DRIVELINE ARRANGEMENT

Abstract

A driveline arrangement, comprises a first electric machine, and a continuously variable torque distribution arrangement configured to controllably direct a torque from the first electric machine to a front wheel axle and at least one rear wheel axle, the continuously variable torque distribution arrangement including a main shaft connectable to the first electric machine and to the at least one rear wheel axle, a primary planetary gear set including a primary sun gear, a primary ring gear and a primary planet carrier carrying a set of planet gear units, wherein the planet gear units are in meshing engagement with the primary sun gear and the primary ring gear, a second electric machine connected to the primary sun gear, and a gear stage including a first gear wheel operatively connected to the primary ring gear, and a second gear wheel connectable to the front wheel axle.

Claims

1. A driveline arrangement for a working machine, the driveline arrangement comprising: a first electric machine arranged to propel the working machine, and a continuously variable torque distribution arrangement configured to controllably direct a torque from the first electric machine to a front wheel axle and at least one rear wheel axle of the working machine, the continuously variable torque distribution arrangement comprising a main shaft connectable to the first electric machine and to the at least one rear wheel axle, a primary planetary gear set comprising a primary sun gear, a primary ring gear and a primary planet carrier carrying a set of planet gear units, wherein the planet gear units are in meshing engagement with the primary sun gear and the primary ring gear, a second electric machine connected to the primary sun gear, and a gear stage comprising a first gear wheel operatively connected to the primary ring gear, and a second gear wheel connectable to the front wheel axle, the first gear wheel being in meshing engagement with the second gear wheel, wherein the primary planet carrier is operatively connected to the main shaft.

2. The driveline arrangement according to claim 1, further comprising an energy storage system electrically connected to the first and second electric machines to supply electric power to the first and second electric machines.

3. The driveline arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the primary planetary gear set is concentrically connected to the main shaft.

4. The driveline arrangement according to claim 1, wherein each one of the planet gear units of the set of planet gear units comprises a first planet wheel arranged in meshing engagement with the primary sun gear, and a second planet wheel arranged in meshing engagement with the primary ring gear, the first planet wheel and the second planet wheel being arranged on a common planet wheel shaft.

5. The driveline arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the driveline arrangement further comprises a gear shifting arrangement connected between the first electric machine and the main shaft.

6. The driveline arrangement according to claim 5, wherein the gear shifting arrangement comprises a first planetary gear set comprising a first set of planetary members, the first set of planetary members comprising a first sun gear, a first ring gear and a first planet carrier carrying a first set of planet gears, wherein the planet gears of the first set of planet gears are in meshing engagement with the first sun gear and the first ring gear, a second planetary gear set comprising a second set of planetary members, the second set of planetary members comprising a second sun gear, a second ring gear and a second planet carrier carrying a second set of planet gears, wherein the planet gears of the second set of planet gears are in meshing engagement with the second sun gear and the second ring gear, at least one member of the first planetary gear set being operatively connected to a member of the second planetary gear set, wherein one member of the first planetary gear set is connected to the main shaft, and one member of the second planetary gear set is connected to the first electric machine, and a gear selection arrangement, comprising a first locking mechanism connected to a member of the first planetary gear set, and a second locking mechanism connected to a member of the second planetary gear set.

7. The driveline arrangement according to claim 6, wherein the first sun gear is operatively connected to the second planet carrier, the first ring gear is operatively connected to the second ring gear, the second sun gear is connected to the first electric machine, the first ring gear and the second ring gear are connected to the main shaft, the first locking mechanism is connected to the first planet carrier, and the second locking mechanism is connected to the second planet carrier and to the first sun gear.

8. The driveline arrangement according to claim 6, wherein the first sun gear is operatively connected to the second sun gear, the first ring gear is operatively connected to the second planet carrier, the first and second sun gears are connected to the first electric machine, the first planet carrier is connected to the main shaft, the first locking mechanism is connected to the first ring gear and to the second planet carrier, and the second locking mechanism is connected to the second ring gear.

9. The driveline arrangement according to claim 6, wherein the gear shifting arrangement further comprises a third planetary gear set comprising a third set of planetary members, the third set of planetary members comprising a third sun gear, a third ring gear and a third planet carrier carrying a third set of planet gears, wherein the planet gears of the third set of planet gears are in meshing engagement with the third sun gear and the third ring gear, wherein at least one member of the third planetary gear set is operatively connected to a member of the second planetary gear set, and wherein the gear selection arrangement further comprises a third locking mechanism connected to a member of the third planetary gear set.

10. The driveline arrangement according to claim 9, wherein the first ring gear is operatively connected to the second planet carrier, the first sun gear is operatively connected to the second ring gear and to the third planet carrier, the second sun gear is operatively connected to the third sun gear, the second and third sun gears are connected to the first electric machine, the first ring gear and the second planet carrier are connected to the main shaft, the first locking mechanism is connected to the first planet carrier, the second locking mechanism is connected to the second ring gear and to the first sun gear and to the third planet carrier, and the third locking mechanism is connected to the third ring gear.

11. The driveline arrangement according to claim 6, wherein the gear shifting arrangement comprises a transmission housing, the transmission housing comprising a housing wall assembly defining a transmission housing cavity enclosing at least the first and second planetary gear sets, wherein at least an external portion of each one of the first and second locking mechanisms is located on one side of the transmission housing wall assembly and the transmission housing cavity is located on an opposite side of the transmission housing wall assembly.

