Gearbox for an electric mining vehicle

Abstract

A gearbox 100 for an electric mining vehicle 200 is provided. The gearbox 100 comprises primary 110 and secondary 120 input shafts and an output shaft 130. This allows a gearshift in powershift functionality to be made on the primary input shaft 110 by driving the output shaft 130 using the secondary input shaft 120. A gearshift is made on the primary input shaft 110 by releasing a first input cogwheel 111 from the primary input shaft 110, adapting the rpm of the primary input shaft 110 to the rpm of a second input cogwheel 112 on the primary input shaft 110, and fixedly connecting the second input cogwheel 112 to the primary input shaft 110. Correspondingly, a gearshift in powershift functionality can be made on the secondary input shaft 120 by driving the output shaft 130 using the primary input shaft 110. Also provided is a method 400 for effecting a gearshift in an electric mining vehicle 200.

Description

[0001] GEARBOX FOR AN ELECTRIC MINING VEHICLE

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to gearboxes for electric mining vehicles, and methods for effecting gearshifts in electric mining vehicles comprising such gearboxes. The disclosed arrangements and methods may for example be used in mine trucks and mine loaders.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] For work in underground environments, there is a shift to electrically powered machines and vehicles, to reduce general emissions, but also to improve the working environment in the mines. With electric machines, there will be less exhaust gas in the mine tunnels, which provides a better working environment, and also places lower demands on the capacity of the ventilation.

[0006] PROBLEMS WITH THE PRIOR ART

[0007] In order to optimize the speed and power of an electric driveline of a large electric vehicle, such as e.g. a mine truck or a mine loader, a gear change is sometimes desirable. A mine loader may e.g. need high power for digging, but a higher gear for tramming. A gear change may be used to optimize for both situations. However, a gear change shift with powershift functionality typically requires friction couplings, leading to a complex and expensive solution.

[0008] There is thus a need for arrangements and methods for effecting gearshifts in electric mining vehicles.

[0009] SUMMARY

[0010] The above-described problem is addressed by the claimed gearbox, comprising primary and secondary input shafts and an output shaft. The claimed gearbox provides powershift functionality, i.e. the possibility to switch gear under power, without the need for friction couplings. This allows a gearshift to be effected on the primary input shaft by driving the output shaft using the secondary input shaft, and changing the gear on the primary input shaft by releasing a first primary input cogwheel from the primary input shaft, adapting the rpm of the primary input shaft to the rpm of a second primary input cogwheel on the first primary shaft, and fixedly connecting the second primary input cogwheel to the primary input shaft. This is a simple and robust way of effecting a gearshift in an electric mining vehicle.

[0011] This also allows a gearshift to be effected on the secondary input shaft by driving the output shaft using the primary input shaft, and changing the gear on the secondary input shaft by releasing a first secondary input cogwheel from the secondary input shaft, adapting the rpm of the secondary input shaft to the rpm of a second secondary input cogwheel on the first secondary shaft, and fixedly connecting the second secondary input cogwheel to the secondary input shaft. This is a simple and robust way of effecting a gearshift in an electric mining vehicle.

[0012] In embodiments, first and second primary input cogwheels are rotatably arranged around the primary input shaft, in such a way that it is only possible to fixedly connect one of the primary input cogwheels around the primary input shaft at any given time. This is a simple yet robust arrangement for gearshifts in an electric mining vehicle.

[0013] In embodiments, first and second secondary input cogwheels are rotatably arranged around the secondary input shaft, in such a way that it is only possible to fixedly connect one of the secondary input cogwheels around the secondary input shaft at any given time. This is a simple yet robust arrangement for gearshifts in an electric mining vehicle.

[0014] In embodiments, the gearbox is arranged to effect a gearshift on the primary input shaft by: driving the output shaft using the primary input shaft and the secondary input shaft; releasing the primary input cogwheel that is fixedly connected to the primary input shaft; adapting the rpm of the primary input shaft to the rpm of the other primary input cogwheel, while still driving the output shaft using the secondary input shaft; and fixedly connecting the other primary input cogwheel to the primary input shaft. This is a simple and robust way of effecting a gearshift in an electric mining vehicle.

