Patents Examined by David J Hlavka
  • Patent number: 11413948
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for an electric axle assembly having dual motors and dual disconnects allowing for selectably disconnecting either one of the motors so that either motor may operate as the primary drive motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Jordan M. Houser, Darren J. Ziskovsky
  • Patent number: 11415208
    Abstract: An electric drive axle of a vehicle includes 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Dana Automotive Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Eric M. Engerman, Ryan D. Nelms, Amar Nivarthi
  • Patent number: 11400915
    Abstract: Systems and methods for starting an engine that is incorporated into a hybrid vehicle driveline are described. In one example, a torque converter clutch is fully opened if a threshold amount has transpired after a request for torque converter clutch slip is requested but not delivered. Further, the torque converter clutch may be fully opened if a commanded torque converter clutch torque capacity is less than a threshold torque capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Kucharski, Peter Keller, Andrew E. Burt, Minku Lee
  • Patent number: 11396915
    Abstract: A method and an open-loop and closed-loop control device for compensating for a clutch torque of a separating clutch located between an internal combustion engine and an electric machine in a hybrid drive of a motor vehicle. The compensation takes into consideration the rotational speed of the electric machine. The rotational speed of the electric machine impacts clutch torque. A compensation factor is calculated, and increases or decreases the necessary clutch torque, causing a corresponding actuation of an actuator to achieve the necessary clutch torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Christian Weber, Ralf Mannsperger
  • Patent number: 11390160
    Abstract: A wheel disconnect clutch includes a housing attachable to a knuckle and a clutch sleeve slidably supported for axial movement within the housing and having first teeth configured to couple with a wheel hub and second teeth configured to couple with a half shaft. The clutch sleeve is slidable between an engaged position in which the first teeth are coupled to the wheel hub and a disengaged position in which the first teeth are decoupled from the wheel hub. A drive ring is connected to the clutch sleeve and supported within the housing to be axially slidable and rotationally fixed relative to the housing. An actuator ring is disposed adjacent to the drive ring, supported for rotation within the housing, and axially fixed relative to the housing. The driver ring moves the clutch sleeve between engaged and disengaged positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Russell McBride, Norman Jerry Bird, Megan Mackenzie Gould, Diana Barbara Placha
  • Patent number: 11384817
    Abstract: A power train for an electric vehicle may include an input shaft to which a motor is fixedly connected; an output shaft mounted in parallel to the input shaft; a first driving gear and a first driven gear mounted on the input shaft and the output shaft, respectively, to be gear-engaged with each other; a second driving gear and a second driven gear mounted on the input shaft and the output shaft, respectively, to be gear-engaged with each other; a one-way clutch mounted in a first path where power is transmitted from the input shaft to the output shaft through the first driving gear and the first driven gear; a restraining mechanism mounted to selectively restrain the one-way clutch from freely rotating; and a friction clutch mounted to regulate a second path where power is transmitted from the input shaft to the output shaft through the second driving gear and the second driven gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Jong Yun Park
  • Patent number: 11378178
    Abstract: A straddle vehicle includes: a prime mover; a hydraulically actuated main clutch disposed in a power transmission route between the prime mover and a drive wheel; an oil control valve unit that controls flow of a hydraulic oil supplied to the main clutch; and a power unit case including a case body and a cover removably mounted on the case body, the power unit case accommodating at least the main clutch. The oil control valve unit is secured to the case body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: KAWASAKI MOTORS, LTD.
