Electric multi-speed axle

Abstract

Electric multi-gear axle arrangement, comprising: an electric machine that is rotaryally coupled to an input shaft; a first planetary gear set, containing: a ring gear that meshes with a gear fixed to the input shaft; and a support that is rotaryally coupled to a shaft; a first clutch which is configured to selectively lock a sun gear in the first planetary gear set; and a second coupling which is designed to selectively couple the sun gear in the first planetary gear set to the shaft.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 584,596, entitled "MULTI-SPEED ELECTRIC AXLE," filed September 22, 2023. The entire contents of the above-referenced application are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to an electric multi-speed axle with a space-saving architecture. BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY

[0003] Segments of the vehicle market are moving toward electrification. Some vehicle platforms require relatively high wheel torques to meet towing and payload targets. As the weight of the electric vehicle (EV) increases, e.g., due to the added mass of the traction batteries, the motor torque and power requirements increase significantly compared to vehicles powered solely by internal combustion engines and are subject to similar space constraints. Furthermore, powershifting is desirable for certain drivetrains, such as rear-wheel drive. Furthermore, comparatively long range and high efficiency, especially when towing, are desirable for many types of EVs.To achieve these range and efficiency goals, some powertrains utilize motors that drive generators that power the electrical branch of the powertrain while towing. However, in some cases, these motors may impose spatial and thermal constraints on the powertrain's electrical components.

[0004] The inventors recognized the above challenges and developed an electric axle to at least partially overcome them. In one example, the electric multi-speed axle includes an electric machine rotationally coupled to an input shaft and a planetary gear set. The planetary gear set includes a ring gear meshing with a gear fixedly meshed with the input shaft, a carrier gear rotationally coupled to a shaft, a first clutch configured to selectively lock a sun gear in the first planetary gear set, and a second clutch configured to selectively couple a sun gear in the planetary gear set to the shaft. In this way, the electric multi-speed axle can utilize multiple gears for high- and low-speed operation, increasing compactness and efficiency.

[0005] In one example, the shaft may be coupled to a differential via a second planetary gear set. In such an example, the electric axle may further include a lock-up shaft rotationally coupled to the shaft and the second planetary gear set. The lock-up shaft may also extend beyond one side of the electric machine. In this way, the electric axle can be incorporated into a wider variety of vehicle platforms, such as hybrid vehicles with exhaust systems that run alongside the electric axle.

[0006] It should be understood that the above summary is intended to introduce, in simplified form, a selection of concepts that are further explained in the detailed description. It is not intended to identify the most important or essential features of the claimed subject matter, the scope of which is clearly defined by the claims that follow the detailed description. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to implementations that address the disadvantages noted above or elsewhere in this disclosure. SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE CHARACTERS Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a first example of an electric axle in a vehicle. Fig. Figure 2 shows a second example of an electric axis. Fig. Figure 3 shows a third example of an electric axis. Fig. 4 shows a detailed example of an electrical axis with the Fig. 1 shown component architecture. Fig. 5 shows a detailed example of an electrical axis with the Fig. 2 shown component architecture. Fig. 6 shows another view of the Fig. 4 shown electrical axis. Fig. 7-8 show cross-sectional views of the Fig. 4 shown electrical axis. Fig. 9-10 show the performance paths through the Fig. 4 shown electric axis in different gear modes. Fig. 11-12 show additional cross-sectional views of the Fig. 4 shown electrical axis. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0007] Fig. 1 shows an electric vehicle (EV) 100 that includes a powertrain 102 with an electric axle assembly 103 having a multi-gear electric axle 104 (e.g., an electric rear axle), which may be configured as an assembly. In this sense, the EV 100 is a hybrid EV in the example shown. In the rear axle example, the front axle may be a steerable axle and driven by an internal combustion engine (ICE). However, in other examples, the internal combustion engine may be configured to charge a traction battery and / or other suitable energy storage device when the electric axle is an electric rear axle. In other examples, the EV 100 may even be a fully electric vehicle (e.g., a battery electric vehicle (BEV)).

