Electric axle system

Abstract

The utility model relates to an electric axle system. In one example, an electric axle system includes an electric machine and a multi-speed transmission rotationally coupled to the electric machine and rotationally coupled to two output shafts. The transmission includes a differential coaxially rotationally coupled and positioned with a mode planetary gear set. In an electric axle system, a mode planetary gear set is a meshing planetary compound planetary gear set, and a mode clutch in a transmission is configured to selectively switch the mode planetary gear set between a first mode and a second mode.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 515,673, entitled “Electric Axle,” filed on July 26, 2023. The entire contents of the above application are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This description generally relates to an electric axle with two concentric planetary gear sets. Background Art

[0004] E-axles are being adopted across various vehicle platforms to address electrification needs in diverse vehicle segments. These e-axles consist of a traction motor and transmission, which can be installed in various configurations depending on the vehicle platform's space constraints and intended end-use. Compared to electric drives that design the traction motor, transmission, and drive axle as separate units, e-axles offer simplified and more efficient vehicle platform integration.

[0005] At least some e-axles have failed to achieve their end-use design goals in terms of space efficiency, shifting functionality, and power density. For example, some multi-speed transmissions use a large number of parallel shafts and gears, which creates packaging challenges. Furthermore, in previous multi-speed transmissions, all gears are engaged, but in certain modes, torque is transmitted through only some gears, while others are unloaded. Consequently, unloaded gears result in unavoidable axle, meshing, and airflow losses. Therefore, the inventors recognized the desire to reduce packaging space and increase the power density of e-axles. Utility Model Content

[0006] An electric axle system addresses the aforementioned issues. In one example, the electric axle system includes an electric motor and a multi-speed transmission rotationally coupled to the electric motor and to two output shafts. The multi-speed transmission includes a modal planetary gearset rotationally coupled and positioned coaxially with a differential. The multi-speed transmission also includes a modal clutch configured to selectively shift the multi-speed transmission between a first mode and a second mode. In one example, in the electric axle system, the modal planetary gearset is a compound planetary gearset with meshing planets. In this manner, the modal planetary gearset can efficiently achieve two gear ratio modes in a space-saving package, thereby expanding the system's speed-shifting capabilities.

[0007] In one example, the differential is a differential meshing planetary compound gearset. This allows for a space-efficient e-axle with the desired power density. More specifically, using a differential meshing planetary compound gearset and a modal planetary gearset in this configuration allows the e-axle to eliminate the need for additional shafts (e.g., a paved axle with an idler gear) if required, while achieving the desired number of gear modes and ratios. This increases customer appeal.

[0008] In one example, the e-axle system also includes a differential locking clutch, which is configured to selectively couple the ring gear in the differential to the carrier in the differential, thereby locking the rotation of both output shafts. In another example, the e-axle also includes an axle disconnect clutch, which is configured to selectively disconnect the mode planetary gearset from the differential. This expands the functionality of the e-axle to include differential locking and axle disconnect functions, further enhancing its customer appeal.

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

[0010] Figures 1A-1B An example of an electric axle with a differential meshing planetary compound gear set, a modal planetary gear set, and a modal clutch is shown.

[0011] Figure 2 An example of an electric axle system is shown with a differential meshing planetary compound planetary gear set, a mode planetary gear set, a mode clutch, a differential locking clutch, and an axle disconnect clutch.

[0012] Figures 3A-3D Shows Figure 2 Examples of different motor and input geartrain configurations for the e-axle system shown.

[0013] Figure 4-7 Various examples of transmissions for electric axles are shown with differentially meshing planetary compound gear sets and modal planetary gear sets rotationally coupled to another planetary gear set in different configurations.

[0014] Figure 8 Another example of an electric axle with a modal planetary gear set and a limited-slip differential is shown.

[0015] Figure 9Another example of an electrically variable transmission with a multi-speed mode planetary gear set and a differential meshing planetary compound gear set is shown.

[0016] Figure 10 Another example of an electric axle with a modal planetary gear set and a double sun gear differential is shown.

[0017] Figure 11 Another example of an electric axle with a modal planetary gear set and an open differential is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] This article describes a differentiated multi-speed e-axle with mode selection, achieving greater compactness and power density. Previous multi-speed e-axles used multiple parallel shafts, which posed packaging challenges. For example, some multi-speed e-axles utilize at least two shafts dedicated to gear shifting. In these e-axles, all gears are meshed, but in certain modes, torque is transmitted through only some gears, while others are unloaded. Consequently, unloaded gears result in unavoidable axle, meshing, and airflow losses. Furthermore, the relatively wide differentials using spider gears may present axial packaging challenges in some vehicles, limiting the differential's applicability. Certain planetary gear differentials, such as compound planetary gear differentials with two output sun gears or two output ring gears, two concentric simple planetary gear sets placed side by side, and two nested concentric planetary gear sets, may also pose challenges with the drive axle's axial length and / or overall diameter. However, these types of planetary gear sets can be used in any of the e-axles described herein.

[0019] As described herein, a simple planetary gear set is a planetary gear set consisting of a single ring gear, a sun gear, a carrier, and multiple planet gears that rotate on the carrier in the same plane as the ring and sun gears. Each planet gear meshes with both the sun and ring gears. Furthermore, as described herein, a meshing planet compound planetary gear set is a planetary gear set consisting of a ring gear, a sun gear, and multiple sets of planet gears that mesh in the same plane as the ring and sun gears and are circumferentially aligned in the same plane as the ring and sun gears. A planetary gear set includes inner planet gears and outer planet gears. The inner planet gears mesh with both the sun gear and the outer planet gears. The outer planet gears mesh with both the inner planet gears and the ring gear.

[0020] To achieve space efficiency and power density goals, in one example, an electric axle includes a transmission with a multi-speed mode selection planetary gear set and a compact planetary differential in a coaxial package. Specifically, the multi-speed gear set in the transmission includes a mode planetary gear set with a mode clutch for switching between gear modes.

[0021] In one example, an electric axle includes a differential planetary gear set and a modal planetary gear set concentric with the electric axle output shaft. Furthermore, the electric axle's differential can be comprised of a compound planetary gear set with meshing planetary gears. Using modal and differential planetary gear sets can eliminate multiple shafts in the system for gear shifting, if desired. This improves packaging efficiency, reduces the width of the differential, and reduces the overall axial length of the electric axle as needed, resulting in a more compact and power-dense electric axle structure. Unlike previous multi-speed electric axles, all gears in a multi-speed electric axle can transmit torque. Specifically, in adjacent speed mode, there can be no idle gears in the system, eliminating axle, meshing, and airflow losses. Consequently, transmission efficiency is improved.

