Carrier for gear train with coaxial countershaft

Abstract

System, comprising: an electric motor including an electric motor output shaft; a gear train comprising an input gear coupled to a first gear disposed on a countershaft, and further comprising a second gear disposed on the countershaft and coupled to an output gear, the input gear further coupled to the electric motor output shaft, and the output gear coupled to an output shaft of the gear train; and a carrier physically coupled to a housing of the electric motor, the carrier configured to support a bearing coupled to the output gear.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present description relates to a carrier which is attached to a housing of an electrical machine and supports an output gear of a gear train coaxially with an input gear of the gear train. BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW

[0002] Vehicles may be equipped with a gear train to adjust the torque output of a drivetrain to the driver's requirements. Some vehicle gear trains may include a planetary gear set or a countershaft gearbox to regulate the drivetrain's torque. Mounting and supporting gear train elements can present certain challenges due to space constraints. In addition, the vehicle may include an electric machine, such as an electric motor or electric motor-generator, whose output is drivingly connected to the gear train. Electric machines can rotate at higher speeds compared to other powertrains such as internal combustion engines (ICEs). The higher speeds of the electric machine can cause problems in transferring rotational energy through the gear train.

[0003] For example, in a layshaft arrangement, an output bearing may be unsupported, which can lead to premature wear of the output bearing. Furthermore, power transmission through the output bearing can be inefficient, resulting in increased noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH), which can lead to customer dissatisfaction. There is a need for an output bearing support that fits into a space-constrained gear train without complicating manufacturing.

[0004] The inventors have recognized these and other problems with such systems and found a way to at least partially solve them. In one example, the problems described above are at least partially solved by an electric motor comprising an electric motor output shaft and a gear train having an input gear coupled to a first gear disposed on a countershaft, further comprising a second gear disposed on the countershaft and coupled to an output gear, the input gear further coupled to the electric motor output shaft, the output gear coupled to a gear train output shaft, and a support physically coupled to a housing of the electric motor, the support configured to support a bearing coupled to the output gear.

[0005] The input gear and output gear may be part of a countershaft configuration of the gear train. The input gear meshes with a first gear and the output gear with a second gear, the first gear and second gear being rigidly connected to a countershaft. Multiple supports may be arranged radially outwardly of the outer diameter of the output gear. In this way, the complexity of manufacturing and installing the support may be reduced. The housing of the assembly may house the gear train. The housing of the assembly may be a larger housing that may also house a drive, or it may include the housing of the assembly. Alternatively, there may be multiple housings of the assembly, e.g., a second housing that houses the drive and is physically connected to the housing. An output of the drive rigidly couples or includes the drive shaft.The drive can be an electrical machine, e.g., an electric motor or an electric motor / generator. A rotor of the electric machine can be rigidly coupled to the output or encompass it.

[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. 1A shows a schematic example of a first configuration of a vehicle with a gear train of the present disclosure. Fig. 1B shows a schematic example of a second vehicle configuration with one or more gear trains of the present disclosure. Fig. 1C shows a schematic example of a third vehicle configuration with one or more gear trains of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 shows a schematic example of a gear train with a support beam in accordance with the present disclosure. Fig. 3 shows an exploded view of an electrical machine assembly with a gear train and a support bracket in accordance with the present disclosure. Fig. 4 shows a sectional view of a first portion of the electrical machine assembly. Fig. Figure 5 shows a side view of the gear train, the support beam and a rotor of the electric machine. Fig. Figure 6 shows a sectional view of the gear train, support beam and rotor. Fig. Figure 7 shows a side view of the support bracket separated from other components of the electrical machine assembly. Fig. Figure 8 shows a side view of the gear train, support beam and rotor. Fig. 9 shows a sectional view of a second portion of the electrical machine assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0007] The following description refers to a carrier for an assembly comprising an electric machine and a gear train. The gear train includes an input gear and an output gear. The input gear is a drive gear capable of driving the gear train and supplying rotational energy to it. The output gear is a driven gear capable of being driven by the gear train and outputting rotational energy. The carrier is a support (e.g., a support bracket) for the driven gear and a corresponding bearing for the driven gear.

[0008] An input shaft and an output shaft may be drivingly coupled to the gear train, e.g., to transmit and receive torque. The input shaft may rigidly couple and drive the input gear. The output shaft may rigidly couple to and be driven by the output gear. The support bracket may support a bearing such that the bearing is centered about a rotational axis of the input shaft and / or the output shaft. In one example, the bearing may support the output gear. A housing assembly that may house the gear train and an electric machine may consist of multiple components that include a housing. Alternatively, the housing assembly may include other housings. For example, the housing assembly may include a first housing that specifically houses the electric machine and a housing that specifically houses the assembly.The support bracket can, for example, be arranged between an electric machine and the output gear.

[0009] The support bracket includes a main body and a plurality of projections extending outwardly from the main body, the input shaft, and the output shaft. The projections include a plurality of retainers, each retainer having at least one through-hole for receiving a fastener. Each retainer is located at the distal end of a projection of the projections. The main body includes an opening. The retainers and the distal ends of the bracket can be disposed outside an outer diameter of the output gear so that the support can be physically coupled to a housing of the electric motor.

[0010] The main body may have a first edge, a second edge, a shoulder, and a land forming an opening. The main body may further include a first portion and a second portion, the first portion including the first edge and the shoulder, and the second portion including the second edge and the land. The land extends further radially inward relative to the one or more edges of the main body. The main body of the support bracket may be configured to support and contact the second bearing via the opening and the surfaces forming the opening. The main body may curve around and cover a portion of the input gear. The opening may be circular and surround the input gear and the second bearing. At least a portion of the input gear may be surrounded by features of the main body that curve around the input gear. For example, the land may curve around the input gear.Likewise, the shoulder and the first rim may curve around, contact, and support the second bearing. The second portion of the main body may include a cutout extending from an outer surface of the main body to one or more inner surfaces of the raised core and the rim. The opening may be open beyond the cutout to the outside of the main body.

[0011] Fig. 1A shows a schematic example of a first configuration of a vehicle with a gear train of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 1A shows that the first configuration is rear-wheel drive, where the transmission can drive a rear axle assembly via a driveshaft and a differential. The gear train is arranged between a driveline and a transmission of the vehicle and can receive rotational power from the driveline and supply it to the transmission or another component of Fig. 1A forward. Fig. 1B shows a schematic example of a second vehicle configuration that may include one or more gear trains of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 1B shows the second configuration as a front-wheel drive configuration, in which the transmission can drive-couple a front axle arrangement via a differential. Fig. Figure 1B shows that the second configuration is also a rear-side configuration, where the drives of the rear architecture are wheel-side drives. Fig. 1C shows a schematic example of a third vehicle configuration that may include one or more gear trains of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 1C shows the third configuration with a front and a rear side, where the drives are wheel-side drives. The gear trains of the Fig. 1B-1C are located between the wheel-side drives and the wheels of the vehicle.

[0012] Fig. 2 shows a schematic example of a gear train with a support beam in accordance with the present disclosure. In Fig. 2, the support beam is physically coupled to the housing of an electrical machine that can drive the gear train. The gear train in Fig. 2 is designed as a countershaft. Fig. 3 shows an exploded view of an electrical machine assembly with a gear train and a support bracket in accordance with the present disclosure. Fig. 4 shows a sectional view of a first portion of the electrical machine assembly. Fig. Figure 5 shows a side view of the gear train, the support beam and a rotor of an electric machine. Fig. Figure 6 shows a sectional view of the gear train, support beam and rotor. Fig. Figure 7 shows a side view of the support bracket separated from other components of the electrical machine assembly. Fig. Figure 8 shows a side view of the gear train, support beam and rotor. Fig. Figure 9 shows a sectional view of a second portion of the electric machine assembly. The rotor is rotationally coupled to transmit the torque via an input gear to the gear train in the Fig. 5-6 and in Fig. 8. The gear train of Fig. 3-4 and Fig. 9 is designed as a countershaft. The gear train and the support beam of Fig. 3-4 and Fig. 9 are example configurations of the gear train and the support beam of Fig. 2.

[0013] The specific arrangements and systems illustrated in the figures and described below are exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined herein. For purposes of explanation, the drawings are described together. Thus, like elements may be referred to by like reference numerals and need not be repeated.

[0014] The Fig. 1A-2 show schematic representations of example configurations with relative arrangement of the various components. Fig. Figures 3 to 9 show example configurations with approximate positioning. Fig. Figures 3-9 are drawn approximately to scale, but other relative dimensions may be used. The term "approximately" means plus or minus five percent of the range, unless otherwise noted.

[0015] Furthermore, the Fig. 1A-9 Example configurations showing relative positioning of the various components. When these elements are in direct contact with one another or are 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 adjacent to one another or to one another, in at least one example. For example, components that are in surface-to-surface contact with one another may be referred to as being in surface-to-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. For example, in one example, elements displayed above other elements are arranged vertically above the other elements.As another example, the shapes of the elements depicted in the figures may be referred to as such (e.g., circular, straight, flat, curved, rounded, beveled, angled, or the like). Furthermore, in at least one example, depicted elements that intersect each other may be referred to as intersecting elements or as intersecting elements. Furthermore, an element depicted inside or outside another element may be referred to as such. Furthermore, the components may be described with respect to the reference axes included in the drawings.

[0016] Features described as axial may be approximately parallel to a datum axis unless otherwise specified. Features described as reverse may be approximately perpendicular to the datum axis unless otherwise specified. Features described as radial may circumferentially surround or extend outwardly from an axis, such as the datum axis, or a component or feature previously described as radial to a datum axis, unless otherwise specified. Features described as tangential may extend linearly from a point on a circumference radially around an axis or a component or feature previously described as radial to a datum axis, unless otherwise specified.

[0017] Features described as longitudinal can be approximately parallel to a long axis. A lateral axis can be perpendicular to a long axis and a vertical axis. Features described as lateral can be approximately parallel to the lateral axis. A vertical axis can be perpendicular to a transverse axis and a long axis. Features described as vertical can be approximately parallel to a vertical axis.

[0018] Components that are described as drivingly coupled are coupled in such a way that they drive each other. In other words, a first component that is drivingly coupled to a second component can drive the second component, and vice versa. In other words, rotational power can be transferred from a first component to a second component when the first component is drivingly coupled to the second component. A component that is described as a driving component can drive another component. A component that is described as a driven component can be driven.

