Electric multi-speed axle

Abstract

Electric multi-gear axle arrangement, comprising: an electric machine that is rotaryally coupled to an input shaft; a planetary gear set, containing: a ring gear rotatably coupled to the input shaft or an output shaft; and wherein a carrier or the ring gear is rotaryally coupled to the input shaft or the output shaft; one or more couplings that are installed: to selectively fix a sun gear or the carrier in the planetary gear set; and to optionally couple the sun wheel and the carrier in a rotatable manner.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 584,787, 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. Certain vehicle platforms require both off-road and on-road capabilities. Certain off-road vehicles require comparatively large gear ratios to achieve high torque while maintaining high system efficiency. Furthermore, some electric vehicles (EVs) face challenges achieving the targeted gear ratios for off-road driving in a compact package while maintaining the desired system stiffness for noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) on-road, as well as robust clutch arrangements.

[0004] The inventors recognized the above challenges and developed an electric multi-speed axle assembly to at least partially overcome the challenges. In one example, the electric axle assembly includes an electric multi-speed axle assembly. The electric multi-speed axle includes, in one example, an electric machine rotatably coupled to an input shaft and a planetary gear set. In such an example, the planetary gear set includes a ring gear rotatably coupled to the input shaft or an output shaft. The planetary gear set also includes a carrier or the ring gear rotatably coupled to the input shaft or the output shaft. The electric axle assembly further includes one or more clutches configured to selectively lock a sun gear or a carrier in the planetary gear set and to rotatably couple the sun gear and the carrier.In this way, the electric axle achieves operating gear ratios that enable the electric vehicle to operate both off-road and on-road, while maintaining axle stiffness, allowing the vehicle to operate on-road with comparatively low NVH levels and in a comparatively compact package.

[0005] In one example, the ring gear may be rotationally coupled to the input shaft, the carrier may be rotationally coupled to the output shaft, and the one or more clutches are configured to lock the sun gear. In such an example, the planetary gear set may be a simple planetary gear set. In this way, the electric axle arrangement can achieve a comparatively smaller gear ratio spread (e.g., a gear ratio spread of less than 1.6, in one application example) between the operating gears, achieved by engaging the two clutches. The shifting performance of the electric axle is therefore tailored to specific vehicle platforms.

[0006] In an alternative example, the ring gear may be rotationally coupled to the output shaft, the sun gear may be rotationally coupled to the input shaft, and the one or more clutches are configured to selectively lock the carrier. In such an example, the planetary gear set may be a compound planetary gear set with intermeshing planets. In this way, the electric axle assembly is capable of achieving a comparatively higher gear ratio spread (e.g., a gear ratio spread greater than 1.8 in one application example) between the operating gears, achieved by engaging the two clutches. Consequently, the shifting performance of the electric axle assembly is matched to alternative vehicle platforms, increasing customer appeal.

[0007] It should be clarified that the above summary is provided to introduce, in simplified form, a selection of concepts that are further described 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. 2A and Fig. 2B show clutches in a planetary gear set of the Fig. 1 shown electrical axis. Fig. Figure 3 shows a second example of an electric axis. Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B show clutches in a planetary gear set of the Fig. 3 shown electrical axis. Fig. 5-6 show different views of a detailed example of an electric axis. Fig. 7-8 show the performance paths through the Fig. 5 shows the electric axis in different gear modes. Fig. 9-10 show further views of the Fig. 5 shown electrical axis. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] Electric axles are described here that achieve greater efficiency and better drivetrain performance on and off-road. One example provides a multi-speed (e.g., two-speed) electric axle with a highly efficient parallel-axis gearbox that can either shift at standstill, shift with the power off, or, with additional hardware, powershift a planetary gear set from a lower gear ratio stage with reduced mesh and bearing losses (e.g., a stage with a 1:1 gear ratio in a housing) to a higher gear ratio stage (e.g., a planetary ratio of less than 1.6 in one example or greater than 1.8 in another example).In this way, the system achieves a desired ratio range between the higher and lower speed modes in an axle package that has a desired level of stiffness for acceptable on-road noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) while maintaining, for example, robust clutch arrangements.