[0022] When a differential multi-speed (e.g., two-speed) e-axle is in low-speed mode, relative speeds exist between the elements of the modal planetary gearset. In higher speed mode, the modal planetary gearset can be locked and rotate as a unit. The differential planetary gearset can also rotate as a unit, with differential speeds being applied only during vehicle cornering. In practical applications, the transmission may spend more of its operating life (e.g., most of the time) in higher speed mode. In higher speed mode, the planetary gearsets rotate as a unit. Because there are no relative rotations within the differential planetary gearset and no relative rotation within the modal planetary gearset, gear meshing noise is reduced, tooth wear is reduced, component life is extended, friction losses are reduced, and wind erosion losses are reduced, thereby improving overall axle efficiency. With increased lifespan and a larger array of planetary gear pairs, there is an opportunity to reduce the width of the differential and modal planetary gearsets, thereby reducing the axial length of the e-axle as needed. Additionally, in certain end-use operating scenarios, the e-axle may operate in a higher mode for longer periods of time than in a lower mode, and because there is no relative speed between meshing planetary gear pairs, there may be an opportunity to use spur gears in the planetary gear sets, further reducing the cost and complexity of the e-axle and simplifying component manufacturing for both the differential and modal planetary gear sets.

[0023] The layout of the differentiated multi-speed electric axle described herein allows for the convenient and efficient integration of axle disconnect and differential lock functionality into the axle when required. Consequently, the electric axle can implement additional functionality that is difficult to achieve with other axle configurations, such as parallel-axle differentials. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the electric axle described herein can be designed with the motor positioned concentrically with the output shaft, coaxially with the output shaft, parallel to the output shaft, at a 90° angle, or at any other suitable angle.

[0024] Figure 1AAn example of an electric axle 100 is shown with a transmission 102 that includes a modal planetary gear set 104. In the illustrated example, the electric axle 100 also includes a differential meshing planetary compound gear set 105. The modal planetary gear set 104 and the differential meshing planetary compound gear set 105 will be discussed in detail herein.

[0025] In the illustrated example, the electric axle 100 is included in an electric vehicle (EV) 103. It will be appreciated that the other electric axles described herein may also be included in similar electric vehicles. The electric vehicle 103 may be an all-electric vehicle (e.g., a battery electric vehicle (BEV)) in one example and a hybrid electric vehicle in another example. Thus, in some examples, a vehicle utilizing the electric axles described herein may also have an internal combustion engine (e.g., a spark-ignition engine, a compression-ignition engine, a combination thereof, etc.). Thus, the electric axles described herein may be used in automobiles, trucks, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), commercial vehicles, light vehicles, off-highway vehicles, mining vehicles, rail vehicles, manufacturing machinery, industrial machinery, and the like.

[0026] Furthermore, in the illustrated example, the modal planetary gear set 104 is a meshing planetary compound planetary gear set. Specifically, in the illustrated example, the modal planetary gear set 104 includes two sets of planetary gears 110 and 116, wherein the planetary gears are meshed with each other. Furthermore, the planetary gears in the planetary gear set 110 are meshed with the sun gear 106, and the planetary gears in the planetary gear set 116 are meshed with the ring gear 114. However, in other examples, the modal planetary gear set may have more planetary gear sets and / or different gear structures. The planetary gear sets 110 and 116 are rotatably mounted on the carrier 108. Furthermore, in the illustrated example, the input shaft 107 is connected to the sun gear 106. It will be understood that the input shaft 107 can be connected to the traction motor by means of a shaft, gear transmission, chain, belt, a combination thereof, or the like. Different example layouts of the motor and related components for connecting the motor to the transmission will be described in detail below. Figure 2-3D Detailed description in.

[0027] The mode planetary gear set 104 can be specifically configured to switch between two modes. However, we have also considered electric axles with more speeds, such as three-speed electric axles, four-speed electric axles, etc. In order to realize the multi-speed function of the transmission, a mode clutch 120 is provided in the transmission. The mode clutch 120 is configured to fix the carrier 108 in the first mode and to rotationally couple the carrier 108 and the ring gear 114 in the second mode. In the illustrated example, the mode clutch 120 is in the first mode. However, the mode clutch 120 can be switched to different modes according to the operating conditions of the electric axle and / or the vehicle. In addition, the gear ratio of the first mode is higher than that of the second mode. The specific gear ratio associated with the mode can be selected according to factors such as the type and performance characteristics of the motor, the weight of the vehicle, and the performance goals of the vehicle.

[0028] The mode clutch 120 can be a dog clutch, a synchronizer, a friction clutch (e.g., a wet friction clutch), a radial clutch, a face clutch, a crank clutch, a magnetic clutch, and combinations thereof. Other clutches described herein can also be any of the above-mentioned types of clutches or combinations of clutch types. In addition, the mode clutch 120 and other clutches described herein can be actuated by electromechanical actuators, pneumatic actuators, hydraulic actuators, electromagnetic actuators, barrel cam actuators, combinations thereof, etc. A shift fork, such as a translational or rotary shift fork, can be specifically used to drive at least a portion of the clutches described herein.

[0029] The differential meshing planetary compound gear set 105 is rotationally coupled to the pattern planetary gear set 104. Specifically, the ring gear 114 in the pattern planetary gear set 104 is connected to the ring gear 122 in the differential meshing planetary compound gear set 105 via a shaft 124 and / or other suitable mechanical components. Connecting the differential meshing planetary compound gear set and the pattern planetary gear set in this manner allows the transmission to achieve a compact layout and a desired gear ratio.

[0030] The differential meshing planetary compound gear set 105 also includes a set of planet gears 126, a set of planet gears 128, and a sun gear 130. The differential meshing planetary compound gear set 105 also includes a carrier 132 on which the set of planet gears 126 and the set of planet gears 128 are rotatably mounted. In the illustrated example, an output shaft 134 (e.g., a shaft such as an axle shaft) is connected to the carrier 132, and another output shaft 136 is connected to the sun gear 130. In the illustrated example, the output shafts 134 and 136 are in turn rotationally coupled to the drive wheels 138. However, in other examples, the output shafts 134 and 136 may be connected to a wheel-end gear reducer and / or other suitable mechanical components.

