Multiple motor multiple speed continuous power transmission
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 second electric motor that has an interruptible connection with the drive shaft. In one form, this interruptible connection includes a clutch. The electric powertrain further includes a first gear train in the form of a first planetary gear and a second gear train in the form of a second planetary gear. To provide a compact configuration, the first electric motor and second electric motor are arranged in a centerline orientation with the drive shaft.
1. A powertrain system, comprising:
an output, wherein the output is configured to move a 40,000 pound or more vehicle;
a first electric motor having an uninterrupted connection to the output, wherein the uninterrupted connection is a mechanical linkage that lacks a break in continuity;
a second electric motor having an interruptible connection to the output;
wherein the first and second electric motors are high speed motors with a rated operating speed of at least 5,000 rpm;
wherein power is supplied to the output solely through the first and second electric motors;
a planetary gear coupled to the second electric motor;
wherein the planetary gear is sandwiched between the first electric motor and the second electric motor;
a clutch configured to engage the planetary gear;
wherein the clutch is sandwiched between the planetary gear and the first electric motor;
wherein the clutch is configured to shift relative to the planetary gear to change speed and torque supplied by the second electric motor; and
wherein the output, the first electric motor, the clutch, the planetary gear, and the second electric motor are arranged along a centerline to reduce power loss.
2. The powertrain system of claim 1 , wherein the uninterrupted connection of the first electric motor includes a first gear train configured to reduce speed.
3. The powertrain system of claim 2 , wherein the first gear train includes a first planetary gear.
4. The powertrain system of claim 3 , wherein the first planetary gear is coupled between the first electric motor and the output.
5. The powertrain system of claim 3 , wherein the clutch includes a dog clutch.
6. The powertrain system of claim 5 , wherein the dog clutch has a neutral position, a first range position, and a second range position.
7. The powertrain system of claim 3 , wherein the clutch includes a 3-way dog clutch.
8. The powertrain system of claim 1 , further comprising:
a first output shaft connected to the first electric motor;
a second output shaft connected to the second electric motor, wherein the planetary gear is coupled to the second output shaft; and
a first planetary gear coupled to the first output shaft.
9. The powertrain system of claim 8 , wherein the first output shaft and the second output shaft are coupled in an end-to-end engagement.
10. The powertrain system of claim 8 , wherein the first output shaft and the second output shaft are aligned along the centerline.
11. A powertrain system, comprising:
an output, wherein the output is configured to move a 40,000 pound or more vehicle;
a first electric motor having an uninterrupted connection to the output;
a second electric motor configured to supply power to the output via a planetary gear and a clutch;
wherein the first and second electric motors are high speed motors with a rated operating speed of at least 5,000 rpm;
wherein power is supplied to the output solely through the first and second electric motors;
wherein the planetary gear is sandwiched between the first electric motor and the second electric motor;
wherein the clutch is sandwiched between the planetary gear and the first electric motor;
wherein the planetary gear is configured to change torque from the second electric motor based on clutch position of the clutch;
wherein the first electric motor, the second electric motor, the planetary gear, and the output are aligned along a longitudinal axis to facilitate retrofitting into pre-existing vehicle chassis designs; and
wherein the first electric motor and the second electric or are each configured to move consumer passenger cars.
12. The powertrain system of claim 11 , wherein the clutch includes a dog clutch.
13. The powertrain system of claim 12 , wherein the dog clutch has a neutral position, a first range position, and a second range position.
14. The powertrain system of claim 11 , further comprising:
a first output shaft connected to the first electric motor;
a second output shaft connected to the second electric motor; and
wherein the first output shaft and the second output shaft are coupled in an end-to-end engagement.
15. The powertrain system of claim 14 , wherein the first output shaft and the second output shaft are aligned along the longitudinal axis.