12. The driveline arrangement according to claim 11, wherein the first locking mechanism is adapted to be controlled by a first fluid pressure conducted to the first locking mechanism such that: for at least a first fluid pressure equal to zero overpressure, the first locking mechanism is adapted to assume a locked condition in which the member of the first planetary gear set is locked to the transmission housing, and the second locking mechanism is adapted to be controlled by a second fluid pressure conducted to the second locking mechanism such that: for at least a second fluid pressure equal to zero overpressure, the second locking mechanism is adapted to assume a locked condition in which the member of the second planetary gear set is locked to the transmission housing.

13. The driveline arrangement according to claim 12, wherein the first locking mechanism comprises a first biasing member, preferably a first spring arrangement, adapted to bias the first locking mechanism so as to assume the locked condition, and wherein the second locking mechanism comprises a second biasing member, preferably a second spring arrangement, adapted to bias the second locking mechanism so as to assume the locked condition.

14. The driveline arrangement according to claim 6, wherein the first locking mechanism comprises a first brake disc and a first brake caliper, and the second locking mechanism comprises a second brake disc and a second brake caliper.

15. The driveline arrangement according to claim 14, wherein the gear shifting arrangement comprises a transmission housing, the transmission housing comprising a housing wall assembly defining a transmission housing cavity enclosing at least the first and second planetary gear sets, wherein at least an external portion of each one of the first and second locking mechanisms is located on one side of the transmission housing wall assembly and the transmission housing cavity is located on an opposite side of the transmission housing wall assembly, and wherein the external portion of the first locking mechanism comprises the first brake disc and the first brake caliper, and wherein the external portion of the second locking mechanism comprises the second brake disc and the second brake caliper.

16. The driveline arrangement according to claim 6, wherein the gear selection arrangement is adapted to assume a locked condition in which each of the first and second locking mechanisms assumes a locked condition.

17. A working machine comprising a front wheel axle connected to a pair of front wheels, and at least one rear wheel axle connected to at least one pair of rear wheels, and a driveline arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the front wheel axle is connected to the second gear wheel and the at least one rear wheel axle is connected to the main shaft.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] The above, as well as additional objects, features, and advantages of the present invention, will be better understood through the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention, wherein:

[0041] FIG. 1 is a lateral side view illustrating a working machine in the form of an articulated hauler according to an example embodiment;

[0042] FIGS. 2-8 schematically illustrate a driveline arrangement according to various example embodiments of the present invention,

[0043] FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of a gear shifting arrangement of the driveline arrangement in FIGS. 2-8 according to an example embodiment, and

[0044] FIG. 10 is a detailed schematic illustration of a gear selection arrangement for the gear shifting arrangement in FIG. 9 according to an example embodiment.

DETAIL DESCRIPTION

[0045] The present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. The disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided for thoroughness and completeness. Like reference character refer to like elements throughout the description.

[0046] Reference is made to FIG. 1, which is a lateral side view illustrating a working machine according to an example embodiment. The FIG. 1 working machine 10 is exemplified as a frame-steered articulated hauler, also called dumper.

[0047] As can be seen from FIG. 1, the working machine 10 illustrated therein comprises a front working machine section 12 comprising a front frame 14 and a front wheel axle 16. The front axle 16 is in turn connected to one or more front ground engaging members 18 adapted to propel the working machine 10. In the FIG. 1 example, the one or more front ground engaging members 18 is exemplified as a pair of front wheels, although only the left front wheel is visible in FIG. 1.

[0048] Moreover, as seen in FIG. 1, the working machine 10 comprises a rear working machine section 20 comprising a rear frame 22, a front rear axle 24 and a back rear axle 26. The front rear axle 24 is connected to one or more front rear ground engaging members 28. Moreover, the back rear axle 26 is connected to one or more back rear ground engaging members 30. In the FIG. 1 embodiment, the one or more front rear ground engaging members 28 is exemplified as a pair of wheels. In a similar vein, the one or more back rear ground engaging members 30 is exemplified as a pair of wheels.

[0049] Although the FIG. 1 embodiment of the working machine 10 comprises two rear axles 24, 26, it is also envisaged that embodiments of the working machine may be equipped with only one rear axle (not shown). Furthermore, although the FIG. 1 embodiment exemplifies each one of the ground engaging members 18, 28, 30 as a wheel, it is also contemplated that in embodiments of the working machine 10, one or more of the ground engaging members 18, 28, 30 may comprise crawlers (not shown) or any other type of means for ground engagement. The working machine 10 further comprises an energy storage system 200. The energy storage system 200 is preferably a battery and can be configured to receive electrical power from the below described electric machine(s) or from a fuel cell (not shown). The battery may also be configured to receive electrical power from a power grid.

[0050] The FIG. 1 working machine 10 may be propelled by a driveline. With reference to FIG. 2, which schematically illustrates a driveline arrangement 100 according to an example embodiment. As can be seen in FIG. 2, the driveline arrangement 100 comprises a first electric machine 102 arranged to propel the working machine 10. The driveline arrangement 100 further comprises a continuously variable torque distribution arrangement 104. The continuously variable torque distribution arrangement 104 is configured to controllably direct a torque from the first electric machine 102 to the front wheel axle 16 (not shown in FIG. 2) and to at least one of the rear wheel axles 24, 26 (not shown in FIG. 2) of the working machine 10.