[0019] In Fig. 1A, a vehicle 100 is shown in a first configuration including a drivetrain 101 and a powertrain 103. The vehicle 100 may include a gear train according to the present disclosure. For example, the vehicle 100 includes a gear reduction assembly 124 including a gear train of the present disclosure. The vehicle 100 may have a front end 132 and a rear end 134 located on opposite sides of the vehicle 100. Objects, components, and features of the vehicle 100 referred to as being near the front may be closest to the front end 132 compared to the rear end 134. Objects, components, and features of the vehicle 100 referred to as being near the rear may be closest to the rear end 134 compared to the front end 132. The vehicle 100 may have a longitudinal axis 130.The drive train 101 and the drive train 103 can each have a length parallel to the longitudinal axis 130.

[0020] The vehicle 100 may be a commercial vehicle, a light-duty, medium-duty, or heavy-duty vehicle, a passenger vehicle, an off-highway vehicle, a utility vehicle, an agricultural vehicle, and / or a sport utility vehicle. In one embodiment, the vehicle 100 may be a wheeled vehicle, such as an automobile. However, the vehicle 100 may additionally or alternatively be an aircraft, a boat, or other vehicle system that utilizes the gear train of the present disclosure, including the gear train of the reduction assembly 124. Additionally or alternatively, the vehicle 100 and / or one or more of its components, such as components of the powertrain 101 and / or the drivetrain 103, may be used in industrial, locomotive, military, agricultural, and / or aerospace applications.

[0021] The vehicle 100 may be a pure electric vehicle in which one or more electric machines are configured to supply power to an axle assembly 102. Alternatively, the vehicle 100 may be a hybrid vehicle that includes both a motor and one or more electric machines, each configured to supply power to the axle assembly 102. For example, the axle assembly 102 may be powered by power from the motor in a first operating mode in which the electric machine is not operated to provide power (e.g., a pure motor mode), a second operating mode in which the motor is not operated to provide power (e.g., a pure electric mode), and a third operating mode (e.g., an electric assist mode).As another example, the axle assembly 102 may be an electric axle assembly configured to be driven by an integrated electric machine.

[0022] The drivetrain 103 includes the axle assembly 102. The axle assembly 102 may be configured to drive a wheel set 104. For example, the axle assembly 102 is disposed near the rear of the vehicle 100 and thus includes a rear axle. However, it should be understood that the location of the axle assembly 102 may be non-limiting. Another example is that the axle assembly 102 may be disposed toward the front of the vehicle 100 and thus includes a front axle. Another example is that the axle assembly 102 may be disposed near another part of the vehicle 100. The drivetrain 103 may provide output torque to the axle assembly 102. In addition, the drivetrain 103 may include one or more tandem axle arrangements. Thus, the drivetrain 103 may also have other configurations without departing from the scope of this disclosure, and the Fig. The configuration shown in Figure 1A is illustrative, not limiting. Furthermore, the vehicle 100 may include additional wheels that are not coupled to the drivetrain 103.

[0023] The powertrain 101 includes a prime mover 106 and a transmission 108 (e.g., a gear train). The prime mover 106 may be, for example, an internal combustion engine (ICE). As another example, the prime mover 106 may be an electric machine, such as an electric motor or an electric motor / generator. The prime mover 106 operates to provide rotational power to the transmission 108. The transmission 108 may be any type of transmission, such as a manual transmission, an automatic transmission, or a continuously variable transmission. The transmission 108 receives the rotational power generated by the prime mover 106 as input and outputs the rotational power to the powertrain 103 according to a selected gear ratio or setting. The reduction arrangement 124 may be disposed between the transmission 108 and the prime mover 106.The prime mover 106 may provide rotational power to the reduction assembly 124, and the reduction assembly 124 may provide rotational power to the transmission 108 or other system.

[0024] The vehicle 100 may be configured to operate fully electrically, such as a pure electric vehicle or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. In a fully electric vehicle, the prime mover 106 may be an electric machine. The prime mover 106 may be, for example, an electric motor / generator. The vehicle 100 may be a hybrid vehicle in which there are multiple torque inputs to the transmission 108. In addition to the prime mover 106, other powertrains may power and be housed within the vehicle 100. For example, the vehicle 100 may include a plurality of electric machines 120. A gear reduction arrangement 124 may be disposed between the transmission 108 and one or more of the electric machines 120.An electric machine of the electric machines 120 may provide rotational power to the reduction assembly 124, and the reduction assembly 124 may provide rotational power to and drive the transmission 108 or other system.

[0025] The prime mover 106 may be supplied with energy from an energy storage device 105, e.g., when the prime mover 106 is an electric machine. In one example, the energy storage device 105 is a battery, e.g., a traction battery, configured to store electrical energy. One or more inverters 107 may be arranged between the energy storage device 105 and the prime mover 106 and configured to convert direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). Additionally or alternatively, the electric machines 120 may be operated with power from the energy storage device 105. One or more inverters may be arranged between the energy storage device 105 and the electric machines 120 to convert direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC).The inverters 107 may be electrically coupled to the energy storage device 105, and one or more of the inverters 107 may be electrically coupled to the prime mover 106 and / or the electric machines 120. The inverters 107 may include a variety of components and circuits with thermal requirements that affect the efficiency of the inverter. The electrical components may be electrically coupled via a variety of electrical connections 128.

[0026] In some configurations, such as Fig. 1A, the driveline 103 includes a driveshaft 122 configured to receive the rotational power output from the transmission 108. The driveshaft 122 may drivingly couple and transmit the rotational power of the transmission 108 to the axle assembly 102. The driveshaft 122 may be arranged to extend parallel to the longitudinal axis 130. In one example configuration of the vehicle 100, the driveshaft 122 may be centered about the longitudinal axis 130. The driveshaft 122 may drivingly couple and transmit the rotational power of the transmission 108 to a differential 126 of the axle assembly 102 to drive the wheel set 104. The driveshaft 122 may be a rear driveshaft that transmits the rotational power to the rear of the vehicle 100, e.g., in a rear-wheel drive configuration.However, it should be understood that in alternative configurations of the drivetrain 103, the driveshaft 122 may be a front driveshaft that transmits rotational power to the front of the vehicle 100, for example, when the axle assembly 102 is located at the front of the vehicle 100 and / or for a front-wheel drive configuration.

[0027] The transmission 108 may be a manual transmission or may include a manual gearbox. Alternatively, the transmission 108 may be an axle transmission or a transaxle transmission. The transmission 108 may be physically coupled to an axle of the vehicle, e.g., via a bracket. In some embodiments, the transmission 108 may additionally or alternatively be a first transmission, and the vehicle 100 may have a second transmission. A second transmission or additional transmissions may be arranged to physically couple an axle of the vehicle 100, such as the axle of the axle assembly 102. A second transmission or other transmission may be arranged to driveably couple and output torque to another axle in addition to the axle of the axle assembly 102.

[0028] In another example of vehicle 100, one or more transmissions may be present that do not act on a drive shaft. In this example, one or more of the transmissions may be transmitted directly to an axle shaft and / or a wheel, e.g., an axle shaft of axle assembly 102 and / or one or more wheels of wheels 104. Transmissions of this example may be referred to herein as wheel-side transmissions. An input and a gear train may be drivingly coupled and deliver torque to the wheel-side transmission, with rotational power flowing from the input to the gear train and from the gear train to the wheel-side transmission. As another example, the input and gear train may be drivingly coupled to one or more wheels of wheels 104. The input and gear train may drive one or more wheels, with rotational power flowing from the input to the gear train and from the gear train to the one or more wheels.The drive is an electric machine, and the gear train corresponds to the gear train of the reduction arrangement 124.

[0029] In Fig. 1B illustrates a second example configuration of vehicle 100, which may include a first powertrain 142 and a first driveline 146. The second example configuration shows vehicle 100 with wheel-side outputs, wheel-side gear trains of the present disclosure, and wheel-side transmissions.

[0030] The second example configuration of vehicle 100 may include a second driveline 144 and a second powertrain 148. The first driveline 142 provides power to drive the first driveline 146. The second driveline 144 provides power to drive the second driveline 148. The first transmission 142 and the first driveline 146 may be located near the front end 132 of the vehicle 100. In other words, the first driveline 142 may be a front-wheel drive, and the first driveline 146 may be a front-wheel drive. Likewise, the second driveline 144 and the second driveline 148 may be located near the rear end 134 of the vehicle 100. In other words, the second driveline 144 may be a rear-wheel drive, and the second driveline 148 may be a rear-wheel drive.However, it should be understood that the arrangement of the first driveline 142, the second driveline 144, the first driveline 146, and the second driveline 148 is not limited. For example, the first driveline 142 and the first driveline 146 may be arranged closest to the rear end 134 of the vehicle 100. Likewise, the second driveline 144 and the second driveline 148 may be arranged closest to the front end 132 of the vehicle 100. Additionally or alternatively, the first driveline 142 and the first driveline 146 and / or the second driveline 144 and the second driveline 148 may be arranged at other locations on the vehicle 100.

[0031] The first drivetrain 142 includes at least a first drive 140. The first drive 140 may be a prime mover. In an example of the second configuration, the first drive 140 is an internal combustion engine. A power source, such as a fuel storage device, may supply fuel to and be in fluid communication with the first drive 140. The first drivetrain 146 includes a second axle assembly 112. The second axle assembly 112 is mounted closest to the front end 132 of the vehicle; the second axle assembly 112 may be a front-mounted axle assembly including a front axle. However, it should be understood that the location of the second axle assembly 112 may be non-limiting.In another example, such as when the first driveline 146 is mounted rearward, the second axle assembly 112 may be closest to the rear end 134; in this case, the second axle assembly 112 may be a rear-mounted axle assembly including a rear axle. Another example is that the second axle assembly 112 may be located near another part of the vehicle 100.

[0032] The second axle assembly 112 includes a plurality of second axle shafts 116 and a transmission 118. Likewise, the second axle assembly 112 may be configured to drive a second set of wheels 114. At least the first drive 140 may be configured to supply and drive the axle shafts 116 of the second axle assembly 112 with rotational power. For example, the second set of wheels 114 may rigidly couple the second axle shafts 116. The second axle assembly 112 may be or include a transaxle; the transmission 118 may be a transaxle. The rotational power of the first drive 140 may drive the transmission 118 via torque. The first drive 140 may have an input to the transmission 118. The rotational power transmitted via the input may drive the transmission 118. The transmission 118 is drivingly coupled to the second axle shafts 116 to be configured to drive the second axle shafts 116.

