阅读说明：本技术 具有带外齿的耦合内齿轮的双马达双周转齿轮箱 (Dual-motor dual-revolution gearbox with coupled internal gear with external teeth ) 是由 B·J·马格纳斯 N·A·冯马特 于 2021-04-27 设计创作，主要内容包括：用于控制提供给运载工具的轮轴的输出转矩的齿轮控制系统可以包括第一行星齿轮组、第二行星齿轮组和成组的可接合锁定机构。每个行星齿轮组可以至少包括：太阳齿轮、在太阳齿轮周围周向设置的环形齿轮、以及耦接到太阳齿轮和轮轴的行星架。成组的可接合锁定机构可以包括与第一行星齿轮组可接合的第一可接合锁定机构或与第二行星齿轮组可接合的第二可接合锁定机构中的至少一个。成组的可接合锁定机构可以选择性地配置为基于满足触发条件而接合或解除接合。(A gear control system for controlling an output torque provided to an axle of a vehicle may include a first planetary gear set, a second planetary gear set, and a set of engageable locking mechanisms. Each of the planetary gear sets may include at least: the sun gear, a ring gear circumferentially disposed about the sun gear, and a planet carrier coupled to the sun gear and the axle. The set of engageable locking mechanisms may include at least one of a first engageable locking mechanism engageable with the first planetary gear set or a second engageable locking mechanism engageable with the second planetary gear set. The set of engageable locking mechanisms may be selectively configured to engage or disengage based on a trigger condition being met.)

1. A gear system for controlling an output torque provided to an axle of a vehicle, the gear system comprising:

a first planetary gear set including at least: a first sun gear disposed radially about a first axis, a first ring gear disposed circumferentially about the first sun gear, and a first carrier coupled to the first sun gear and a first axle;

a second planetary gear set including at least: a second sun gear disposed radially about a second axis, the second axis being offset from and parallel to the first axis, a second ring gear disposed circumferentially about the second sun gear, and a second planet carrier coupled to the second sun gear and a second axle; and

a set of engageable locking mechanisms selectively configured to engage or disengage based on satisfaction of a trigger condition, the set of engageable locking mechanisms comprising at least one of: a first engageable locking mechanism engageable with the first planetary gear set or a second engageable locking mechanism engageable with the second planetary gear set.

2. The gear system of claim 1, wherein satisfaction of a trigger condition causes an engageable locking mechanism corresponding to a particular planetary gear set to engage a ring gear of the particular planetary gear set in a manner that allows an output torque of the gear system to be divided between the first and second axles, thereby preventing the ring gear from rotating.

3. The gear system of claim 2 wherein an engageable locking mechanism corresponding to the particular planetary gear set is engaged at a first time; wherein satisfaction of the other trigger condition causes the engageable locking mechanism to disengage from the ring gear of the corresponding planetary gear set at the second time to allow the ring gear to rotate, and wherein the other signal also causes the other engageable locking mechanism of the corresponding other planetary gear set to engage the carrier of the other planetary gear set, different from the particular planetary gear set, in a manner that allows the output torque of the gear system to be provided to the particular axle that is not connected to the carrier that the other engageable locking mechanism engages, thereby preventing the carrier from rotating.

4. The gear system of claim 1, wherein satisfaction of the trigger condition causes an engageable locking mechanism corresponding to a particular planetary gear set to engage a carrier of the particular planetary gear set in a manner that allows an output torque of the gear system to be provided to a particular axle that is not connected to the carrier that the engageable locking mechanism has engaged, thereby preventing carrier rotation.

5. The gear system of claim 4, wherein the engageable locking mechanism is engaged at a first time, wherein satisfaction of another trigger condition causes the engageable locking mechanism to disengage from the carrier at a second time to allow carrier rotation, and wherein another signal also causes another engageable locking mechanism to engage a ring gear of another planetary gear set corresponding to a different planetary gear set than the particular planetary gear set in a manner that allows the output torque of the gear system to be divided between the first and second axles to prevent ring gear rotation.

6. The gear system of claim 1 wherein the set of engageable locking mechanisms comprises at least one of a friction brake or a pin.

7. The gear system of claim 1, wherein the first and second planet carriers each comprise one or more respective planet carrier gears having a head that is conical and includes external teeth, and wherein the external teeth engage corresponding external teeth of one or more respective axle gears at an angle within a threshold number of 90 degrees.

8. A method, comprising:

receiving sensor data from a sensor associated with a vehicle;

determining whether one or more conditions are satisfied based on the sensor data;

selecting a locking configuration of a set of locking configurations for a set of engageable locking mechanisms of a gear system that controls an output torque provided to an axle of the vehicle based on determining whether the one or more conditions are met; and

configuring the set of engageable locking mechanisms to have a selected locking configuration using a signal indicative of the selected locking configuration.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the set of engageable locking mechanisms comprises at least one of:

a first engageable locking mechanism engageable with a particular ring gear of said gear system, or

A second engageable locking mechanism engageable with a particular planet carrier of the gear system.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein configuring the set of engageable locking mechanisms to have the selected locking configuration comprises:

providing a signal to an actuator assembly of an engageable locking mechanism to cause the actuator assembly to actuate a locking assembly of the engageable locking mechanism in a manner that causes the locking assembly to engage a particular ring gear of a plurality of ring gears of the gear system.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the engageable locking mechanism is engaged at a first time; the method further comprises the following steps:

receiving new sensor data;

determining whether the one or more conditions are satisfied based on the new sensor data;

providing a second signal to the actuator assembly causing the actuator assembly to actuate a locking assembly of the engageable locking mechanism in a manner that causes the locking assembly to disengage the particular ring gear at a second time; and

providing a third signal to another actuator assembly of another engageable locking mechanism to cause the other actuator assembly to actuate the other locking assembly of the other engageable locking mechanism in a manner that causes the other locking assembly to engage a particular planet carrier of the plurality of planet carriers of the gear system.

12. The method of claim 8, wherein configuring the set of engageable locking mechanisms to have the selected locking configuration comprises:

providing a signal to an actuator assembly of an engageable locking mechanism to cause the actuator assembly to actuate a locking assembly of the engageable locking mechanism in a manner that causes the locking assembly to engage a particular planet carrier of a plurality of planet carriers of the gear system.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the engageable locking mechanism is engaged at a first time; the method further comprises the following steps:

receiving new sensor data;

determining whether the one or more conditions are satisfied based on the new sensor data;

providing a second signal to the actuator assembly, thereby causing the actuator assembly to actuate a locking assembly of the engageable locking mechanism in a manner that disengages the locking assembly from the particular planet carrier at a second time; and

providing a third signal to another actuator assembly of another engageable locking mechanism to cause the other actuator assembly to actuate another locking assembly of the other engageable locking mechanism in a manner that causes the other locking assembly to engage a particular ring gear of the plurality of ring gears of the gear system.

14. A gear control system for controlling an output torque provided to an axle of a vehicle, comprising:

a gear system, comprising:

a first planetary gear set including at least: a first sun gear in mechanical communication with a first input shaft of a first motor, the first sun gear radially disposed about a first axis, a first ring gear circumferentially disposed about the first sun gear, and a first carrier coupled to the first sun gear and a first axle;

a second planetary gear set including at least: a second sun gear disposed radially about a second axis, the second axis being offset from and parallel to the first axis, a second ring gear disposed circumferentially about the second sun gear, and a second planet carrier coupled to the second sun gear and a second axle; and

a set of engageable locking mechanisms selectively configured to engage or disengage based on satisfaction of a trigger condition, the set of engageable locking mechanisms comprising at least one of: a first engageable locking mechanism engageable with the first planetary gear set or a second engageable locking mechanism engageable with the second planetary gear set;

a processor; and

a memory comprising instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to:

receiving sensor data from a sensor associated with the vehicle;

determining whether one or more conditions are met by comparing the sensor data to corresponding threshold data;

selecting a locking configuration of a set of locking configurations for a set of engageable locking mechanisms of the gear system based on determining whether the one or more conditions are met; and

configuring the set of engageable locking mechanisms to have a selected locking configuration using a signal indicative of the selected locking configuration.

