Apparatus and method to achieve multiple effective ratios from a fixed ratio transaxle
AssigneeBallard Power Systems Inc.
InventorsWilliam Kelledes, Richard L. Willis
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A motor vehicle drive train assembly for achieving multiple effective ratios from a single ratio transaxle enables application of a fixed ratio transaxle, such as used in electric vehicle drive trains, to a multi-speed requirement, for example, in airport ground support equipment. Multiple configurations are enabled by varying the relative speed of the outputs through the differential of the transaxle, such as bringing one of the outputs to zero, or by using another motor to control the speed of one of the outputs.
Claims25
A drive train for a vehicle, comprising:
- at least a first integrated power train unit comprising a motor, a first integrated power train differential assembly, a first output shaft and a second output shaft, the motor drivingly coupled to the first integrated power train differential assembly to transfer torque to each of the first and the second output shafts;
- at least a first axle differential assembly drivingly coupled to the first output shaft of the first integrated power train differential assembly;
- and
- a brake assembly adapted to apply a braking force at the second output shaft of the first integrated power train differential assembly.
A method of operating a vehicle having at least a first integrated power train unit having a differential assembly, the method comprising:
- in a first mode, causing at least the first integrated power train unit to drive only a first of at least two axle;
- and
- in a second mode, causing at least the first integrated power train unit to drive at least the first and a second axle of the at least two axles.
A drive train for a vehicle, comprising:
- means for causing at least a first integrated power train unit to drive only a first of at least two axle in a first mode;
- and
- means for causing at least the first integrated power train unit to drive at least the first and a second axle of the at least two axles in a second mode.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.