[0033] The second drivetrain 144 may include a second drive and a third drive that are wheel-side drives. The second and third drives may be configured to deliver rotational power to and drive a specific wheel. For example, the second drive may be a first electric machine 152a and the second drive may be a second electric machine 152b. The first electric machine 152a and the second electric machine 152b are wheel-side electric machines. More specifically, the first electric machine 152a and the second electric machine 152b may be wheel-side motors or wheel-side motor / generators. The first and second electric machines 152a, 152b may each generate rotational power and drive an axle shaft and / or a wheel. The first electric machine 152a may be configured to drive a first wheel 104a.Likewise, the second electric machine 152b may be configured to drive a second wheel 104b. The second drivetrain 144 may also include the energy storage device 105.

[0034] The first and second electric machines 152a, 152b can be supplied with energy from the energy storage device 105. One or more inverters can be arranged between the energy storage device 105 and the first and second electric machines 152a, 152b. The inverters can be configured to convert direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC). For example, a first inverter 107a and a second inverter 107b can be electrically coupled to the energy storage device 105. The first inverter 107a can be electrically coupled to the first electric machine 152a and electrically couple the first electric machine 152a to the energy storage device 105. Likewise, the second inverter 107b can be electrically coupled to the second electric machine 152b and electrically couple the second electric machine 152b to the energy storage device 105.

[0035] The first and second inverters 107a, 107b may include a variety of components and circuits with thermal requirements that affect the efficiency of the inverter. The electrical components, including the first and second inverters 107a, 107b, the first and second electric machines 152a, 152b, and the energy storage device 105, may be electrically coupled via the electrical connections 128.

[0036] The second drivetrain 148 may include a first reduction arrangement 124a, a second reduction arrangement 124b, the first wheel 104a, and the second wheel 104b. Likewise, the second drivetrain 148 may include a first transmission 156a and a second transmission 156b. The first reduction arrangement 124a and the second reduction arrangement 124b may each be transmissions. Likewise, the first transmission 156a and the second transmission 156b may each be manual transmissions.

[0037] The first electric machine 152a may be configured to drive the first reduction assembly 124a. The first reduction assembly 124a may be configured to drive and drive the first wheel 104a. A first wheel shaft 154a may be rigidly connected to the first wheel 104a. The first reduction assembly 124a may be configured to drive the first wheel shaft 154a. For example, the output of the first reduction assembly 124a may be rigidly connected to the first wheel shaft 154a. As another example, the first transmission 156a may be arranged between the first reduction assembly 124a and the first wheel shaft 154a. The first reduction assembly 124a may be configured to drive the first transmission 156a, and the first transmission 156a may be configured to drive the first wheel shaft 154a.

[0038] The second electric machine 152b may be configured to drive the second reduction assembly 124b. The second reduction assembly 124b may be configured to drivingly couple and drive the second wheel 104b. A second wheel shaft 154b may be rigidly connected to the second wheel 104b. The second reduction assembly 124b may be configured to drive the second wheel shaft 154b. For example, the output of the second reduction assembly 124b may be rigidly connected to the second wheel shaft 154b. As another example, the second transmission 156b may be arranged between the second reduction assembly 124b and the second wheel shaft 154b. The second reduction assembly 124b may be configured to drive the second transmission 156b, and the second transmission 156b may be configured to drive the second wheel shaft 154b.

[0039] In Fig. 1C illustrates a third example configuration of vehicle 100, which may include a third powertrain 162 and a third powertrain 164. The second example configuration of vehicle 100 also includes second powertrain 148. Third powertrain 162 may provide power to drive second powertrain 148 and third powertrain 164. Third powertrain 164 may be located near front end 132 of vehicle 100; third powertrain 164 may be a front-end powertrain. However, the location of third powertrain 164 may be arbitrary. For example, third powertrain 164 may be located closest to rear end 134 of vehicle 100. Additionally or alternatively, third powertrain 164 may be located elsewhere on vehicle 100.

[0040] The third drivetrain 162 may include a fourth drive and a fifth drive, which are wheel-side drives. The fourth and fifth drives may be configured to output rotational power and drive a specific wheel. The fourth drive may, for example, be a third electric machine 152c. Likewise, the fifth drive may be a fourth electric machine 152d. The third electric machine 152c and the fourth electric machine 152d are wheel-side electric machines. In particular, the third electric machine 152c and the fourth electric machine 152d may be wheel-side motors or wheel-side motor / generators. The third and fourth electric machines 152c, 152d may each drive an axle shaft and / or a wheel. The third electric machine 152c may be configured to output rotational power to and drive a third wheel 114a.Likewise, the fourth electric machine 152d may be configured to deliver rotational energy and drive a fourth wheel 114b. The third drivetrain 162 may also include the energy storage device 105.

[0041] The third and fourth electric machines 152c, 152d can be supplied with energy from the energy storage device 105. One or more inverters can be arranged between the energy storage device 105 and the third and fourth electric machines 152c, 152d. The inverters can be configured to convert direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). For example, a third inverter 107c and a fourth inverter 107d can be electrically connected to the energy storage device 105. The third inverter 107c can be electrically coupled to the third electric machine 152c and electrically couple the third electric machine 152c to the energy storage device 105. Likewise, the fourth inverter 107d can be electrically coupled to the fourth electric machine 152d and electrically connect the fourth electric machine 152d to the energy storage device 105.

[0042] The third and fourth inverters 107c, 107d may include a variety of components and circuits with thermal requirements that affect the efficiency of the inverter. The electrical components, including the third and fourth inverters 107c, 107d, the first and second electric machines 152a, 152b, and the energy storage device 105, may be electrically coupled via the electrical connections 128.

[0043] The third drivetrain 164 may include a third reduction arrangement 124c, a fourth reduction arrangement 124d, the third gear 114a, and the fourth gear 114b. Likewise, the third drivetrain 164 may include a third transmission 156c and a fourth transmission 156d. The third reduction arrangement 124c and the fourth reduction arrangement 124d may each be transmissions with a gear train. Likewise, the third transmission 156c and the fourth transmission 156d may each be implemented as manual transmissions.

[0044] The third electric machine 152c may be configured to drive the third reduction assembly 124c. The third reduction assembly 124c may be configured to drive and drive the third wheel 114a. A third wheel shaft 154c may be rigidly connected to the third wheel 114a. Likewise, an output of the third reduction assembly 124c may be configured to drive the third wheel shaft 154c. For example, the output of the third reduction assembly 124c may be rigidly connected to the third wheel shaft 154c. As another example, the third transmission 156c may be arranged between the third reduction assembly 124c and the third wheel shaft 154c. The third reduction assembly 124c may be configured to drive the third transmission 156c, and the third transmission 156c may be configured to drive the third wheel shaft 154c.

[0045] The fourth electric machine 152d may be configured to drive a fourth reduction arrangement 124d. The fourth reduction arrangement 124d may be configured to drive and drive the fourth wheel 114b. A fourth wheel shaft 154d may be rigidly connected to the fourth wheel 114b. Likewise, an output of the fourth reduction arrangement 124d may be configured to drive the fourth wheel shaft 154d. For example, the output of the fourth reduction arrangement 124d may be rigidly connected to the fourth wheel shaft 154d. As another example, the fourth transmission 156d may be arranged between the fourth reduction arrangement 124d and the fourth wheel shaft 154d. The fourth reduction arrangement 124d may be configured to drive the fourth transmission 156d, and the fourth transmission 156d may be configured to drive the fourth wheel shaft 154d.

[0046] The reduction arrangement 124 of Fig. 1A, the first and second reduction arrangements 124a, 124b of Fig. 1B-1C and the third and fourth reduction arrangement 124c, 124d of Fig. 1C may be transmissions including gear trains of a countershaft configuration of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the gear trains of the reduction assembly 124, the first and second reduction assemblies 124a, 124b, and the third and fourth reduction assemblies 124c, 124d may be supported by a carrier within the meaning of the present disclosure.

[0047] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation 200 of a system 202. The system 202 includes a first axle 204 and a second axle 206. Rotational power may flow through the system 202 as indicated by arrows 208. The gear train 210 may comprise a countershaft configuration including a first shaft 212 and a second shaft 214, where the second shaft 214 may be a countershaft. The first shaft 212 may be a driven shaft driven by the gear train 210. The gear train 210 may also include a drive shaft, where the drive shaft may drive and transmit power to the gear train 210. The drive shaft may be an input shaft and the output shaft may be an output shaft of the gear train 210.

[0048] The gear train 210 includes a first gear set 218 and a second gear set 220. The first shaft 212 and the second shaft 214 may be centered about the first axis 204 and the second axis 206, respectively. The electric machine 222 may driveably couple the gear train 210 via the first gear 218, wherein the first gear 218 may driveably couple, i.e., transmit rotational power, to the second shaft 214. The term "driveably coupled" may refer to two components that can transmit mechanical power to each other or only in one direction. Options for drivingly connecting components include intermeshing connections and direct physical connections such as welds, fusions, fasteners, adhesives, and the like.The second shaft 214 may be drivingly coupled to the first shaft 212 via the second gear train 220, wherein the second gear train 220 may transmit rotational power from the second shaft 214 to the first shaft 212. The gear train 210 may have a configuration of the gear train of the reduction assembly 124 of FIG. Fig. 1A. Likewise, the gear train 210 may be a configuration of the gear trains of the reduction assemblies 124a, 124b, 124c and 124d of Fig. 1B-1C.

[0049] The electric machine 222 may receive electrical energy from an energy storage device, e.g., via the energy storage device 105. One or more inverters 107 may be arranged between the energy storage device 105 and the electric machine 222. The electric machine 222 may be the prime mover 106 or one of the one or more electric machines 120 from Fig. 1A. Additionally or alternatively, the electric machine 222 may be the electric machines 152a, 152b, 152c and 152d. Fig. 1B-1C. The electric machine 222 includes a housing 224. The first axis 204 may be the axis of rotation for the electric machine 222. A rotor of the electric machine 222 may be rigidly connected to or include the output 226. The electric machine 222 may have an output 226. The output 226 may be a rotating element, e.g., a motor shaft, that can be drivingly coupled and transfers rotational energy to another rotating element. The output 226, in one example, is an output shaft of the electric machine 222. The output 226 may also be referred to as an output shaft of an electric machine and / or an output shaft. For example, the output 226 may be drivingly coupled to the first gear set 218, e.g., via a rigid connection to a gear of the first gear set 218.