15. The gear control system of claim 14, wherein satisfaction of a trigger condition causes an engageable locking mechanism corresponding to a particular planetary gear set to engage a ring gear of the particular planetary gear set in a manner that allows an output torque of the gear system to be divided between the first and second axles, thereby preventing the ring gear from rotating.

16. The gear control system of claim 15, wherein an engageable locking mechanism corresponding to the particular planetary gear set is engaged at a first time; wherein satisfaction of the other trigger condition causes the engageable locking mechanism to disengage from the ring gear of the corresponding planetary gear set at the second time to allow the ring gear to rotate, and wherein the other signal also causes the other engageable locking mechanism of the corresponding other planetary gear set to engage the carrier of the other planetary gear set, different from the particular planetary gear set, in a manner that allows the output torque of the gear system to be provided to the particular axle that is not connected to the carrier that the other engageable locking mechanism engages, thereby preventing the carrier from rotating.

17. The gear control system of claim 14, wherein satisfaction of the trigger condition causes an engageable locking mechanism corresponding to a particular planetary gear set to engage a carrier of the particular planetary gear set in a manner that allows an output torque of the gear system to be provided to a particular axle not connected to the carrier that the engageable locking mechanism has engaged, thereby preventing carrier rotation.

18. The gear control system of claim 17, wherein the engageable locking mechanism is engaged at a first time, wherein satisfaction of another trigger condition causes the engageable locking mechanism to disengage from the carrier at a second time to allow rotation of the carrier, and wherein another signal further causes another engageable locking mechanism to engage a ring gear of another planetary gear set corresponding to a different planetary gear set than the particular planetary gear set in a manner that allows the output torque of the gear system to be divided between the first and second axles to prevent rotation of the ring gear.

19. The gear control system of claim 14, wherein the set of engageable locking mechanisms comprises at least one of:

a friction brake, or

And (4) a pin.

20. The gear control system of claim 14, wherein the first and second planet carriers each comprise one or more respective planet carrier gears having a head that is conical and includes external teeth, and wherein the external teeth engage corresponding external teeth of one or more respective axle gears at an angle that is within a threshold number of 90 degrees.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to gear systems and, more particularly, to planetary gear train systems.

Background

A gear system (e.g., a transmission) may be used to provide controlled application of power to a vehicle. For example, the gear system may include gears and gear trains for providing speed and torque conversion from one or more sources of rotational power to the axles and corresponding wheels of the vehicle.

An epicyclic gear train system (also referred to as a planetary gear train system) includes a sun gear, a ring gear, and one or more planet gears disposed between the sun gear and the ring gear. The external teeth of the sun gear mesh with the external teeth of the at least one planet gear. The planet gear teeth then mesh with the internal teeth of the ring gear. The sun gear may be coupled to a motor shaft that is connected to the motor. The motor may generate energy that rotates the motor shaft, which rotates each respective gear in the planetary gear train system. The final gear or assembly in the planetary gear train system may be connected to one or more axles. Thus, rotation of the end point gear or assembly causes rotation of one or more axles, which causes rotation of the wheels of the vehicle.

Disclosure of Invention

The present disclosure relates generally to detection of parameter imbalance in synchronous motor drives.

One aspect of the disclosed embodiments includes a gear system for controlling an output torque provided to an axle of a vehicle. The gear system may include a first planetary gear set, a second planetary gear set, and a set of engageable locking mechanisms. The first planetary gear set may include at least: a first sun gear disposed radially about a first axis; a first ring gear circumferentially disposed about the first sun gear; and a first carrier coupled to the first sun gear and the first axle. The second planetary gear set may include at least: a second sun gear disposed radially about a second axis offset from and parallel to the first axis; a second ring gear circumferentially disposed about the second sun gear; and a second planet carrier coupled to the second sun gear and the second axle. The set of engageable locking mechanisms may be selectively configured to engage or disengage based on a trigger condition being met. The set of engageable locking mechanisms may include at least one of: a first engageable locking mechanism engageable with the first planetary gear set; or a second engageable locking mechanism engageable with the second planetary gear set.

Another aspect of the disclosed embodiments includes a method comprising: the method may include receiving sensor data from a sensor associated with the vehicle, and determining whether one or more conditions are met by comparing the sensor data to corresponding threshold data. The method also includes selecting a locking configuration of the set of locking configurations for a set of engageable locking mechanisms of the gear system based on determining whether one or more conditions are satisfied. The method also includes configuring the set of engageable locking mechanisms to have the selected locking configuration using a signal indicative of the selected locking configuration.

Another aspect of the disclosed embodiments includes a gear control system for controlling an output torque provided to an axle of a vehicle. The gear control system may include a gear system, a processor, and a memory. The gear system may include a first planetary gear set, a second planetary gear set, and a set of engageable locking mechanisms. The first planetary gear set may include at least: a first sun gear disposed radially about a first axis; a first ring gear circumferentially disposed about the first sun gear; and a first carrier coupled to the first sun gear and the first axle. The second planetary gear set may include at least: a second sun gear disposed radially about a second axis offset from and parallel to the first axis; a second ring gear circumferentially disposed about the second sun gear; and a second planet carrier coupled to the second sun gear and the second axle. The set of engageable locking mechanisms may be selectively configured to engage or disengage based on a trigger condition being met. The set of engageable locking mechanisms may include at least one of: a first engageable locking mechanism engageable with the first planetary gear set; or a second engageable locking mechanism engageable with the second planetary gear set. The memory may include instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: receiving sensor data from a sensor associated with a vehicle; determining whether one or more conditions are satisfied by comparing the sensor data to corresponding threshold data; selecting a locking configuration of a set of locking configurations for a set of engageable locking mechanisms of the gear system based on determining whether one or more conditions are satisfied; and configuring the set of engageable locking mechanisms to have the selected locking configuration using the signal indicative of the selected locking configuration.

These and other aspects of the disclosure are disclosed in the following detailed description of the embodiments, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

The disclosure is best understood from the following detailed description when read with the accompanying drawing figures. It is emphasized that, according to common practice, the various features of the drawings are not to scale. On the contrary, the dimensions of the various features are arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity.

FIG. 1 generally illustrates a perspective view of a planetary gear train system according to the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2A generally illustrates a gear configuration of the planetary gear train system in a torque mode according to the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2B generally illustrates a gear configuration of the planetary gear train system in a high speed mode according to the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 generally illustrates a powertrain system according to the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 generally illustrates a gear control system according to the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart generally illustrating a method for controlling output torque provided to an axle of a vehicle according to the principles of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

The following discussion is directed to various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Although one or more of these embodiments may be preferred, the embodiments disclosed should not be interpreted, or otherwise used, as limiting the scope of the disclosure, including the claims. In addition, one skilled in the art will understand that the following description has broad application, and the discussion of any embodiment is meant only to be exemplary of that embodiment, and not intended to intimate that the scope of the disclosure, including the claims, is limited to that embodiment

As described, a gear system (e.g., a transmission) may be used to provide controlled application of power to a vehicle. For example, the gear system may include gears and gear trains for providing speed and torque conversion from one or more sources of rotational power to the axles and corresponding wheels of the vehicle.

An epicyclic gear train system (also referred to as a planetary gear train system) includes a sun gear, a ring gear, and one or more planet gears disposed between the sun gear and the ring gear. The external teeth of the sun gear mesh with the external teeth of the at least one planet gear. The planet gear teeth then mesh with the internal teeth of the ring gear. The sun gear may be coupled to an input shaft that is connected to the motor. The motor may generate energy that rotates the motor shaft, which rotates each respective gear in the planetary gear train system. The final gear in the planetary gear system may be connected to one or more axles. Thus, rotation of the end point gear causes rotation of one or more axles, which causes rotation of the wheels of the vehicle.

In a power split gear configuration, the planetary gear train system may receive input torques generated from two separate power sources. For example, the planetary gear system may receive input torque generated from a fossil fuel motor (e.g., an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE)), may receive input torque generated from one or more electric motors, or may receive input torque generated from both the ICE and the one or more electric motors. In each of these cases, the planetary gear train system may convert the input torque to an output torque, and may provide the output torque to a particular axle pair.

