TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to electric drive axles, and more particularly to a multi-speed gearbox for an electric drive axle.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY

Electric and hybrid-electric vehicles utilize an electric power source in communication with an electric motor to provide drive, or augmented drive, to the vehicle. Electric vehicles have several characteristics superior to conventional internal combustion engine driven vehicles. For example, electric motors produce fewer vibrations than internal combustion engines, and electric motors achieve maximum torque more quickly than internal combustion engines.

However, in order for the conventional electric vehicle to achieve sufficient speed, the electric motor must allow for reasonable power over a broad speed range. An electric motor which can provide reasonable power over a broad speed range is typically large and heavy. It would be desirable to produce an electric drive axle having a gear arrangement, at least one clutch assembly, and differential which generates a plurality of gear ratios, and yet remains compact in size and weight.

In concordance and agreement with the present disclosure, an electric drive axle having a gear arrangement, at least one clutch assembly, and differential which generates a plurality of gear ratios, and yet remains compact in size and weight, has surprisingly been discovered.

The present disclosure provides for an electric drive axle for a vehicle. In one embodiment, the electric drive axle of the vehicle comprises an electric motor having an output shaft. A compound idler assembly is connected to the electric motor. The compound idler assembly includes at least one gear-clutch assembly in driving engagement with the output shaft of the electric motor. A differential is connected to the compound idler assembly, and in selective driving engagement with the compound idler assembly.

