Abstract: A planetary gear device including a first gear, a second gear, a carrier, and composite planetary gears each having a large- and a small-diameter pinion that are formed integrally with each other and arranged in the axial direction. The composite planetary gears are mounted rotatably on respective pinion shafts such that the composite planetary gears are axially movable over predetermined distances due to axial plays, and the pinion shafts are supported by the carrier such that the pinion shafts are disposed around an axis of the carrier. The pinions of the composite planetary gears mesh with the first and second gears, respectively. Each of the first and second gears and the pinions consists of a helical gear whose teeth have a helix angle with respect to the axis. The large-diameter and small-diameter pinions have the same direction of helix and the same amount of lead.

Abstract: A driving-force regulating apparatus for an electric vehicle, including a first device which regulates, when the accelerator is operated, an output torque of the electric motor to a running torque corresponding to (A1) an operation amount of the accelerator and (A2) a rotation speed of the motor; a second device which regulates, when the vehicle satisfies a predetermined condition, the output torque of the electric motor to a creep torque corresponding to (B) one or more conditions of the vehicle; and a third device which regulates, when the accelerator is operated after termination of the creep torque regulation, the output torque of the motor to an after-creep torque corresponding to (B) the one or more conditions of the vehicle, (C1) an after-creep operation amount of the accelerator, and (C2) an after-creep rotation speed of the electric motor, the third device regulating the output torque of the motor such that the after-creep torque is different from a running torque to which the output torque of the mo

Abstract: A drive system for an electric motor vehicle, including a differential gear device including an input element connected to an electric motor and two output elements from which the motor power received by the input element is distributed to a first wheel drive member and an intermediate shaft which extends through a hollow output shaft of the motor and is connected to a second wheel drive member, wherein the first drive member and intermediate shaft have splined end portions which engage splined center bores of the two output elements of the differential gear device, and a stop member is provided on one of the two output members, so as to protrude into at least one of the first and second center bores, such that the end faces of the end portions of the first drive member and intermediate shafts are abuttable on the opposite ends of the stop member, whereby a transverse thrust force applied to the drive members is received by the stop member.

Abstract: A power transmission for automotive vehicles includes a trans-axle housing formed therein with first, second and third compartments which are in open communication with each other and store therein an amount of lubricating oil, a change-speed gear transmission mounted within the first compartment, a first transfer gear mechanism mounted within the second compartment and in drive connection with the gear transmission, and a second transfer gear mechanism mounted within the third compartment and in drive connection coaxially with the first transfer gear mechanism. For sufficient lubrication of the second transfer gear mechanism, an oil pump is mounted within the first compartment to be driven by the output drive power from the gear transmission and is connected to a communication passage extending to the third compartment through the second compartment to introduce lubricating oil discharged from the oil pump into the third compartment.