[0015] In embodiments, the gearbox is arranged to effect a gearshift on the secondary input shaft by: driving the output shaft using the primary input shaft and the secondary input shaft; releasing the secondary input cogwheel that is fixedly connected to the secondary input shaft; adapting the rpm of the secondary input shaft to the rpm of the other secondary input cogwheel while driving the output shaft using the primary input shaft; and fixedly connecting the other secondary input cogwheel to the secondary input shaft. This is a simple and robust way of effecting a gearshift in an electric mining vehicle.

[0016] In embodiments, the gearbox comprises a primary layshaft, arranged to drive the output shaft from the primary input shaft, and a secondary layshaft, arranged to drive the output shaft from the secondary input shaft. The use of layshafts enables the rotation direction of the output shaft to be the same as the rotation direction of the input shafts.

[0017] In embodiments, the gearbox comprises first and second primary input linking cogwheels, and a primary output linking cogwheel, fixedly arranged around the primary layshaft. This is a simple yet robust arrangement in the use of layshafts for gearshifts in an electric mining vehicle.

[0018] In embodiments, the gearbox comprises first and second secondary input linking cogwheels, and a secondary output linking cogwheel, fixedly arranged around the secondary layshaft. This is a simple yet robust arrangement in the use of layshafts for gearshifts in an electric mining vehicle.

[0019] In embodiments, the cogs of the first primary input cogwheel are connected to the first primary input linking cogwheel, and the cogs of the second primary input cogwheel are connected to the second primary input linking cogwheel. This is a simple yet robust arrangement in the use of layshafts for gearshifts in an electric mining vehicle.

[0020] In embodiments, the cogs of the first secondary input cogwheel are connected to the first secondary input linking cogwheel, and the cogs of the second secondary input cogwheel are connected to the second secondary input linking cogwheel. This is a simple yet robust arrangement in the use of layshafts for gearshifts in an electric mining vehicle.

[0021] In embodiments, an output cogwheel is fixedly arranged around the output shaft. This is a simple yet robust arrangement for gearshifts in an electric mining vehicle.

[0022] In embodiments, the cogs of the output cogwheel are connected to the primary output linking cogwheel and the secondary output linking cogwheel. This is a simple yet robust arrangement in the use of layshafts for gearshifts in an electric mining vehicle. In embodiments, the gearbox further comprises a primary collar arrangement, which is arranged around the primary input shaft. The primary collar arrangement is preferably arranged to fixedly connect either the first primary input cogwheel or the second primary input cogwheel to the primary input shaft. This is a simple yet robust arrangement for gearshifts in an electric mining vehicle.

[0023] In embodiments, the gearbox further comprises a secondary collar arrangement, which is arranged around the secondary input shaft. The secondary collar arrangement is preferably arranged to fixedly connect either the first secondary input cogwheel or the second secondary input cogwheel to the secondary input shaft. This is a simple yet robust arrangement for gearshifts in an electric mining vehicle.

[0024] In embodiments, the primary collar arrangement is arranged to be moved using a primary collar arm, and the secondary collar arrangement is arranged to be moved using a secondary collar arm. The collar arms may e.g. be shift forks. This is a simple yet robust arrangement for gearshifts in an electric mining vehicle.

[0025] The above-described problem is further addressed by the claimed method for effecting a gearshift in an electric mining vehicle comprising a gearbox comprising primary and secondary input shafts and an output shaft. The method preferably comprises driving the output shaft using the primary input shaft and the secondary input shaft. A gearshift on the primary input shaft is effected by: releasing a first primary input cogwheel from the primary input shaft; adapting the rpm of the primary input shaft to the rpm of a second primary input cogwheel while driving the output shaft using the secondary input shaft; and fixedly connecting the second primary input cogwheel to the primary input shaft. A gearshift on the secondary input shaft is effected by: releasing a first secondary input cogwheel from the secondary input shaft; adapting the rpm of the secondary input shaft to the rpm of a second secondary input cogwheel while driving the output shaft using the primary input shaft; and fixedly connecting the second secondary input cogwheel to the secondary input shaft.

[0026] The claimed method provides powershift functionality, i.e. the possibility to switch gear under power, without the need for friction couplings. This is possible because there is no load on the input shaft where the gearshift is to be effected, and the couplings to this input shaft, which during use are fixedly connected to the input shaft, can therefore be released from the input shaft, to enable a switching between cogwheels of different diameters on the input shaft.