[0051] The continuously variable torque distribution arrangement 104 comprises a main shaft 106 connected to the first electric machine 102. The main shaft 106 is further connected to at least one of the rear wheel axles 24, 26. The continuously variable torque distribution arrangement 104 further comprises a primary planetary gear set 108 comprising a primary sun gear 110, a primary ring gear 112 and a primary planet carrier 114 carrying a set of planet gear units 116. The primary planetary gear set 108 is concentrically connected to the main shaft 106. The planet gear units 116 are in meshing engagement with the primary sun gear 110 and the primary ring gear 112. The primary planet carrier 114 is operatively connected to the main shaft 106. As is further depicted in FIG. 2, the continuously variable torque distribution arrangement 104 also comprises a second electric machine 118. The second electric machine 118 is connected to the primary sun gear 110 and arranged concentrically around the main shaft 106.

[0052] As can be seen in FIG. 2, the energy storage system 200 is connected to the first electric machine 102 as well as to the second electric machine 118. Hence, the first 102 and second 118 electric machines are both receiving electrical power from one and the same energy storage system 200.

[0053] For directing a torque to the front wheel axle 16, the continuously variable torque distribution arrangement 104 comprises a gear stage 120. The gear stage 120, which is exemplified as an angled gear stage 120, comprises a first gear wheel 122 operatively connected to the primary ring gear 112, and a second gear wheel 124 connectable to the front wheel axle 16, wherein the first gear wheel 122 is in meshing engagement with the second gear wheel 124.

[0054] By means of the exemplified driveline arrangement 100 in FIG. 2, the second electric machine 118 is configured to control the torque distribution between the front wheel axle 16 and at least one of the rear wheel axles 24, 26, as well as contributing to an electric propulsion of the front wheel axle 16 when the working machine 10 is turning. Preferably, the angled gear stage 120 has a gear ratio adapted for zero speed of the second electric machine 118 when the working machine 10 is driving straight ahead and the wheels 18, 28, 30 on the front 16 and rear wheel axles 24, 26 are rotating at the same speed. In such a case, the second electric machine 118 merely holds the primary sun gear 110 stationary with a required torque and substantially no additional power is needed. According to a non-limiting example, the gear stage 120 comprises a gear ratio of i=1.5 to match a basic speed ratio R=−2 of the primary planetary gear set 108. This is derived from the formula i=(R−1)/R, valid for a planetary gear set with a stationary sun gear.

[0055] Furthermore, and as indicated above, the torque distribution between the front wheel axle 16 and at least one of the rear wheel axles 24, 26 is controlled by the continuously variable torque distribution arrangement 104. The following will present this torque distribution in further detail with non-limiting examples. When operating the driveline arrangement 100 and no torque is applied from the second electric machine 118, the primary planetary gear set 108 is not transferring any torque and all of the input torque from the first electric machine 102 is transmitted to the rear wheel axle(s) 24, 26. When a torque is applied by the second electric machine 118 to the primary sun gear 110, a torque equilibrium of the primary planetary gear set 108 results in that the primary planet carrier 114 subtracts torque from the rear axle(s) 24, 26 and adds torque via the primary ring gear 112 to the front wheel axle 16.

[0056] The torque ratio between primary ring gear 112 and primary sun gear 110 is determined by the basic speed ratio, referred to as R. According to a non-limiting example, if R=−2 a primary ring gear torque is twice the primary sun gear torque, and the torques act in the same direction. These two torques balance the primary planet carrier torque.

[0057] As a non-limiting example, if the primary planet carrier 114 subtracts e.g. 60% of the input torque received from the first electric machine 102, and leaves 40% to the rear wheel axle(s) 24, 26, the 60% torque to the primary planet carrier 114 is split in 40% to the primary ring gear 112 and 20% to the primary sun gear 110. With a gear ratio i=1,5 of the angled gear step 120, the torque to the front wheel axle 16 will be 60% of the input torque from the first electric machine 102. So, in such a loss-free example, the 100% torque from the first electric machine 102 is distributed with 60% to the front wheel axle 16 and 40% to the rear wheel axle(s) 24, 26. For achieving this, the second electric machine 118 has to provide a torque which is 20% of the input torque from the first electric machine 102, if connected directly to the primary sun gear 110.

[0058] When the working machine 10 is turning, the wheels 18 on the front wheel axle 16 have to rotate faster, whereby additional power is delivered by the second electric machine 118. This is due to the fact that a turning radius R1 of the front wheel axle 16 is larger than the turning radius R2 of the rear wheel axle(s) 24, 26.

[0059] The larger steering angle α, the larger ratio R1/R2 and thus the larger ratio ω.sub.front wheel axle/ω.sub.rear wheel axle(s) that increases the speed of the second electric machine 118. The speed of the second electric machine may increase based on increased steering angle and/or increased working machine speed.

[0060] In order to describe another example embodiment of the driveline arrangement 100, reference is made to FIG. 3. The following will only describe the features of FIG. 3 that differs from the features of FIG. 2. It should thus be readily understood that, for example, the energy storage system 200 depicted in FIG. 2 is omitted from FIG. 3 but should be understood as included in the FIG. 3 embodiment as well as in all of the following described example embodiments.