    Inventors: Masaki Nishiyabu, Kyohei Izumi, Yuji Hida
  • Patent number: 11365773
    Abstract: A multi-disc brake includes an annular brake coil holder with a wound brake coil, an armature plate with a disc support to which a multiplicity of armature plate discs is fastened. A compression spring brings about a linear spacing of the brake coil holder from the armature plate made of a ferromagnetic material in a braking position of the multi-disc brake and, when current is applied to the brake coil, a released position of the multi-disc brake can be created by attracting the armature plate in the direction of the brake coil holder. The braking effect results from the interaction of the armature plate discs with drive shaft discs on a drive shaft. The brake coil holder area of the brake coil holder and the cross-sectional area of the brake coil are substantially of rectangular single-legged design, and when installing the multi-disc brake, part of the wall of the drive support surrounds the brake coil on two sides and the brake coil holder on one side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: I&W Engineering AG
    Inventor: Adrian Iklé
  • Patent number: 11358462
    Abstract: A torque transmission device for a vehicle includes a torque input element coupled to a crankshaft of a combustion engine, a first torque output element coupled to a first input shaft of a gearbox, a rotating electric machine including a stator and a rotor arranged in the direction of the transmission of torque, between the input element and the first output element, a rotor support radially supporting the rotor of the rotating electric machine, the rotor support selectively connected to the input element by an input clutch, a fixed distributor fastened to the gearbox and supporting the rotor support, a fixed wall including a first radial end fastened to the gearbox, and a second radial end connected to the torque input element, a first rolling member arranged between the rotor support and the fixed distributor, and a second rolling member arranged between the rotor support and the fixed wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: VALEO EMBRAYAGES
    Inventors: Thierry Guinot, Fabien Lebeau, Ivan Dutier
  • Patent number: 11359681
    Abstract: A clutch mechanism is configured to be driven in rotation about an axis and includes two assemblies. Each assembly includes: an outer disk carrier externally delimiting a cavity; a clutch including a stack of coupling disks and friction disks, the stack being housed in the cavity and configured to be driven in rotation about the axis; and a reaction member of the outer disk carrier configured to enable compression of the coupling disks against the friction disks in a clutch engaged position of the corresponding clutch. The clutch mechanism includes at least one device for assembling the two assemblies to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: VALEO EMBRAYAGES
    Inventors: Laurent Caumartin, Rabah Arhab, Herve Ribot, David Delplace
  • Patent number: 11358731
    Abstract: A clutch that has a synchronizer for matching a rotational velocity of a drive input with a rotational velocity of a driven output prior to engagement of a locking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: Textron Innovations Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Hubert Speller
  • Patent number: 11353093
    Abstract: Infinitely variable multi-epicyclic friction transmission system for an electric motor including a main shaft; a motor drum comprising two cylindrically shaped half-drums; a rotor accommodated in a cavity defined by the half-drums, the rotor comprising a rotor carrier driver; a plurality of twin planetary cone assemblies attached to the at least one planetary carrier and disposed circumferentially around the two half-drums, each twin planetary cone assembly comprising: a torque tube and planetary cone-hemisphere structure, each planetary cone-hemisphere structure comprising a planetary cone integral with hemisphere at its apex, wherein the planetary cone-hemisphere structure is configured to roll inside the torque tube via the hemisphere, and wherein the slant height of the planetary cones is parallel to the main shaft; a series of spherical planets and at least one reaction ring disposed around the plurality of planetary cones and configured to slide along the planetary cones to vary a gear ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Inventor: Aidan McAnulla
  • Patent number: 11351983
    Abstract: A control system includes a transmission with a directional clutch and control assembly clutches coupled together and configured for selective engagement to transfer power. A controller is configured to selectively actuate the directional clutch and the control assembly clutches with clutch commands to implement a first split mode in which combined power is transferred to drive the output shaft, a first direct drive mode in which power from only the engine to drive the output shaft, and a first series mode in which power is transferred from primarily the at least one motor to drive the output shaft. The controller is further configured to implement a transient boost function within at least a portion of the first series mode in which the at least one directional clutch is partially engaged to supplement power from the at least one motor with power from the engine to drive the output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Kyle K. McKinzie, Clayton G. Janasek, Eric R. Anderson
  • Patent number: 11346405
    Abstract: A clutch system for a torque transmission. The clutch system includes a first rotatable unit connectable to an input, including at least one first abutment surface and a second rotatable unit connectable to an output, including at least one second abutment surface arranged for selectively engaging the first abutment surface. The first and second abutment surfaces being adapted to each other so as to allow disengaging under load. The system includes a third rotatable unit arranged for selectively being in a first position or a second position relative to the second rotatable unit, wherein at least one retaining member of the third rotatable unit selectively locks the at least one second abutment surface in engagement with the at least one first abutment surface for selectively rotationally coupling the second rotatable unit to the first rotatable unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: ADVANCING TECHNOLOGIES B.V.