[0027] In embodiments, the driving of the output shaft using the primary input shaft and the secondary input shaft is effected via a primary layshaft and a secondary layshaft, wherein: the cogs of the first primary input cogwheel are connected to a first primary input linking cogwheel, and the cogs of the second primary input cogwheel are connected to a second primary input linking cogwheel, where the first and the second primary input linking cogwheels are both fixedly arranged around the primary layshaft; and the cogs of the first secondary input cogwheel are connected to a first secondary input linking cogwheel, and the cogs of the second secondary input cogwheel are connected to a second secondary input linking cogwheel, where the first and the second secondary input linking cogwheels are both fixedly arranged around the secondary layshaft.

[0028] In embodiments, the driving of the output shaft via the primary layshaft is effected by the cogs of a primary output linking cogwheel being connected to an output cogwheel which is fixedly arranged around the output shaft, and the driving of the output shaft via the secondary layshaft is effected by the cogs of a secondary output linking cogwheel being connected to the output cogwheel.

[0029] In embodiments, the method further comprises fixedly connecting either the first primary input cogwheel or the second primary input cogwheel to the primary input shaft, using a primary collar arrangement arranged around the primary input shaft and fixedly connecting either the first secondary input cogwheel or the second secondary input cogwheel to the secondary input shaft, using a secondary collar arrangement arranged around the secondary input shaft.

[0030] In embodiments, the method further comprises arranging the primary collar arrangement to be moved using a primary collar arm, and the secondary collar arrangement to be moved using a secondary collar arm. The collar arms may e.g. be shift forks.

[0031] The above described problem is further addressed by the claimed use of the above described arrangement for effecting a gearshift in an electric mining vehicle, such as a mine truck or a mine loader. The above described problem is also addressed by the claimed electric mining vehicle. The electric mining vehicle preferably comprises the above described gearbox, a first electric motor, connected to the primary input shaft, and a second electric motor, connected to the secondary input shaft. The rpm of the primary input shaft is preferably arranged to be adapted by adapting the rpm of the first electric motor, and the rpm of the secondary input shaft is preferably arranged to be adapted by adapting the rpm of the second electric motor.

[0032] In embodiments, the electric mining vehicle further comprises a third electric motor, connected to the primary input shaft. The rpm of the primary input shaft is in this case arranged to be adapted by adapting the rpm of both the first electric motor and the third electric motor.

[0033] In embodiments, the electric mining vehicle further comprises a fourth electric motor, connected to the secondary input shaft. The rpm of the secondary input shaft is in this case arranged to be adapted by adapting the rpm of both the second electric motor and the fourth electric motor.

[0034] In embodiments, the electric mining vehicle is a mine loader.

[0035] In embodiments, the electric mining vehicle is a mine truck.

[0036] The term electric mining vehicle applies to surface mining, mining in underground environments and general work in mine-like underground environments.

[0037] The scope of the invention is defined by the claims, which are incorporated into this section by reference. A more complete understanding of embodiments of the invention will be afforded to those skilled in the art, as well as a realization of additional advantages thereof, by a consideration of the following detailed description of one or more embodiments. Reference will be made to the appended sheets of drawings that will first be described briefly.

[0038] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] Figs. 1a-f illustrate a gearbox for an electric mining vehicle, in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. Figs. 2a-b illustrates examples of electric mining vehicles, in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

[0040] Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a method for effecting a gearshift in an electric mining vehicle, in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

[0041] Embodiments of the present disclosure and their advantages are best understood by referring to the detailed description that follows. It should be appreciated that like reference numerals are used to identify like elements illustrated in one or more of the figures.

[0042] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0043] In order to optimize the speed and power of an electric driveline of a large electric vehicle, such as e.g. a mine truck or a mine loader, a gear change is sometimes desirable. A mine loader may e.g. need high power for digging, but a higher gear for tramming. A gear change may be used to optimize for both situations. However, a gear change shift with powershift functionality typically requires friction couplings, leading to a complex and expensive solution.

[0044] The present disclosure relates generally to gearboxes, and methods for effecting gearshifts, in an electric mining vehicle, such as e.g. a mine truck or a mine loader. The gearbox comprises two input shafts and one output shaft. In order to effect a gearshift on one input shaft, the output shaft is driven entirely using the other input shaft. There is then no load on the input shaft where the gearshift is to be effected, and the couplings to this input shaft, which during use are fixedly connected to the input shaft, can therefore be released and thereby disconnected from the input shaft, to enable a switching between cogwheels of different diameters on the input shaft. The arrangements and methods in this way provide powershift functionality, i.e. the possibility to switch gear under power, without the need for friction couplings. Embodiments of the disclosed solution are presented in more detail in connection with the figures.

