Patent ID: 7410017
Filing Date: 2008-08-12
Classification: B60K,F16H

Abstract:
1. A drive axle for an automotive vehicle having left and right drive wheels, said drive axle comprising: an electric motor having a rotor; left and right torque couplings, each torque coupling including an input torque member driven by the rotor of the electric motor and an output torque member and also a magnetic particle clutch and planetary gear set arranged between the input and output members such that torque developed by the motor and applied to the input member is transferred through the clutch and planetary set to the output member, with the torque transferred being controlled by the clutch, the output member of the left torque coupling being adapted for connection to the left drive wheel and the output member of the right torque coupling being adapted for connection to the right drive wheel; and an angle drive located between the motor and the torque couplings, the angle drive including a pinion connected to the rotor of the electric motor and driven by the motor, a connecting shaft located between the two torque couplings and connected to the input torque members of the couplings, and a spur gear on the connecting shaft and engaged with the pinion.