[0008] As described herein, an electric axle is an electric drivetrain incorporated into an axle. The electric axle may, in one example, be an electric live axle. A live axle is an axle with mechanical components that structurally support one another and that extend between drive wheels. For example, in one embodiment, the live axle may be a structurally continuous structure that extends between the drive wheels on a transverse axis. In this way, wheels coupled to the live axle move substantially in unison when the vehicle travels, for example, on uneven road surfaces. More specifically, the camber angle of the wheels may remain substantially constant as the suspension moves during travel. The live axle may, in one example, be coupled to a dependent suspension system 107. Therefore, the electric axle may represent an unsprung mass.

[0009] The multi-gear electric axle 104 includes an electric machine 106 (e.g., a traction motor). The electric machine 106 may be, for example, an electric motor-generator. For example, the electric machine 106 may be configured as a multi-phase alternating current (AC) motor-generator. However, in other examples, the electric machine may be a motor without the functions of a generator.

[0010] As in Fig. 1, the electric machine 106 may be electrically coupled to an inverter 108. The inverter 108 is configured to convert direct current (DC) electrical power into alternating current (AC) electrical power and vice versa. Therefore, the electric machine 106 may be an AC electrical machine, as previously stated. However, in other examples, the electric machine may also be a DC machine, in which case the inverter may be omitted from the electric drive. The inverter 108 may receive electrical energy from one or more energy storage devices 110 (e.g., traction batteries, capacitors, combinations thereof, and the like). Arrows 112 indicate the transfer of electrical energy between the electric machine 106, the inverter 108, and the (at least one) energy storage device 110 during various operating modes of the electric axle (e.g.,during a drive mode and a regeneration mode). Thus, during a drive mode, electrical energy may flow from the (at least one) energy storage device 110 to the electric machine 106, and during a regeneration mode, electrical energy may flow in the opposite direction from the electric machine to the (at least one) energy storage device.

[0011] The multi-speed electric axle 104 also includes an input shaft 114 and a shaft 116. The shaft 116 may be coupled to or integrally formed with a lock-up shaft 118, which, in the example shown, extends over one side 120 of the electric machine 106. In the example shown, the lock-up shaft 118 is arranged coaxially with the shaft 116 and is rotationally coupled. This increases the compactness of the axle. Furthermore, the axial length of the lock-up shaft 118 may be longer than the shaft 116 and / or the input shaft 114. However, other electric axle designs have also been considered.

[0012] A planetary gear set 122 is rotationally coupled to the input shaft 114 via an engagement between a gear 124 (fixedly coupled to the input shaft or molded onto it) and a ring gear 126 within the planetary gear set. The ring gear 126 has external teeth that mesh with the gear 124 and internal teeth that mesh with the planet gears 127 within the planetary gear set 122. The ring gear 126 has external teeth 129 that mesh with the teeth of the gear 124 and internal teeth 131 that mesh with the teeth of the planet gears 127. The clutches 128 and 130 are configured to change the power path through the planetary gear set 122.

[0013] The planetary gear set 122 also includes a carrier 132 on which the planet gears 127 rotate, and a sun gear 134. The clutches 128 and 130 are illustrated as friction clutches (e.g., wet friction clutches) that increase the compactness of the axle. In such an example, the friction clutches comprise nested plates supported by carriers (e.g., hubs, sleeves, and the like) or other suitable components. However, instead of one or more clutches, a one-way clutch (e.g., a sprag clutch) with a retaining ring may be used, although this may compromise the compactness of the axle. The carrier 132 is rotationally coupled to the lock-up shaft 118 in the illustrated example.

[0014] When engaged, clutch 128 rotationally couples sun gear 134 and shaft 116 via a shaft 136 and / or other suitable components. In the example shown, sun gear 134 and clutches 128 and 130 are rotationally coupled to each other via a shaft 141. Furthermore, shaft 141 has an internal opening 143 through which shaft 116 extends. When engaged, clutch 130 secures sun gear 134 to a stationary component 145, such as an axle housing, an engine housing, and / or another suitable stationary component.