[0009] Fig. 1 shows an electric vehicle (EV) 100 including a powertrain 102 with an electric axle assembly 103 having an electric axle 104 (e.g., an electric front axle), which may be configured as an assembly. The EV 100 may be a hybrid EV in one example or a pure electric vehicle (e.g., a battery electric vehicle (BEV)) in another example.

[0010] 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.

[0011] The 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 capabilities of a generator.

[0012] 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.

[0013] The electric axle 104 further comprises an input shaft 114 and an intermediate shaft 116. A gear 118, which is fixedly connected to the input shaft 114 or built therein, meshes with a gear 120 in the example shown. The gear 120 is fixedly coupled to the intermediate shaft 116 or built into it in the example shown. Furthermore, the intermediate shaft 116 is rotationally coupled to a planetary gear set 122 via a component 124. For explanation: A ring gear 126 in the planetary gear set 122 is coupled to the intermediate shaft 116 via the component 124. In the example shown, the planetary gear set 122 is a simple planetary gear set. However, in other examples, other types of planetary gear sets can also be used in the electric axle. For example, as further discussed herein, the electric axle may include a planetary gear set having multiple sets of planetary gears, such as a compound planetary gear set having intermeshing planets.In the example shown, the planetary gear set 122 is arranged coaxially to the intermediate shaft 116 in order to increase the compactness of the axle.

[0014] The planetary gear set 122 also includes planetary gears 128 that rotate on a carrier 130 and mesh with the ring gear 126 and a sun gear 132. The carrier 130 is rotationally coupled to a gear 134, which meshes with a gear 136, which is rotationally coupled to an output shaft 138. A gear 140 is rotationally coupled to the output shaft 138 and, in the example shown, meshes with an input gear 142 for a differential 144. The differential 144, in turn, is rotationally coupled to the drive gears 146 via axle shafts 148 (e.g., half shafts).

[0015] A clutch 150 is configured to connect the carrier 130 to the intermediate shaft 116 when engaged. Another clutch 152 is configured to lock the sun gear 132 when engaged. Clutches 150 and 152 can be reversely engaged and disengaged to operate the transmission in different gearing modes. More specifically, clutch 150 is engaged and clutch 152 is disengaged in a higher speed mode. In another example, the functions of the clutches can be combined into a single clutch. For example, a clutch can be configured to lock the sun gear 132 in one mode and to rotationally couple the carrier 130 and the sun gear 132 in another mode. Additionally, in such an example, the clutch can be configured to operate in a neutral mode.

[0016] Fig. Figure 2A shows the configuration of the planetary gear set 122 in this higher-speed mode, where the clutch 150 is engaged (and the clutch 152 is disengaged). As shown, the carrier gear 130 acts as the output and the ring gear 126 acts as the input. In such an example, the ratio of the planetary gear set is 1:1. Furthermore, at higher speeds, all gears and components of the planetary gear set rotate in unison. Therefore, at higher speeds, the planetary gear set experiences lower (e.g., largely eliminated) bearing or meshing losses. In this way, the efficiency and longevity of the electric axles are increased. Conversely, the clutch 150 is disengaged and the clutch 152 is engaged in a lower-speed mode.

[0017] Fig. Figure 2B shows the configuration of the planetary gear set 122 in this lower speed mode. As shown, the carrier gear 130 acts as the output and the ring gear 126 acts as the input. In such an example, the planetary gear set is determined by the equation: (ring gear size + sun gear size) / (ring gear size). In this way, the electric axle 104 is designed to operate at both lower and higher speeds, allowing the vehicle to be used in a variety of environments, such as on- and off-road. In one case example, the first gear in the lower speed range may be between 15.6 and 37:1. In such an example, the ratio between gears 118 and 120 may be 3.323. In such an example, the low speed ratio of the planetary gear set is 1:1.Additionally, the ratio between gears 134 and 136 may be 2.027, and the ratio between gears 140 and 142 may be 2.677. Conversely, in the higher speed mode, the second gear may have a ratio of 12-20:1. In such an example, the ratio of the planetary gear set may be 1.54:1. Generally, the gear ratio spread between the first and second gears may be less than 1.6 to allow the vehicle to be used in a wider range of operating environments. It should be understood that the various gears of the transmission can be selected depending on the requirements of the vehicle platform. Furthermore, in the . Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B, the carrier 130 serves as the input of the planetary gear set 122 and the ring gear 126 serves as the output of the planetary gear set 122 when the electric axle is operated in a drive mode.