In some cases, the planetary gear train system may provide a different amount of output torque to each axle or wheel. In these cases, the differential may be used to perform torque vectoring to vary the output torque provided to each axle or wheel. However, planetary gear train systems utilizing a power split gear configuration may be able to selectively control the amount of output torque applied to each axle without the assistance of a differential.

Accordingly, systems and methods such as those described herein may be configured to selectively control the amount of output torque applied to a particular axle of a vehicle. In some embodiments, the vehicle may be configured with a gear system including two planetary gear sets. In some embodiments, the gear system may be configured to include a set of engageable locking mechanisms. In some embodiments, the set of engageable locking mechanisms may engage or disengage based on a signal from the processor. For example, the processor may receive sensor data from sensors associated with the vehicle, and may process the sensor data to determine whether one or more conditions are satisfied. The processor may provide a signal to an actuator assembly that may engage the locking mechanism if one or more conditions are met. This may cause the actuator assembly to actuate a locking assembly that may engage the locking mechanism in a manner that causes the locking assembly to engage or disengage a particular component of the gear system (e.g., a ring gear of a planetary gear set, a planet carrier of a planetary gear set, etc.).

In some embodiments, the locking configuration of the set of engageable locking mechanisms may cause the gear system to operate in a torque mode. For example, a lock assembly engageable with the locking mechanism may be engaged with a ring gear of the planetary gear set. This may affect the rotation of the gears and shafts within the gear system, thereby evenly distributing the output torque between the axles of the axle pair.

In some embodiments, the locking arrangement of the set of engageable locking mechanisms may cause the gear system to operate in a high speed mode. For example, a lock assembly engaging the lock mechanism may be engaged with a carrier of the planetary gear set. This may affect the rotation of the gears and shafts within the gear system such that the output torque is fully provided to one of the axle pairs.

The systems and methods described herein provide at least the benefit of flexibly directing output torque to a particular axle of a vehicle in order to maximize vehicle performance. Further, by selectively switching between modes based on whether one or more conditions are met, the processor optimizes performance of the gear system 100 and reduces utilization of resources (e.g., power, fuel, computing resources of onboard devices, etc.) relative to a single-input single-output transmission system configuration, as well as relative to a multiple-input single-output transmission system configuration.

Fig. 1 generally illustrates a perspective view of a gear system 100 (e.g., a planetary gear system) in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the gear system 100 may be part of a powertrain system configured to control multiple types of power (e.g., fossil fuel, electricity, etc.) to produce a torque (referred to herein as an output torque) to be applied to an axle of a vehicle.

As will be further described herein, the powertrain system may include an engine (e.g., an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE)), one or more electric motors, and a transmission system including the gear system 100. In some embodiments, the powertrain system may include only one or more electric motors (and not an ICE).

The vehicle may include a land vehicle (e.g., an automobile, truck, motorcycle, construction equipment, etc.), an air vehicle, a water vehicle, and/or another type of vehicle that utilizes two or more types of power. In some embodiments, the vehicle may be an electric vehicle. In some embodiments, the vehicle may be a hybrid vehicle.

The gear system 100 may include a sun gear 102 (shown as sun gear 102-1 and sun gear 102-2), a ring gear 104 (shown as ring gear 104-1 and ring gear 104-2), planet gears 106 (shown as planet gears 106-1 and planet gears 106-2), an input shaft 108 (shown as input shaft 108-1 and input shaft 108-2), a ring gear housing 110 (shown as ring gear housing 110-1 and ring gear housing 110-2), and a planet carrier 112 (shown as planet carrier 112-1 and planet carrier 112-2). The planet carrier 112 may include a flange 114 (shown as flange 114-1 and flange 114-2) and a planet carrier gear 116 (shown as planet carrier gear 116-1 and planet carrier gear 116-2). The axle may be used to connect the gear system 100 with a wheel of a vehicle. The axle may include an axle gear 118 (shown as axle gear 118-1 and axle gear 118-2) and an output shaft 120 (shown as output shaft 120-1 and output shaft 120-2). The axle may be part of a transmission system and, as will be further described herein, may be connected to the gear system 100 via meshing between the planet carrier gear 116 and the axle gear 118.

In some embodiments, the components of the gear system 100 may be referred to as being in a position relative to the first axis 122-1. Additionally or alternatively, the components of the gear system 100 may be described as being in a position relative to a second axis 122-2, the second axis 122-2 being offset relative to the first axis 122-1, but parallel to the first axis 122-1. Additionally or alternatively, the components of the gear system 100 may be described as being in a position relative to a third axis 122-3, the third axis 122-3 being perpendicular to the first axis 122-1 and the second axis 122-2. Additionally or alternatively, the components of the gear system 100 may be described as being in a position relative to a fourth axis 122-4, the fourth axis 122-4 being perpendicular to the first axis 122-1 and the second axis 122-2 and offset relative to the third axis 122-3.

In some embodiments, the respective sun gear 102 may be surrounded by and concentric with the corresponding ring gear 104. For example, sun gear 102-1 may be surrounded by and share a first axis 122-1 with ring gear 104-1, and sun gear 102-2 may be surrounded by and share a second axis 122-2 with ring gear 104-2. The sun gear 102 and the ring gear 104 may be gears that include external teeth. In some embodiments, the ring gear 104 may be connected to the ring gear housing 110. For example, the ring gear 104 may be connected to the ring gear housing 110 via a gear bearing. In the example shown, the ring gear 104-1 may be coupled to the ring gear housing 110-1 using a first gear bearing, and the ring gear 104-2 may be coupled to the ring gear housing 110-2 using a second gear bearing.

In some embodiments, the sun gear 102 may be connected to a motor. For example, the sun gear 102-1 may be connected around a first end of the input shaft 108-1, wherein a second end of the input shaft 108-1 is connected to the first motor. The sun gear 102-2 may be connected about a first end of the input shaft 108-2, wherein a second end of the input shaft 108-2 is connected to a second motor. The input shaft 108 may include a motor shaft, a propeller shaft, a crankshaft, and/or other types of shafts.

The planetary gears 106 may include pinions or other types of gears. In some embodiments, the planet gears 106 may include external teeth. In some embodiments, the planet gears 106 may be disposed between and in mechanical communication with the sun gear 102 and the ring gear 104. For example, planet gear 106-1 may be disposed between and in mechanical communication with sun gear 102-1 and ring gear 104-1, and planet gear 106-2 may be disposed between and/or in mechanical communication with sun gear 102-2 and ring gear 104-2. The planet gear 106-1 may be in mechanical communication with the sun gear 102-1 by meshing external teeth of the planet gear 106-1 with external teeth of the sun gear 102-1. The planet gear 106-1 may be in mechanical communication with the ring gear 104-1 by meshing external teeth of the planet gear 106-1 with internal teeth of the ring gear 104-1. A similar configuration may be implemented to allow the planet gears 106-2 to mechanically communicate with the sun gear 102-2 and the ring gear 104-2.

In some embodiments, a plurality of planet gears 106 may be disposed between the sun gear 102 and the ring gear 104. For example, the gear system 100 may be configured such that two planet gears 106, three planet gears 106, or more planet gears are disposed between the sun gear 102 and the ring gear 106. As a particular example, the first planet gears 106 may be in mechanical communication with the sun gear 102-1 and the second planet gears 106, and the second planet gears 106 may be in mechanical communication with the ring gear 104-1. The second planet gears 106 may be axially displaced from the first planet gears 106. The third and fourth planet gears 106, 106 may be configured in a similar manner (e.g., configured such that the third and fourth planet gears 106, 106 are between the sun gear 102-2 and the ring gear 104-2).

In some embodiments, the planet gears 106 may be coupled to a planet carrier 112. For example, planet gear 106-1 may be coupled to planet carrier 112-1 and planet gear 106-2 may be coupled to planet carrier 112-2. In some embodiments, the planet carrier 112 may include a flange 114 (e.g., shown as a triangular platform or surface) and one or more planet carrier gears 116 (shown as conical gear heads). For example, planet carrier 112-1 may include flange 114-1 and planet carrier gear 116-1, and planet carrier 112-2 may include flange 114-2 and planet carrier gear 116-2.