[0031] exist Figure 1AIn the electric axle 100 shown, the carrier 132 and the sun gear 130 of the differential meshing planetary compound gear set 105 serve as the output of the differential, while the sun gear 106 of the mode planetary gear set serves as the input of the electric axle. Figure 8 、 Figure 10 and Figure 11 As mentioned, electric axles may use differentials with different output configurations.

[0032] In the illustrated example, the modal planetary gear set 104 and the differential meshing planetary compound gear set 105 are concentric with the output rotation shaft of the electric axle, thereby improving the compactness of the axle compared to a non-concentric arrangement of the axle. Figure 1A The rotation axis 180 of the differential meshing planetary compound gear set 105 is provided for reference. It is understood that the rotation axis of the input end of the mode planetary gear set 104 and the rotation axes of the output shafts 134 and 136 are coaxially arranged with the rotation axis 180.

[0033] The use of the mode planetary gear set 104 and the differential meshing planetary compound planetary gear set 105 can eliminate additional shafts and shift gears (if necessary) in the transmission, reduce packaging, reduce transmission width, and reduce overall axial length, thereby enabling the design of a more compact and power-dense electric axle as required. In this way, the efficiency of the transmission is improved.

[0034] As described above, when the modal planetary gear set 104 operates in the low-speed mode, relative speeds exist between the elements of the multi-speed modal planetary gear set. In the high-speed mode, the modal planetary gear set is locked and rotates as a unit. The differential also typically rotates as a unit and independently performs differential speeds when the vehicle turns. In certain end-use platforms, the e-axle may spend the majority of its operating life in the highest mode, thereby reducing component wear, lowering airflow losses, and improving e-axle efficiency.

[0035] Figure 1A as well as Figure 2-11 A coordinate axis system is provided in the diagram for reference and, when appropriate, orientation of a view. In one example, the Z axis can be a vertical axis (e.g., parallel to the axis of gravity), the X axis can be a horizontal axis (e.g., horizontal), and the Y axis can be a longitudinal axis. However, in other examples, these axes may have other orientations. As previously mentioned, Figure 1A The rotation axis 180 of the sun gear 130 is further provided for reference. In the illustrated example, the modal planetary gearset 104 and the differential meshing compound planetary gearset 105 are coaxially arranged. Other electrically driven transmissions described herein also employ a coaxial arrangement of the modal planetary gearset and the differential. This allows the electrically driven transmission to achieve ideal space efficiency.

[0036] like Figure 1A As shown, the electric vehicle 103 may further include a control system 150 having a controller 152. The controller 152 may include a microcomputer having a processor 154 (e.g., a microprocessor unit), input / output ports, and an electronic storage medium 156 (e.g., a read-only memory chip, random access memory, survivability memory, a data bus, etc.) for executable programs and calibration values. The storage medium may be programmed with computer-readable data representing instructions that are executable by the processor for performing the methods, control techniques, etc. described herein, as well as other variations that are anticipated but not specifically listed. Thus, the electronic storage medium 156 may store instructions that, when executed by the processor 154, cause the controller 152 to perform the various method steps described herein.

[0037] The controller 152 may receive various signals from sensors 158 coupled to various areas of the electric vehicle 103, particularly the electric axle 100. For example, the sensors 158 may include one or more motor speed sensors (described in detail below), shaft / gear speed sensors, thermocouples, pressure sensors, pedal position sensors for detecting operator depression of actuated pedals (e.g., an accelerator pedal and / or a brake pedal), wheel speed sensors, etc. Input devices 160 (e.g., an accelerator pedal, a brake pedal, a gear selector, combinations thereof, etc.) may further provide input signals indicative of the operator's vehicle control intent.

[0038] Received from Figure 1A After receiving signals from various sensors 158, the controller 152 processes the received signals and adjusts the components using various actuators 162 of the vehicle components based on the received signals and instructions stored in the memory of the controller 152. For example, the controller 152 can receive an accelerator pedal signal indicating that the operator desires to adjust the vehicle's acceleration. In response, the controller 152 can command operation of an inverter electrically coupled to the motor that provides power to the mode planetary gear set to increase the power delivered from the motor to the transmission 102. For example, other controllable components in the vehicle can function in a similar manner with respect to sensor signals, control commands, and actuator adjustments. In addition, the control system 150 can be used with any of the electric axle systems and transmissions described herein.

[0039] The controller 152 may include instructions that, when executed, cause the mode clutch 120 to switch between a first mode and a second mode (also referred to as a low-speed mode and a high-speed mode) based on vehicle and axle operating conditions. For example, when the vehicle is traveling at a relatively low speed, the electric axle 100 may operate in the first mode. When the vehicle speed exceeds a first threshold, the mode clutch may switch to the second mode. This shifting sequence can also be achieved by switching through the modes in reverse order. The control system 150 described above may be used with any of the electric axles and transmissions described herein.

[0040] Figure 1B Shows Figure 1A A lever diagram 190 of the electric axle 100 structure is depicted in FIG. Figure 1A The two functions of the mode clutch 120 shown in the figure correspond to the first mode and the second mode respectively, represented by devices 172 and 174. However, it will be understood that the mode clutch 120 can be configured to perform the mode switching function as a clutch unit. As described above, in the first mode, the carrier 108 is fixed, while in the second mode, the carrier 108 and the ring gear 114 are rotationally coupled to each other. The input end of the mode planetary gear set 104 is represented by arrow 176, and the output end of the differential meshing planetary compound planetary gear set 105 is represented by arrows 178 and 179. In the illustration, the direction of rotation of the transmission input end is the same as the direction of rotation of the transmission output end. However, other transmission designs can also be used.

[0041] Figure 2 An electric axle 200 is shown with a transmission 202 including a mode planetary gear set 204 and a differential meshing planetary compound gear set 206. The configurations of the mode planetary gear set 204 and the differential meshing planetary compound gear set 206 are similar to those of the Figure 1A The mode planetary gear set 104 and the differential meshing planetary compound gear set 105 are shown in FIG. Figure 2 The transmission 202 shown also includes a mode clutch 208, which enables the transmission to achieve multi-speed functionality, similar to Figure 1A Transmission 102 is shown.