[0061] The difference between the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3 and the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2 is that the FIG. 3 driveline arrangement 100 comprises an additional gear stage 202. The additional gear stage 202 comprises a first additional gear wheel 204 operatively connected to the primary sun gear 110, and a second additional gear wheel 206 operatively connected to the second electric machine 118. The first additional gear wheel 204 is in meshing engagement with the second additional gear wheel 206. The second electric machine 118 in FIG. 3 is thus not concentrically arranged around the main shaft 106 as is the case for the example embodiment depicted in FIG. 2.

[0062] The following will now describe the driveline arrangement 100 according to still further example embodiments. Each of the example embodiments described below illustrates the second electric machine 118 concentrically arranged around the main shaft 106. It should however be readily understood that the embodiment in FIG. 3 using the additional gear stage 202 is applicable also for each of the example embodiments described below. Further, the following will also only describe differences compared to already described example embodiments unless specified otherwise.

[0063] Turning now to FIG. 4, which schematically illustrates the driveline arrangement 100 according to another example embodiment. The difference between the example embodiment depicted in FIG. 4 and the example embodiment depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3 is that each of the planet gear units 116 of the FIG. 4 embodiment comprises a first planet wheel 116′ arranged in meshing engagement with the primary sun gear 110, and a second planet wheel 116″ arranged in meshing engagement with the primary ring gear 112. Further, the first planet wheel 116′ and the second planet wheel 116″ are arranged on a common planet wheel shaft 117. Furthermore, and as can be seen in FIG. 4, the first planet wheel 116′ has a larger diameter compared to the second planet wheel 116″.

[0064] Turning to FIG. 5, which schematically illustrates the driveline arrangement 100 according to a still further example embodiment. As can be seen in FIG. 5, the driveline arrangement 100 comprises an additional planetary gear set 300 between the second electric machine 118 and the primary planetary gear set 108. In detail, the additional planetary gear set 300 comprises a sun gear 302, a ring gear 304 and a planet carrier 306 carrying a set of planet gears 308, wherein the planet gears 308 are in meshing engagement with the sun gear 302 and the ring gear 304. The sun gear 302 of the additional planetary gear set 300 is operatively connected to the second electric machine 118, and the planet carrier 306 of the additional planetary gear set 300 is operatively connected to the primary sun gear 110 of the primary planetary gear set 108, while the ring gear 304 of the additional planetary gear set 300 is stationary. Hereby, torque is transmitted from the second electric machine 118 to the primary sun gear 110 via the additional planetary gear set 300. More precisely, the torque from the second electric machine 118 is transmitted to the sun gear 302 of the additional planetary gear set 300, and via the planet carrier 306 of the additional planetary gear set 300, which planet carrier 306 rotates around the sun gear 302, to the primary sun gear 110.

[0065] Although FIG. 5 illustrates the additional planetary gear set 300 connected to the primary planetary gear set 108 of FIG. 2, it should be readily understood that the additional planetary gear set 300 can equally as well be connected to the primary planetary gear set 108 described above and depicted in FIG. 4.

[0066] In order to describe the driveline arrangement 100 according to a still further example embodiment, reference is now made to FIG. 6. As can be seen in FIG. 6, the driveline arrangement 100 comprises a gear shifting arrangement 600 connected between the first electric machine 102 and the main shaft 106. The gear shifting arrangement 600 is thus configured to enable a set of gear stages between the first electric machine 102 and the main shaft 106.

[0067] The gear shifting arrangement 600 depicted in FIG. 6 comprises a first planetary gear set 610 and a second planetary gear set 620. The first planetary gear set 610 comprises a first set of planetary members 611. The first set of planetary members 611 comprises a first sun gear 612, a first ring gear 614 and a first planet carrier 616 carrying a first set of planet gears 618. The planet gears of the first set of planet gears 618 are in meshing engagement with the first sun gear 612 and the first ring gear 614. The second planetary gear set 620 comprises a second set of planetary members 621. The second set of planetary members 621 comprises a second sun gear 622, a second ring gear 624 and a second planet carrier 626 carrying a second set of planet gears 628. The planet gears of the second set of planet gears 628 are in meshing engagement with the second sun gear 622 and the second ring gear 624.

[0068] As is further illustrated in FIG. 6, the gear shifting arrangement 600 further comprises a gear selection arrangement 62 arranged for obtaining the above described set of gear stages between the first electric machine 102 and the main shaft 106. The gear selection arrangement 62 will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10 and comprises a first locking mechanism 64 and a second locking mechanism 66, where each of the first 64 and second 66 locking mechanisms are connected to a transmission housing 60. As is evidently understood, each of the first 64 and second 66 locking mechanisms may be arranged in an open condition and in a closed condition.

[0069] In the exemplified example embodiment of FIG. 6, the first sun gear 612 is operatively connected to the second planet carrier 626, the first ring gear 614 is operatively connected to the second ring gear 624, wherein the first 614 and second 624 ring gears are connected to the main shaft 106. The second sun gear 622 is connected to the first electric machine 102, the first locking mechanism 64 is connected to the first planet carrier 616, and the second locking mechanism 66 is connected to the second planet carrier 626 and to the first sun gear 612.