[0045] Figs. 1a-f illustrate a gearbox 100 for an electric mining vehicle. The gearbox 100 comprises a primary input shaft 110, a secondary input shaft 120, and an output shaft 130. The illustrated gearbox 100 further comprises a primary layshaft 140, arranged between the primary input shaft 110 and the output shaft 130, and a secondary layshaft 150, arranged between the secondary input shaft 120 and the output shaft 130, but the gearbox 100 may also be arranged without any layshafts, with the input shafts 110, 120 directly driving the output shaft 130.

[0046] As illustrated in Figs. 1 a-f, first 111 and second 112 primary input cogwheels are rotatably arranged around the primary input shaft 110, in such a way that it is only possible to fixedly connect one of the primary input cogwheels 111 , 112 around the primary input shaft 110 at any given time. In the same way, first 121 and second 122 secondary input cogwheels are rotatably arranged around the secondary input shaft 120 in such a way that it is only possible to fixedly connect one of the secondary input cogwheels 121 , 122 around the secondary input shaft 120 at any given time. The first input cogwheels 111 , 121 may e.g. represent a low gear, and the second input cogwheels 112, 122 may e.g. represent a high gear. The first primary input cogwheel 111 would in this case typically have a larger diameter than the second primary input cogwheel 112, and the first secondary input cogwheel 121 would typically have a larger diameter than the second secondary input cogwheel 122.

[0047] In the illustrated gearbox 100, a first 141 and a second 142 primary input linking cogwheel, and a primary output linking cogwheel 143, are fixedly arranged around the primary layshaft 140. A first 151 and a second 152 secondary input linking cogwheel, and a secondary output linking cogwheel 143, are fixedly arranged around the secondary layshaft 150. An output cogwheel 133, the cogs of which are connected to the primary output linking cogwheel 143 and the secondary output linking cogwheel 153, is fixedly arranged around the output shaft 130. A first primary input cogwheel 111 , the cogs of which are connected to the first primary input linking cogwheel 141 , and a second primary input cogwheel 112, the cogs of which are connected to the second primary input linking cogwheel 142, are rotatably arranged around the primary input shaft 110, in such a way that it is only possible to fixedly connect one of the primary input cogwheels 111 , 112 around the primary input shaft 110 at any given time. A first secondary input cogwheel 121 , the cogs of which are connected to the first secondary input linking cogwheel 151 , and a second secondary input cogwheel 122, the cogs of which are connected to the second secondary input linking cogwheel 152, are rotatably arranged around the secondary input shaft 120, in such a way that it is only possible to fixedly connect one of the secondary input cogwheels 121 , 122 around the secondary input shaft 120 at any given time. The gearbox 100 is arranged to effect a gearshift on the primary input shaft 110 by: driving the output shaft 130 using the primary input shaft 110 and the secondary input shaft 120 (optionally via the primary layshaft 140 and the secondary layshaft 150); releasing the primary input cogwheel 111, 112 that is fixedly connected to the primary input shaft 110; adapting the rpm of the primary input shaft 110 to the rpm of the other primary input cogwheel 111, 112, while still driving the output shaft 130 using the secondary input shaft 120; and fixedly connecting the other primary input cogwheel 111 , 112 to the primary input shaft 110.

[0048] The gearbox 100 is arranged to effect a gearshift on the secondary input shaft 120 by: driving the output shaft 130 using the primary input shaft 110 and the secondary input shaft 120 (optionally via the primary layshaft 140 and the secondary layshaft 150); releasing the secondary input cogwheel 121, 122 that is fixedly connected to the secondary input shaft 120; adapting the rpm of the secondary input shaft 120 to the rpm of the other secondary input cogwheel 121, 122 while driving the output shaft 130 using the primary input shaft 110; and fixedly connecting the other secondary input cogwheel 121 , 122 to the secondary input shaft 120.