[0042] Figure 2 The electric motor 210 is specifically described in the electric axle 200. As described herein, the electric motor associated with the electric axle can be a traction motor (eg, a motor generator). Figure 2The motor 210 depicted in FIG. 2 is concentrically arranged with the differential meshing planetary compound gear set 206 and the modal planetary gear set 204. For purposes of illustration, the motor 210 is shown with its rotor 209 having an inner diameter 207 surrounding at least a portion of the transmission, particularly the modal planetary gear set 204. However, as discussed in greater detail herein, the motor can have a variety of suitable locations and orientations. In the illustrated example, at least a portion of the meshing planetary compound gear set is located within an internal opening of the motor.

[0043] Figure 2 Also depicted are a differential locking clutch 212 and an axle disconnect clutch 214. The differential locking clutch 212 is configured to rotationally couple the carrier 216 and ring gear 218 of the differential meshing planetary compound planetary gearset 206. This allows the differential to be selectively locked to enhance axle performance, particularly in low-traction operating conditions (e.g., four-wheel drive applications). The differential locking clutch 212 allows the output shafts 242 and 243 (e.g., axles) of the differential meshing planetary compound planetary gearset 206 to be selectively locked in rotation with respect to one another. Furthermore, the axle disconnect clutch 214 is configured to selectively decouple the ring gear 218 of the differential meshing planetary compound planetary gearset 206 from the ring gear 220 of the pattern planetary gearset 204. The axle disconnect clutch 214 allows the differential meshing planetary compound planetary gearset 206 to be selectively disconnected from the pattern planetary gearset 204. One or both of the differential locking clutch 212 and the axle disconnect clutch 214 can be integrated into any of the transmissions described herein. The axle disconnect clutch 214 can improve the efficiency of the vehicle driveline for use in towing, hauling a series of decked vehicles, or when using one electric axle as a marker axle in a tandem axle configuration.

[0044] Axle 222 can be connected to the input shaft 223 of transmission 202. Input shaft 223 connects the mode planetary gear set 204 and motor 210. As described herein, the axle may include inner races, roller elements (such as cylindrical rollers, spherical balls, tapered cylindrical rollers, needle rollers, bushings, etc.), and outer races. In the example shown, axle 224 is connected to the sun gear 226 in the mode planetary gear set 204. In addition, one axle 228 is connected to the carrier 230 in the mode planetary gear set. In the example shown, another axle 232 is connected to the carrier 230 and the ring gear 220. In addition, in the illustrated example, axles 234 and 246 are connected to shafts 236 and 248, respectively, and / or other suitable mechanical structures connected to the ring gears 218 and 220. Axle 238 may be connected to ring gear 218 and carrier 216, axle 240 may be connected to output shaft 243 and carrier 216, and axle 244 may be connected to carrier 216. In other embodiments, the axles in the transmission may have other suitable arrangements.

[0045] Figures 3A-3D The different motor and gear train arrangements for the mode planetary gear set 204 input in different electric axle configurations are described. The configurations of the mode planetary gear set 204, differential meshing planetary compound gear set 206, mode clutch 208, differential locking clutch 212 and axle disconnect clutch 214 in the transmission 202 are similar. Figure 2 The components shown in FIG and FIG are similar in structure and layout. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, redundant descriptions of overlapping components are omitted. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, redundant descriptions of overlapping components are omitted.

[0046] Figure 3A Specifically shown is an electric shaft 349 with a motor 350, which is concentric with the output shaft 243 and located axially outside 352 of the modal planetary gear set 204. In the illustrated example, a portion of the output shaft passes through an opening in the motor 350. This improves the space efficiency of the electric shaft. Figure 3A Further shown is an axle 353 connected to the motor 350. The electric axle includes additional axles arranged in the same manner as Figure 2 For example, generally speaking, there are axles on rotating shafts and gears. Figures 3B-3D The other electric axles shown also include similar axle arrangements in the modal planetary gear set 204, the differential meshing planetary compound planetary gear set 206, the axle disconnect clutch 214, and the differential locking clutch 212. However, other axle arrangements may also be employed. Figure 2-3D At least one of the differential locking clutch 212 and the axle disconnect clutch 214 can be omitted from any of the illustrated electric axle configurations. As described above, the axle disconnect clutch 214 and the differential locking clutch 212 can be dog clutches, synchronizers, friction clutches (e.g., wet friction clutches), radial clutches, face clutches, crank clutches, magnetic clutches, combinations thereof, or the like. Furthermore, the axle disconnect clutch 214 and the differential locking clutch 212 can be actuated by electromechanical actuators, pneumatic actuators, hydraulic actuators, electromagnetic actuators, barrel cam actuators, combinations thereof, or the like. As previously described, a shift fork, such as a translating or rotating shift fork, can be dedicated to actuating at least a portion of the clutches described herein.

[0047] Figure 3BAn electric shaft 359 is shown with two motors 360 and 362, each parallel to one of the output shafts 242 and 243, and mechanically connected to the input of the transmission 202 via gear trains 363 and 367. Gear 365 meshes with gears in each of the gear trains 363 and 367 and provides a mechanical connection between shaft 364, which is rotationally coupled to the input of the modal planetary gear set. Gear train 363 specifically includes a shaft 361 on which a gear 371 is mounted. Gear 371 meshes with gear 373 mounted on shaft 375. Another gear 377 is mounted on shaft 375 and meshes with gear 365. Thus, two pairs of gears provide rotational coupling between motor 360 and the modal planetary gear set. In the illustration, gear train 367 has a similar gear layout. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, redundant description has been omitted.

[0048] It will be appreciated that the motor 362 and the corresponding gear train 367 are optional and thus can be omitted from the electric axle in other embodiments. Thus, in such an example, the electric axle 359 includes the motor 360, the gear train 363 with two pairs of gears, and the transmission 202.

[0049] More generally, various gear train layouts connected to the input end of the mode planetary gear set can be used. For example, the gear train for connecting the first motor and / or the second motor can include fewer or more gear channels. In other examples, one or more planetary gear sets (e.g., simple planetary gear sets, compound planetary gear sets, etc.) can be used to connect one or more motors to the mode planetary gear set. For example, a planetary gear set coaxial with the motor can be used to connect the motor to the mode planetary gear set. In addition, a planetary gear set coaxial with the rotation axis of the output shafts 242 and 243 can also be used to rotationally couple the motor to the mode planetary gear set. In any embodiment in which one or more planetary gear sets provide an input connection to the mode planetary gear set, the carrier in the planetary gear set can be fixed, the ring gear in the planetary gear set can be fixed, or the sun gear in the planetary gear set can be fixed. In addition, additional gear transmissions, chains, belts, combinations thereof, etc. can be used to transmit mechanical power between one or more motors and the mode planetary gear set.