[0050] The gear train 210 may include at least a first gear 232, a second gear 234, a third gear 236, and a fourth gear 238. The first gear 232 is an input gear of the gear train 210, through which rotational power can be transmitted to the gear train 210. The fourth gear 238 is an output gear of the gear train 210, through which rotational power can be transmitted from the gear train 210 to an output component, e.g., a wheel, a differential, or an auxiliary device. The first gear 232 and the fourth gear 238 may be coaxial, with the first gear 232 and the fourth gear 238 being arranged radially about a common axis, for example, radially about a common axis. For example, the first gear 232 and the fourth gear 238 may be arranged coaxially about the first axis 204. The output 226 may be rigidly connected to the first gear 232. The fourth gear 238 may be rigidly connected to the first shaft 212.Alternatively, the fourth gear 238 and the first shaft 212 may comprise a single rotating component. The gear train 210 may be drivingly connected to an exhaust component via the first shaft 212. The exhaust component may be a rotating element, such as a gear or wheel, or a system of rotating elements, such as a differential or other gear system.

[0051] The second gear 234 and the third gear 236 may be coaxial. For example, the second gear 234 and the third gear 236 may be radially centered about the second axis 206. The second and third gears 234, 236 may be drivingly coupled to the second shaft 214, for example, to transmit rotational power to the second shaft 214 via torque. The second and third gears 234, 236 may be rigidly connected to the second shaft 214 and may be configured as countershaft gears. The second gear 234 may, for example, be a first countershaft gear that can be transmitted from the first gear set 218 to the second shaft 214. The third gear 236 may be a second countershaft gear that can be transmitted from the second shaft 214 to the second transmission 220.The second shaft 214 may be connected to or include the third gear 236, such that the second shaft 214 and the third gear 236 form a unitary component. Additionally or alternatively, the second shaft 214 may include the fourth gear 238, such that the second shaft 214 and the fourth gear 238 form a unitary component.

[0052] The gear train 210 also includes a support 230. The support 230 may be a stationary structure, such as a beam, that supports the first shaft 212. In other words, the support 230 may be a support beam for the first shaft 212. The support 230 may physically couple the electric machine 222, e.g., by physically coupling the housing 224. The support 230 may be disposed between the electric machine 222 and the fourth gear 238 along a common axis, e.g., the first axis 204. The support 230 may be physically coupled by attachment with a plurality of fasteners. The support 230 may support the first shaft 212 such that the first shaft 212 is centered about the first axis 204 and can rotate freely from the support 230.By physically coupling the support 230 to the electric machine 222, the output 226 and the first shaft 212 can remain aligned to be coaxial when forces are applied to the system 202, such as shear forces, deflection forces, and forces from the vibration of the electric machine 222 at speeds above a threshold, e.g., above 500 revolutions per minute (RPM).

[0053] Rotating elements, including the output 226 and the first shaft 212, may be hollow and have one or more volumes. Fluids such as lubricant and / or coolant may be housed and transported within the one or more housings. The output 226 may be hollow or partially hollow and may include volumes such as a volume 242. The volume 242 may be a passageway through which lubricant and / or coolant may flow. The volume 242 may be centered on the first axis 204. The volume 242 may extend through the output 226, with the output 226 radially curving around the volume 242. Likewise, the first shaft 212 may be hollow and have at least one volume such as a first passageway 248. The first passageway 248 may be concentric with the first shaft 212 and centered around the first axis 204.The volume 242 and the first passage 248 may be coaxial, with a gap therebetween so that the two volumes are separated. In this way, the output 226 may be spaced from the first shaft 212 and not coupled to it.

[0054] The rotating elements of system 202 may be supported by one or more bearing assemblies to enable rotation / rotation from a housing that houses components of system 202 or other stationary components relative to the rotating elements. A first bearing assembly 256 and a second bearing assembly 258 may support first shaft 212. First bearing assembly 256 and second bearing assembly 258 may be radially disposed around and in surface contact with first shaft 212. First bearing assembly 256 may be radially inserted between support 230 and first shaft 212, with support 230 supporting first bearing assembly 256. Support 230 may be disposed between first bearing assembly 256 and fourth gear 238 along a common axis, e.g., first axis 204. A third bearing assembly 260 and a fourth bearing assembly 262 may support the second shaft 214.The third bearing assembly 260 and the fourth bearing assembly 262 may be arranged radially around the second shaft 214 and in surface contact therewith. The bearing assemblies 256, 258, 260, and 262 may each include one or more bearings.

[0055] The first gear 232 includes a plurality of first teeth 272 that can mesh with a plurality of second teeth 274 of the second gear 234. Likewise, the third gear 236 includes a plurality of third teeth 276 that can mesh with a plurality of fourth teeth 278 of the fourth gear 238.

[0056] The power flow represented by arrows 208 can be a power flow generated by rotational energy, which can be transmitted via torque. The power flow can be generated via the electric machine 222 by rotating a rotor from electrical current. The power flow begins at the output 226, where the rotational force is transferred from the output 226 via the first gear 232 to the first gear 218. The first gear set 218 is driven by the first gear 232. The rotational force is transferred to the second shaft 214 via the second gear 234. The second shaft 214 is driven by the second gear 234. The rotational force is transferred from the second shaft 214 to the second gear 220 via the third gear 236. The second gear set 220 is driven via the third gear 236. The rotational energy can be transferred from the second gear set 220 to the first shaft 212 via the fourth gear 238.The first shaft 212 is driven by the fourth gear 238. Rotational force may exit the system 202 via the first shaft 212. The rotational force may be received by an output component that may be drivingly coupled to and driven by the first shaft 212.

[0057] For the comparison between the Fig. 3, a series of reference axes 301 are provided. The reference axes 301 indicate a y-axis, an x-axis, and a z-axis. In one example, the z-axis may be parallel to the direction of gravity, and the xy-plane may be parallel to a horizontal plane on which an array 302 of Fig. 3. In another example, the z-axis may be parallel to a direction of gravity and the xy-plane may be parallel to a horizontal plane on which a gear train 314 and the rotor assembly 526 of Fig. 5. In another example, the z-axis may be parallel to a direction of gravity and the xy-plane may be parallel to a horizontal plane on which a support 330 of Fig. 7 can rest. When specifying the direction, "positive" can refer to the arrow direction of the y-axis, x-axis and z-axis and "negative" can refer to the opposite arrow direction of the y-axis, x-axis and z-axis. A circle can represent an axis of the reference axes 301 that is perpendicular to a view. A circle can represent an axis of the reference axes 301 that is perpendicular to a view. A filled circle can represent an arrow and axis that are directed towards a view or positively to it. An open circle can represent an arrow and axis that is directed away from a view or negative to it.

[0058] Fig. 3 shows a first view 300 of a gear train 314. The first view 300 is an exploded view in which housing covers and other components are exploded so that a gear train 314 of the assembly 302 can be seen. An assembly 302 can include an electric machine 312 and the gear train 314. The electric machine 312 and the gear train 314 can be the electric machine 222 and the gear train 210 of Fig. 2. The arrangement 302 can be arranged such that the first axis 204 and the second axis 206 are rotational axes about which the rotating components of the electric machine 312 and the gear train 314 can rotate and / or rotate. The first and second axes 204, 206 are longitudinal axes that run parallel to the y-axis of the reference axes 301.

[0059] The assembly 302 may include a plurality of housings, such as a first housing 316 and a second housing 318. In one example, the first housing 316 is an electric motor housing and the second housing 318 is a gear train housing. The first housing 316 houses the electric machine 312, including a portion of an output 340. The output 340 is a rotating element that can be driven via the electric machine 312. The output 340 may extend into the second housing 318. The second housing 318 may receive the gear train 314. The second housing 318 may be connected to a cover 320. The cover 320 and the second housing 318 may enclose the gear train 314. The output 340 may be an output shaft for the gear train 314 that is coupled to and drives an input gear.The cover 320 may be a bell housing having a plurality of cavities and other volumes and sealing the second housing. A cavity 325 may be disposed within the second housing 318, corresponding to a volume in which the gear train 314 is disposed. The second housing 318 may have a first flange 322 and a second flange 324 for physical connection to the cover 320 and the first housing 316, respectively. The first flange 322 may be physically coupled to a third flange 326 of the cover 320. The second flange 324 may be physically coupled to a fourth flange 328 of the first housing 316.

[0060] The gear train 314 may include a first gear 332, a second gear 334, a third gear 336, and a fourth gear 338. The gear train 314 may be at least partially supported by a carrier 330. More specifically, the carrier 330 may support and wrap around the fourth gear 338 by supporting an output bearing. The output bearing may support the fourth gear 338 and / or a shaft 344. The shaft 344 may be an output shaft of the gear train 314. The first gear 332, the second gear 334, the third gear 336, and the fourth gear 338 may be example configurations of the first gear 232, the second gear 234, the third gear 236, and the fourth gear 238, respectively. Fig. 2. Likewise, the support 330 may be an example configuration of the support 230 from Fig. 2, both of which are made from a single piece. The first gear 332 can be coupled to the output 340. The output 340, the first gear 332, and the fourth gear 338 can be aligned so that they are coaxial with and centered around the first axis 204. The first axis 204 can be a rotational axis about which the output 340, the first gear 332, and the fourth gear 338 can rotate.

[0061] The shaft 344 may be coupled to the fourth gear 338. The shaft 344 may extend outwardly from the fourth gear 338 along the first axis 204. An opening 346 of the cover 320 may receive the shaft 344. The shaft 344 may include a web 348, wherein the web 348 extends radially from the shaft 344. The web 348 may have a shoulder that supports and abuts a first bearing assembly 358. The shaft 344 may be an output shaft. For example, the shaft 344 may be the first shaft 212 of Fig. 1A. Additionally or alternatively, the shaft 344 may be an output shaft and is referred to herein as the output shaft of the gear train 344. The third gear 336 and a corresponding shaft may be supported by a second bearing assembly 362. The first bearing assembly 358 and the second bearing assembly 362 may be example configurations of the second bearing assembly 258 and the fourth bearing assembly 262, respectively, of Fig. 2 be.

