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US 11,949,319 B2Granted
Multi-speed gearbox and the drive axle made therewith
AssigneeDana Automotive Systems Group, LLC
InventorsGowrisankar Devaraj, Eric M. Engerman, Charles B. Lohr, III, Gordon M. McIndoe, Travis J. Miller, Ryan D. Nelms, Matthew Simister, Ned W. Wright
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An electric drive axle of a vehicle includes an electric motor having an output shaft. An idler assembly is drivingly coupled to the electric motor and a differential. The idler assembly includes a first gear-clutch assembly to facilitate a first gear ratio and a second gear-clutch assembly to facilitate a second gear ratio.
Claims10
A method of operating a gear-clutch assembly, comprising:
- providing an idler assembly including a rotatable shaft having a first gear-clutch assembly selectively coupled to a first end thereof and a second gear-clutch assembly selectively coupled to a second end thereof;
- providing a first fluid source in fluid communication with at least one of the first gear-clutch assembly and the second gear-clutch assembly through at least one fluid passage;
- and
- selectively causing a first fluid to flow from the first fluid source to facilitate at least one of selective engagement and lubrication to at least one of the first and second gear-clutch assemblies,
- wherein the at least one fluid passage comprises a first section extending radially outward to an outer peripheral surface of the rotatable shaft, and a second section fluidly connected to at least one aperture formed about a circumference of a clutch drum of the first gear-clutch assembly.
2 more elements
A method of operating a gear-clutch assembly, comprising:
- providing an idler assembly including a rotatable shaft having a first gear-clutch assembly selectively coupled to a first end thereof and a second gear-clutch assembly selectively coupled to a second end thereof;
- providing a first fluid source in fluid communication with at least one of the first gear-clutch assembly and the second gear-clutch assembly through at least one fluid passage;
- and
- selectively causing a first fluid to flow from the first fluid source to facilitate at least one of selective engagement and lubrication to at least one of the first and second gear-clutch assemblies, wherein:
- the idler assembly is drivingly coupled to an electric motor;
- the first gear-clutch assembly includes a gear having a clutch at least partially disposed therein;
- the clutch includes a clutch drum disposed at least partially concentrically within the gear;
- and
- the clutch drum includes at least one aperture formed therein which is in fluid communication with the at least one fluid passage.
6 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.