[0050] Furthermore, it will be appreciated that any of the electric axles described herein can include a second motor if desired. For example, in one example, the second motor can be coupled to the input of the modal planetary gearset in the same manner as the mechanical connection formed between the first motor and the input of the modal planetary gearset. In another example, the second motor can be connected to the input of the modal planetary gearset using a different gear arrangement to achieve a different motor-to-modal planetary gearset input ratio, thereby giving the second motor different characteristics from the first motor. Furthermore, in some cases, a disconnect clutch can be arranged between the second motor and the modal planetary gearset to decouple the second motor from the modal planetary gearset, further improving efficiency.

[0051] Figure 3C An electric shaft 369 is shown with a motor 370 arranged perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the transmission 202. A gear train 372 including bevel gears 374 provides input to the modal planetary gear set 204. Figure 3B Similar to the exemplary electric axle 359 described in , consider the addition of a second electric machine and a second electric machine disconnect clutch.

[0052] Figure 3D An electric axle 379 is shown with an electric motor 380 arranged perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the transmission 202. In the illustrated example, the electric axle includes an input gear train 382 with multiple gear reducers 383 and 384, which can be selected via a clutch 385. This allows the selection of gears in the transmission to be further expanded, thereby making the operation of the electric motor more efficient. Figure 3B Similar to the exemplary electric axle 359 described in

[15] , the addition of a second electric motor and a second electric motor disconnect clutch are also contemplated. However, as described above, various gear train configurations are also contemplated that can provide inputs to the modal planetary gear sets. Furthermore, bevel gears 387 are incorporated into gear train 382 to connect the gear train to input shaft 388.

[0053] It is understood that the electric axle includes Figure 2-3D Furthermore, any different motor and / or input gear train arrangements may be used in any transmission structure or combination of transmission structures described herein.

[0054] Figure 4 Another example of a transmission 400 for an electric axle is shown. In the illustrated example, the transmission 400 again includes a differential meshing planetary compound gear set 404, a mode planetary gear set 406, and a mode clutch 408. The arrangement of the differential meshing planetary compound gear set 404 and the mode planetary gear set 406 is similar to Figure 1AThe differential meshing planetary compound planetary gear set 105 and the modal planetary gear set 104 shown in FIG are identical. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, redundant descriptions of overlapping components are omitted.

[0055] In addition, Figure 4 In the example shown, the simple planetary gear set 410 is directly connected to the sun gear 412 in the mode planetary gear set 406 via the carrier 413. In addition, the sun gear 414 in the simple planetary gear set can serve as the input end of the transmission. Figure 4 In the illustrated example, the ring gear 418 of the simple planetary gear set is fixed. However, other simple planetary gear set configurations may be employed. For example, in the simple planetary gear set 410, the ring gear 418 may be connected to the sun gear 412 of the modal planetary gear set 406. In the simple planetary gear set 410, the carrier 413 may be fixed, and the sun gear 414 of the simple planetary gear set 410 may serve as the input to the transmission.

[0056] Figure 5 Another example of a transmission 500 for an electric axle is shown. In the illustrated example, the transmission 500 includes a differential meshing planetary compound gear set 502, a mode planetary gear set 504, and a mode clutch 506. Figure 1A The transmission 102 shown in FIG is similar. In addition, as Figure 5 As shown, the meshing planetary compound gear set 508 is directly coupled to the sun gear 510 in the mode planetary gear set 504 through the carrier 511. The sun gear 512 of the meshing planetary compound planetary gear set 508 serves as the input end of the transmission 500. In addition, Figure 5 In the embodiment of the invention, the ring gear 514 of the meshing planetary compound gear set 508 is fixed. However, other meshing planetary compound gear set configurations may also be used. For example, in the meshing planetary compound gear set 508, the ring gear 514 may be connected to the sun gear 510 of the modal planetary gear set 504, while in the meshing planetary compound gear set 508, the carrier 511 may be fixed, and the sun gear 512 of the meshing planetary compound gear set 508 may serve as the input of the transmission.

[0057] Figure 6Another example of a transmission 600 for an electric axle is shown. In the illustrated example, transmission 600 again includes a differential meshing planetary compound gear set 602 and a modal planetary gear set 604 with a modal clutch 605. However, in the illustrated example, a simple planetary gear set 606 is positioned between the differential meshing planetary compound gear set 602 and the modal planetary gear set 604. Specifically, in the illustrated example, the sun gear 608 in the simple planetary gear set 606 is rotationally coupled to the ring gear 610 in the modal planetary gear set 604, the carrier 611 in the simple planetary gear set 606 is rotationally coupled to the ring gear 612 in the differential meshing planetary compound gear set 602, and the ring gear 614 in the simple planetary gear set 606 is fixed. However, other planetary gear set configurations are also possible. For example, in the simple planetary gear set 606, the ring gear 614 can be coupled to the ring gear 612 in the differential meshing planetary compound planetary gear set 602, in the simple planetary gear set 606, the carrier 611 can be fixed, and the sun gear 608 in the simple planetary gear set 606 can be rotationally coupled to the ring gear 610 in the mode planetary gear set 604.

[0058] Figure 7 Another example of a transmission 700 for an electric axle is shown. In the illustrated example, transmission 700 again includes a differential meshing planetary compound gear set 702 and a mode planetary gear set 704 with a mode clutch 705. The transmission also includes another meshing planetary compound gear set 706, which has a carrier 708 rotatably connected to a ring gear 710 in the differential meshing planetary compound gear set 702. The meshing planetary compound gear set 706 also includes a sun gear 712 rotationally coupled to a ring gear 714 in the mode planetary gear set 704. Furthermore, in the illustrated example, the ring gear 716 in the meshing planetary compound gear set 706 is fixed. However, as previously described, other planetary gear set configurations are also possible. For example, in the meshing planetary compound gear set 706, the ring gear 716 can be coupled to the ring gear 710 in the differential meshing planetary compound gear set 702. In the meshing planetary compound gear set 706, the carrier 708 can be fixed, and the sun gear 712 in the meshing planetary compound gear set 706 can be rotationally coupled to the ring gear 714 in the mode planetary gear set 704. It can be understood that Figure 4-7 The transmission shown, as well as other transmissions described herein, may include an axle disconnect clutch and / or a differential lock clutch.