In some embodiments, the center of the planet carrier 112-1 may be along the first axis 122-1 and the center of the planet carrier 112-2 may be along the second axis 122-2. In some embodiments, the respective flanges 114 may be radially disposed about a third axis 122-3, the third axis 122-3 being perpendicular to the first axis 122-1 and the second axis 122-2. For example, the center of the flange 114-1 and the center of the flange 114-2 of the planet carrier 112-1 may be disposed radially about the third axis 122-3.

In some embodiments, the planet carrier 112 may also include planet carrier pins that connect the respective flange 114 with the corresponding planet gear 106. For example, a first planet carrier pin may extend from flange 114-1 through planet gear 106-1, and a second planet carrier pin may extend from flange 114-2 through planet gear 106-2.

In some embodiments, the planet carrier gear 116 may be coupled to the flange 114. For example, planet carrier gear 116-1 may be coupled to flange 114-1 and planet carrier gear 116-2 may be coupled to flange 114-2. The planet carrier gears 116 may include bevel gears, pinions, or other types of gears. In some embodiments, the respective flange 114 may include an aperture in which a corresponding planet carrier gear 116 may be placed to connect to each flange 114. In some embodiments, another type of connection mechanism may be used to connect the respective flange 114 and the corresponding planet carrier gear 116.

In some embodiments, the planet carrier gear 116 may be in mechanical communication with the axle gear 118. For example, planet carrier gear 116-1 may be in mechanical communication with axle gear 118-1, and planet carrier gear 116-2 may be in mechanical communication with axle gear 118-2. In some embodiments, the planet carrier gear 116 may be in mechanical communication with the axle gear 118 using external teeth that mesh with external teeth of the axle gear 118. For example, planet carrier gear 116-1 may include external teeth that mesh with corresponding external teeth of axle gear 118-1, and planet carrier gear 116-2 may include external teeth that mesh with corresponding external teeth of axle gear 118-2. In some embodiments, the planet carrier gears 116 may be bevel gears that include a conical head that allows the respective planet carrier gear 116 to engage the respective axle gear 118 at a pitch angle of 90 degrees (or near 90 degrees) from the corresponding axis (e.g., first axis 122-1 or first axis 122-2).

In some embodiments, the axle gear 118 and the output shaft 120 may be part of different axles. For example, the axle gear 118-1 and the output shaft 120-1 may be part of a first axle, and the axle gear 118-2 and the output shaft 120-2 may be part of a second axle. Output shaft 120 may include a wheel axle, a driveshaft, a differential axle, an end drive axle, and/or other types of axles.

In some embodiments, the gear system 100 may further include one or more axle disconnect clutches. An axle disconnect clutch may be connected between the axle gear 118 and the output shaft 120. In some embodiments, the axle disconnect clutch may be engaged to provide a mechanical disconnect that prevents output torque from being provided to a given axle. In some embodiments, the axle disconnect clutch may be disengaged such that output torque may be provided to a given axle. In some embodiments, the axle disconnect clutch may be engaged or disengaged based on a signal from a processor (e.g., processor 420), as will be described further herein.

In some embodiments, the gear system 100 may further include a set of engageable locking mechanisms. The set of engageable locking mechanisms may include friction brakes, clamps, brake pads, and the like. Additionally or alternatively, the set of engageable locking mechanisms may include pins, electromagnetic actuators (e.g., solenoids, etc.), one or more valves in a hydraulic or pneumatic circuit (e.g., solenoid valves, pneumatic valves, hydraulic valves, etc.), solenoid bolts, and the like.

In some embodiments, ring gear 104-1 or ring gear 104-2 may be locked to each other. In some embodiments, a ring gear (e.g., ring gear 104-1 or ring gear 104-2) may be locked to a housing that extends around the ring gear. In some embodiments, an engageable locking mechanism may be used to lock either ring gear 104-1 or ring gear 104-2 such that both ring gears 104 are held in place and cannot rotate. The engageable locking mechanism may engage with ring gear 104-1 or ring gear 104-2 in a manner consistent with the type of locking mechanism already deployed. In some embodiments, an engageable locking mechanism may be used to lock a particular planet carrier 112 such that only the particular planet carrier 112 is held in place and cannot rotate. In some embodiments, another type of gear may be locked using an engageable locking mechanism. For example, an engageable locking mechanism may be used to lock one or more sun gears 102, one or more planet gears 106, one or more planet carrier gears 114, or one or more axle gears 116. Additional information regarding engageable locking mechanisms is further provided herein.

In some embodiments, the gear system 100 may receive an input torque and may use the input torque to control the speed of the vehicle (e.g., by generating an output torque for rotating a wheel of the vehicle). In some embodiments, the motor may generate an input torque that rotates the input shaft 108. For example, the first motor may generate an input torque in a manner that rotates the input shaft 108-1 in a first direction about the first axis 122-1. As another example, the second motor may generate the input torque in a manner that causes the input shaft 108-2 to rotate about the second axis 122-2 in a second direction.

In some embodiments, rotation of the input shaft 108 may cause the sun gear 102 to rotate. For example, rotation of input shaft 108-1 may rotate sun gear 102-1 in a first direction and rotation of input shaft 108-2 may rotate sun gear 102-2 in a second direction.

In some embodiments, rotation of the sun gear 102 may rotate the planet gears 106. For example, rotation of sun gear 102-1 may rotate planet gear 106-1, and rotation of sun gear 102-2 may rotate planet gear 106-2. The planet gears 106 may rotate in the opposite direction as the sun gear 102. For example, if the sun gear 102-1 rotates in a first direction, the planet gears 106-1 may rotate in a second direction. If the sun gear 102-2 is rotated in the second direction, the planet gears 106-2 may be rotated in the first direction.

In some embodiments, rotation of the planet gears 106 may cause the ring gear 104 to rotate. For example, rotation of planet gears 106-1 may rotate ring gear 104-1, and rotation of planet gears 106-2 may rotate ring gear 104-2. In some embodiments, the direction of rotation of the ring gear 104 may correspond to the direction of rotation of the sun gear 102. For example, if the sun gear 102-1 is rotated in a first direction, the ring gear 104-1 will rotate in the first direction. If the sun gear 102-2 were to rotate in a second direction, the ring gear 104-2 would rotate in the second direction.

In some embodiments, rotation of the sun gear 102 or the planet gears 106 may rotate the planet carrier 112 about the corresponding axis 122. For example, rotation of the sun gear 102-1 or the planet gears 106-1 may rotate the planet carrier 112-1 about the first axis 122-1. Additionally, rotation of the sun gear 102-2 or the planet gears 106-2 may cause the planet carrier 112-2 to rotate about the second axis 122-2. In some embodiments, as will be described further herein, one of the planet carriers 112 may rotate about the corresponding axis 122, and the other planet carrier 112 may be engaged by an engageable locking mechanism such that the other planet carrier 112 is locked in a fixed position and cannot rotate.

In some embodiments, the components of the planet carrier 112 may rotate in the same direction. For example, flange 114-1 and planet carrier gear 116-1 may both rotate with planet carrier 112-1 (e.g., in a first direction), and flange 114-2 and planet carrier gear 116-2 may both rotate with planet carrier 112-2 (e.g., in a second direction).

In some embodiments, rotation of the planet carrier gear 116 may cause the axle gear 118 to rotate. For example, the respective planet carrier gears 116 may include a conical head having external teeth that are capable of meshing with the corresponding axle gears 118 such that rotation of the respective planet carrier gears 116 causes each corresponding axle gear 118 to rotate at an angle of 90 degrees to the corresponding axis 122. In this case, the conical head of the planet carrier gear 116-1 may rotate in the first direction to rotate the axle gear 118-1 in the third direction. Additionally, the conical head of planet carrier gear 116-2 may rotate in a second direction to rotate axle gear 118-2 in a third direction. The third direction may be perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

In some embodiments, rotation of the axle gear 118 may cause the output shaft 120 to rotate. For example, rotation of the axle gear 118-1 may cause the output shaft 120-1 to rotate in a third direction, and rotation of the axle gear 118-2 may cause the output shaft 120-2 to rotate in the third direction. The third direction may be clockwise or counter-clockwise. This may cause output torque to be provided to the wheels of the vehicle.