    Inventors: Roëll Marie Van Druten, Johannes Gijsbertus Antonius Van Den Brand
  • Patent number: 11345333
    Abstract: A hybrid motor vehicle including an internal combustion motor and an electric drive motor as drive motors in a powertrain, wherein the electric drive motor and a high-voltage battery associated therewith are connected to a high-voltage network of the hybrid motor vehicle, wherein the hybrid motor vehicle moreover includes at least one air conditioning system with an air conditioning compressor with which an electric motor for operating the air conditioning compressor from the high-voltage network is associated, wherein the electric motor, forming an auxiliary unit arrangement, is connected via a first clutch to the air conditioning compressor and via a second clutch to a belt drive of the internal combustion motor and can be operated in order to charge the high-voltage battery. A control device is provided for actuating at least one of the clutches as a function of a current operating state of the hybrid motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventor: Henning Nießing
  • Patent number: 11338662
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a hybrid power coupling mechanism and a vehicle. The hybrid power coupling mechanism includes an engine, a first output shaft, a generator, a driving motor, and a differential mechanism, wherein a rotating shaft of the engine is connected to an input shaft of the generator through the first output shaft, and an input shaft of the driving motor is connected to the differential mechanism in a speed-reducing manner through a planetary gear set. The vehicle includes a power storage battery, a motor controller and the foregoing hybrid power coupling mechanism. The problems of power interruption and high cost in mode switching of a hybrid power coupling mechanism of the existing vehicle are solved. The engine and the generator operate in an extended range mode, and the driving motor is decelerated by the planetary gear set and inputs power to the differential mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: GUANGZHOU AUTOMOBILE GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Anwei Zhang, Hao Yu, Jiangling Zhao, Liang Zhang, Cunxiang Wu, Qianru Su, Jun Guo, Yong Yang
  • Patent number: 11339870
    Abstract: A planetary carrier includes first and second support hole parts that support a pinion shaft on which a pinion gear is provided from both sides in an axial direction. The planetary carrier includes a first holding member and a second holding member. The first holding member includes a connection end that extends in an axial direction toward a second holding member and that is connected to and faces the second holding member. The second holding member includes a fragile part formed on an end part in a circumferential direction in a region to which the connection end is connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Isamu Muramatsu
  • Patent number: 11332000
    Abstract: Provided herein is an auxiliary hybrid system (AHS) that may be configured to provide electrical propulsion to an e.g., internal combustion-powered vehicle through the use of a battery and electric motor. Alternatively, the AHS may be configured to increase range to electric vehicles through the use of an internal combustion-powered generator. In either embodiment, the AHS is added to a vehicle without altering the operation of the vehicles standard drivetrain, allowing the vehicle to operate conventionally when the AHS is not engaged. The AHS is compatible with a wide range of vehicles with a minimum of vehicle-specific parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: CARBYNE ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventor: Thomas Q. Gurski
  • Patent number: 11333210
    Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch (1) of an air conditioning compressor (2), in particular for a motor vehicle (11), transmits a torque to a drive shaft (3) of the compressor (2) depending on an electric current (I) being fed to clutch coils (4) of the electromagnetic clutch (1) to generate an electromagnetic clutch force. According to a control method (10), a slippage of the electromagnetic clutch (1) is determined by a difference between the rpms of the electromagnetic clutch (1) and of the drive shaft (3), and is monitored by a slippage sensor (5). The electric current (I) and the resulting clutch force are adjusted dependent on slippage by a pulse width modulation controller (6) of the compressor (2). The pulse width modulation controller (6) is electrically connected to the clutch coils (4) and modulates a pulse width of the electric current (I) fed to the clutch coils (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: MAHLE International GmbH
    Inventors: Ernesto Jose Gutierrez, William R. Bradley, Richard Bottom
  • Patent number: 11332116
    Abstract: A hybrid drive train for a hybrid vehicle includes an internal combustion engine configured to drive the hybrid vehicle and an output shaft configured to provide torque to drive the hybrid vehicle, and a transmission which has a transmission input shaft. The hybrid drive train also includes a first electric machine by which the transmission input shaft can be driven, a second electric machine by which the output shaft can be driven to start the internal combustion engine, and an auxiliary unit configured to be driven by the second electric machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Andreas Hoesl