[0059] Figure 8Another example of a transmission 800 for an electric axle is shown. However, in the illustrated example, the ring gear 803 in the modal planetary gear set 802 is rotationally coupled to a limited slip differential 804 that is configured to limit the speed difference between output shafts 806 and 808 using clutches, friction, biased ratios, and / or other suitable devices and methods.

[0060] Figure 9 Another example of a transmission 900 for an electric axle is shown. In the illustrated example, the transmission 900 again includes a differential meshing planetary compound planetary gear set 902. The transmission 900 also includes a mode planetary gear set 904, which has a different structure from the mode planetary gear set described previously. In detail, the mode planetary gear set 904 includes a carrier 906 that is rotationally coupled to a ring gear 908 in the differential meshing planetary compound planetary gear set 902. In addition, a sun gear 910 in the mode planetary gear set 904 is meshed with a set of planetary gears 912, serving as an input to the mode planetary gear set 904. In addition, a mode clutch 914 is configured to fix a ring gear 920 that is meshed with a gear in the planetary gear set 912 in the first mode, and to rotationally couple the ring gear 920 and the carrier 906 in the second mode.

[0061] Figure 10 Another example of a transmission 1000 for an electric axle is shown. In the illustrated example, transmission 1000 again includes a modal planetary gear set 1002. However, in the illustrated example, the ring gear 1003 in the modal planetary gear set 1002 is rotationally coupled to a carrier 1006 in a double sun differential 1008. In this example, the double sun differential 1008 also includes a first sun gear 1010 and a second sun gear 1012 connected to output shafts 1014 and 1018, respectively. Planet gear 1004 meshes with planet gear 1016 and sun gear 1010, and planet gear 1016 meshes with sun gear 1012. Planet gears 1004 and 1016 are rotatably mounted on carrier 1006. The double sun differential can be either an open differential or a limited-slip differential, utilizing clutches, friction, an offset ratio, and / or other suitable devices and methods to limit the speed difference between output shafts 1014 and 1018. It will be appreciated that the modal planetary gear sets described herein may be connected with other types of differentials, such as locking differentials, open differentials, and the like.

[0062] Figure 11Another example of a transmission 1100 for an electric axle is shown. The transmission 1100 again includes a mode planetary gear set 1102 with a mode clutch 1104. The transmission 1100 also includes an open differential 1106, with a differential carrier 1108 driven by a ring gear 1110 in the mode planetary gear set 1102. The differential 1106 also includes differential pinions 1120 (which may be referred to as spider gears) rotatably mounted on the differential carrier 1108 and meshing with side gears 1112 (which may be referred to as sun gears). The side gears 1112 are rotationally coupled to output shafts 1114 and 1116. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the differential 1106 (e.g., Figure 11 shown) and Figure 8 and Figure 10 The differentials shown are all examples of double sun gear differentials.

[0063] Furthermore, it is understandable that Figure 1A-11 The differentials described in the specification can be further combined with springs, clutches or cones, cam ramps, helical gears, worm gears, spur gears, viscous couplings, pneumatic motors, and electronic components to create limited slip differentials (LSDs) (e.g., torque sensing limited slip differentials), automatic torque biasing (ATB) limited slip differentials, clutch-pack limited slip differentials, bevel gear differentials, double positive differentials, reduction differentials, and the like.

[0064] The output shaft of the electric axle described herein can be directly connected to the drive wheel, the wheel end gear reducer (such as a planetary gear reducer in the wheel hub) or other appropriate mechanical components to meet the needs of applications requiring differential output in vehicles (such as cars, trucks, boats, all-terrain vehicles, commercial vehicles, light vehicles, off-highway vehicles, mining vehicles, rail vehicles, etc.) and other applications (such as manufacturing applications such as manufacturing machinery, industrial applications such as industrial machinery, etc.). When the electric axle described herein is used in a vehicle, it is understood that the transmission can be used as a drive shaft for electric vehicles (EVs) such as all-electric vehicles (such as battery electric vehicles (BEVs)) and hybrid electric vehicles. Therefore, in some examples, a vehicle using the transmission described herein may have an internal combustion engine (such as a spark ignition engine, a compression ignition engine, a combination thereof, etc.). In addition, the electric axle described herein may have an axle disconnect and / or differential lock function.

[0065] The gears in the planetary gear set can be spur gears or helical gears. As mentioned above, the second motor in the electric axle described herein is optional. Moreover, in one example, the gears used to mechanically couple the motors to the transmission input can be identical and mesh with a final gear on the output centerline. In another example, the transmission associated with the second motor can be different from the transmission associated with the first motor and mesh with a final gear on the output centerline. Furthermore, in one example, the gear transmission associated with the second motor can include a clutch to decouple the second motor from the mode planetary gear set in certain circumstances, thereby further improving efficiency.

[0066] Furthermore, in one example, the transmission associated with the second motor may engage the transmission associated with the first motor before the final gear on the output centerline. Further, in one example, the transmission associated with the second motor may have a different gear ratio and engage the transmission associated with the first motor before the final gear on the output centerline.

[0067] also, Figure 1A-11 The two-speed planetary gear set shown may have a 1:1 ratio in one mode. However, the e-axle can have a variety of ratios, which can be selected based on the end-use design goals of the vehicle platform. Therefore, Figure 1A-11 The ratios shown in are those used in the case where they are used, and different ratios can be used for electric axles.

[0068] also, Figure 2-3D The exact location and number of axles in the illustrated electric axle structure are indicative and exemplary, and it will be appreciated that other axle layouts, types, numbers, etc. may be used in other examples.

[0069] Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the electric axle may utilize one or more intersecting electric motors that may be connected to the input of the transmission via hypoid gears or other suitable bevel or helical gears. In such an example, the motor may mesh with the hypoid gears via a mating pinion, and there may be other gear channels and / or shiftable gears between the motor and the pinion. In various examples, the variable speed gears may be mounted on any of the parallel mating shafts. Furthermore, additional gear channels may be added to the electric shaft if desired. Furthermore, the planetary gear sets described herein may take the form of simple planetary gear sets, meshing planetary compound planetary gear sets, stepped planetary compound planetary gear sets, and / or magnetic planetary gear sets.

