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US 11,441,652 B2Granted
Multi-speed gearbox with high torque ratio and the drive axle made therewith
AssigneeDana Automotive Systems Group, LLC
InventorEric M. Engerman
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An electric drive axle assembly of a vehicle includes an electric motor having an output shaft. At least one of a gear and a planetary gear assembly is coupled to the output shaft of the electric motor. The at least one of the gear and the planetary gear assembly is coupled to a differential mechanism configured to transfer torque to two axle shafts of the vehicle. The electric drive axle assembly configured to produce a plurality of speed ratios between the electric motor and the differential mechanism.
Claims20
An axle assembly, comprising:
- an electric motor having an output shaft;
- at least one of a gear and a first planetary gear assembly connected to the output shaft;
- a differential mechanism connected with the at least one of the gear and the first planetary gear assembly, wherein the differential mechanism is connected to at least one axle shaft;
- a first clutch assembly connected with at least one of the output shaft and the differential mechanism, wherein an engagement of the first clutch assembly produces a first speed ratio;
- a second clutch assembly connected with at least one of the output shaft and the differential mechanism, wherein an engagement of the second clutch assembly produces a second speed ratio;
- a second planetary gear assembly connected to the output shaft;
- and
- a third planetary gear assembly connected to the at least one axle shaft.
5 more elements
A method, comprising:
- providing an axle assembly including:
- an electric motor having an output shaft;
- at least one of a gear and a first planetary gear assembly connected to the output shaft;
- a differential mechanism connected with the at least one of the gear and the first planetary gear assembly, wherein the differential mechanism is connected to at least one axle shaft;
- a first clutch assembly connected with at least one of the output shaft and the differential mechanism, wherein an engagement of the first clutch assembly produces a first speed ratio;
- a second clutch assembly connected with at least one of the output shaft and the differential mechanism, wherein an engagement of the second clutch assembly produces a second speed ratio;
- a second planetary gear assembly connected to the output shaft;
- and
- a third planetary gear assembly connected to the at least one axle shaft;
- and
- causing the engagement of one of the first clutch assembly and the second clutch assembly.
8 more elements
An axle assembly, comprising:
- an electric motor having an output shaft;
- at least one of a gear and a first planetary gear assembly connected to the output shaft;
- a differential mechanism connected with the at least one of the gear and the first planetary gear assembly, wherein the differential mechanism is connected to at least one axle shaft;
- a first clutch assembly connected with at least one of the output shaft and the differential mechanism, wherein an engagement of the first clutch assembly produces a first speed ratio;
- a second clutch assembly connected with at least one of the output shaft and the differential mechanism, wherein an engagement of the second clutch assembly produces a second speed ratio;
- and
- a third clutch assembly connected with at least one of the output shaft and the differential mechanism, wherein an engagement of the third clutch assembly produces a third speed ratio, and wherein one of the first clutch assembly, the second clutch assembly, and the third clutch assembly is connected to the first planetary gear assembly.
4 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.