In some embodiments, the input torque provided by both motors may be converted into an output torque that is equally divided between one or more pairs of axles. In some embodiments, the input torque provided by the two motors may be converted into an output torque that is divided unequally between respective ones of the one or more pairs of axles. In some embodiments, the input torque provided by both motors may be converted to output torque such that all of the output torque is provided to a particular axle of the one or more pairs of axles.

While one or more embodiments describe the first motor as providing an input torque that rotates the input shaft 108-1 in a first direction and the second motor as providing an input torque that rotates the input shaft 108-2 in a second direction, it should be understood that this is provided by way of example. In practice, input shaft 108-1 may receive an input torque that causes rotation in the second direction, and input shaft 108-2 may receive an input torque that causes rotation in the first direction. This may cause a corresponding change in the rotational direction of other components of the gear system 100.

In some embodiments, a processor, such as a transmission controller, may select a locking configuration from a set of available locking configurations. In some embodiments, the set of available locking configurations may correspond to a set of gear configuration modes. For example, the set of gear configuration modes may include a torque mode, a high speed mode, a low speed mode, and/or another type of mode. In order for the gear system 100 to operate in a particular mode, the processor must select a locking configuration that corresponds to the particular mode. A description of example locking configurations and corresponding example modes is provided in connection with fig. 2A and 2B.

In some embodiments, the processor may receive sensor data to be used to select a particular locking configuration. For example, the processor may receive sensor data from a set of sensors. The sensor data may include, for example, data indicative of a gear in which the vehicle is located, data indicative of a position or rotational speed of an axle, data indicative of a degree of throttle opening and/or an air intake of an engine or motor, data indicative of a speed of a torque converter of the vehicle, data indicative of a speed of the vehicle and/or a speed of wheels of the vehicle, data indicative of a temperature of a fluid within a transmission of the vehicle, data indicative of a bank angle of the vehicle, data indicative of one or more traction conditions (e.g., data indicative of a gear in which the vehicle is located, data indicative of a pair of wheels being lifted from a road, etc.), and/or the like.

In some embodiments, the processor may select a locking configuration based on one or more conditions being met. The one or more conditions may include a shift condition, a system error condition, a condition related to an external event, and/or any other condition related to various types of vehicle sensor data. The shift conditions may include: a speed condition that is met when the vehicle speed meets a threshold speed, a clutch positioning condition that is met when the position of the vehicle clutch is changed (e.g., when the driver shifts the manual transmission vehicle), a power condition that is met when the power level of the one or more power sources meets a threshold power level (e.g., when the battery of the hybrid vehicle is low and must begin to provide torque to the wheels via the heat engine rather than the electric motor), and so on.

The system error condition may include a wheel spin error condition that is met when a difference in speed at which two or more wheels of the vehicle spin satisfies a threshold difference, an alarm error condition that is met when another component or system of the vehicle triggers an alarm, and so forth. The conditions related to the external event may include weather conditions, road conditions, and the like. For example, the weather conditions may include weather conditions that are met when weather data values collected by one or more sensors of the vehicle meet corresponding threshold weather data values. The road condition may comprise, for example, a road condition that is met when a sensor data value relating to a road quality metric meets a corresponding sensor data value.

In some embodiments, the processor may select a first locking configuration corresponding to the gear system 100 being in the torque mode based on one or more conditions being met. For example, under typical vehicle operating conditions, the gear system 100 may operate in a torque mode to provide an equal amount of output torque to each of the pair of axles. In this case, the processor may process the sensor data to determine that one or more conditions are met, where the one or more met conditions correspond to typical vehicle operating conditions (torque mode). The processor may select the first locking configuration based on determining that one or more conditions are satisfied. Additional description of the first locking configuration and torque mode is provided in connection with fig. 2A.

Additionally or alternatively, the processor may select a second locking configuration corresponding to the gear system 100 being in the high-speed mode based on one or more conditions being met. For example, under atypical vehicle operating conditions, such as when the vehicle requires the wheels attached to the same axle pair to rotate at different speeds, the gear system 100 may operate in a high speed mode, providing all of the output torque to a particular axle of the axle pair. In this case, the processor may process the sensor data to determine that one or more conditions are satisfied, where the one or more satisfied conditions correspond to atypical vehicle operating conditions (high speed mode). The processor may select a second locking configuration based on determining that one or more conditions are satisfied. Additional description of the second locked configuration and the high speed mode is provided in conjunction with FIG. 2B.

Additionally or alternatively, the processor may select one or more other types of locking configurations corresponding to the gear system 100 in one or more other modes based on one or more conditions being met. For example, the processor may select a third locked configuration corresponding to the gear system 100 in the low-speed mode based on one or more conditions being met.

In some embodiments, the processor may configure the gear system 100 to have a selected locking configuration. For example, the process may provide a signal indicative of the selected locking configuration to an actuator that is part of an engageable locking mechanism of the gear system 100. In this case, the current from the signal allows the actuator to adjust the position of one or more other components (e.g., valves, pins, friction brakes, etc.) that may engage the locking mechanism. When the actuator position adjustment is complete, the gear system 100 may be in a selected locked configuration.

In this manner, the processor and gear system 100 is able to flexibly direct the output torque to a particular axle of the vehicle to maximize vehicle performance. Further, by selectively switching between modes based on whether one or more conditions are satisfied, the processor optimizes performance of the gear system 100 and reduces utilization of resources (e.g., power, fuel, computing resources of onboard devices, etc.) relative to a single-input single-output transmission system configuration, as well as relative to a multiple-input single-output transmission system configuration.

As noted above, fig. 1 is provided by way of example only. Other examples are possible and may be different than that described with respect to fig. 1. For example, there may be other components, fewer components, different components, or a different arrangement of components than those shown in FIG. 1. Further, two or more of the components shown in FIG. 1 may be implemented within a single component, or a single component shown in FIG. 1 may be implemented as multiple distributed components. Additionally or alternatively, one set of components of the example implementation 100 may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of components of the example implementation 100.

Fig. 2A generally illustrates an example configuration 200 of the gear system 100 in a torque mode according to principles of the present disclosure. The example configuration 200 may depict the gear system 100 in a torque mode whereby the gear system 100 receives input torque generated from each respective motor and generates output torque to be equally distributed on the axles of the vehicle's axle pair.

In some embodiments, one or more engageable locking mechanisms may be used to lock one or more ring gears 104, such as when the gear system 100 is in a torque mode. In the example shown, the ring gear 104-1 may be locked using the engageable locking mechanism 202-1. The engageable locking mechanism 202-1 may include a pin and may be used to hold the ring gear 104-1 in place so that the ring gear 104-1 cannot rotate. Because the outer teeth of ring gear 104-1 are meshed with the outer teeth of ring gear 104-2, ring gear 104-2 will also be held in place and unable to rotate. The pin may be engaged by an actuator that has received a signal from the processor. Although the illustrated pins are described as being disposed between external teeth of the ring gear 104 and are not shown as being connected to other components in the gear system 100, it should be understood that this is provided for ease of illustration, and in practice, the engageable locking mechanism 202-1 may include any combination of pins, brake bands, actuators (e.g., solenoids, etc.), one or more valves (e.g., solenoid valves, pneumatic valves, hydraulic valves, etc.), solenoid bolts, etc.), and/or other types of locking mechanisms.

In some embodiments, one or more engageable locking mechanisms may be used to lock another type of gear. For example, one or more sun gears 102, one or more planet gears 106, one or more planet carrier gears 116, or one or more axle gears 118 may be locked using the engageable locking mechanism 202-1.