[0015] When engaged, clutch 130 brakes sun gear 134. Additionally, carrier 132 in planetary gear set 122 is rotationally coupled to shaft 116 and / or lockup shaft 118. Clutches 128 and 130 are arranged coaxially with each other in the illustrated example to increase axle compactness. However, other clutch designs may be used in other examples, which may, however, reduce axle compactness.

[0016] The planetary gear set 122 and the clutches 128 and 130 can be conceptually incorporated into a multi-speed gear transmission (e.g., a two-stage gear transmission). The multi-speed transmission can be located on one side 135 of the electric machine 106 to allow another planetary gear set 142, serving as a final drive ratio, to be housed beneath an exhaust system 158. Additionally, the multi-speed transmission can be constructed with only one helical gear pair (e.g., gear 124 and gear 126) to increase system compactness and meet the requirements of certain vehicle platforms. An example packaging limitation is indicated at 137.

[0017] In the illustrated example, a gear 138 is rigidly coupled to the lock-up shaft 118. However, the axle may also have other designs, where the lock-up shaft may be omitted in other examples. The gear 138 may mesh with a ring gear 140 in the planetary gear set 142. The planetary gear set 142 acts as a final drive ratio and provides greater compactness. However, in other examples, other axle ratios may be used, which may, however, reduce the compactness of the axle.

[0018] Planetary gear set 122 and planetary gear set 142 are depicted as simple planetary gear sets in the example shown. This increases the compactness of the axle. A simple planetary gear set is a planetary gear set that includes only a ring gear, a set of planetary gears, a carrier, and a sun gear.

[0019] In the illustrated example, the planetary gear set 142 includes planet gears 144 rotating on a carrier 146 and a sun gear 148. The sun gear 148 can be fixed by a stationary component 149. In the illustrated example, the ring gear 140 has external teeth 151 that mesh with the gear 138 and internal teeth 153 that mesh with the planet gears 144. However, other planetary gear set configurations are also conceivable. In addition, the carrier 146 can be rotationally coupled to a differential 150. In this way, the planetary gear set 142 can achieve a desired gear ratio. In the illustrated example, the differential 150 is a limited-slip differential with clutches 152. The clutches 152 can be configured to limit the differential between the axles to increase the power of the axle. However, in other examples, the differential 150 may also be an open or a locking differential.The differential 150 is rotationally coupled to the shafts 154, which in turn are rotationally coupled to the drive wheels 156.

[0020] To transmit higher torque with the same ring gear diameter, in one specific example, the final drive (FDR) is implemented as a planetary gear set 142, but designed to retain the axle structure of other axles (e.g., by omitting a clamshell bolt flange around the FDR ring gear), as it is efficiently packaged and achieves the goals of structural integrity. Furthermore, the sun gear 148 can serve as an external support for the differential and the bearings of the FDR assembly and can be rigidly coupled to the differential housing, e.g., on a bearing cap.

[0021] In the example shown, the electric multi-speed axle 104 is located inboard of the exhaust system 158 to increase the space efficiency of the vehicle. The exhaust system 158 receives the exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine 160, which may include cylinders, intake valves, exhaust valves, and the like, and which may be operated in conjunction with a generator to charge the energy storage device(s) 110. For example, the engine may rotate the electric machine 106, which may be operated as a generator. However, in other examples, the engine may also perform other functions in the drivetrain.

[0022] The EV 100 may also include a control system 180 having a controller 182. The controller 182 includes a processor 184 and a memory 186. The memory 186 contains instructions stored therein that, when executed by the processor 184, cause the controller 182 to perform the various methods, control techniques, etc. described herein. The processor 184 may include a microprocessor unit and / or other types of circuitry. The memory 186 includes known data storage media, such as random access memory, read-only memory, keep-alive memory, combinations thereof, etc.

