US 11,193,562 B1Granted

Sandwiched gear train arrangement for multiple electric motor mixed-speed continuous power transmission

AssigneeAllison Transmission, Inc.

InventorsArthur L. McGrew, Jr., Isaac Mock, George S. Pelton, James Allen Raszkowski

Life of this patent

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Abstract

An electric powertrain includes a first electric motor that has an uninterrupted connection with a drive shaft of a vehicle. The electric powertrain further includes a first gear train that has an interruptible connection with the drive shaft. In one form, this interruptible connection includes a second carrier and a clutch engagement member. The electric powertrain further includes a sun gear in the form of a ring gear and planet gears in the form of a first output shaft. To provide a compact configuration, the first electric motor and the first gear train are sandwiched between the sun gear and the planet gears.

Claims29

Dependent claims

A powertrain system, comprising:

a first gear train;
a first electric motor connected to an output via the first gear train, wherein the first electric motor has an uninterrupted connection to the output, wherein the uninterrupted connection is a mechanical linkage that lacks a break in continuity;
a second gear train;
a second electric motor connected to the output via the second gear train;
wherein the first electric motor and the second electric motor are sandwiched between the first gear train and the second gear train;
wherein the first electric motor and the second electric motor lack any gear train therebetween;
wherein power is supplied to the output solely through the first and second electric motors;
a clutch, wherein the clutch is configured to selectively connect the second electric motor to the first electric motor;
wherein clutch is moveable between at least a neutral position, a first range position, and a second range position;
wherein the clutch at the neutral position disconnects the second electric motor from the first electric motor;
wherein the clutch at the first range position increases torque supplied from the second electric motor;
and
wherein the clutch at the second range position decreases torque suppled from the second electric motor.

10 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 15/929,977Filed 1 Jun 2020
Published: US 2021/0372505 A12 Dec 2021
Granted: 7 Dec 2021
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification25 codes

F16H 3/724
With a secondary drive, e.g. regulating motor, in order to vary speed continuously: using externally powered electric machines
B60K 1/02
Arrangement or mounting of electrical propulsion units: comprising more than one electric motor
B60K 17/02
Arrangement or mounting of transmissions in vehicles: characterised by arrangement, location, or kind of clutch
B60K 17/08
Of change-speed gearing: of mechanical type