[0018] In the electric axle 104, a parking gear 160 may be coupled to the carrier 130, and a parking device 162 is configured to selectively engage the parking gear. In this way, the electric axle can integrate the parking brake function in a space-saving manner.

[0019] 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.

[0020] The controller 182 may receive various signals from sensors 188 mounted at various locations within the vehicle 100, and in particular, the electric axle 104. The sensors may include electric machine speed sensors, clutch position sensors, energy storage temperature sensors, energy storage state of charge sensors, wheel speed sensors, and the like. The controller 182 may also send control signals to various actuators 190 mounted at various locations within the EV 100 and the electric 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 150 and 152 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] In Fig. 1 and in the Fig. 3 and 5-10, an axis system is illustrated, which may serve as a reference. 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.

[0023] Electric 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 very efficient in highway operation because it eliminates meshing losses in the two-stage planetary gear set and significantly reduces bearing losses.

[0024] Fig. 3 shows another example of an electric axis 300. The electric axis 300 includes 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.

[0025] Fig. 3 specifically shows a planetary gear set 302 having a first set of planetary gears 304 and a second set of planetary gears 306, both rotating on a carrier 308. In the illustrated example, gears 304 mesh with gears 306. Thus, planetary gear set 302 is a compound planetary gear set with intermeshing planets, as in the illustrated example. However, other suitable types of planetary gear sets may be used in other examples.

[0026] As in Fig. 3, a clutch 310 is configured to fix the carrier 308, and a clutch 312 is configured to rotatably couple the carrier 308 to a sun gear 314. In other examples, a single clutch may be constructed to perform both of the aforementioned functions.

[0027] The planetary gear set 302 further includes a ring gear 316 that is rotationally coupled to a gear 318 that meshes with a gear 320 on an output shaft 322, which includes another gear 324 that meshes with an input gear 326 in a differential. A park gear 330 is fixedly connected to a shaft on which the gear 318 rotates. The park gear 330 can be engaged via a park mechanism 332.

[0028] Fig. 4A shows the configuration of the planetary gear set 302 in a higher speed mode in which the clutch 312 is engaged (and the clutch 310 is disengaged, as in Fig. 3). As shown, the ring gear 316 acts as the output and the sun gear 314 acts as the input. In such an example, the ratio of the planetary gear set is 1:1. Furthermore, at higher speeds, all gears and components of the planetary gear set rotate in unison. Therefore, at higher speeds, there are fewer (e.g., largely eliminated) bearing or meshing losses in the planetary gear set. In this way, the efficiency and longevity of the electric axles are increased. Conversely, clutch 312 is disengaged and clutch 310 is engaged in a lower-speed mode.

[0029] Fig. Figure 4B shows the configuration of the planetary gear set 302 in the lower speed mode. As shown, the ring gear 316 acts as the output and the sun gear 314 acts as the input. Clutch 310 also secures the carrier gear 308. In such an example, the planetary gear set is determined by the following equation: (ring gear size) / (sun gear size). For the electric axle 300, the first gear in the lower speed mode can be between 21.3-44:1 and the second gear in the higher speed mode can be between 12-20:1. More generally, in one example, the ratio spread between the lower and higher speed modes can be greater than 1.8. In this way, the electric axle can meet the performance requirements of some vehicle platforms. It should be understood that the various gears of the transmission can be selected depending on the requirements of the vehicle platform.

[0030] Fig. 5 shows a detailed example of an electric axis 500 with the Fig. 1. The electric axle 500 in turn comprises an electric machine 502, a planetary gear set 504 with two clutches, and a differential 506. Fig. 6 shows the electric axle 500 without the electric motor to show further details of the planetary gear set 504.