[0070] By means of the gear shifting arrangement 600 depicted in FIG. 6 and described above, a two gear stage transmission is provided. The gear shifting arrangement 600 can assume two gear stages, where the first gear stage is obtained by solely locking the first locking mechanism 64 to the transmission housing 60, and the second gear stage is obtained by solely locking the second locking mechanism 66 to the transmission housing 60. In the first gear stage, the first planet carrier 616 is kept stationary, while the first sun gear 612 and the second planet carrier 626 are kept stationary when assuming the second gear stage. The first 64 and second 66 locking mechanisms may be arranged in a slipping condition as well as arranged as a parking brake, which will be described in further detail below with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.

[0071] Turning to FIG. 7, which illustrates the gear shifting arrangement 700 according to another example embodiment. The gear shifting arrangement 700 depicted in FIG. 7 comprises a first planetary gear set 710 and a second planetary gear set 720. The first planetary gear set 710 comprises a first set of planetary members 711. The first set of planetary members 711 comprises a first sun gear 712, a first ring gear 714 and a first planet carrier 716 carrying a first set of planet gears 718. The planet gears of the first set of planet gears 718 are in meshing engagement with the first sun gear 712 and the first ring gear 714. The second planetary gear set 720 comprises a second set of planetary members 721. The second set of planetary members 721 comprises a second sun gear 722, a second ring gear 724 and a second planet carrier 726 carrying a second set of planet gears 728. The planet gears of the second set of planet gears 728 are in meshing engagement with the second sun gear 722 and the second ring gear 724.

[0072] As is further illustrated in FIG. 7, the gear shifting arrangement 700 further comprises the above described gear selection arrangement 62 arranged for obtaining the above described set of gear stages between the first electric machine 102 and the main shaft 106. As also described above, the gear selection arrangement 62 comprises a first locking mechanism 64 and a second locking mechanism 66, where each of the first 64 and second 66 locking mechanisms are connected to a transmission housing 60.

[0073] In the exemplified example embodiment of FIG. 7, the first sun gear 712 is operatively connected to the second sun gear 722, wherein the first 712 and second 722 sun gears are connected to the first electric machine 102. The first ring gear 714 is operatively connected to the second planet carrier 726, wherein the first ring gear 714 and the second planet carrier 726 are connected to the first locking mechanism 64. The second ring gear 724 is connected to the second locking mechanism 66, and the first planet carrier 716 is connected to the main shaft 106.

[0074] By means of the gear shifting arrangement 700 depicted in FIG. 7 and described above, a two gear stage transmission according to another example embodiment is provided. The gear shifting arrangement 700 can assume two gear stages, where the first gear stage is obtained by solely locking the first locking mechanism 64 to the transmission housing 60, and the second gear stage is obtained by solely locking the second locking mechanism 66 to the transmission housing 60. In the first gear stage, the first ring gear 714 and the second planet carrier 726 are kept stationary, while the second ring gear 724 is kept stationary when assuming the second gear stage. Also for the example embodiment described in relation to FIG. 7, the first 64 and second 66 locking mechanisms may be arranged in a slipping condition as well as arranged as a parking brake, which will be described in further detail below with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.

[0075] In order to describe a gear shifting arrangement according to a still further example embodiment, reference is now made to FIG. 8. The gear shifting arrangement 800 depicted in FIG. 8 comprises a first planetary gear set 810, a second planetary gear set 820 and a third planetary gear set 830. The first planetary gear set 810 comprises a first set of planetary members 811. The first set of planetary members 811 comprises a first sun gear 812, a first ring gear 814 and a first planet carrier 816 carrying a first set of planet gears 818. The planet gears of the first set of planet gears 818 are in meshing engagement with the first sun gear 812 and the first ring gear 814. The second planetary gear set 820 comprises a second set of planetary members 821. The second set of planetary members 821 comprises a second sun gear 822, a second ring gear 824 and a second planet carrier 826 carrying a second set of planet gears 828. The planet gears of the second set of planet gears 828 are in meshing engagement with the second sun gear 822 and the second ring gear 824. Finally, the third planetary gear set 830 comprises a third set of planetary members 831. The third set of planetary members 831 comprises a third sun gear 832, a third ring gear 834 and a third planet carrier 836 carrying a third set of planet gears 838. The planet gears of the third set of planet gears 838 are in meshing engagement with the third sun gear 832 and the third ring gear 834.

[0076] As is further illustrated in FIG. 8, the gear shifting arrangement 800 further comprises a gear selection arrangement 62 arranged for obtaining a set of gear stages between the first electric machine 102 and the main shaft 106. Compared to the gear selection arrangement depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7, the gear selection arrangement 62 in FIG. 8 comprises, in addition to the first 64 and second 66 locking mechanisms, a third locking mechanism 67. The first 64, second 66 and third 67 locking mechanisms are each connected to the transmission housing 60.

[0077] In the exemplified example embodiment of FIG. 8, the first ring gear 814 is operatively connected to the second planet carrier 826, the first sun gear 812 is operatively connected to the second ring gear 824 and to the third planet carrier 836.

[0078] The second sun gear 822 is operatively connected to the third sun gear 832, the second 822 and third 832 sun gears are connected to the first electric machine 102, and the first ring gear 814 and the second planet carrier 826 are connected to the main shaft 106.

[0079] Furthermore, the first locking mechanism 64 is connected to the first planet carrier 816, the second locking mechanism 66 is connected to the second ring gear 824, and the third locking mechanism 67 is connected to the third ring gear 834.