[0049] The disclosed gearbox 100 thus resembles a classic gearbox, but comprises two input shafts, instead of just one. In a classic gearbox, there is typically one input shaft, one layshaft and one output shaft. There is typically one input cogwheel on the input shaft, two output cogwheels on the output shaft, and three cogwheels on the layshaft, one input linking cogwheel and two output linking cogwheels. The output cogwheels on the output shaft are typically arranged in such a way that it is only possible to fixedly connect one of the output cogwheels around the output shaft at any given time.

[0050] In order to provide powershift functionality, i.e. the possibility to switch gear under power, the disclosed gearbox 100 comprises two input shafts (and optionally two layshafts). Further, the gearshifts are made on the input shafts, instead of on the output shaft. This allows a gearshift to be made on a first input shaft by driving the output shaft using the second input shaft (optionally via the layshaft), and changing the gear on the first input shaft by releasing the first input cogwheel from the first input shaft, adapting the rpm of the first input shaft to the rpm of the second input cogwheel on the first input shaft, and fixedly connecting the second input cogwheel to the first input shaft. Thus, a gearshift in powershift functionality may be made on the primary input shaft 110 by driving the output shaft 130 using the secondary input shaft 120 (optionally via the secondary layshaft 150). A gearshift is made on the primary input shaft 110 by releasing the first primary input linking cogwheel 111 from the primary input shaft 110, adapting the rpm of the primary input shaft 110 to the rpm of a second primary input cogwheel 112 on the primary input shaft 110, and fixedly connecting the second primary input cogwheel 112 to the primary input shaft 110.

[0051] In the same way, a gearshift in powershift functionality may be made on the secondary input shaft 120 by driving the output shaft 130 using the primary input shaft 110 (via the primary layshaft 140). A gearshift is made on the secondary input shaft 120 by releasing the first secondary input linking cogwheel 121 from the secondary input shaft 120, adapting the rpm of the secondary input shaft 120 to the rpm of a second secondary input cogwheel 122 on the secondary input shaft 120, and fixedly connecting the second secondary input cogwheel 122 to the secondary input shaft 120.

[0052] As illustrated in Figs. 1c-d, the gearbox 100 may in embodiments comprise a primary collar arrangement 115, which is arranged around the primary input shaft 110. The primary collar arrangement 115 is in this case preferably arranged to fixedly connect either the first primary input cogwheel 111 or the second primary input cogwheel 112 to the primary input shaft 110. The primary collar arrangement 115 is in embodiments arranged to be moved using a primary collar arm 118, e.g. in the form or a shift fork.

[0053] As illustrated in Figs. 1 e-f, the gearbox 100 may in embodiments comprise a secondary collar arrangement 125, which is arranged around the secondary input shaft 120. The secondary collar arrangement 125 is in this case preferably arranged to fixedly connect either the first secondary input cogwheel 121 or the second secondary input cogwheel 122 to the secondary input shaft 120. The secondary collar arrangement 125 is in embodiments arranged to be moved using a secondary collar arm 128, e.g. in the form or a shift fork.

[0054] The illustrated gearbox 100 is an Automatic Mechanical Transmission (AMT) gearbox with integrated drop box. It has three electric motors 210, 220, 230 connected to the input shafts, but only two electric motors 210, 220 are necessary. However, up to four electric motors, two for each input shaft, may be used in order to provide more power to the electric mining vehicle 200. The illustrated gearbox 100 can be driven in both directions at full speed, which beneficial for a mine truck, especially for automation applications.

[0055] Figs. 2a-b illustrates examples of electric mining vehicles 200 comprising the above described gearbox 100, a first electric motor 210, connected to the primary input shaft 110, and a second electric motor 220, connected to the secondary input shaft 120. Fig. 2a illustrates a mine loader and Fig. 2b illustrates a mine truck. The rpm of the primary input shaft 110 is arranged to be adapted by adapting the rpm of the first electric motor 210, and the rpm of the secondary input shaft 120 is arranged to be adapted by adapting the rpm of the second electric motor 220. The electric mining vehicle 200 may also comprise a third electric motor 230, connected to the primary input shaft 110, in which case the rpm of the primary input shaft 110 is arranged to be adapted by adapting the rpm of both the first electric motor 210 and the third electric motor 230. The electric mining vehicle 200 may also comprise a fourth electric motor, connected to the secondary input shaft 220, in which case the rpm of the secondary input shaft 120 is arranged to be adapted by adapting the rpm of both the second electric motor 220 and the fourth electric motor.