[0031] Fig. 7 shows a mechanical power path 700 through the electric axle 500 in the extended range mode. As shown, power flows from the electric machine 502 to an input shaft 701, from the input shaft to a gear 702, from the gear 702 to a gear 704 coupled or connected to an intermediate shaft 705, from the intermediate shaft 705 to a ring gear 708 in the planetary gear set 504, from the ring gear 708 to a gear 710, from the gear 710 to a gear 712 coupled to an output shaft 714, and from the output shaft 714 to a gear 716, from the gear 716 to the differential 506 via a gear 718. It is understood that in the planetary gear set 504, power flows via a ring gear 708 to the gear 710, which is fixedly connected to the intermediate shaft 705. Fig. Figure 7 further shows a clutch 720 which may be configured to include a carrier 721 and a sun gear 722 in the Fig. 7. Clutch 720 or another clutch may be configured to lock sun gear 722. However, in other examples, two clutches may perform both of the aforementioned functions.

[0032] Fig. 8 shows a mechanical power path 800 through the electric axle 500 in the shorter-range mode with the sun gear 722 fixed. As shown, power flows from the electric machine 502 to an input shaft 701, from the input shaft to the planetary gear set 504 via the intermediate shaft 705, from the planetary gear set to the output shaft 706, and from the output shaft to the differential 506. In the planetary gear set 504, power flows via the ring gear 708, the planetary gears 802, and the sun gear 722 to the gear 710, which is fixedly connected to the intermediate shaft 705.

[0033] Fig. 9 shows another view of the electrical axis 500. The section plane AA' shows the cross-sectional view from Fig. 10. Fig. 10 shows the planetary gear set 504 with a parking gear 1000 coupled to it. Furthermore, Fig. 10, a clutch 1002 is shown, which engages a carrier 1004 and the sun gear 804 in a rotationally coupled manner. Furthermore, a clutch 1006, which in Fig. 10, is arranged to lock the carrier 1004 when it is engaged.

[0034] The electric axles described here create a highly efficient, parallel axle transmission for on-road and off-road use that is capable of either shifting at a standstill, shifting when the power is off, or powershifting the planetary gear set from a higher-range mode with lower meshing and bearing losses in the planetary gear set to a lower-range mode suitable, for example, for off-road vehicle operation.

[0035] Fig. Figures 5-10 are drawn approximately to scale, except for the schematically illustrated components. However, in other embodiments, the components may have different relative dimensions.

[0036] Fig.1-10 illustrate example configurations with relative positioning of the various components. Note, however, that when these elements are shown in direct contact with one another or directly coupled, they may be referred to as being in direct contact or directly coupled, respectively, in at least one example. Similarly, elements shown side by side or adjacent to one another may be referred to as being 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, 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 at least one instance.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.

[0037] The invention is described in more detail in the following paragraphs. In one aspect, a multi-speed electric axle assembly is provided, comprising an electric machine rotationally coupled to an input shaft; a planetary gear set comprising: a ring gear rotationally coupled to one of the input shaft and an output shaft; and a carrier or the ring gear rotationally coupled to one of the input shaft and the output shaft; one or more clutches configured to selectively lock a sun gear or a carrier in the planetary gear set; and to selectively rotationally couple the sun gear and the carrier. In one example, the multi-speed electric axle assembly may be a front multi-speed electric axle assembly.In another example, the ring gear member may be rotationally coupled to the input shaft; the carrier member may be rotationally coupled to the output shaft; and the one or more clutches may be configured to selectively lock the sun gear member. In another example, the planetary gear set may be a simple planetary gear set. In another example, the ring gear member may be rotationally coupled to the output shaft; the sun gear member may be rotationally coupled to the input shaft; and the one or more clutches may be configured to selectively lock the carrier member. In another example, the planetary gear set may be a compound planetary gear set with meshing planets. In such an example, the one or more clutches may be a dog clutch. In one example, the planetary gear set may be arranged coaxially with an intermediate shaft.In another example, the output shaft may be coupled to a differential via a third gear that meshes with an input gear of the differential. In another example, the electric axle assembly may further include a park gear rotationally coupled to the ring gear. In one example, the multi-speed electric axle assembly may further include a park gear rotationally coupled to the carrier.

