Patent attributes
A two-speed transaxle for an electric vehicle has an input shaft receiving power from an electric motor, and two output shafts delivering power to drive the vehicle. At least one epicyclic gear set is used. Each epicylic gear set has only an outer gear member, each of which meshingly engage a plurality of planet gears supported on a common carrier. The two-speed transaxle produces its first forward speed ratio when a first caliper brake system and a second caliper brake system are disengaged and a one-way clutch connects the first sun gear to the transaxle casing. Second forward speed ratio results when the second hydraulic brake is engaged to fix the second sun gear. Reverse drive and regenerative operation result when the first hydraulic brake fixes the first sun gear and the direction of power flow is reversed.