In some embodiments, one or more axle disconnect clutches may be engaged (e.g., disposed between the axle gear 118 and the axle (axle draft) 120). For example, an axle disconnect clutch may be engaged to ensure that the wheels of an axle pair rotate at the same speed. In some embodiments, one or more axle disconnect clutches may be disengaged (e.g., when the respective wheels of an axle pair are required to rotate at different speeds). The axle disconnect clutch may be engaged or disengaged based on a signal from the processor. For example, the processor may provide signals to an actuator, such as a solenoid valve (e.g., having two or more positions), that cause the actuator to actuate the shift fork assembly in a manner that engages or disengages the axle disconnect clutch (e.g., having jawsets corresponding to various drive modes, clutch engaged states, etc.).

In some embodiments, the input torque generated and provided by the motor may cause the input shaft 108 to rotate. For example, an input torque generated by a first motor may cause the input shaft 108-1 to rotate in the first direction 204, and a second motor may cause the input shaft 108-2 to rotate in the second direction 206. This may cause the sun gear 102 and the planet gears 106 to rotate. For example, rotation of the input shaft 108-1 may cause the sun gear 102-1 to rotate in the first direction 204, and rotation of the input shaft 108-2 may cause the sun gear 102-2 to rotate in the second direction 206. This will cause the planet gear 106-1 to rotate in the second direction 206 and cause the planet gear 106-2 to rotate in the first direction 204.

In some embodiments, engageable locking mechanism 202-1 may prevent ring gear 104 from rotating. In some embodiments, rotation of the sun gear 102 or the planet gears 106 may cause the planet carrier 112 to begin rotating. For example, rotation of sun gear 102-1 may cause planet carrier 112-1 to begin rotating in first direction 204, and rotation of sun gear 102-2 may cause planet carrier 112-2 to begin rotating in second direction 206. This may cause planet carrier gear 116-1 to begin rotating in a first direction 204 and planet carrier gear 116-2 to begin rotating in a second direction 206.

In some embodiments, rotation of the planet carrier gear 116 may cause the axle gear 118 and the output shaft 120 to begin rotating. For example, rotation of planet carrier gear 116-1 may cause axle gear 118-1 and output shaft 120-1 to rotate in third direction 208 along fourth axis 122-4, and rotation of planet carrier gear 116-2 may cause axle gear 118-2 and output shaft 120-2 to rotate in third direction 208 along fourth axis 122-4. Rotation of the output shaft 120 may cause the wheels of the vehicle to begin rotating, thereby moving the vehicle.

In this manner, the input torques generated from the two motors may cause the components within the gear system 100 to rotate, wherein the selected locked configuration corresponding to the torque mode equally distributes the output torque to the axles of the axle pair.

Fig. 2B generally illustrates an example configuration 250 of the gear system 100 in a high speed mode according to the principles of the present disclosure. The example configuration 250 may depict the gear system 100 in a high speed mode whereby the gear system 100 may receive an input torque from each respective motor and may generate and provide an output torque to a particular axle of a pair of axles.

In some embodiments, one or more engageable locking mechanisms may be used to lock the planet carrier 112, such as when the gear system 100 is in a high speed mode. In the example shown, the planet carrier 112-2 may be locked using the engageable locking mechanism 202-2. The engageable locking mechanism 202-2 may include an actuator, a friction brake, a caliper, a brake pad, and/or another type of locking mechanism. Engageable locking mechanism 202-2 may hold planet carrier 212-2 in place such that planet carrier 212-2 cannot rotate. To provide another example, the gear system 100 may be configured in a manner that allows the engageable locking mechanism 202-2 to lock the planet carrier 112-1 in place such that the planet carrier 112-1 cannot rotate.

In this manner, the gear system 100 reduces the number of mechanical components that are part of the gear system 100 (e.g., relative to configuring the gear system with duplicate locking mechanisms on each respective planet carrier 112). Moreover, the processor saves resources (e.g., processing resources, computing resources, memory resources, etc.) that would otherwise be expended to generate and transmit the signals needed to configure the engageable locking mechanisms on each respective planet carrier.

Although the illustrated friction brake is depicted on one side of the flange 114-2, and is not shown as being connected to other components in the gear system 100, it should be understood that this is provided for ease of illustration, and in practice, the engageable locking mechanism 202-2 may include any combination of an actuator, a friction brake, a brake pad, a clamp, and/or another type of locking mechanism.

In some embodiments, the axle disconnect clutch may be disengaged. For example, the processor may send a signal to the actuator to cause the axle disconnect clutch to disengage to allow unequal amounts of output torque to be provided to the wheels of the vehicle. In this way, the locking arrangement of the gear system 100 allows locking of the axles of an axle pair without the use of an additional gearbox or differential mechanism.

In some embodiments, the input torque generated and provided by the motor may cause the input shaft 108 to rotate. For example, an input torque generated by a first motor may cause the input shaft 108-1 to rotate in the first direction 204, and a second motor may cause the input shaft 108-2 to rotate in the second direction 206. This may cause the sun gear 102 and the planet gears 106 to rotate. For example, rotation of the input shaft 108-1 may cause the sun gear 102-1 to rotate in the first direction 204, and rotation of the input shaft 108-2 may cause the sun gear 102-2 to rotate in the second direction 206. This will cause the planet gear 106-1 to rotate in the second direction 206 and cause the planet gear 106-2 to rotate in the first direction 204.

In some embodiments, rotation of the planet gears 106 may cause the ring gear 104 to rotate. For example, rotation of the planet gears 106-1 may cause the ring gear 104-1 to begin rotating in the first direction 204, and rotation of the planet gears 106-2 may cause the ring gear 104-2 to begin rotating in the second direction 206. Further, rotation of the sun gear 102-1, the ring gear 104-1, and/or the planet gears 106-1 may cause the planet carrier 112-1 (and the planet carrier gear 116-1) to rotate in the first direction 204. However, since the engageable locking mechanism is already engaged, the engageable locking mechanism will prevent the planet carrier 112-2 and planet carrier gear 116-2 from rotating.

In some embodiments, rotation of planet carrier gear 116-1 may cause axle gear 118-1 and output shaft 120-1 to begin rotating. For example, rotation of the planet carrier gear 116-1 may cause the axle gear 118-1 to rotate in the third direction 208, which may cause the output shaft 120-1 to rotate in the third direction 208. Because planet carrier 112-2 and planet carrier gear 116-2 are prevented from rotating, axle gear 118-2 is prevented from rotating. Thus, the torques generated from the two motors are converted into an output torque that is supplied only to the output shaft 120-1. Further, the output shaft 120-2 may be decoupled from the axle gear 118-2 such that the output shaft 120-2 is free to rotate. This allows the wheel corresponding to the output shaft 120-2 to be able to freewheel with the carrier 112-2 locked. In some embodiments, the engageable locking mechanism 202-2 may be configured to lock the planet carrier 112-1. This may allow the torque generated from the two motors to be converted into an output torque provided to the output shaft 120-2. Further, the output shaft 120-1 may be decoupled from the axle gear 118-1 such that the output shaft 120-1 is free to rotate. This allows the wheel corresponding to the output shaft 120-1 to be able to freewheel with the carrier 112-1 locked. This may be useful, for example, in the event that one wheel of the vehicle becomes stuck in a ditch, in the event that a rear or front wheel of the vehicle becomes stuck, and/or in any other event where the vehicle may benefit from the wheels of a co-axle pair rotating at different speeds.

FIG. 3 generally illustrates an example powertrain system 300 according to principles of the present disclosure. The example powertrain system 300 may include an engine 310, a motor pack 320 (shown as including motor 320-1 through motor 320-N), and a transmission 330 (e.g., including gear system 100). In some embodiments, the powertrain system 300 may be part of a vehicle. The vehicle may be a vehicle such as a hybrid vehicle, an electric construction device (e.g., an electric forklift, etc.), and/or another type of vehicle that utilizes two or more types of power.

The engine 310 includes one or more components capable of converting a form of energy into torque. For example, engine 310 may include a heat engine (e.g., a gas engine such as an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE)), a diesel engine, and/or other types of engines. In some embodiments, such as when the vehicle is a parallel hybrid vehicle, the engine 310 may be connected in parallel (e.g., at an axis) to the gear system 100. In this case, the vehicle may be connected to the gear system 100 using an input shaft. This allows the engine 310 to provide torque to the gear system 100. In some embodiments, for example when the vehicle is a series hybrid vehicle, the engine 310 will not be mechanically connected to the wheels. In this case, the engine 310 may turn a generator to provide torque to the gear system 100 via the motor pack 320. In some embodiments, the engine 310 may have a mechanical or electrical connection with the gear system 100, such as when the engine 310 is part of a power split or series-parallel hybrid vehicle.