[0023] The controller 182 may receive various signals from sensors 188 positioned at various locations on the vehicle 100, and in particular, the electric multi-speed axle 104. The sensors may include an electric machine speed sensor, energy storage temperature sensor(s), clutch position sensors, energy storage state of charge sensor(s), wheel speed sensors, and the like. The controller 182 may also send control signals to various actuators 190 coupled at various locations on the electric vehicle 100, as well as to the electric multi-speed axle 104. For example, the controller 182 may send signals to the inverter 108 to regulate the speed of the electric machine 106. The other controllable components in the vehicle and powertrain may function similarly with regard to command signals and actuator adjustment.For example, controller 182 can send signals to clutches 128 and 130 to engage and disengage the clutches and operate the axle in various modes, which are explained in more detail herein. The system illustrated in . Fig. The control and regulation system shown in Figure 1 can also be used in the other examples of electric axes described here.

[0024] The EV 100 may also include one or more input devices 192 (e.g., an accelerator pedal, a brake pedal, a gear, a differential lock actuator, a console instrument panel, a touch interface, a touch panel, a keypad, combinations thereof, and the like) in electronic communication with the controller 182. The input devices 192 may generate an acceleration adjustment request, a gear shift request, and the like in response to operator input.

[0025] An axis system is in Fig. 1 and in the Fig. 2-12 for reference purposes where appropriate. In one example, the z-axis may be a vertical axis (e.g., parallel to a gravity axis), the x-axis may be a lateral axis (e.g., a horizontal axis), and / or the y-axis may be a longitudinal axis. However, in other examples, the axes may have different orientations.

[0026] The electric multi-speed axle 104 and the other electric axles described herein may employ a power shift control strategy in which one clutch is disengaged while the other clutch is engaged to reduce torque interruptions. A powershift transmission is highly efficient in on-highway operation because it induces zero meshing losses in the 2-speed planetary gear set and significantly reduces bearing losses.

[0027] The warehouses are in Fig. 1. As described therein, a bearing may include an inner ring, an outer ring, and intermediate rolling elements (e.g., spherical balls, cylindrical rollers, tapered rollers, and the like) or, for example, a bushing. In the illustrated example, bearings 170 are coupled to opposite sides of input shaft 114. Bearing 171 is coupled to the outside of a shaft 172, which in the illustrated example is coupled to ring gear carrier 132. Bearings 173 and 174 may be coupled to the inside of shaft 172 in the illustrated example. Bearings 174 may be thrust bearings in one example. Additionally, bearings 175 are coupled to shaft 136. In the illustrated example, bearings 176 are coupled to bypass shaft 118.

[0028] Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 show various examples of electric multi-gear axles 200 and 300. The electric axles 200 and 300 include at least some components that are related to the Fig. 1, and redundant description of these components is omitted for brevity, and similar components are numbered similarly. The arrangement of the components in the electric axes 104, 200, and 300 shown in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and 3, respectively, is different. The electrical axes 200 and 300 include shafts 202 and 302, respectively, but no bypass shafts.

[0029] Fig. 2 shows in particular the electric multi-speed axle 200 in which the clutches 128 and 130 are arranged outside the planetary gear set 122 with respect to a transverse axis (e.g., the x-axis). Fig. 3 shows in particular the electric axle 300 in which the clutches 128 and 130 are arranged inboard of the planetary gear set 122 with respect to a transverse axis (e.g., the x-axis).

[0030] Fig. 4 shows a detailed representation of an electric multi-gear axle 400 with the Fig. 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the electric axle 400 includes an electric machine 402, a planetary gear set 403 with clutches, a differential 404, and a lock-up shaft 406. Furthermore, the electric axle is located within the exhaust system 408. In the illustrated example, the differential 404 is arranged adjacent to the exhaust system 408.

[0031] Fig. 5 shows a detailed representation of an electric multi-gear axle 500 with the Fig. 2. The electric multi-speed axle 500, in the illustrated embodiment, includes an electric machine 502, a planetary gear set 503, and a differential 504. Furthermore, the electric axle is arranged within an exhaust system 506, and the planetary gear set 503 is specifically arranged adjacent to the exhaust system in the illustrated example.