[0062] The second housing 318 may include a mounted support 364. The mounted support 364 may be an annular structure, such as a rim, that extends longitudinally from the second housing 318. The mounted support 364 may support the second gear 334.

[0063] Fig. 4 shows a second view 400 of the assembly 302. The second view 400 is a sectional view in which the assembly 302 is cut by a view plane parallel to a plane formed by the x-axis and the y-axis of the reference axes 301.

[0064] The second housing 318 includes a platform 422 that extends longitudinally from the fourth flange 328. The platform 422 may have a support 423 that contacts a feature of the first housing 316, e.g., the fourth flange 328. The platform 422 may include a surface 424 and a first passageway 426. The surface 424 may be perpendicular to the first and second axes 204, 206. The surface 424 may be a mounting surface through which the support 330 may be physically coupled. The first passageway 426 may receive the output 340. The output 340 may be drivingly coupled to the first gear 332 via the first passageway 426, e.g., by rigid coupling. The output 340 may include a second passageway 442 through which a fluid, e.g., water, may be passed. B. a lubricant, can flow from the electric machine to the gear train 314.The carrier 330 may be configured to collect and redirect lubricant from the center of the output 340 to gears arranged on a countershaft and to a bearing in surface contact with the carrier 330. The second passage 442 may be a portion of the volume 242 of . Fig. 2 be or become.

[0065] The carrier 330 includes a main body 428 and a plurality of protrusions. The plurality of protrusions extend outwardly from the main body 428, where outward means relative to a central axis or centerline of the main body 428. The main body 428 may be centered about the first axis 204 such that a central axis and a centerline of the main body 428 may be coaxial with the first axis 204. The plurality of protrusions may also be referred to herein as a plurality of arms. The protrusions may include a first protrusion 430 and a second protrusion 434a. The first protrusion 430 and the second protrusion 434a may be arms. The first protrusion 430 and the second protrusion 434a may be connected to the platform 422 via fasteners. The first protrusion 430 includes a first mount 432, and the second protrusion 434a includes a second mount 436a.The first retainer 432 may be part of a first distal end 431 of the first protrusion 430 and the carrier 330. Likewise, the second retainer 436a may be part of a second distal end 435a of the second protrusion 434a and the carrier 330. The first retainer 432 and the second retainer 436a may contact, abut, and be physically connected to the surface 424. One or more fasteners complementary to the first retainer 432, wherein the fasteners may attach the first retainer 432 to a complementary structure. A complementary structure may be a feature to which the fasteners are attached when the fasteners are received by the carrier 330. The complementary structure may include fasteners to which the fasteners may be attached. The fasteners may include holes, such as threaded holes.Likewise, one or more fasteners may be complementary to the second bracket 436a, wherein the fasteners may be received by and extend through the second bracket 436a.

[0066] The complementary structure for the first mount 432, the second mount 436a, and their respective fastening elements may be, for example, the second housing 318. More specifically, the second structure for the first mount 432, the second mount 436a, and their respective fastening elements may be the platform 422. When attached to the platform 422, the third mount 436b may cover the surface 424 of Fig. 4 touch, abut, and physically connect with it. As another example, another complementary structure for the protrusions and their respective supports may be part of the first housing 316.

[0067] The main body 428 includes a first portion and a second portion around an opening 438. The opening 438 may be annular. The opening 438 may be centered around the first axis 204. More specifically, the opening 438 may surround the first axis 204 such that a central axis or centerline of the opening 438 may be coaxial with the first axis 204. The first portion of the main body 428 includes a first edge 444 and a shoulder 446, as well as a portion of an inner land 448. The second portion includes another portion of the inner land 448 and a second edge 449. The first edge 444, the shoulder 446, the inner land 448, and the second edge 449 may curve around the opening 438 and form its shape. The first edge 444 is closest to a first side and the second edge 449 is closest to a second side of the carrier 330, the first side being opposite the second side.The first edge 444 is connected to the shoulder 446. The shoulder 446 is connected to the second edge 449 via the inner web 448. The first edge 444 may have an annular shape. The second edge 449 may have a more frustoconical shape.

[0068] The fourth gear 338 may have a cavity 450 that curves around and covers the carrier 330. In other words, the fourth gear 338 may be supported by a fourth bearing assembly 456 that is in surface contact with the carrier 330. The fourth gear 338 may be spaced from the carrier 330 and not touch it. The cavity 450 may receive and cover the first edge 444. The fourth gear 338 and / or the output shaft 344 may have a fourth passage 452. The fourth passage 452 may be a passage such as the first passage 248 in Fig. 2. The fourth passage 452 extends through the output shaft 344 and / or the fourth gear 338. Another shaft that can be received through the fourth passage 452 can be rigidly coupled to the output shaft 344 and the fourth gear 338 and is referred to herein as a received shaft. The shaft 344 has a plurality of keyways 458 facing inwardly toward and radially disposed around the fourth passage 452. The gear teeth 458 can be internal gears and mesh with the external gear teeth of the received shaft. The platform 422 can have a recess 451. The recess 451 can be connected to and adjacent to the first passage 426. The recess 451 can include a platform against which the second edge 449 can abut. The platform of the recess 451 may have a counterbore extending radially from the first passage 426.

[0069] In one example, the fourth bearing assembly 456 is an output gear bearing that is in surface contact with the carrier 330 (e.g., support 230 of Fig. 2). The fourth gear 338 is an output gear of the gear train, spaced from and not in contact with the carrier 330.

[0070] A third bearing assembly 454 may be inserted into, contacting, and supported by the first passage 426. The third bearing assembly 454 may be held by the carrier 330, with the third bearing assembly 454, in one example, being housed above the first passage 426. The third bearing assembly 454 may be held by the platform 422 and the second housing 318. The second rim 449 may abut and contact the third bearing assembly 454. The third bearing assembly 454 may support the output 340 so that the output 340 can rotate freely from the platform 422 and the second housing 318. In one example, the third bearing assembly 454 is an electric motor output shaft bearing, with the carrier 330 extending over a portion of the electric motor output shaft that projects into the second housing 318. The main body 428 and the opening 438 can accommodate and receive at least one bearing and at least one gear.The main body 428 and the opening 438 can, for example, house and receive the first gear 332 and the fourth bearing assembly 456. The main body 428 can cover the first gear 332. The fourth bearing assembly 456 can be attached to and held by the first edge 444 and the shoulder 446. The fourth bearing assembly 456 can be radially disposed around and contacting the fourth gear 338, e.g., an extension 455 of the fourth gear 338. The fourth bearing assembly 456 can be radially disposed between the first edge 444 and the extension 455. The fourth bearing assembly 456 can include the first bearing assembly 256. Fig. 2 be.

[0071] The main body 428 can have a variety of inner diameters. For example, the main body 428 can have three inner diameters, including a first diameter 460, a second diameter 462, and a third diameter 464. The first diameter 460, the second diameter 462, and the third diameter 464 are inner diameters of the opening 438, with the width of the opening 438 varying. The first diameter 460 is the inner diameter of the first rim 444. The second diameter 462 is the inner diameter of the inner land 448. The third diameter 464 is the inner diameter of the second rim 449. The first diameter 460 and the second diameter 462 can be constant in a longitudinal direction. The third diameter 464 can vary in the longitudinal direction. For example, the third diameter 464 can increase in the longitudinal direction toward the fourth gear 338 (e.g., in the positive y-direction).Likewise, the third diameter 464 may decrease in the longitudinal direction at positions closer to the electric machine 312 (e.g., in the negative y-direction).

[0072] The first gear 332 has a plurality of first teeth 472. The second diameter 462 is large enough to provide a clearance 474 between an inner surface 476 of the inner land 448 and the tips of the first teeth 472. The clearance 474 prevents the first teeth 472 or other parts of the first gear 332 from contacting the main body 428.

[0073] Fig. 5 shows a third view 500 of the gear train 314 and a rotor assembly 526. The third view 500 is a side view. The gear train 314 and the rotor assembly 526 may be separated by a line 510. The line 510 may be parallel to the z-axis of the reference axes 301. The line 510 may intersect the first axis 204 and the second axis 206 and be perpendicular thereto. A section may be taken on the line 510 in a view plane parallel to a plane formed by the y-axis and z-axis of the reference axes 301. The rotor assembly 526 may be the rotor of the electric machine 312. The rotor assembly 526 may be drivingly coupled to the gear train 314 via the output 340 and the first gear 332 to thereby deliver rotational energy to and drive the gear train 314.The rotor assembly 526 may be centered on the first axis 204 such that the first axis 204 may be an axis of rotation of the rotor assembly 526.

[0074] The rotor assembly 526 may include a body 540 and a shaft 542. The housing 540 may, for example, contain one or more permanent magnets or permanent magnetic components. Another example is the housing 540 housing one or more electromagnetic components, such as windings. The shaft 542 may be rigidly connected to the body 540 such that the shaft 542 can be rotated by rotating the body 540. The body 540 may include a passageway 544 that can receive and rigidly connect the shaft 542. The shaft 542 may include or be rigidly coupled to the output 340. The shaft 542 may be centered on the first axis 204 such that the shaft 542 can rotate about the first axis 204. The first axis 204 may be an axis of rotation for the shaft 542.

[0075] The third view 500 shows that the carrier 330 has a third projection 434b extending from the main body 428 of Fig. 4 extends outwardly. The third protrusion 434b may be an arm. The third protrusion 434b includes a third mount 436b. The third mount 436b may be located at a third distal end 435b of the third protrusion 434b. Like the first protrusion 430 and the second protrusion 434a, the third protrusion 434b may also be attached to the assembly 302. For example, the third protrusion 434b may be physically connected to the platform 422 and / or the second housing 318 of Fig. 4 by fastening. When attached to the platform 422, the third bracket 436b can cover the surface 424 of Fig. 4 touch, abut, and physically connect with the third support 436b. One or more fasteners complementary to the third support 436b, such that the fasteners can be fitted into the third support 436b and a complementary hole of the platform 422 to secure the third projection 434b to the surface 424. For example, the third support 436b can have a fitting 552b. The fitting 552b can receive a complementary fastener with which the third support 436b and the third projection 434b can be secured to the second housing 318. The fitting 552b can be a through-hole.

[0076] The third view 500 shows that the third gear 336 may be hollow, including a fifth passage 550 of the gear train 314. A fluid, such as a lubricant, may be passed through the fifth passage 550. The fifth passage 550 may be centered around the second axis 206 so that it extends radially around the second axis 206.