[0070] Furthermore, it is understandable that Figure 2-3D The various motor arrangements shown can be used with any of the electric axles described herein, such as Figure 1A and Figure 4-11Any of the electric axles or combinations of electric axles shown. In addition, we also envision different combinations of motor structures and transmission structures that include multiple features from different embodiments.

[0071] The present invention will be further described below. In one aspect, an electric axle system is provided, comprising: an electric motor; a multi-speed transmission rotationally coupled to the electric motor, rotationally coupled to two output shafts, and comprising: a differential rotationally coupled and coaxially positioned to a mode planetary gear set; and a mode clutch configured to selectively convert the mode planetary gear set into the following modes: a first mode, wherein the mode clutch fixes a carrier or ring gear in the mode planetary gear set; and a second mode, wherein the mode clutch rotationally couples the carrier to the ring gear. In one example, the mode planetary gear set can be a meshing planet compound planetary gear set; and / or the differential can be a differential meshing planet compound planetary gear set. Furthermore, in one example, the ring gear in the mode planetary gear set can be rotationally coupled to the differential, and the sun gear in the mode planetary gear set can be rotationally coupled to an upstream component that receives mechanical power from the electric motor. In one example, the electric axle system can further include a differential locking clutch configured to selectively rotationally couple the ring gear in the differential to the carrier in the differential to lock the rotation of the two output shafts. Additionally, in one example, the sun gear in the differential meshing planetary compound planetary gear set is rotatably coupled to a first output shaft of the two output shafts, and the carrier in the differential meshing planetary compound planetary gear set is rotatably coupled to a second output shaft of the two output shafts. Additionally, in one example, the electric axle system may further include an axle disconnect clutch configured to selectively disconnect the differential from the mode planetary gear set. In another example, the motor may be positioned coaxially, parallel, or transversely with the mode planetary gear set and the differential. In another example, the mode clutch may be a dog clutch. In another example, the electric axle system may further include a simple planetary gear set rotationally coupled to the mode planetary gear set and the differential. In another example, the electric axle system may further include a meshing planetary compound planetary gear set rotationally coupled to the mode planetary gear set and the differential.

[0072] In another aspect, a method for operating an electric axle system is provided, the method comprising operating a mode clutch to: ground a carrier or a ring gear in a mode planetary gear set in a first mode; and rotationally couple the carrier and the ring gear in a mode planetary gear set in a second mode; wherein the electric axle system comprises: an electric motor; a multi-speed transmission rotationally coupled to the electric motor, rotationally coupled to two output shafts, and comprising: a mode planetary gear set rotationally coupled and coaxially positioned with a differential; and a mode clutch; wherein the mode planetary gear set is a meshing planetary compound gear set. In one example, the differential may be a meshing planetary compound gear set; the ring gear in the mode planetary gear set may be rotationally coupled to the ring gear in the differential meshing planetary compound gear set; and the sun gear and carrier in the differential meshing planetary compound gear set may be rotationally coupled to separate output shafts. In one example, the method may further comprise operating a differential locking clutch to rotationally couple the ring gear in the differential with the carrier in the differential to lock rotation of the two output shafts. In one example, the method may further comprise operating a shaft disconnect clutch to selectively disconnect the mode planetary gear set from the differential.

[0073] In another aspect, an electric axle system is provided, comprising an electric motor; and a multi-speed transmission rotationally coupled to the electric motor, the multi-speed transmission comprising: a mode planetary gear set rotationally coupled and coaxially positioned to a differential meshing planetary compound gear set; and a mode clutch configured to selectively convert the mode planetary gear set into a first mode and a second mode. In one example, the mode planetary gear set may include a first ring gear rotationally coupled to a second ring gear in the differential meshing planetary compound gear set. In another example, the mode clutch may be configured to convert the mode planetary gear into: a first mode in which the mode clutch fixes a carrier or ring gear in the mode planetary gear set; and a second mode in which the mode clutch can rotationally couple the carrier to a ring gear in the mode planetary gear set. In one example, the electric axle system may further include a differential locking clutch configured to selectively rotationally couple the ring gear in the differential meshing planetary compound gearset to the carrier in the differential meshing planetary compound gearset, thereby locking the rotation of both output shafts; and an axle disconnect clutch configured to selectively disconnect the mode planetary gearset from the differential meshing planetary compound gearset. In another example, the sun gear in the differential meshing planetary compound gearset is rotationally coupled to the first output shaft; and the carrier in the differential meshing planetary compound gearset is rotationally coupled to the second output shaft. In another aspect, the electric motor and the mode planetary gearset may be coaxially arranged.

[0074] In another example, an electric axle system is provided, comprising: a motor; a multi-speed transmission rotationally coupled to the motor via at least two pairs of gears, rotationally coupled to two output shafts, and comprising: a differential rotationally coupled and positioned coaxially with a mode planetary gear set; wherein the mode planetary gear set is a meshing planetary compound planetary gear set

[0075] Figure 1A-11 Example configurations of various elements positioned relative to each other are shown. If elements shown in a figure are in direct contact or directly coupled to each other, then, in at least one example, these elements may be referred to as being in direct contact or directly coupled, respectively. Similarly, in at least one example, elements shown as being adjacent or adjacent to each other may be adjacent or adjacent to each other, respectively. For example, elements in face-to-face contact may be referred to as face-to-face contact elements. As another example, in at least one example, elements placed apart from each other, with only space between them and no other elements, may be referred to as being placed apart from each other. As another example, elements displayed above / below, to the sides of, or to the left / right of each other relative to each other may be referred to as such elements. Furthermore, as shown in the figure, in at least one example, the topmost element or element point may be referred to as the "top" of the element, and the bottommost element or element point may be referred to as the "bottom" of the element. As used herein, the terms top / bottom, upper / lower, and above / below may be used to describe the relative positioning of elements in the figure relative to each other, relative to the vertical axis in the figure. Thus, in one example, an element displayed above other elements is positioned vertically above the other elements. As another example, the shapes of elements depicted in the figures may be referred to as having these shapes (e.g., as circular, linear, planar, curved, rounded, chamfered, beveled, or the like). Furthermore, in one example, elements that are coaxial with one another may be referred to as coaxial elements. Furthermore, in at least one example, elements that are shown intersecting one another may be referred to as intersecting elements or intersecting one another. Furthermore, in one example, elements that appear to be within another element or appear to be outside another element may be referred to as intersecting elements. In other examples, elements that are offset from one another may also be referred to as "offset elements."

