US 12,435,778 B2
Electric axle with compact electric machine and gear train layout
Eric M. Engerman, Plymouth, MI (US); Andy Perakes, Canton, MI (US); and Rick C. Sigmon, Bowling Green, OH (US)
Assigned to DANA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS GROUP, LLC, Maumee, OH (US)
Filed by Dana Automotive Systems Group, LLC, Maumee, OH (US)
Filed on Aug. 16, 2024, as Appl. No. 18/807,749.
Application 18/807,749 is a continuation of application No. 18/304,901, filed on Apr. 21, 2023, granted, now 12,110,952.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/363,366, filed on Apr. 21, 2022.
Prior Publication US 2024/0410456 A1, Dec. 12, 2024
This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.
Int. Cl. F16H 57/037 (2012.01); B60K 1/00 (2006.01); B60K 17/04 (2006.01); B60K 17/16 (2006.01); F16H 37/08 (2006.01); F16H 48/34 (2012.01); F16H 57/04 (2010.01); B60K 6/36 (2007.10); F16H 57/02 (2012.01)
CPC F16H 37/0813 (2013.01) [B60K 1/00 (2013.01); B60K 17/043 (2013.01); B60K 17/165 (2013.01); F16H 48/34 (2013.01); F16H 57/037 (2013.01); F16H 57/045 (2013.01); B60K 2001/001 (2013.01); B60K 6/36 (2013.01); B60Y 2200/92 (2013.01); F16H 2057/0203 (2013.01); F16H 2057/02034 (2013.01); F16H 2057/02052 (2013.01)] 13 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
7. A single speed electric beam axle system, comprising:
a traction motor rotationally coupled to a shaft via a first gear reduction;
a differential rotationally coupled to the shaft via a second gear reduction;
a first axle shaft and a second axle shaft directly rotationally coupled to the differential;
a first final drive gear reduction directly rotationally coupled to the first axle shaft and a first wheel shaft;
a second final drive gear reduction directly coupled to the second axle shaft and a second wheel shaft; and
a support structure that at least partially encloses the traction motor;
wherein the first final drive gear reduction and the second final drive gear reduction are at least partially enclosed by the support structure;
wherein the traction motor is positioned laterally between at least two drive wheels that are rotationally coupled to the first wheel shaft and the second wheel shaft;
wherein a rotational axis of the traction motor is axially offset from rotational axes of the at least two drive wheels; and
wherein the first axle shaft and the second axle shaft have unequal lengths.