The motor pack 320 includes one or more components capable of converting electrical energy into torque. In some embodiments, the motor pack 320 may be an electric motor. In some embodiments, motor pack 320 may receive electrical energy from a battery and may convert the electrical energy to torque. Additionally or alternatively, the motor pack 320 may receive torque from the engine 310 or from a corresponding generator. In some embodiments, one or more motors in motor pack 320 may provide torque to drive train 330. In some embodiments, the motor pack may include two or more motors.

The transmission 330 includes one or more components capable of receiving an input torque and providing an output torque to the wheels of the vehicle. For example, the transmission 330 may include the gear system 100, output shafts (e.g., front output shaft, rear output shaft, etc.), clutches, propeller shafts, differentials (or end drives), and/or any other mechanical components necessary to provide power to the wheels of a vehicle. In some embodiments, the drive train 330 may not include a differential (or end drive) due to the configuration of the gear system 100.

As described herein, the gear system 100 may include a first planetary gear set, a second planetary gear set, and a set of engageable locking mechanisms. The first planetary gear set may include a first sun gear in mechanical communication with the first input shaft of the first motor. The first sun gear may be disposed radially about the first axis. The first planetary gear set may further include: a first ring gear circumferentially disposed about the first sun gear; and a first set of one or more planet gears disposed between the first sun gear and the first ring gear. The first planetary gearset may also include a first carrier coupled to a first set of one or more planet gears. The first carrier may include at least: a first flange disposed radially along and about a third axis, the third axis being perpendicular to the first and second axes; and a first carrier gear connected to the first flange and including a first head in mechanical communication with the first axle.

The second planetary gear set may include a second sun gear in mechanical communication with the second input shaft of the second motor. The second sun gear may be radially disposed about a second axis that is offset from and parallel to the first axis. The second planetary gear set may further include: a second ring gear circumferentially disposed about the second sun gear; and a second set of one or more planet gears disposed between the second sun gear and the second ring gear. The second planetary gear set may also include a second planet carrier coupled to a second set of one or more planet gears. The second planet carrier may include at least: a second flange disposed radially about a third axis and a second axis; and a second planet carrier gear connected to the second flange and including a second head in mechanical communication with the second axle.

In some embodiments, the set of engageable locking mechanisms may comprise at least one of: a first engageable locking mechanism engageable with the first or second ring gear; or a second engageable locking mechanism engageable with the first carrier or the second carrier. In some embodiments, the set of engageable locking mechanisms may include one or more other locking mechanisms that are engageable with other components of the gear system 100. In some embodiments, the set of engageable locking mechanisms may be selectively configured to engage or disengage based on a signal of a processor (e.g., processor 420).

In some embodiments, the gear system 100 of the drive train 330 may receive an input torque from each motor in the motor set 320. In some embodiments, the gear system 100 of the drive train 330 may receive input torque from a subset of the motor pack 320. Additionally or alternatively, the gear system 100 of the transmission 330 may receive input torque from the engine 310. In some embodiments, the gear system 100 of the transmission system 320 may provide an output torque to one or more wheels of the vehicle (e.g., via one or more axles).

In some embodiments, the configuration of the gear system 100 may be based on the number of motors in the motor pack 320. For example, if the motor pack 320 includes two motors, the gear system 100 would include two sun gears 102, two ring gears 104, two sets of planet gears 206, and so on. If the motor pack 320 includes three motors, the gear system 100 will include three sun gears 102, three ring gears 104, three sets of planet gears 206, and so on. Additionally or alternatively, the configuration of the gear system 100 may be based on the processor determining whether one or more conditions are met, as described elsewhere herein.

In some embodiments, the powertrain system 300 may be used as part of a parallel hybrid vehicle. For example, the powertrain system 300 may include an engine (e.g., an ICE, etc.), a generator, a battery, and two electric motors, where the engine and the two motors are connected in parallel (e.g., at an axis) to the driveline 330 (e.g., via the input shaft 108 of the gear system 100). In this case, the powertrain system 300 may be configured such that the parallel hybrid vehicle may alternate between using power from the first power source (e.g., the engine and the generator), using power from the second power source (e.g., the battery and the two electric motors), or using power from both the first and second power sources.

In some embodiments, the powertrain system 300 may be used as part of a series hybrid vehicle. For example, the powertrain system 300 may include an engine (e.g., an ICE), a generator, a battery, and two electric motors, where the engine is connected to the generator, the generator is connected to each electric motor (e.g., via a charger, an inverter, etc.), where the battery is connected to each electric motor, and each electric motor is connected to the driveline 320 (e.g., through the input shaft 108 of the gear system 100). In this case, the powertrain system 300 may be configured such that the series hybrid vehicle may utilize power from a first power source (e.g., a battery and two electric motors) or may utilize power from a second power source (e.g., an engine and a generator). In some embodiments, the series hybrid vehicle may utilize power from the first power source until the battery has low power, in which case the series hybrid vehicle may utilize power from the second power source.

In some embodiments, the powertrain system 300 may be used as part of a series-parallel hybrid vehicle. In this case, the powertrain system 300 may be configured such that the series-parallel hybrid vehicle may utilize power from a selected power source depending on the mode in which the gear system 100 is operating. This mode may also be effective to determine the location of the output torque provided and/or the amount of output torque.

FIG. 4 generally illustrates an example gear control system 400 according to the principles of the present disclosure. The example gear control system 400 may include a sensor 410, a processor 420 for controlling a locking configuration of the gear system 100, and a memory 430. In some embodiments, a vehicle, such as a vehicle (e.g., a hybrid vehicle) or the like, may include a powertrain system 300 and a gear control system 400. In some embodiments, the gear control system 400 may be part of the powertrain system 300.

The sensors 410 include sensors capable of monitoring, detecting, measuring, generating, and/or providing sensor data. For example, the sensors 410 may include position sensors, speed sensors, temperature sensors, external condition sensors, and the like. The position sensors may include gear sensors, shaft position sensors, throttle position sensors, turbine position sensors, brake position sensors, and the like. The speed sensors may include vehicle speed sensors, wheel speed sensors, and the like. The temperature sensors may include transmission fluid temperature sensors and/or other sensors capable of measuring temperatures associated with the powertrain system of the vehicle. The temperature sensors may include thermistors, thermocouples, Resistance Temperature Detectors (RTDs), infrared devices, and the like. The external condition sensors may include traction control sensors and/or other sensors capable of monitoring, detecting, or measuring conditions external to the vehicle.

In some embodiments, one or more sensors 410 may be configured to monitor, detect, or measure sensor data. For example, a gear sensor may detect a gear in which the vehicle is located, or may measure a position or relative position associated with a particular gear. As another example, a shaft position sensor may detect a position or rotational speed of a shaft (e.g., an input shaft, an output shaft, etc.). As another example, a throttle position sensor may measure air intake of the engine or motor, may measure a degree of throttle opening (which is indicative of engine load), and the like. As another example, a turbine position sensor may measure a speed of a torque converter of the vehicle. As another example, a brake position sensor may measure a position of a brake pedal of the vehicle.

As another example, a vehicle speed sensor may measure the speed of the vehicle. As another example, a wheel speed sensor may measure the wheel speed of the vehicle. As another example, a transmission fluid temperature sensor may measure the temperature of a fluid within a vehicle transmission. As another example, the traction control sensor may detect or measure inclement weather, conditions caused by inclement weather (e.g., poor traction), and the like.

In some embodiments, the sensor 410 may be configured to provide sensor data to the processor 420. In some embodiments, the sensor 410 may be configured to periodically provide sensor data to the processor 420 (e.g., periodically over a period of time, based on a condition being met, etc.). In some embodiments, the sensor 410 may provide sensor data to the processor 420 via a bus, a communication interface, or the like. The communication interface may include an optical interface, a coaxial interface, a Radio Frequency (RF) interface, an ethernet interface, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, a network interface, and so forth.

