An axle assembly includes a first axle shaft. The first axle shaft includes a first conduit. A second axle shaft includes a second conduit. The first conduit and the second conduit are in fluid communication through a chamber. A differential is operatively connected to the first axle shaft and the second axle shaft. The chamber is at least partially disposed within the differential.

An axle assembly includes a first axle shaft. The first axle shaft includes a first conduit. A second axle shaft includes a second conduit. The first conduit and the second conduit are in fluid communication through a chamber. A differential is operatively connected to the first axle shaft and the second axle shaft. The chamber is at least partially disposed within the differential.

An axle assembly for frame rail vehicles is described herein. The axle assembly also includes a drive unit housing that includes an interior cavity enclosing first and second electric machines, a common gear reduction, a differential gear set, and a speed change mechanism with the first and second axle shafts partially disposed within the interior cavity and extending out of the drive unit housing. The drive unit housing includes a central cavity, a lower cavity, a first machine cavity, and a second machine cavity. The central cavity includes the common gear reduction and the axis of rotation of the first and second axle shafts. The lower cavity accumulates a volume of gearbox fluid with the speed change mechanism at least partially immersed in the lower cavity. The first machine cavity includes the first electric machine and the second machine cavity includes the second electric machine.

An axle assembly for frame rail vehicles is described herein. The axle assembly also includes a drive unit housing that includes an interior cavity enclosing first and second electric machines, a common gear reduction, a differential gear set, and a speed change mechanism with the first and second axle shafts partially disposed within the interior cavity and extending out of the drive unit housing. The drive unit housing includes a central cavity, a lower cavity, a first machine cavity, and a second machine cavity. The central cavity includes the common gear reduction and the axis of rotation of the first and second axle shafts. The lower cavity accumulates a volume of gearbox fluid with the speed change mechanism at least partially immersed in the lower cavity. The first machine cavity includes the first electric machine and the second machine cavity includes the second electric machine.

A wheel drive assembly for transferring propelling torque from a source shaft to a wheel, the source shaft receiving torque from a motion actuator. The wheel drive assembly includes a wheel-hub, adapted to have the wheel mounted thereon, the wheel-hub being arranged about a longitudinal axis, which is adapted to coincide with a rotation axis of the wheel. The wheel drive assembly further includes a drive axle and a constant velocity (CV) joint mounted onto an outer end of the drive axle. The CV joint connects the drive axle to the wheel-hub. An outermost surface of the CV joint is disposed outwardly of an outermost surface of the wheel hub, along the longitudinal axis of the wheel-hub.

An axle housing assembly and a method of manufacture. A friction weld may join a spindle to an arm portion of the axle housing assembly. An extension weld may encircle the arm portion. The extension weld may extend from the friction weld in a direction that may extend away from the spindle.

An axle assembly and method of manufacture. The axle assembly may include a sleeve that is disposed in a spindle and that is in sealing engagement with the spindle proximate opposing ends. The sleeve has a smaller diameter than the spindle such that a fluid passage is provided between the spindle and the sleeve.

An axle assembly and method of manufacture. The axle assembly may include a sleeve that is disposed in a spindle and that is in sealing engagement with the spindle proximate opposing ends. The sleeve has a smaller diameter than the spindle such that a fluid passage is provided between the spindle and the sleeve.

A modular axle and motive wheel system comprises: a pair of opposed axle ends and attached axle hubs; a pair of inner motive wheels each comprising an outer surface and configured for radially extending rotatable disposition on the hubs; and a pair of inner electric hub motors each comprising an inner stator and an inner rotor, the inner stators configured for attachment to the axle hubs, the inner rotors configured for attachment to the outer surface of the inner motive wheels, the inner rotors configured for rotation of the inner motive wheels by and about the inner stators; the inner motive wheels configured for attachment of a pair of outer motive wheels each comprising an outer electric hub motor comprising an outer stator configured for selective attachment to the inner stator and an outer rotor configured for attachment to the outer motive wheel and rotation of the outer motive wheels.

The invention relates to a commercial vehicle, in particular a heavy-duty vehicle, comprising a plurality of wheel assemblies mounted on a vehicle frame. At least one of the wheel assemblies comprises an elongate wheel carrier, a wheel at each of the longitudinal ends of the wheel carrier, a drive unit for driving the wheels, and a transmission device. According to the invention, the at least one wheel assembly further comprises a clutch device which selectively interrupts or establishes a power transmission connection between the drive unit and the wheels, and a brake device which is approved for the operation of the commercial vehicle on public roads up to speeds of more than 25 km/h.