[0056] Fig. 3 schematically illustrates method for effecting a gearshift in an electric mining vehicle 200 comprising a gearbox 100 comprising a comprising primary 110 and secondary 120 input shafts and an output shaft 130. The method 300 preferably comprises:

[0057] Step 320: driving the output shaft 130 using the primary input shaft 110 and the secondary input shaft 120.

[0058] Step 330: effecting a gearshift on the primary input shaft 110.

[0059] Step 340: releasing a first primary input cogwheel 111 from the primary input shaft 110.

[0060] Step 345: adapting the rpm of the primary input shaft 110 to the rpm of a second primary input cogwheel 112 while driving the output shaft 130 using the secondary input shaft 120.

[0061] Step 350: fixedly connecting the second primary input cogwheel 112 to the primary input shaft 110.

[0062] Step 360: effecting a gearshift on the secondary input shaft 120. Step 370: releasing a first secondary input cogwheel 121 from the secondary input shaft 120.

[0063] Step 375: adapting the rpm of the secondary input shaft 120 to the rpm of a second secondary input cogwheel 122 while driving the output shaft 130 using the primary input shaft 110.

[0064] Step 380: fixedly connecting the second secondary input cogwheel 122 to the secondary input shaft 120.

[0065] The claimed method 300 provides powershift functionality, i.e. the possibility to switch gear under power, without the need for friction couplings. This is possible because there is no load on the input shaft where the gearshift is to be effected, and the couplings to this input shaft, which during use are fixedly connected to the input shaft, can therefore be released from the input shaft, to enable a switching between cogwheels of different diameters on the input shaft.

[0066] In embodiments, the driving 320 of the output shaft 130 using the primary input shaft 110 and the secondary input shaft 120 is effected via a primary layshaft 140 and a secondary layshaft 150, wherein the cogs of the first primary input cogwheel 111 are connected to a first primary input linking cogwheel 141 , and the cogs of the second primary input cogwheel 112 are connected to a second primary input linking cogwheel 142, where the first 141 and the second 142 primary input linking cogwheels are both fixedly arranged around the primary layshaft 140; and the cogs of the first secondary input cogwheel 121 are connected to a first secondary input linking cogwheel 151 , and the cogs of the second secondary input cogwheel 122 are connected to a second secondary input linking cogwheel 152, where the first 151 and the second 152 secondary input linking cogwheels are both fixedly arranged around the secondary layshaft 150.

[0067] In embodiments, the driving 320 of the output shaft 130 via the primary layshaft 140 is effected by the cogs of a primary output linking cogwheel 143 being connected to an output cogwheel 133 which is fixedly arranged around the output shaft 130, and the driving 320 of the output shaft 130 via the secondary layshaft 150 is effected by the cogs of a secondary output linking cogwheel 143 being connected to the output cogwheel 133.

[0068] The method 300 may further comprise one or more of: Step 310: fixedly connecting either the first primary input cogwheel 111 or the second primary input cogwheel 112 to the primary input shaft 110, using a primary collar arrangement 115 arranged around the primary input shaft 110.

[0069] Step 315: fixedly connecting either the first secondary input cogwheel 121 or the second secondary input cogwheel 122 to the secondary input shaft 120, using a secondary collar arrangement 125 arranged around the secondary input shaft 120.

[0070] Step 325: arranging the primary collar arrangement 115 to be moved using a primary collar arm 118, and the secondary collar arrangement 125 to be moved using a secondary collar arm 128. The collar arms may e.g. be shift forks. The above steps may be effected in any order that makes technical sense, and some of the steps may be effected simultaneously with each other.

