Vehicle Drive Device with Shiftable Gears and Decoupling

The patent applies dynamics by making the gear ratio changeable through shiftable gears (first and second gears) that can be selectively engaged or disengaged. The gear set transitions from a fixed reduction to a dynamic system where the gear ratio can be adapted to different operating conditions, allowing the electric machine to operate across a wider range of speeds and torques while maintaining structural simplicity through the use of a compact gear arrangement with a common pinion gear.

The patent merges multiple gear functions into a compact gear set where a first gear and second gear share a common pinion gear (32). This combining of gear elements allows the system to achieve multiple gear ratios without requiring separate, bulky gearbox structures. The merged gear arrangement reduces device complexity and installation space while maintaining the ability to extend the working range through selective gear engagement controlled by the shift sleeve.

The patent extracts the shifting control function from complex mechanical linkages and implements it through dedicated electromagnetic actuators (first and second electromagnetic actuators). Each actuator is independently responsible for controlling the shift sleeve position, which simplifies the overall control architecture while ensuring reliable gear shifting. The actuators are integrated into the gear set structure, minimizing additional complexity while providing precise and reliable gear ratio changes.