[0038] In another aspect, a multi-speed electric rigid axle is provided, comprising a traction motor rotationally coupled to an input shaft; a compound planetary gear set with intermeshing planets or a simple planetary gear set with a ring gear, a carrier gear, and a sun gear; and one or more clutches configured to selectively lock the sun gear or the carrier gear in the planetary gear set and to selectively rotationally couple the sun gear and the carrier gear. For example, the planetary gear set may be a simple planetary gear set; the ring gear may be rotationally coupled to the input shaft; the carrier gear may be rotationally coupled to the output shaft; and the one or more clutches may be configured to selectively lock the sun gear gear. In one example, the multi-speed electric rigid axle may further include a park gear rotationally coupled to the ring gear.In one example, the gear ratio spread of the simple planetary gear set may be less than 1.6:1. In another example, the planetary gear set may be the compound planetary gear set with intermeshing planets; the ring gear may be rotationally coupled to the output shaft; the sun gear may be rotationally coupled to the input shaft; and the one or more clutches may be configured to selectively lock the carrier gear. In another example, the electric multi-speed solid axle may further include a park gear rotationally coupled to the carrier gear. In another example, the electric multi-speed axle assembly may be a front electric multi-speed axle assembly. In another example, the one or more clutches may be a dog clutch. In another example, the planetary gear set is arranged coaxially with an intermediate shaft.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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 incorporate various types of power sources, including various types of electric machines and motors (e.g., 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.

[0041] 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 / 584,787

[0001]

Claims

[1] Electric multi-speed axle arrangement, comprising: an electrical machine which is rotationally coupled to an input shaft; a planetary gear set comprising: a ring gear rotatably coupled to the input shaft or an output shaft; and wherein a carrier or the ring gear is rotationally coupled to the input shaft or the output shaft; one or more couplings that are set up: to selectively fix a sun gear or the carrier in the planetary gear set; and to optionally couple the sun gear and the carrier. [2] The multi-speed electric axle assembly of claim 1, wherein the multi-speed electric axle assembly is a front multi-speed electric axle assembly. [3] Electric multi-speed axle assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: the ring gear is rotationally coupled to the input shaft; the carrier is rotationally coupled to the output shaft; and one or more clutches are designed to selectively lock the sun gear. [4] The multi-speed electric axle assembly of claim 3, wherein the planetary gear set is a simple planetary gear set. [5] Electric multi-speed axle assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: the ring gear is rotationally coupled to the output shaft; the sun gear is rotationally coupled to the input shaft; and which are designed to selectively lock the carrier with one or more couplings. [6] The multi-speed electric axle assembly of claim 5, wherein the planetary gear set is a compound planetary gear set having intermeshing planets. [7] An electric multi-speed axle assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more clutches is / are dog clutch(es). [8] Electric multi-speed axle assembly according to claim 7, wherein the planetary gear set is arranged coaxially with an intermediate shaft. [9] An electric multi-speed axle assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the output shaft is coupled to the differential via a third gear meshing with an input gear in a differential. [10] Electric multi-speed axle assembly according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a parking gear rotationally coupled to the ring gear. [11] An electric multi-speed axle assembly according to any preceding claim, further comprising a parking gear rotatably coupled to the carrier. [12] Electric multi-speed axle assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: the planetary gear set is the simple planetary gear set; the ring gear is rotationally coupled to the input shaft; the carrier is rotationally coupled to an output shaft; and which are designed to selectively lock the sun gear with one or more clutches. [13] Electric multi-speed axle arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electric multi-speed axle arrangement is a rigid axle. [14] The multi-speed electric axle assembly of claim 13, wherein the multi-speed electric axle assembly is a front multi-speed electric axle assembly. [15] Electric multi-speed axle arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a gear ratio spread of the simple planetary gear set is less than 1.6:1.

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