[0071] The foregoing disclosure is not intended to limit the present invention to the precise forms or particular fields of use disclosed. It is contemplated that various alternate embodiments and / or modifications to the present invention, whether explicitly described or implied herein, are possible in light of the disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is defined only by the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Gearbox (100) for an electric mining vehicle (200), the gearbox (100) comprising primary (110) and secondary (120) input shafts and an output shaft (130), wherein: a first (111) and a second (112) primary input cogwheel are rotatably arranged around the primary input shaft (110) in such a way that it is only possible to fixedly connect one of the primary input cogwheels (111 , 112) around the primary input shaft (110) at any given time; and a first (121) and a second (122) secondary input cogwheel are rotatably arranged around the secondary input shaft (120) in such a way that it is only possible to fixedly connect one of the secondary input cogwheels (121 , 122) around the secondary input shaft (120) at any given time, wherein the gearbox (100) is arranged to effect a gearshift on the primary input shaft (110) by: driving the output shaft (130) using the primary input shaft (110) and the secondary input shaft (120); releasing the primary input cogwheel (111 , 112) that is fixedly connected to the primary input shaft (110); adapting the rpm of the primary input shaft (110) to the rpm of the other primary input cogwheel (111 , 112), while still driving the output shaft (130) using the secondary input shaft (120); and fixedly connecting the other primary input cogwheel (111 , 112) to the primary input shaft (110), and the gearbox (100) is arranged to effect a gearshift on the secondary input shaft (120) by: driving the output shaft (130) using the primary input shaft (110) and the secondary input shaft (120); releasing the secondary input cogwheel (121 , 122) that is fixedly connected to the secondary input shaft (120); adapting the rpm of the secondary input shaft (120) to the rpm of the other secondary input cogwheel (121 , 122) while driving the output shaft (130) using the primary input shaft (110); and fixedly connecting the other secondary input cogwheel (121 , 122) to the secondary input shaft (120).

2. Gearbox (100) for an electric mining vehicle (200), the gearbox (100) comprising primary (110) and secondary input (120) shafts, each comprising a first (111 , 121) and second (112, 122) input cogwheel, and one output shaft (130), wherein: the gearbox (100) is arranged to effect a gearshift on the primary input shaft (110) by driving the output shaft (130) using the secondary input shaft (120), and changing the gear on the primary input shaft (110) by releasing the first primary input cogwheel (111) from the primary input shaft (110), adapting the rpm of the primary input shaft (110) to the rpm of the second primary input cogwheel (112), and fixedly connecting the second primary input cogwheel (112) to the primary input shaft (110); and the gearbox (100) is arranged to effect a gearshift on the secondary input shaft (120) by driving the output shaft (130) using the primary input shaft (110), and changing the gear on the secondary input shaft (120) by releasing the first secondary input cogwheel (121) from the secondary input shaft (120), adapting the rpm of the secondary input shaft (120) to the rpm of the second secondary input cogwheel (122), and fixedly connecting the second secondary input cogwheel (122) to the secondary input shaft (120).

3. Gearbox (100) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a primary layshaft (140), arranged to drive the output shaft (130) from the primary input shaft (110), and a secondary layshaft (150), arranged to drive the output shaft (130) from the secondary input shaft (120), wherein: a first (141) and a second (142) primary input linking cogwheel, and a primary output linking cogwheel (143), are fixedly arranged around the primary layshaft (140); a first (151) and a second (152) secondary input linking cogwheel, and a secondary output linking cogwheel (143), are fixedly arranged around the secondary layshaft (150); the cogs of the first primary input cogwheel (111) are connected to the first primary input linking cogwheel (141), and the cogs of the second primary input cogwheel (112) are connected to the second primary input linking cogwheel (142); the cogs of the first secondary input cogwheel (121) are connected to the first secondary input linking cogwheel (151), and the cogs of the second secondary input cogwheel (122) are connected to the second secondary input linking cogwheel (152); an output cogwheel (133) is fixedly arranged around the output shaft (130); and the cogs of the output cogwheel (133) are connected to the primary output linking cogwheel (143) and the secondary output linking cogwheel (143).

4. Gearbox (100) according to any one of claims 1-3, further comprising:a primary collar arrangement (115), which is arranged around the primary input shaft (110), wherein the primary collar arrangement (115) is arranged to fixedly connect either the first primary input cogwheel (111) or the second primary input cogwheel (112) to the primary input shaft (110); and a secondary collar arrangement (125), which is arranged around the secondary input shaft (120), wherein the secondary collar arrangement (125) is arranged to fixedly connect either the first secondary input cogwheel (121) or the second secondary input cogwheel (122) to the secondary input shaft (120).

5. Gearbox (100) according to claim 4, wherein the primary collar arrangement (115) is arranged to be moved using a primary collar arm (118), and the secondary collar arrangement (125) is arranged to be moved using a secondary collar arm (128).