Processor 420 includes a Powertrain Control Unit (PCU), an Engine Control Unit (ECU), a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), an Acceleration Processing Unit (APU), a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), and/or other types of processing components. In some embodiments, processor 420 includes one or more processors that can be programmed to perform functions.

In some embodiments, processor 420 may receive sensor data from sensor 410. In some embodiments, the processor 420 may select a locking configuration of the set of locking configurations for a set of engageable locking mechanisms of the gear system based on the sensor, as described elsewhere herein. In some embodiments, processor 420 may configure the set of engageable locking mechanisms to have a selected locking configuration. For example, the processor 420 may provide signals indicative of the selected locking configuration to one or more actuators of the gear system 100 to cause the one or more actuators to actuate one or more engageable locking mechanisms (e.g., to cause the respective engageable locking mechanism to engage or disengage with a target component of the gear system 100).

Memory 430 includes Random Access Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), and/or other types of dynamic or static storage devices (e.g., flash memory, magnetic memory, and/or optical memory) that store information and/or instructions for use by processor 420.

Fig. 5 is a flow chart generally illustrating a method 500 in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. For example, method 500 may be performed by a processor (e.g., processor 420) of a gear control system (e.g., gear control system 400). The processor may perform the steps of the method 500 to cause the gear system to control the output torque provided to the axles of the vehicle.

At 502, the method 500 receives sensor data from a sensor associated with a vehicle. For example, as described herein, a processor (e.g., processor 420) may receive sensor data from a sensor (e.g., sensor 410) associated with a vehicle.

At 504, the method 500 determines whether one or more conditions are satisfied by comparing the sensor data to corresponding threshold data. For example, as described herein, the processor may determine whether one or more conditions are met by comparing the sensor data to corresponding threshold data.

At 506, the method 500 selects a locking configuration of the set of locking configurations for a set of engageable locking mechanisms of the gear system based on determining whether one or more conditions are satisfied. For example, as described herein, the processor may select a locking configuration of a set of locking configurations for a set of engageable locking mechanisms of the gear system based on determining whether one or more conditions are satisfied. The set of engageable locking mechanisms may comprise at least one of a first engageable locking mechanism engageable with a particular ring gear of the gear system or a second engageable locking mechanism engageable with a particular planet carrier of the gear system.

At 508, the method 500 configures the set of engageable locking mechanisms to have the selected locking configuration using a signal indicative of the selected locking configuration. For example, as described herein, the processor may use a signal indicative of a selected locking configuration to configure a set of engageable locking mechanisms to have the selected locking configuration.

In some embodiments, when configuring the set of engageable locking mechanisms to have the selected locking configuration, the processor may provide a signal to an actuator assembly of the engageable locking mechanisms (e.g., a first engageable locking mechanism, a second engageable locking mechanism, etc.) to cause the actuator assembly to actuate a locking assembly of the engageable locking mechanisms in a manner that engages the locking assembly with a particular ring gear of the gear system.

In some embodiments, the engageable locking mechanism may be engaged at a first time. In this case, the processor may receive new sensor data and may determine whether one or more conditions are satisfied based on the new sensor data. The processor may then provide a second signal to the actuator assembly to cause the actuator assembly to actuate the locking assembly of the engageable locking mechanism in a manner that causes the locking assembly to disengage the particular ring gear at the second time. The processor may then provide a third signal to another actuator assembly of another engageable locking mechanism to cause the other actuator assembly to actuate another locking assembly of the other engageable locking mechanism in a manner that engages the other locking assembly with a particular planet carrier of the gear system.

In some embodiments, when configuring the set of engageable locking mechanisms to have the selected locking configuration, the processor may provide a signal to the actuator assembly of the engageable locking mechanisms to cause the actuator assembly to actuate the locking assembly of the engageable locking mechanisms in a manner that causes the locking assembly to engage a particular planet carrier of the gear system.

In some embodiments, the engageable locking mechanism may be engaged at a first time. In this case, the processor may receive new sensor data and may determine whether one or more conditions are satisfied based on the new sensor data. The processor may then provide a second signal to the actuator assembly to cause the actuator assembly to actuate the locking assembly of the engageable locking mechanism in a manner that disengages the locking assembly from the particular planet carrier at the second time. The processor may then provide a third signal to another actuator assembly of another engageable locking mechanism to cause the other actuator assembly to actuate another locking assembly of the other engageable locking mechanism in a manner that engages the other locking assembly with a particular ring gear of the gear system.

Although one or more embodiments described herein refer to the engageable locking mechanism as being engaged based on a signal from a processor, it should be understood that this is provided as an example and that the engageable locking mechanism may be engaged in one or more other ways. For example, the engageable locking mechanism may be engaged based on a trigger condition being met. The trigger condition may include receiving a signal from the processor, a manual implementation configured by a user, and/or any other trigger condition for causing the actuator assembly to actuate the engageable locking mechanism.

The above discussion is meant to be illustrative of the principles and various embodiments of the present invention. Numerous variations and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art once the above disclosure is fully appreciated. It is intended that the following claims be interpreted to embrace all such variations and modifications.

The word "example" is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather, use of the word "example" is intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion. As used in this application, the term "or" is intended to mean an inclusive "or" rather than an exclusive "or". That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from context, "X includes a or B" is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, if X contains A; x comprises B; or X includes both A and B, then "X includes A or B" is satisfied under any of the foregoing circumstances. In addition, the articles "a" and "an" as used in this application and the appended claims should generally be construed to mean "one or more" unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form. Furthermore, unless so described, the use of the term "embodiment" or "one embodiment" throughout is not intended to refer to the same embodiment or implementation. Some embodiments are described herein in connection with a threshold.

Further, as used herein, the term "set (group)" is intended to include one or more items (e.g., related items, non-related items, a combination of related and non-related items, etc.) and may be used interchangeably with "one or more. Where only one item is intended, the term "one" or similar language is used. Also, as used herein, the term "having" and the like are intended to be open-ended terms. Further, the phrase "based on" is intended to mean "based, at least in part, on" unless explicitly stated otherwise.

As used herein, meeting a threshold may refer to a value that is greater than the threshold, exceeds the threshold, is above the threshold, is greater than or equal to the threshold, is less than or equal to the threshold, is equal to the threshold, and the like.

Implementations of the systems, algorithms, methods, instructions, etc. described herein may be implemented in hardware, software, or any combination thereof. The hardware may include, for example, a computer, an Intellectual Property (IP) core, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic array, an optical processor, a programmable logic controller, microcode, a microcontroller, a server, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor, or any other suitable circuitry. In the claims, the term "processor" should be understood to include any of the foregoing hardware, alone or in combination. The terms "signal" and "data" are used interchangeably.

As used herein, the term module may include a packaged functional hardware unit designed for use with other components, a set of instructions executable by a controller (e.g., a processor executing software or firmware), a processing circuit configured to perform a specific function, and a self-contained hardware or software component that interfaces with a large system. For example, a module may include, or be a combination of, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), a circuit, a digital logic circuit, an analog circuit, a combination of discrete circuits, a gate, and other types of hardware. In other embodiments, a module may include a memory that stores instructions executable by a controller to implement features of the module.

Further, in an aspect, for example, the systems described herein may be implemented using a general purpose computer or a general purpose processor with a computer program that, when executed, performs any of the respective methods, algorithms, and/or instructions described herein. Additionally or alternatively, for example, a special purpose computer/processor may be utilized which may contain other hardware for carrying out any of the methods, algorithms, or instructions described herein.

Furthermore, all or a portion of an implementation of the present disclosure may take the form of a computer program product accessible from, for example, a computer-usable or computer-readable medium. A computer-usable or computer-readable medium may be, for example, any apparatus that can tangibly contain, store, communicate, or transport the program for use by or in connection with any processor. The medium may be, for example, an electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic or semiconductor device. Other suitable media may also be used.

The above-described embodiments, embodiments and aspects have been described to allow easy understanding of the present invention and do not limit the present invention. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims, which scope is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures as is permitted under the law.