teeth.

15. The coupling device (242) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the sleeve (330) includes at least one stop device (336) arranged to prevent further movement of the sleeve towards the second end (323) of the output shaft (320) when the sleeve (330) has reached the first position (337).

16. The coupling device (242) according to claim 15, wherein the at least one stop device (336) is arranged to prevent further movement of the sleeve towards the first end (311) of the first input shaft (310a) when the sleeve (330) has reached the second position (338).

17. The coupling device (242) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, further comprising a first overrunning clutch device (231) arranged to be able to lock the carrier (C / 213) of the planetary gear (210) to the housing (235), or to allow the carrier (C / 213) to rotate relative to the housing (235).

18. The coupling device (242) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, further comprising a second overrunning clutch device (232) in the following group of cases: - The second overrunning clutch device is arranged to be able to lock the carrier (C / 213) of the planetary gear (210) and the sun gear (S / 212) to each other, or to allow the carrier (C / 213) and the sun gear (S / 212) to rotate relative to each other; and - The second overrunning clutch device is arranged to be able to lock the carrier (C / 213) of the planetary gear (210) and the ring gear (R / 211) to each other, or to allow the carrier (C / 213) and the ring gear (R / 211) to rotate relative to each other.

19. The coupling device (242) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the first end of the first input shaft (310a) is coupled to at least one of the following group: - A motor (101); - An internal combustion engine; - A pump; - A gearbox; and - An overrunning clutch device.

20. The coupling device (242) according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein a first end of the second input shaft (310b) is coupled to at least one of the following group consisting of: - an electric motor (101); - an internal combustion engine; - a pump; - a gearbox; and - a freewheel device.

21. The coupling device (242) according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein a second end (323) of the output shaft (320) is coupled to at least one drive wheel (111, 112) of a vehicle (100).

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