[0077] Like the first gear 332 in Fig. 3, the second gear 334 includes a plurality of second teeth 574, the third gear 336 includes a plurality of third teeth 576, and the fourth gear 338 includes a plurality of fourth teeth 578.

[0078] Fig. 6 shows a fourth view 600 of the gear train 314 and the rotor assembly 526. The fourth view 600 is a sectional view, wherein the fourth view 600 is taken on the line 510 of Fig. 5. The fourth view 600 is taken in a view plane that includes the first axis 204 and the second axis 206.

[0079] The fourth view 600 shows that the rotor assembly 526 has a cavity 630 and a passage 632. The shaft 542 may include the cavity 630 and the passage 632. The cavity 630 and the passage 632. The second passage 442 may be in fluid communication with the cavity 630 and connected thereto via surfaces. The volume 242 of Fig. 2 may include the second passage 442, the cavity 630 and the passage 632.

[0080] The carrier 330 includes a cutout 642. The cutout 642 is a volume removed from the material of the main body 428. The cutout 642 may extend from one or more outer surfaces of the main body 428 to one or more inner surfaces of the inner web 448 and the second edge 449. The opening 438 may be open to the outside of the main body 428 via the cutout 642. The cutout 642 may allow the second gear 334 to mesh with the first gear 332. The second gear 334 is partially disposed within the cutout 642, and a portion of the second gear 334 may be disposed within the volume of the cutout 642. Cutout 642 exposes at least one gear, which may be covered by main body 428, and connects it to another gear connected to a countershaft. For example, cutout 642 exposes first gear 332 and second gear 334.The cutout 642 extends through the main body 428 to the opening 438, creating a gap through the second edge 449 and a portion of the inner web 448.

[0081] The fourth view 600 shows that a shaft component 652 may include or be connected to the third gear 336. In other words, a unitary rotary component may include the shaft component 652 and the third gear 336. The shaft component 652 may be centered about the second axis 206, for example, radially about the second axis 206. The shaft component 652 may be the countershaft of the gear train 314. The second gear 334 may be rigidly connected to the shaft component 652. The shaft component 652 may be the second shaft of Fig. 2. The shaft component 652 may be fitted into and received by a passage 654 of the second gear 334, referred to herein as the sixth passage 654. The sixth passage 654 may be concentric with the second gear 334 and centered about the second axis 206. The shaft component 652 may be coupled to the second gear 334 via the sixth passage 654. The fifth passage 550 may be concentric with the shaft component 652, and the fifth passage 550 may be a through-hole extending between and open to the opposing sides of the shaft component 652.

[0082] A cap 656 may be attached to and received by the fourth passage 452. The cap 656 may divide the fourth passage into a first portion 658 and a second portion 659. The first portion 658 opposes the second portion 659 of the cap 656. The cap 656 may prevent fluids from entering the first portion 658 via the second portion 659.

[0083] A fifth bearing assembly 660 may be radially disposed around and support the second gear 334. The fifth bearing assembly 660 may be the third bearing assembly 260.

[0084] A fluid flow path is schematically illustrated. The flow path may be represented by a plurality of dotted arrows 672. The fluid flowing through the flow path may be a lubricant or a lubricant / coolant that can cool and lubricate the rotor assembly 526 and the gear train 314. A method for the upstream to downstream flow path through the rotor assembly 526 and the gear train 314 is described herein. The flow path may begin upstream of passage 632, with fluid flowing into the rotor assembly 526 via passage 632 and cavity 630. Fluid may flow out of the rotor assembly 526 and through the outlet 340 via the second passage 442. Fluid may flow to the gear train 314 via the second passage 442. Fluid may flow to the fourth passage 452 via the second portion 659.The cap 656 can redirect the fluid to flow out of the fourth passage 452 and to the opening 438. The fluid can flow out of the opening 438 to lubricate the first gear 332 and the second gear 334, e.g., at the mesh between the first gear 332 and the second gear 334. Fluid can also flow out of the opening 438 to lubricate the fourth bearing assembly 456. The fluid can flow further outward to lubricate the third gear 336 and the fourth gear 338. The fluid can also be sprayed and transported over the first gear 332, the second gear 334, the third gear 336, the fourth gear 338, and their respective teeth.

[0085] Fig. 7 shows a fifth view 700 of the carrier 330. The fifth view 700 is a side view of the carrier 330 in which the carrier 330 is separated from the other components of the gear train 314.

[0086] The carrier 330 has a first side 702 and a second side 704. The first side 702 can be closer to the cover 320 and the fourth gear 338 of Fig. 3. The first side 702 can be separated from the cavity 450 by Fig. 4 and covered. The second side 704 can be closest to the electric machine 312 of Fig. 3, to the platform 422 and to the third bearing arrangement 454 of Fig. 4 and closest to the body 540 of Fig. 5. The fifth view 700 also shows a plurality of directions, schematically represented by arrows, including a first direction 706, a second direction 708, a third direction 712, and a fourth direction 714. The first direction 706 and the second direction 708 are parallel to the first axis 204. The first direction 706 is opposite to the second direction 708. The first direction 706 and the second direction 708 are normal to and extend outward from the first side 702 and the second side 704, respectively. The third direction 712 and the fourth direction 714 are transverse to the first axis 204 and may be parallel to the x-axis of the reference axes 301. The third direction 712 is opposite to the fourth direction 714.

[0087] The fifth view 700 shows the first side 702 of the first protrusion 430, the second protrusion 434a, and the third protrusion 434b. The first protrusion 430 may extend approximately radially outward from the main body 428. The second and third protrusions 434a, 434b extend from the main body 428 in a direction between tangential and radially outward, wherein the direction may alternate between more radial and more tangential. The cutout 642 may be arranged between two adjacent protrusions of the carrier 330. The adjacent protrusions may be adjacent arms. For example, the cutout 642 may be located between the second protrusion 434a and the third protrusion 434b. It is understood that the second protrusion 434a and the third protrusion 434b may be arranged symmetrically and in a mirror image on opposite sides of the cutout 642.

[0088] The main body 428 includes a plurality of surfaces, including a first surface 718 and a second surface 720, which are outer surfaces, and a third surface 722, a fourth surface 724, a fifth surface 726, and a sixth surface 728, which are inner surfaces. The first surface 718 has a partially cylindrical shape and is radially curved about the first axis 204. The first surface 718 is adjacent to the second surface 720. The second surface 720 is located on the first side 702 and has a region perpendicular to the first axis 204. The second surface 720 is circular and annular. The second surface 720 is adjacent to the third surface 722. The third surface 722 may be an inner surface of the first edge 444 of Fig. 4. The third surface 722 has a cylindrical shape and is radially curved around the first axis 204. The third surface 722 borders the fourth surface 724 via the shoulder 446. The shoulder 446 may have a surface perpendicular to the axis and be circular and annular. The fourth surface 724 is connected to the fifth surface 726 via the sixth surface 728. Both the fourth surface 724 and the fifth surface 726 border the sixth surface 728. The fifth surface 726 and the sixth surface 728 may be surfaces of the second edge 449 of Fig. 4. The fourth surface 724 is an inner surface of the inner web 448 of Fig. 4. The fourth surface 724 and the fifth surface 726 have a partially cylindrical shape and are radially curved about the first axis 204. The sixth surface 728 is partially frustoconical and curves radially about the first axis 204. The cutout 642 extends radially inward from the first surface 718 to the fourth surface 724, the fifth surface 726, and the sixth surface 728.

[0089] The cutout 642 forms a seventh surface 727 and an eighth surface 729 from the main body 428. The seventh surface 727 and the eighth surface 729 may be located on opposite sides of the cutout 642. The seventh surface 727 and the eighth surface 729 are composite shapes, each comprising rectangular regions. The seventh surface 727 and the eighth surface 729 are adjacent to the fourth surface 724, the fifth surface 726, and the sixth surface 728. The seventh surface 727 may be closest to and adjacent to the second protrusion 434a. The eighth surface 729 may be closest to and adjacent to the third protrusion 434b. It is to be understood that the seventh surface 727 and the eighth surface 729 may be symmetrical and mirror images on opposite sides of the cutout 642.

[0090] The first protrusion 430 may be a composite shape consisting of a variety of regular and irregular shapes. The first protrusion 430 is rounded. For example, the first protrusion 430 has a side facing the third direction 712 and a side facing the fourth direction 714, which are rounded. As an arm, the first protrusion 430 includes a first beam extending outward from the main body 428 to the first distal end 431. The first protrusion 430 and the first beam extend radially from the main body 428. The first beam has rounded edges and is defined by flat and rounded surfaces, with the rounded surfaces facing the third and fourth directions 712, 714. For example, the first projection 430 includes a ninth surface 730, a tenth surface 732, and an eleventh surface 734. The ninth surface 730, the tenth surface 732, and the eleventh surface 734 define the shape of the first beam.A curved surface determines the shape of the first distal end 431 of the first protrusion 430. The ninth surface 730 is part of the first side 702 of the carrier, and the ninth surface 730 is approximately flat and normal to the first axis 204. The tenth surface 732 and the eleventh surface 734 may be a first rounded surface and a second rounded surface for the first protrusion 430, respectively. The tenth surface 732 and the eleventh surface 734 may be continuous and connected to the ninth surface 730. The tenth surface 732 may be transverse to and opposite the eleventh surface 734 with respect to the ninth surface 730. The tenth surface 732 and the eleventh surface 734 may curve around the first protrusion 430 such that the first protrusion 430 is rounded. The tenth surface 732 and the eleventh surface 734 may be adjacent to and connected to a surface of the first protrusion 430 opposite the ninth surface 730. The ninth surface 730 may have an irregular shape.A first recess 742 of the first protrusion 430 forms a curved depression in the ninth surface 730. The first support 432 may be connected or physically coupled to the first recess 742. The first support 432 may be lifted outward from the first recess 742, e.g., in the first direction 706 from the first recess 742.

[0091] The second protrusion 434a may be a composite shape consisting of a variety of regular and irregular shapes. For example, the second protrusion 434a may have rounded edges and curve outward in the fourth direction 714. As an arm, the second protrusion 434a may include a second beam. The second beam has rounded edges and is characterized by both flat and rounded surfaces. The second protrusion 434a curves toward the third direction 712 and downward relative to the z-axis of the reference axes 301.