[0032] Fig. Figure 6 shows a further view of the electrical axis 400 and the exhaust system 408. The section plane AA' shows the Fig. 7 and the section plane BB' shows the Fig. 8. Specifically, the exhaust system 408 includes an upper portion 600 and side portions 602 and 604 extending downwardly (e.g., at an angle) from the upper portion. Furthermore, in the illustrated example, the electric axle 400 is disposed below the upper portion 600 and laterally between the side portions 602 and 604. In this manner, the electric axle 400 is positioned in a space-saving manner relative to the exhaust system, thereby increasing the space efficiency of the powertrain. However, the exhaust system and the electric axle may be arranged differently in alternative embodiments.

[0033] Fig. 7-8 show clutches 700 and 702. Clutch 702, when engaged, brakes a sun gear 704 in planetary gear set 403. Clutch 700, when engaged, rotatably couples a shaft 706 to sun gear 704.

[0034] Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 shows the electric axle 400 in various gear modes. For clarity: Fig. 9 shows the electric axle 400 in a lower gear mode and Fig. Conversely, Figure 10 shows the electric axle in a higher gear mode. In one application, the lower gear mode can be used for slower travel and the higher gear mode for faster travel.

[0035] In the Fig. In the lower gear mode shown in Figure 9, clutch 700 is disengaged and clutch 702 is engaged, so that sun gear 704 is stationary. A mechanical power path 900 representing the power flow through the axle in the lower gear mode is shown in Fig. 9. As shown, power is transmitted from an input shaft 901 to a gear 902, from the gear 902 to a ring gear 903, from the ring gear 903 to the planetary gears 904, from the planetary gears 904 to a carrier 906, from the carrier 906 to the lock-up shaft 406, and from the lock-up shaft 406 to downstream components (e.g., a second planetary gear set, a differential, axle shafts, etc.).

[0036] In the Fig. In the higher gear mode shown in Figure 10, clutch 702 is disengaged and clutch 700 is engaged, so that sun gear 704 is rotationally coupled to shaft 706. A mechanical power path 1000, representing the power flow through the axle, is shown in Fig. 10. As shown, power flows from an input shaft 901 to a gear 902, from the gear 902 to a ring gear 903, from the ring gear 903 to the planetary gears 904, from the planetary gears 904 to a carrier 906, from the carrier 906 to the sun gear 704, from the sun gear 704 to the clutch 700 opposite the shaft 1002, from the clutch 700 to the shaft 706, from the shaft 706 to the lock-up shaft 406, and from the lock-up shaft 406 to downstream components (e.g., a second planetary gear set, a differential, axle shafts, etc.). It is understood that in power path 1000, power flows through all gears and components of planetary gear set 403 so that they rotate together, and through clutch 700, and then the power flows from clutch 700 to shaft 706. In this way, friction and winding losses in the planetary gear set are reduced in the higher gear mode, increasing axle longevity.

[0037] Fig. Figure 11 shows another cross-sectional view of the electric axle 400 with the planetary gear set 403, the lock-up shaft 406, another planetary gear set 1100 acting as an FDR, and a differential 1102. The clutches 700 and 702 are in Fig. 11 shown again.

[0038] Fig. Figure 12 shows an example of a bearing arrangement in the electric axle 400. It also includes the input shaft 901, the gear 902, the planetary gear set 403, the clutches 700 and 702, the lock-up shaft 406, another planetary gear set 1200, and the differential 404. The lock-up shaft 406 is truncated in the illustrated example to make the electric axle more compact. In the illustrated example, the planetary gear set 1200 includes a ring gear 1202, planet gears 1204 rotatably mounted on a carrier 1206, and a fixed sun gear 1208. The carrier 1206 is coupled to a housing 1210 in the differential 404 (e.g., directly coupled thereto).