[0076] Motor and shift control logic / programs, inverters, electronic control units (ECUs), memory storage, throttle, brake, speed and inclination sensors, etc., shift actuators, etc. can further be used in any of the electric axles and transmissions described herein.

[0077] Figure 1A-11 A method for operating an electric axle is provided, wherein a transmission switches between two modes based on vehicle operating conditions. The method may further include selectively locking the differential by operating a differential locking clutch in the differential. The method may even further include selectively disconnecting the axle by operating an axle disconnect clutch.

[0078] Furthermore, the axles and transmissions described herein may include a control system comprising a controller having a processor and a memory storing instructions for executing the method steps described herein. More specifically, the control methods and routines disclosed herein may be stored as executable instructions in non-transitory memory and executed by a system including the controller in conjunction with various sensors and actuators. Furthermore, portions of the methods may be physical actions taken in the real world to change the state of a device. The specific routines described herein may represent one or more of any number of processing strategies, such as event-driven, interrupt-driven, multi-tasking, multi-threading, and the like. Therefore, the various actions, operations, and / or functions illustrated may be performed in the order illustrated, in parallel, or omitted in some cases. Similarly, the order of processing is not necessarily required to achieve the features and advantages of the examples described herein and is provided for ease of illustration and description. Depending on the specific strategy employed, one or more of the illustrated actions, operations, and / or functions may be performed repeatedly. Furthermore, the described actions, operations, and / or functions may graphically represent code to be programmed into non-transitory memory of a computer-readable storage medium in a system, where the described actions are implemented by executing the instructions in a system comprising various hardware components in conjunction with an electronic controller. If desired, one or more method steps described herein may be omitted.

[0079] Although various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative and not limiting. It will be understood that the configurations and routines disclosed herein are exemplary in nature, and these specific examples should not be considered limiting, as many variations are possible. For example, the above-described technology can be applied to power systems that include different types of propulsion sources, including different types of electric motors, internal combustion engines, and / or transmissions. For example, the technology can be used alone or in combination with other powertrain systems, but is not limited to tandem axles, electric tag axles, P4 axles, electric vehicles (hybrid electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, etc.), agricultural vehicles or machinery, marine vehicles or machinery, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, and machinery and propulsion systems for road and off-road vehicles, mining vehicles, rail vehicles, manufacturing machinery, industrial machinery, etc. The subject matter of the present disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various systems and configurations, as well as other features, functions, and / or properties disclosed herein. It will be apparent to those familiar with the relevant art that the disclosed subject matter can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit of the subject matter.

[0080] The following claims particularly point out certain combinations and subcombinations regarded as novel and non-obvious. These claims may refer to "an" element or a "first" element or its equivalent. These claims should be understood to include one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more such elements. Other combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed features, functions, elements, and / or properties may be claimed by amendment of the present claims or by presentation of new claims in this or a related application. Such claims, whether broader, narrower, equal, or different in scope to the original claims, are also deemed included within the subject matter of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An electric axle system, characterized in that: include: Motor; as well as A multi-speed transmission rotatably connected to the motor, the multi-speed transmission rotatably connected to two output shafts, the multi-speed transmission comprising: a differential rotationally coupled and positioned coaxially with the modal planetary gear sets; and A mode clutch that selectively switches the planetary gear set to a corresponding mode: a first mode in which the mode clutch fixes a carrier or a ring gear included in the mode planetary gear set; and A second mode in which the mode clutch rotationally couples the carrier to the ring gear.

2. The electric axle system according to claim 1, wherein The modal planetary gear set is a meshing planetary compound gear set; and / or The differential is a compound planetary gear set with differential meshing planets. 3 . The electric axle system of claim 2 , wherein the ring gear in the modal planetary gear set is rotationally coupled to the differential, and the sun gear in the modal planetary gear set is rotationally coupled to an upstream component that receives mechanical power from the motor.

4. The electric axle system according to claim 1, characterized in that Also included is a differential locking clutch that selectively rotationally couples the ring gear in the differential to a carrier in the differential to lock the rotation of two output shafts.

5. The electric axle system of claim 3 , wherein a sun gear in the differential meshing planetary compound gear set is rotationally coupled to a first output shaft of the two output shafts, and a carrier in the differential meshing planetary compound gear set is rotationally coupled to a second output shaft of the two output shafts.

6. The electric axle system according to claim 1, characterized in that Also included is an axle disconnect clutch that selectively disconnects the differential from the modal planetary gear set.

7. The electric axle system of claim 1, wherein the motor is positioned coaxially, parallel to, or intersecting with the modal planetary gear set and differential.

8. The electric axle system of claim 1, wherein the mode clutch is a dog clutch.

9. The electric axle system according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also included is a simple planetary gear set rotationally coupled to the modal planetary gear set and the differential.

10. The electric axle system according to claim 9, characterized in that: Also included is a meshing planetary compound planetary gear set rotationally coupled to the modal planetary gear set and the differential.

11. The electric axle system of claim 2, wherein said modal planetary gear set includes a first ring gear rotationally coupled to a second ring gear of said differential meshing planetary compound gear set.

12. The electric axle system of claim 1 , wherein the mode clutch is configured to shift the mode planet into: a first mode in which the mode clutch fixes a carrier or a ring gear included in the mode planetary gear set; and A second mode in which the mode clutch rotationally couples the carrier in the mode planetary gear set to the ring gear.

13. The electric axle system according to claim 2, characterized in that Further including: a differential lock clutch that selectively rotationally couples the ring gear in the differential meshing planetary compound planetary gear set to a carrier in the differential meshing planetary compound planetary gear set to lock the rotation of two output shafts; as well as An axle disconnect clutch is configured to selectively disconnect the modal planetary gear set from the differential meshing planetary compound gear set.

14. The electric axle system of claim 2, wherein: The sun gear of the differential meshing planetary compound planetary gear set is rotationally coupled to the first output shaft; and The carrier of the differential meshing planetary compound planetary gear set is rotationally coupled to the second output shaft. 15 . The electric axle system of claim 1 , wherein the motor and the modal planetary gear set are coaxially arranged.

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