[0092] The second protrusion 434a includes a twelfth surface 736a, a thirteenth surface 738a, a fourteenth surface 740a, and an eighteenth surface 741a. The twelfth surface 736a, the thirteenth surface 738a, and the fourteenth surface 740a may determine the shape of the second beam. The twelfth surface 736a is part of the first side 702 of the beam and is approximately flat and normal to the first axis 204. The thirteenth surface 738a and the fourteenth surface 740a may be rounded surfaces connected to the twelfth surface 736a. The thirteenth surface 738a may be a first rounded surface and the fourteenth surface 740a may be a second rounded surface for the second protrusion 434a. The thirteenth surface 738a may be opposite the fourteenth surface 740a transversely and with respect to the twelfth surface 736a. The thirteenth surface 738a may be curved with a curvature of the first radius 772.The fourteenth surface 740a may extend approximately tangentially from the main body 428. The thirteenth surface 738a and the fourteenth surface 740a may curve around the second protrusion 434a and be connected to a surface of the second protrusion 434a on the second side 704. The thirteenth surface 738a may curve outward and downward from the seventh surface 727 to the eighteenth surface 741a. The fourteenth surface 740a may curve outward and downward from the first surface 718 to the eighteenth surface 741a. The thirteenth surface 738a and the fourteenth surface 740a may be connected and continuous with the eighteenth surface 741a. The eighteenth surface 741a may curve around the second distal end 435a of the second protrusion 434a. The eighteenth surface 741a may be curved elliptically, e.g., circularly, giving the second distal end 435a a partially cylindrical shape.

[0093] The twelfth surface 736a may have an irregular shape. A second recess 744 of the first protrusion 430 forms a curved depression of the twelfth surface 736a. The second support 436a may be connected or physically coupled to the second recess 744. The second support 436a may be lifted outward from the second recess 744, e.g., in the first direction 706 from the second recess 744. The eighteenth surface 741a may be connected to and adjacent to the second recess 744.

[0094] The third protrusion 434b may be a composite shape consisting of a plurality of regular and irregular shapes. For example, the third protrusion 434b has rounded edges and may bulge outward in the fourth direction 714. As an arm, the third protrusion 434b may comprise a third beam. The shape of the third beam is determined by flat and rounded surfaces. For example, the third protrusion 434b has a side facing the third direction 712 and an opposite side facing the fourth direction 714, which are rounded.

[0095] The third protrusion 434b includes a fifteenth surface 736b, a sixteenth surface 738b, a seventeenth surface 740b, and a nineteenth surface 741b. The fifteenth surface 736b, the sixteenth surface 738b, and the seventeenth surface 740b determine the shape of the beam. The fifteenth surface 736b is part of the first side 702 of the beam and is approximately flat and normal to the first axis 204. The sixteenth surface 738b and the seventeenth surface 740b may be rounded surfaces that adjoin and connect to the fifteenth surface 736b. The sixteenth surface 738b may be a first rounded surface and the seventeenth surface 740b may be a second rounded surface for the third protrusion 434b. The sixteenth surface 738b may be opposite the seventeenth surface 740b and relative to the fifteenth surface 736b. The sixteenth surface 738b may curve with a curvature of the second radius 774.The seventeenth surface 740b may extend approximately tangentially to the main body 428. The sixteenth surface 738b and the seventeenth surface 740b may curve around the third protrusion 434b and be connected to a surface of the third protrusion 434b that is part of the second side 704. The sixteenth surface 738b may curve outward and upward from the eighth surface 729 to the nineteenth surface 741b. The seventeenth surface 740b may curve outward and upward from the first surface 718 to the nineteenth surface 741b. The sixteenth surface 738b and the seventeenth surface 740b may be connected and continuous with the nineteenth surface 741b. The nineteenth surface 741b may curve around the third distal end 435b of the third protrusion 434b. The nineteenth surface 741b may have a partially elliptical shape, such as a partial ring, giving the third distal end 435b a partially cylindrical shape.

[0096] The fifteenth surface 736b may have an irregular shape. A third recess 746 of the third protrusion 434b forms a curved depression in the fifteenth surface 736b. The third support 436b may be connected or physically coupled to the third recess 746. The third support 436b may be lifted outward from the third recess 746, e.g., in the first direction 706 from the third recess 746. The nineteenth surface 741b may be connected to and adjacent to the third recess 746.

[0097] The fifth view 700 shows that the carrier 330 may have a first fit 750 and a second fit 552a in addition to the fit 552b. The first seat 750 is complementary to the first protrusion 430, wherein the first protrusion 430 and the first retainer 432 may comprise the first fit 750. Likewise, the second fit 552a is complementary to the second protrusion 434a, wherein the second protrusion 434a and the second retainer 436a may comprise the second fit 552a. The fit 552b may be referred to herein as the third fit 552b. The first fit 750 and the second fit 552a may be through-holes. The first retainer 432 may be a first protrusion having a surface 752 extending radially from the first fit 750. The second retainer 436a may be a second projection having a surface 754 extending radially from the second fit 552a.The third retainer 436b may be a second protrusion having a surface 756 extending radially from the third fit 552b. The surface 752, the surface 754, and the surface 756 may have circular or partially circular edges and may be perpendicular to the first axis 204.

[0098] The carrier 330 may include a first bevel 758 connecting the first surface 718 to the twelfth surface 736a. Likewise, the carrier 330 may include a second bevel 760 connecting the first surface 718 to the thirteenth surface 738a. The first bevel 758 and the second bevel 760 may descend longitudinally from the first surface 718 toward the second side 704. The main body 428 has a first rounded edge 762 and a second rounded edge 764. The first rounded edge 762 connects the first surface 718 to the second surface 720, with the first surface 718 and the second surface 720 each continuously connected to the first rounded edge 762. Likewise, the second rounded edge 764 may connect the first surface 718 to one or more surfaces of the second side 704, for example, to one or more surfaces of the cutout 642. The second rounded edge 764 is continuous with the first surface 718.The second protrusion 434a includes a third rounded edge 766 connecting the twelfth surface 736a to the thirteenth surface 738a. The third rounded edge 766 may extend outward toward and curl around the second distal end 435a of the second protrusion 434a. The third protrusion 434b includes a fourth rounded edge 768 connecting the fifteenth surface 736b and the sixteenth surface 738b. The fourth rounded edge 768 may extend outward toward and curl around the third distal end 435b of the third protrusion 434b.

[0099] The first protrusion 430 may have a first width 780. The second protrusion 434a may have a second width 782. The third protrusion 434b may have a third width 784. The first width 780, the second width 782, and the third width 784 may be variable and change outward from the main body 428. For example, the first protrusion 430 tapers so that the first width 780 decreases toward the first distal end 431. The second protrusion 434a tapers so that the second width 782 decreases toward the second distal end 435a. The third protrusion 434b tapers so that the third width 784 decreases toward the third distal end 435b. The second width 782 may be greatest at the first slope 758. The third width 784 may be greatest at the second slope 760. The first width 780 may be greatest at the first distal end 431 of Fig. 4 to a vanishingly small distance. The second width 782 and the third width 784 may decrease to vanishingly small distances at the second distal end 435a and the third distal end 435b, respectively. The second width 782 and the third width 784 may decrease to vanishingly small distances at the curve of the eighteenth surface 741a and the curve of the nineteenth surface 741b, respectively. The curved surface of the first distal end 431 is partially elliptically curved and may be partially circular. Due to the curved surface, the first distal end 431 may have a partially cylindrical shape. The curved surface may be approximately symmetrical to the eighteenth surface 741a and the nineteenth surface 741b.

[0100] It goes without saying that the carrier 330 may have further projections in addition to the first projection 430, the second projection 434a, and the third projection 434b, for example, a fourth projection. It goes without saying that the carrier 330 may have further mounts in addition to the first mount 432, the second mount 436a, and the third mount 436b, for example, a fourth mount.

[0101] The second protrusion 434a may extend from the main body 428 at a first angle 776. The second protrusion 434a may be curved as it extends outward, with the curvature having a first radius 772. The second protrusion 434a may extend outward from the curvature at a second angle 778. The curvature of the first radius 772 may cause the second protrusion 434a to gradually form an angle and extend from a more radial direction farther outward from the main body 428 and closer to the second distal end 435a to a more tangential direction. The second protrusion 434a extends more radially from the first angle 776 and more tangentially from the second angle 778 relative to the main body 428.

[0102] Likewise, the third protrusion 434b may extend from the main body 428 at a third angle 786. The third protrusion 434b may be curved as it extends outward, with the curvature having a second radius 774. The third protrusion 434b may extend outward from the curvature at a fourth angle 788. The curvature of the second radius 774 may cause the third protrusion 434b to gradually form an angle, extending from a more radial direction farther outward from the main body 428 and closer to the third distal end 435b to a more tangential direction. The third protrusion 434b extends more radially from the third angle 786 and more tangentially from the fourth angle 788 relative to the main body 428.

[0103] Fig. 8 shows a sixth view 800 of the gear train 314 and the rotor assembly 526. The sixth view 800 is a side view in which the viewing plane is perpendicular to the y-axis of the reference axes 301, the first axis 204 and the second axis 206.

[0104] The sixth view 800 shows a first fastening element 842, a second fastening element 844, and a third fastening element 846, which are adapted to be received by and passed through the carrier 330. The first fastening element 842, the second fastening element 844, and the third fastening element 846 can fasten the carrier 330 to a complementary structure through which the fastening elements 842, 844, 846 can be passed. The fastening elements 842, 844, 846 can fasten the carrier 330 to the second housing 318 and in particular to the platform 422 of the Fig. 3-4. The first fastener 842 can be received by and extended through the first bracket 432 via the first fit 750. The second fastener 844 can be received by and extended through the second bracket 436a via the second fit 552a. The third fastener 846 can be received by and extend through the third bracket 436b via the third fit 552b. The first fastener 842, the second fastener 844, and the third fastener 846 include fastener heads and can be screws. A first head of the first fastener 842 can abut and press against the surface 752, e.g., when received by the first bracket 432. A second head of the second fastener 844 can abut and press against the surface 754, e.g., when received by the second bracket 436a.A third head of the second fastener 844 may engage and press against the surface 756, e.g., when received by the third retainer 436b. The first fastener 842, the second fastener 844, and the third fastener 846 may be symmetrical.

