Importance

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Abstract

A drive arrangement for an electric motor vehicle comprises an electric motor, a control rectifier which is connected to and controls the output of the electric motor, a gear box having at least first and second gears, and first and second positively engaging clutches, such as dog clutches, which are associated with the first and second gears. A movable actuator is also provided which causes the first and second positively engaging clutches to engage the first and second gears. A control unit is connected to the actuator and the control rectifier. The control unit receives signals indicative of the rotational speeds at the input and output sides of the gear box, and of the position of the actuator. Based on these signals, and optionally other signals as well, the control unit issues command signals to control the position of the actuator and the output of the electric motor, via the control rectifier, to synchronize engagement of the first and second gears by the positively engaging clutches, thereby avoiding the need for mechanical synchronization. A process for controlling synchronous engagement of the gears is also disclosed.

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First Claim