[0039] As in Fig. 12, bearings 1220 are coupled to input shaft 901, bearings 1222 are coupled to planetary gear set 403, bearings 1224 are coupled to bypass shaft 406, and bearing 1226 is coupled to differential 404.

[0040] The electric axles described here can achieve at least 35% higher torque with a similar radial package as other hyphoid gear axles, while maintaining a robust and strong axle structure. This increases their appeal to customers.

[0041] Fig. 4-12 are drawn approximately to scale, except for the schematically illustrated components. However, in other embodiments, the components may have different relative dimensions.

[0042] Fig. 1-12 show example configurations with the relative arrangement of the various components. The non-schematically depicted components in Fig.4-12 are drawn approximately to scale. However, in other embodiments, the components may have different proportions. It will be appreciated that when these elements are in direct contact with one another or are directly coupled, at least in one example, they may be referred to as directly contacting or directly coupled, respectively. Similarly, elements shown side by side or adjacent to one another may be referred to as side by side or adjacent to one another, at least in one example. For example, components that are in surface contact with one another may be referred to as being in surface contact. As another example, in at least one instance, elements that are separated from one another with only a space between them and that do not have any other components may be referred to as such.In yet another example, elements depicted above / below, on opposite sides, or to the left / right of each other may be referred to as such, relative to each other. Further, in at least one example, as depicted in the figures, a topmost element or point of an element may be referred to as a "top" of the component, and a bottommost element or point of the element may be referred to as a "bottom" of the component. As used herein, the terms top / bottom, upper / lower, above / below may refer to a vertical axis of the figures and may be used to describe the positioning of elements of the figures relative to each other. Thus, in one example, elements displayed above other elements are arranged vertically above the other elements.As yet another example, shapes of the elements depicted within the figures may be referred to as having those shapes (e.g., being circular, straight, flat, curved, rounded, beveled, angled, or the like). In addition, elements that are coaxial with one another may be referred to as such in one example. Further, elements shown as intersecting one another may be referred to as intersecting elements or as intersecting one another in at least one example. Moreover, an element shown inside another element or shown outside another element may be referred to as such in one example. In other examples, elements offset from one another may also be referred to as such. In still other examples, elements arranged coaxially or parallel to one another may be referred to as such.

[0043] The invention is further described in the following paragraphs. In one aspect, a multi-speed electric axle assembly is provided that includes an electric machine rotationally coupled to an input shaft, a first planetary gear set including a ring gear meshing with a gear fixedly coupled to the input shaft; and a carrier gear rotationally coupled to a shaft; a first clutch configured to selectively lock a sun gear member in the first planetary gear set; and a second clutch configured to selectively rotationally couple the sun gear member in the first planetary gear set to the shaft. In one example, the first clutch may be a friction clutch. In another example, the second clutch may be a friction clutch. In one example, the shaft may be coupled to a differential via a second planetary gear set. In another example, the differential may be a limited-slip differential.In another example, the second planetary gear set may be a simple planetary gear set. In another example, the first planetary gear set may be a simple planetary gear set. In another example, the electric multi-speed axle assembly may further include a lock-up shaft rotationally coupled to the shaft and extending over one side of the electric machine. In another example, the electric multi-speed solid axle may be a rear axle. Additionally, in one example, the first clutch and the second clutch may be coaxially arranged. In another example, the differential may be an open differential.

[0044] In another aspect, a multi-speed electric rigid axle is provided, comprising: a traction motor rotationally coupled to an input shaft; a simple planetary gear set comprising: a ring gear meshing with a gear fixedly coupled to the input shaft; and a carrier rotationally coupled to a shaft; a first clutch configured to selectively lock a sun gear in the first planetary gear set; a second clutch configured to selectively rotationally couple the sun gear in the first planetary gear set to the shaft; and a lock-up shaft rotationally coupled to the shaft and extending beyond one side of the electric machine. In one example, the multi-speed electric rigid axle is a rear axle. In one example, the differential may be a mechanical limited-slip differential.In one example, the electric multi-speed solid axle may further include a final drive planetary gear set rotationally coupled to the lock-up shaft and the differential. In another example, the final drive planetary gear set may be a simple planetary gear set. In another example, the first clutch and the second clutch may be coaxially arranged and are friction clutches. In another example, the first clutch and the second clutch may be axially arranged outside the simple planetary gear set. In another example, the first clutch and the second clutch may be axially arranged inside the simple planetary gear set. In another example, the electric multi-speed solid axle is arranged vertically below an exhaust line of an internal combustion engine.