[0080] By means of the gear shifting arrangement 800 depicted in FIG. 8 and described above, a three gear stage transmission is provided. The gear shifting arrangement 800 can assume three gear stages, where the first gear stage is obtained by solely locking the first locking mechanism 64 to the transmission housing 60, the second gear stage is obtained by solely locking the second locking mechanism 66 to the transmission housing 60, and the third gear stage is obtained by solely locking the third locking mechanism 67 to the transmission housing 60. In the first gear stage, the first planet carrier 816 is kept stationary, in the second gear stage, the second ring gear 824 is kept stationary, and in the third gear stage, the third ring gear 834 is kept stationary. In a similar vein as described above, the first 64 and second 66 locking mechanisms may be arranged in a slipping condition as well as arranged as a parking brake, which will be described in further detail below with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10.

[0081] In order to describe the gear shifting arrangement of FIGS. 6-8 in further detail, reference is now made to FIG. 9 which is a schematic side view of a gear shifting arrangement of the above described driveline arrangement according to an example embodiment. For simplifying the understanding of the following description, the third locking mechanism 67 of the FIG. 8 embodiment has been omitted. The following will thus focus on the first 64 and second 66 locking mechanisms of the above described gear selection arrangement 62, where the first 64 and second 66 locking mechanisms are defined as connected to a member of the planetary gear sets, which specific members are detailed in the above description of FIGS. 6-8. Also, the planetary gear sets of the gear shifting arrangements 600, 700, 800 are schematically illustrated by a box.

[0082] The first locking mechanism 64 is adapted to be controlled by a first fluid pressure conducted to the first locking mechanism 64 such that for at least a first fluid pressure equal to zero overpressure, the first locking mechanism 64 is adapted to assume a locked condition in which the planetary member connected to the first locking mechanism 64 is locked to the transmission housing 60.

[0083] As described above, the gear selection arrangement 62 also comprises a second locking mechanism 66 connected to a member of the planetary gear sets. The second locking mechanism 66 is adapted to be controlled by a second fluid pressure conducted to the second locking mechanism 66 such that for at least a second fluid pressure equal to zero overpressure, the second locking mechanism 66 is adapted to assume a locked condition in which the planetary member connected to the second locking mechanism 66 is locked to the transmission housing 60.

[0084] Furthermore, and purely by way of example, the implementation of the gear selection arrangement 62 is such that the first locking mechanism 64 is further adapted to assume a set of first locking mechanism non-locked conditions in which the planetary member connected to the first locking mechanism 64 is allowed to rotate relative to the transmission housing 60, and wherein the second locking mechanism 66 is further adapted to assume a set of second locking mechanism non-locked conditions in which the planetary member connected to the second locking mechanism 66 is allowed to rotate relative to the transmission housing, whereby for a first fluid pressure equal to or higher than a first fluid pressure threshold, the planetary member connected to the first locking mechanism 64 is adapted to assume a released condition in which the planetary member is free to rotate relative to the transmission housing 60, wherein the released condition is forming part of the set of first locking mechanism non-locked conditions. Also, for at least one first intermediate pressure between zero overpressure and the first fluid pressure threshold, the first locking mechanism 64 is adapted to assume a slipping condition in which a relative rotation is allowed but braking torque is applied between the transmission housing 60 and the planetary member, wherein the slipping condition is forming part of the set of first locking mechanism non-locked conditions. Moreover, for a second fluid pressure equal to or higher than a second fluid pressure threshold, the second locking mechanism 66 is adapted to assume a released condition in which the planetary member connected to the second locking mechanism 66 is free to rotate relative to the transmission housing 60, wherein the released condition is forming part of the set of second locking mechanism non-locked conditions. Also, for at least one second intermediate pressure between zero overpressure and the second fluid pressure threshold, the second locking mechanism 66 is adapted to assume a slipping condition in which a relative rotation is allowed but braking torque is applied between the transmission housing 60 and the planetary member, wherein the slipping condition is forming part of the set of second locking mechanism non-locked conditions.

[0085] The first locking mechanism 64 may be implemented in a plurality of ways. Purely by way of example, the first locking mechanism 64 may be implemented as an on-off locking mechanism, such as a dog clutch, adapted to assume either a fully locked or a fully released condition. As such, though purely by way of example, the set of first locking mechanism non-locked conditions may contain only one non-locked condition, i.e. a fully released condition as exemplified above.

[0086] In a similar vein, the second locking mechanism 66 may be implemented in a plurality of ways. Purely by way of example, the second locking mechanism 66 may be implemented as an on-off locking mechanism, such as a dog clutch, adapted to assume either a fully locked or a fully released condition. As such, though purely by way of example, the set of second locking mechanism non-locked conditions may contain only one non-locked condition, i.e. a fully released condition as exemplified above.

[0087] Furthermore, each one of the first locking mechanism 64 and the second locking mechanism 66 may preferably be arranged as a parking brake. As such, each one of the first 64 and second 66 locking mechanisms may be implemented such that it assumes a locked condition at least when a fluid pressure conducted to the locking mechanism is equal to zero overpressure.

[0088] Implementations of the first 64 and second 66 locking mechanisms are hereinafter presented with reference to FIG. 10 which illustrates a portion of the example embodiment depicted in FIG. 9. As may be gleaned from FIG. 10, the first locking mechanism 64 comprises a first biasing member 68, which first biasing member 68 is implemented as a first spring arrangement in FIG. 10, adapted to bias the first locking mechanism 64 so as to assume the locked condition and wherein the second locking mechanism 66 comprises a second biasing member 70, which second biasing member 70 is implemented as a second spring arrangement in FIG. 10, adapted to bias the second locking mechanism 66 so as to assume the locked condition.