6. Method (300) for effecting a gearshift in an electric mining vehicle (200) comprising a a gearbox (100) comprising primary (110) and secondary (120) input shafts and an output shaft (130), the method (300) comprising: driving (320) the output shaft (130) using the primary input shaft (110) and the secondary input shaft (120); effecting (330) a gearshift on the primary input shaft by: releasing (340) a first primary input cogwheel (111) from the primary input shaft (110); adapting (345) the rpm of the primary input shaft (110) to the rpm of a second primary input cogwheel (112), while driving the output shaft (130) using the secondary input shaft (120); and fixedly (350) connecting the second primary input cogwheel (112) to the primary input shaft (110), and effecting (360) a gearshift on the secondary input shaft (120) by: releasing (370) a first secondary input cogwheel (121) from the secondary input shaft (120); adapting (375) the rpm of the secondary input shaft (120) to the rpm of a second secondary input cogwheel (122) while driving the output shaft (130) using the primary input shaft (110); and fixedly connecting (380) the second secondary input cogwheel (122) to the secondary input shaft (120).

7. Method (300) according to claim 6, wherein the driving (320) of the output shaft (130) using the primary input shaft (110) and the secondary input shaft (120) is effected via a primary layshaft (140) and a secondary layshaft (150), wherein: the cogs of the first primary input cogwheel (111) are connected to a first primary input linking cogwheel (141), and the cogs of the second primary input cogwheel (112) are connected to a second primary input linking cogwheel (142), where the first (141) and the second (142) primary input linking cogwheels are both fixedly arranged around the primary layshaft (140); and the cogs of the first secondary input cogwheel (121) are connected to a first secondary input linking cogwheel (151), and the cogs of the second secondary input cogwheel (122) are connected to a second secondary input linking cogwheel (152), where the first (151) and the second (152) secondary input linking cogwheels are both fixedly arranged around the secondary layshaft (150).

8. Method (300) according to claim 7, wherein the driving (320) of the output shaft (130) via the primary layshaft (140) is effected by the cogs of a primary output linking cogwheel (143) being connected to an output cogwheel (133) which is fixedly arranged around the output shaft (130), and the driving (320) of the output shaft (130) via the secondary layshaft (150) is effected by the cogs of a secondary output linking cogwheel (143) being connected to the output cogwheel (133).

9. Method (300) according to any one of claims 6-8, further comprising: fixedly connecting (310) either the first primary input cogwheel (111) or the second primary input cogwheel (112) to the primary input shaft (110), using a primary collar arrangement (115) arranged around the primary input shaft (110); and fixedly connecting (315) either the first secondary input cogwheel (121) or the second secondary input cogwheel (122) to the secondary input shaft (120), using a secondary collar arrangement (125) arranged around the secondary input shaft (120).

10. Method (300) according to claim 9, further comprising arranging (325) the primary collar arrangement (115) to be moved using a primary collar arm (118), and the secondary collar arrangement (125) to be moved using a secondary collar arm (128).

11. Use of a gearbox (100) according to any one of claims 1-5 for effecting a gearshift in an electric mining vehicle (200), such as a mine truck or a mine loader.

12. Electric mining vehicle (200) comprising: a gearbox (100) according to any one of claims 1-5. a first electric motor (210), connected to the primary input shaft (110); and a second electric motor (220), connected to the secondary input shaft (120); wherein the rpm of the primary input shaft (110) is arranged to be adapted by adapting the rpm of the first electric motor (210), and the rpm of the secondary input shaft (120) is arranged to be adapted by adapting the rpm of the second electric motor (220).

13. Electric mining vehicle (200) according to claim 12, further comprising a third electric motor (230), connected to the primary input shaft (110), wherein the rpm of the primary input shaft (110) is arranged to be adapted by adapting the rpm of both the first electric motor (210) and the third electric motor (230).

14. Electric mining vehicle (200) according to claim 13, further comprising a fourth electric motor, connected to the secondary input shaft (220), wherein the rpm of the secondary input shaft (120) is arranged to be adapted by adapting the rpm of both the second electric motor (220) and the fourth electric motor.

15. Electric mining vehicle (200) according to any one of claims 12-14, wherein the electric mining vehicle (200) is a mine loader.

16. Electric mining vehicle (200) according to any one of claims 12-14, wherein the electric mining vehicle (200) is a mine truck.

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