TECHNICAL FIELD

This relates to a multi-speed axle assembly for a vehicle that may have at least one one-way freewheel clutch.

BACKGROUND

A drive axle system having a one-way freewheel clutch is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/827,102.

SUMMARY

In at least one embodiment an axle assembly is provided. The axle assembly includes an electric motor module, a drive pinion, a planetary gear set, and a one-way freewheel clutch. The electric motor module has a rotor that is rotatable about an axis. The drive pinion is rotatable about the axis. The planetary gear set operatively connects the rotor to the drive pinion. The planetary gear set includes a planet gear carrier, a sun gear, a planetary ring gear, and a set of planet gears. The planet gear carrier is rotatable about the axis and is operatively connected to the rotor. The sun gear is rotatable about the axis and is operatively connected to the drive pinion. The planetary ring gear encircles the sun gear and is rotatable about the axis. The set of planet gears is rotatably supported upon the planet gear carrier. Each member of the set of planet gears meshes with the sun gear and the planetary ring gear. The one-way freewheel clutch may be configured to selectively couple at least two components of the planetary gear set. For instance, the one-way freewheel clutch may be rotatably disposed on the planet gear carrier or may extend between the sun gear and the planet gear carrier.