[0089] In the FIG. 10 implementation, the first biasing member 68 is implemented as a disc spring, although other types of biasing members are also envisaged, such as a helical spring or the like. In a similar vein, in the FIG. 10 implementation, the second biasing member 70 is implemented as a disc spring, although other types of biasing members are also envisaged, such as a helical spring or the like.

[0090] In the FIG. 10 implementation, the first locking mechanism 64 comprises a first brake disc 72 and a first brake caliper 74. The first brake caliper 74 includes a first caliper body 77 that holds two brake pads 76, 78 located on opposite sides of the first brake disc 72. A first piston 75 is positioned within the first caliper body 77. The first piston 75 is biased in a direction towards the first brake disc 72 by means of the first biasing member 68 to thereby bias the brake pad 78 towards the first brake disc 72. Purely by way of example, in order to apply a braking torque to the first brake disc 72, the first brake caliper 74 may be fixedly connected to the transmission housing 60 in at least the direction of the needed reaction force.

[0091] Moreover, the FIG. 10 implementation of the first brake caliper 74 is a so called floating caliper. As such, the FIG. 10 implementation of the first brake caliper 74 can move with respect to the first brake disc 72, along a line parallel to the axis of rotation of the first brake disc 72. Thus, when the first biasing member 68 has pushed one of the brake pads 78, via the first piston 75, such that it makes contact with the first brake disc 72, the first caliper body 77 then slides and pulls the other brake pad 76 so that pressure is applied to both sides of the first brake disc 72.

[0092] However, it should be noted that other implementations are also envisaged. Purely by way of example, the implementations of the first locking mechanism 64 may comprise two biasing members (not shown), each one of which being adapted to bias an individual brake pad 76, 78 towards the first brake disc 72. As such, the first brake caliper 74 need not necessarily be a so called floating caliper.

[0093] The first brake caliper 74 is in turn connected to a first fluid source 80, for instance via a fluid conduit 82 as exemplified in FIG. 10. Purely by way of example, the first fluid source 80 may be a tank or a pump and the fluid may for instance be a gas, such as air, or a liquid, such as a hydraulic fluid, for instance hydraulic oil. In the FIG. 10 implementation, the first brake caliper 74 controls the two brake pads 76, 78 such that when the first brake caliper 74 is fed with fluid having a fluid pressure from the fluid source 80, the first brake caliper 74 releases the two brake pads 76, 78 from contact with the first brake disc 72.

[0094] In the FIG. 10 implementation of the first locking mechanism 64, the first fluid source 80 is fluidly connected to a first fluid cavity 79 formed between the first piston 75 and the first caliper body 77. As such, a fluid pressure applied in the first fluid cavity 79 will impart a force onto the first piston 75 in a direction opposite to the force generated by the first biasing member 68, thus forcing the two brake pads 76, 78 away from each other.

[0095] In the FIG. 10 implementation, the first biasing member 68 and the first fluid pressure applied in the first fluid cavity 79 interact such that for at least a first fluid pressure equal to zero overpressure, the first locking mechanism 64 is adapted to assume the above-mentioned locked condition. In such a condition, the biasing force from the first biasing member 68 exceeds the force by which the first fluid pressure releases the two brake pads 76, 78 from the first brake disc 72. It should also be noted that the first locking mechanism 64 may be adapted to assume the above-mentioned locked condition also when a first fluid pressure is greater than zero overpressure.

[0096] Furthermore, for a first fluid pressure equal to or higher than the first fluid pressure threshold, the first locking mechanism 64 is adapted to assume a released condition in which the planetary member connected to the first locking mechanism 64 is free to rotate relative to the transmission housing 60. In such a condition, the biasing force from the first biasing member 68 does not exceed the force by which the first fluid pressure releases the two brake pads 76, 78 from the first brake disc 72 such that there is no contact between the first brake disc 72 and any one of the brake pads 76, 78.

[0097] Still further, for at least one first intermediate pressure between zero overpressure and the first fluid pressure threshold, the first locking mechanism 64 is adapted to assume a slipping condition in which a relative rotation is allowed but braking torque is applied between the transmission housing 60 and the planetary member. In a slipping condition, there is contact between the first brake disc 72 and at least one of, preferably both, the brake pads 76, 78 but wherein the first brake disc 72 nevertheless is allowed to rotate relative to the brake pads 76, 78.

[0098] In a similar vein as for the first locking mechanism 64, in the FIG. 10 implementation, the second locking mechanism 66 comprises a second brake disc 84 and a second brake caliper 86. The second brake caliper 86 includes a second caliper body 89 that holds two brake pads 88, 90 located on opposite sides of the second brake disc 84. A second piston 87 is positioned within the second caliper body 89. The second piston 87 is biased in a direction towards the second brake disc 84 by means of the second biasing member 70 to thereby bias the brake pad 90 towards the second brake disc 84. Purely by way of example, in order to apply a braking torque to the second brake disc 84, the second brake caliper 86 may be fixedly connected to the transmission housing 60 in at least the direction of the needed reaction force.

