Patent ID: 7211019
Filing Date: 2007-05-01
Classification: B60K,F16H

Abstract:
1. A drive axle assembly for use in a motor vehicle having a powertrain and first and second wheels, comprising: an input shaft driven by the powertrain; a first axleshaft driving the first wheel; a second axleshaft driving the second wheel; a differential assembly having an input component driven by said input shaft, a first output component fixed for rotation with said first axleshaft, and a second output component fixed for rotation with said second axleshaft; a planetary gear assembly including a first sun gear, a second sun gear, a first ring gear coupled for rotation with said first output component, a second ring gear coupled for rotation with one of said input component and said second output component, first planet gears meshed with said first sun gear and said first ring gear, and second planet gears meshed with said second sun gear and said second ring gear; a first clutch for selectively braking rotation of said first sun gear; a first clutch actuator for controlling engagement of said first clutch and including a first electric motor operable in a motor mode and a brake mode; a second clutch for selectively inhibiting rotation of said second sun gear; a second clutch actuator for controlling engagement of said second clutch and including a second electric motor operable in a motor mode and a brake mode; and a control system for controlling actuation of said first and second electric motors between their respective motor and brake modes.