[0105] The carrier 330 may have a first diameter 852 that extends between opposite sides of a circle 856, referred to herein as the carrier diameter 852. The carrier diameter 852 and the circle 856 may be located within the supports of the carrier 330, including the first support 432, the second support 436a, and the third support 436b. In other words, the supports of the carrier 330, including the first support 432, the second support 436a, and the third support 436b, may touch the carrier diameter 852 and the circle 856 or may be outside of them. The carrier diameter 852 is spaced a greater distance apart than a second diameter 854 of the fourth gear 338, referred to herein as the output gear diameter 854.The output gear diameter 854 is a maximum outer diameter for the fourth gear 338, where the output gear diameter 854 includes the actual tooth thickness of the fourth teeth 578. In other words, the diameter of the output gear 854 extends beyond a wider circle that touches the outermost tips of the fourth teeth 578. The supports and their respective distal ends of the carrier 330 may be arranged outside the diameter of the output gear 854, e.g., if the diameters of the carrier 330 and the output gear 854 are coaxial. Arranging the supports of the carrier 330, e.g., the first support 432, the second support 436a, and the third support 436b, outside the output gear diameter 854 may allow the gear train 314 and the carrier 330 to be physically connected to the housing as a single unit.For example, the carrier 330 may be secured to the housing via a plurality of complementary fasteners received by the first bracket 432, the second bracket 436a, and the third bracket 436b. The complementary fasteners on the carrier 330 may include the first fastener 842, the second fastener 844, and the third fastener 846. The fasteners may extend through the first bracket 432, the second bracket 436a, and the third bracket 436b and may be received and secured by fittings, such as holes, of the second housing 318. The fittings of the second housing 318 may include fasteners, such as threads, that can engage the complementary fasteners of the carrier 330. By attaching the fasteners to the fittings of the housing, the carrier 330 may be secured to the housing.The arrangement of the brackets of the carrier 330 outside the output gear diameter 854 may allow fasteners complementary to the brackets, such as the first fastener 842, the second fastener 844, and the third fastener 846, to be received and removed from the first bracket 432, the second bracket 436a, and the third bracket 436b without having to remove the fourth gear 338 or other rotating elements of the gear train 314. The gear train 314 and the carrier 330 may be removed as a unit from the second housing 318 by removing the fasteners 842, 844, 846 from the carrier 330.

[0106] The arrangement of the brackets and the distal ends of the carrier 330 and their complementary distal ends may allow the gear train 314 to be removed from the housing without disassembly, except for the fastening elements of the carrier 330, such as the first fastening element 842, the second fastening element 844, and the third fastening element 846. The fourth gear 338 may be the gear with the largest diameter (e.g., the largest gear) among the gears of the gear train 314 that is arranged coaxially with the carrier 330. In other examples, the diameter of the carrier 852 may be larger than the diameter of the largest gear of the gears that coaxially share a common axis with the carrier 330 of the gear train 314.

[0107] Fig. 9 shows a seventh view 900 of the assembly 302. The seventh view 900 is a sectional view in which the assembly 302 is cut by a view plane parallel to a plane formed by the y-axis and the z-axis of the reference axes 301. The seventh view 900 is taken in a view plane perpendicular to the second view 400 of Fig. 4 stands.

[0108] The seventh view 900 shows that the fifth bearing assembly 660 may be attached to the mounted carrier 364. The mounted carrier 364 may radially curve around the fifth bearing assembly 660. The second gear 334 may be centered about the second axis 206 via the mounted carrier 364, e.g., when the second gear 334 is received by the fifth bearing assembly 660 and the bearing assembly is received and secured on the mounted carrier 364. Likewise, the mounted carrier 364 supports the second gear 334 and the third gear 336, so that the second gear 334 and the third gear 336 may be coaxial and centered about the second axis 206.

[0109] The seventh view 900 shows a stator 940 and a plurality of windings 942 that can carry a current and generate electromagnetic forces to drive the electric machine 312. The electromagnetic forces of the windings 942 can cause the rotor assembly 526 to rotate radially about the first axis 204, thereby generating torque and power flow that is transferred to the gear train 314. The stator 940 and the rotor assembly 526 can be housed and enclosed in the first housing 316 and the second housing 318. The stator 940 can be positioned around the rotor assembly 526, e.g., around the rotor assembly 526. A portion of the windings 942 can be housed in the second housing 318, and the portion of the windings 942 can be covered and separated from the gear train 314 via the platform 422. A portion of the windings 942 may be housed in the housing and extend through the stator 940, e.g.through a plurality of passages and cavities arranged radially in the stator 940.

[0110] In this way, the disclosed system provides a system comprising a carrier that can be attached to a housing of an electrical machine assembly and supports an output gear to a gear train such that the input gear is coaxial with an output gear and / or an output shaft of the gear train. The gear train is equipped with a countershaft. An input gear of the gear train and the output gear are not rigidly coupled, e.g., meshing with the gear train and supported via the carrier. The carrier comprises a main body and a plurality of projections, wherein the plurality of projections comprise a plurality of supports. The projections can be arms. The main body includes a cavity, e.g., a cutout, extending from outer surfaces to inner surfaces of the cutout. The main body also includes an opening.The main body can be positioned around the input gear so that the input gear is received by the opening. Likewise, a bearing capable of supporting the output gear can be housed in the housing and supported by the main body, the bearing being received by the opening. And the input gear can mesh with the first gear via the cutout. The plurality of projections extend outwardly from the annular portion. The brackets can receive fasteners and are fixed to the housing. Each of the brackets is connected to at least one of the projections. The brackets are arranged on at least a circle having a first diameter. The output gear can have a second diameter smaller than the first diameter. The brackets can be positioned therein outside the second diameter.The supports may be physically connected to or partially encompass the distal ends of the projections.

[0111] The disclosure also provides a support for a system comprising an electric motor having an electric motor output shaft, a gear train having an input gear coupled to a first gear disposed on a countershaft, and further comprising a second gear disposed on the countershaft and coupled to an output gear, the input gear further coupled to the electric motor output shaft and the output gear coupled to a gear train output shaft, and a support physically coupled to a housing of the electric motor, the support configured to support a first bearing coupled to the input gear and a second bearing coupled to the output gear. In a first example of the system, the support comprises a plurality of protrusions extending to a location radially outward of the output gear.In a second example of the system, optionally including the first example, each of the plurality of protrusions includes a through-hole for receiving a fastener configured to engage the housing of the electric motor. In a third example of the system, optionally including one or both of the first and second examples, the support includes a cutout, wherein the input gear and the first gear mesh at the cutout. In a fourth example of the system, optionally including one or more or each of the first to third examples, the electric motor output shaft and the gear train output shaft are coaxial and configured to rotate about a common axis. In a fifth example of the system, optionally including one or more or each of the first to fourth examples, the countershaft is arranged parallel to the electric motor output shaft and the gear train output shaft.In a sixth example of the system, optionally including one or more or each of the first to fifth examples, the support and the gear train are disposed within a gear train housing. In a seventh example of the system, optionally including one or more or each of the first to sixth examples, the gear train housing is physically connected to the electric motor housing. In an eighth example of the system, optionally including one or more or each of the first to seventh examples, the electric motor output shaft is spaced from the gear train output shaft.

[0112] The disclosure also provides a support for a system comprising a bracket having a main body from which a plurality of arms extend outward relative to a central axis of the bracket, the main body further comprising an opening configured to be coupled to an input gear bearing and an output gear bearing of a gear train. In a first example of the system, the main body includes a cutout between adjacent arms of the bracket. In a second example of the system, optionally including the first example, the plurality of arms extend to a position radially outward of an output gear. In a third example of the system, optionally including one or both of the first and second examples, the bracket is physically connected to a housing of a prime mover via fasteners extending through through holes of the plurality of arms.In a fourth example of the system, optionally comprising one or more or each of the first to third examples, the plurality of arms extend at an angle from the main body in a direction away from a rotational axis of a drive. In a fifth example of the system, optionally comprising one or more or each of the first to fourth examples, the opening comprises a plurality of diameters.

[0113] The disclosure also provides a support for a system comprising a bracket disposed within a gear train housing and physically coupled to an electric motor housing, the bracket including an opening in surface contact with an input gear bearing and an output gear bearing. In a first example of the system, the bracket includes a plurality of arms extending from the opening to a location radially outward of an output gear, the plurality of arms including through-holes configured to receive a plurality of fasteners. In a second example of the system, optionally including the first example, the bracket includes a cutout adjacent an input gear, wherein a gear of a countershaft engages the input gear at the cutout.In a third example of the system, optionally including one or both of the first and second examples, the support is made of a single piece. In a fourth example of the system, optionally including one or more or each of the first to third examples, the support extends from the housing of the electric motor across the entirety of a portion of an electric motor output shaft extending into the housing of the gear train and to a portion of a gear train output gear shaft.

[0114] Although various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that these are only examples and not limitations. 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, the configurations and routines disclosed herein are exemplary, and the specific examples are not to be considered 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 prime movers, internal combustion engines, and / or transmissions.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.

[0115] It should be understood that the configurations and routines disclosed herein are exemplary in nature, and that these specific embodiments are not intended to be limiting, as numerous variations are possible. Unless expressly stated otherwise, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are not intended to denote any order, position, quantity, or importance, but are used merely to distinguish the individual elements. 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 characteristics disclosed herein.

[0116] 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.

Claims

[1] System comprising: an electric motor including an electric motor output shaft; a gear train comprising an input gear coupled to a first gear disposed on a countershaft, and further comprising a second gear disposed on the countershaft and coupled to an output gear, the input gear further coupled to the electric motor output shaft, and the output gear coupled to an output shaft of the gear train; and a carrier physically coupled to a housing of the electric motor, the carrier configured to support a bearing coupled to the output gear. [2] The system of claim 1, wherein the carrier includes a plurality of projections extending to a location radially outward of the output gear. [3] The system of claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of projections includes a through hole for receiving a fastener configured to engage the housing of the electric motor. [4] A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the carrier has a recess and wherein the input gear and the first gear mesh at the recess. [5] A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the electric motor output shaft and the gear train output shaft are coaxial and arranged to rotate about the same axis. [6] A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the countershaft is parallel to the electric motor output shaft and the output shaft of the gear train. [7] A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the carrier and the gear train are arranged in a gear train housing. [8] The system of claim 7, wherein the gear train housing is physically coupled to the housing of the electric motor. [9] A system according to any preceding claim, wherein the electric motor output shaft is spaced from the output shaft of the gear train.

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