[0099] Moreover, the FIG. 10 implementation of the second brake caliper 86 is a so called floating caliper. As such, the FIG. 10 implementation of the second brake caliper 86 can move with respect to the second brake disc 84, along a line parallel to the axis of rotation of the second brake disc 84. As such, when the second biasing member 70 has pushed one of the brake pads 90, via the second piston 87, such that it makes contact with the second brake disc 84, the second caliper body 89 then slides and pulls the other brake pad 88 so that pressure is applied to both sides of the second brake disc 84.

[0100] However, it should be noted that other implementations are also envisaged. Purely by way of example, the implementations of the second locking mechanism 66 may comprise two biasing members (not shown), each one of which being adapted to bias an individual brake pad towards the second brake disc 84. As such, the second brake caliper 86 need not necessarily be a so called floating caliper.

[0101] The second brake caliper 86 is in turn connected to a second fluid source 92, for instance via a fluid conduit 94 as exemplified in FIG. 10. Purely by way of example, the second fluid source 92 may be a tank or a pump and the fluid may for instance be a gas, such as air, or a liquid, such as a hydraulic fluid, for instance hydraulic oil.

[0102] In the FIG. 10 implementation of the second locking mechanism 66, the second fluid source 92 is fluidly connected to a second fluid cavity 91 formed between the second piston 87 and the second caliper body 89. As such, a fluid pressure applied in the second fluid cavity 91 will impart a force onto the second piston 87 in a direction opposite to the force generated by the second biasing member 70, thus releasing the two brake pads 88, 90 from contact with the second brake disc 84.

[0103] Although the first 80 and second 92 fluid sources are illustrated as separate entities in FIG. 10, it is also envisaged that the embodiments of the gear shifting arrangement 600, 700, 800 may comprise a single fluid source feeding fluid to each one of the first 64 and second 66 locking mechanisms.

[0104] In the FIG. 10 implementation, the second brake caliper 86 controls the two brake pads 88, 90 such that when the second brake caliper 86 is fed with fluid having a fluid pressure from the fluid source 92, the second brake caliper 86 forces the two brake pads 88, 90 away from each other.

[0105] In the FIG. 10 implementation, the second biasing member 70 and the second fluid pressure applied in the second fluid cavity 91 interact such that for at least a second fluid pressure equal to zero overpressure, the second locking mechanism 66 is adapted to assume a locked condition in which the planetary member connected to the second locking mechanism 66 is locked to the transmission housing 60. In such a condition, the biasing force from the second biasing member 70 exceeds the force by which the second fluid pressure releases the two brake pads 88, 90 from contact with the second brake disc 84. It should also be noted that the second locking mechanism 66 may be adapted to assume the above-mentioned locked condition also when a second fluid pressure is greater than zero overpressure.

[0106] Furthermore, for a second fluid pressure equal to or higher than a second fluid pressure threshold, the second locking mechanism 66 is adapted to assume a released condition in which the planetary member is free to rotate relative to the transmission housing 60. In such a condition, the biasing force from the second biasing member 70 does not exceed the force by which the second fluid pressure releases the two brake pads 88, 90 from contact with the second brake disc 84 such that there is no contact between the second brake disc 84 and any one of the brake pads 88, 90.

[0107] Still further, for at least one second intermediate pressure between zero overpressure and the second fluid pressure threshold, the second locking mechanism 66 is adapted to assume a slipping condition in which a relative rotation is allowed but braking torque is applied between the transmission housing 60 and the planetary member. In a slipping condition, there is contact between the second brake disc 84 and at least one of, preferably both, the brake pads 88, 90 but wherein the second brake disc 84 nevertheless is allowed to rotate relative to the brake pads 88, 90.

[0108] Moreover, again with reference to FIG. 9, in embodiments of the gear shifting arrangement 600, 700, 800, the transmission housing 60 may comprise a transmission housing wall assembly 96 defining a transmission housing cavity 98 enclosing the planetary gear sets described in relation to FIGS. 6-8. Moreover, as indicated in FIG. 9, in embodiments of the gear shifting arrangement 600, 700, 800, at least an external portion of each one of the first 64 and second 66 locking mechanisms is located on one side of the transmission housing wall assembly 96 and the transmission housing cavity 98 is located on an opposite side of the transmission housing wall assembly.

[0109] Purely by way of example, and as indicated in FIG. 10, the external portion of the first locking mechanism 64 may comprise the first brake disc 72 and the first brake caliper 74 and the external portion of the second locking mechanism 66 may comprise the second brake disc 84 and the second brake caliper 86.

[0110] Moreover, the transmission housing cavity 98 may contain a transmission lubrication liquid (not shown in FIG. 9), wherein at least the external portion of each one of the first and second locking mechanisms 64, 66 is adapted not to be in contact with the transmission lubrication liquid.

[0111] By means of the above described gear shifting arrangement, and as indicated above, the gear selection arrangement 62 may be adapted to assume a locked condition in which the first locking mechanism 64 assumes the locked condition and the second locking mechanism 66 assumes the locked condition. In the locked condition, the gear shifting arrangement will prevent the main shaft 106 from rotating. As such, the locked condition may be used for preventing the set of ground engaging members 28, 30 from rotating, such that the gear shifting arrangement then acts as a parking brake.

[0112] It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and illustrated in the drawings; rather, the skilled person will recognize that many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the appended claims. For example, although the present invention has mainly been described in relation to an articulated hauler, the invention should be understood to be equally applicable for any type of working machines.