[0045] It should be noted that the example control and estimation routines contained herein can be used with various powertrain, transmission, and / or vehicle system configurations. The control methods and routines disclosed herein can be stored as executable instructions in non-transitory memory and can be performed by the control system including the controller in combination with the various sensors, actuators, and other vehicle hardware. Further, the described actions, operations, and / or functions can graphically represent code to be programmed into the non-transitory memory of the computer-readable storage medium in the vehicle controller, wherein the described actions are performed by executing the instructions in a system including the various hardware components in combination with the electronic controller.One or more of the process steps described here can be omitted if desired.

[0046] Although various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented as examples, not by way of limitation. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the disclosed subject matter may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit of the subject matter. The embodiments described above are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Thus, these specific examples are not to be understood as limiting, as numerous variations are possible. For example, the technology described above may be applied to powertrains that include various types of power sources, including various types of electric machines and internal combustion engines.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.

[0047] The following claims particularly point out certain combinations and subcombinations that are considered novel and non-obvious. These claims may refer to "a" element or "a first" element, or the equivalent thereof. Such claims are to be construed as including the inclusion of 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 amending the present claims or by filing new claims in this or a related application. Such claims, whether broader, narrower, equal, or different in scope than the original claims, are also to be considered included within the subject matter of the present disclosure. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 63 / 584,596

[0001]

Claims

[1] Electric multi-speed axle arrangement, comprising: an electrical machine that is rotationally coupled to an input shaft; a first planetary gear set comprising: a ring gear meshing with a gear fixedly connected to the input shaft; and a carrier which is rotationally coupled to a shaft; a first clutch configured to selectively lock a sun gear in the first planetary gear set; and a second clutch which is designed to selectively couple the sun gear in the first planetary gear set to the shaft. [2] The multi-speed electric axle assembly of claim 1, wherein the first clutch is a friction clutch. [3] The multi-speed electric axle assembly of claim 2, wherein the second clutch is a friction clutch. [4] Electric multi-speed axle arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the shaft is coupled to a differential via a second planetary gear set. [5] Electric multi-speed axle assembly according to claim 4, wherein the differential is a limited-slip differential. [6] An electric multi-speed axle assembly according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the second planetary gear set is a simple planetary gear set. [7] Electric multi-speed axle arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first planetary gear set is a simple planetary gear set. [8] A multi-speed electric axle assembly according to any preceding claim, including at least the features of claim 4, further comprising a lock-up shaft rotationally coupled to the shaft and the second planetary gear set and extending across one side of the electric machine. [9] The electric multi-speed axle assembly of claim 8, wherein the electric multi-speed axle assembly is a rear axle. [10] An electric multi-speed axle assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the first clutch and the second clutch are arranged coaxially. [11] An electric multi-speed axle assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least the features of claim 4, wherein the differential is an open differential. [12] An electric multi-speed axle assembly according to any preceding claim, having at least the features of claim 8, further comprising a mechanical limited-slip differential coupled to the lock-up shaft via a second simple planetary gear set. [13] The multi-speed electric axle assembly of claim 12, further comprising a final drive planetary gear set rotationally coupled to the lock-up shaft and the differential. [14] The multi-speed electric axle assembly of claim 13, wherein the final drive planetary gear set is a simple planetary gear set. [15] An electric multi-speed axle assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electric multi-speed axle assembly is arranged vertically below an exhaust pipe of an internal combustion engine.

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