With Differential Means For Driving Two Wheel Sets At Dissimilar Speeds Patents (Class 180/248)
  • Patent number: 11796054
    Abstract: A storage device stores a mapping data entry that specifies a mapping and includes data learned through machine learning. A detection value of an oil temperature sensor is an oil temperature detection value. When oil temperature relation data, which is data corresponding to time series data of the oil temperature detection value, is input to the mapping as an input variable, the mapping outputs an output variable that determines whether a frictional engagement element has an anomaly. Processing circuitry executes an obtainment process that obtains the input variable and an anomaly determination process that determines whether the frictional engagement element has an anomaly based on the output variable that is output from the mapping as a result of inputting the input variable obtained in the obtainment process into the mapping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hideaki Bunazawa, Tetsuya Yoshikawa, Kei Yuasa, Kenichi Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 11667190
    Abstract: A work vehicle includes a power transmission unit having a differential device for transmitting power to left and right axles and a power transmission mechanism for transmitting power to the differential device, and a transmission shaft for transmitting power to the power transmission unit. The power transmission mechanism includes a first gear mechanism to which power from the transmission shaft is transmitted and a second gear mechanism for transmitting power from the first gear mechanism to the differential device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Toshifumi Yasuda, Hiroshi Takagi, Takashi Kuramoto
  • Patent number: 11458827
    Abstract: A drive package includes a remote located CVT and a motor where the CVT is positioned rearward (or forward) of the motor. An auxiliary drive mechanism couples a drive shaft of the CVT to a crankshaft of the motor. The auxiliary drive mechanism is a belt or chain. The drive shaft is substantially parallel to, and longitudinally offset from, the crankshaft. Thus, the width of the drive package is reduced as compared to ATVs having a CVT located adjacent the motor. A method of making an ATV with the drive package is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Arctic Cat Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Tiry
  • Patent number: 11396942
    Abstract: A shift range control device includes a signal receiver, an abnormality monitor, and a drive controller. The signal receiver acquires an encoder signal from an encoder capable of outputting three or more phase encoder signals having different phases. The abnormality monitor monitors an abnormality of the encoder. The drive controller controls drive of a motor by switching an energized phase of a motor winding so that a rotation position of the motor becomes a target rotation position according to a target shift range. When the abnormality of the encoder is detected, the driver controller drives the motor by faulty phase identification control to identify a faulty phase that is a phase in which an abnormality of the encoder signal occurs, and a normal phase in which the encoder signal is normal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignees: DENSO CORPORATION, HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiromitsu Nagata, Koji Sakaguchi, Jun Yamada, Masahiko Akiyama, Masashi Misawa, Kenshi Masuo
  • Patent number: 11371602
    Abstract: An all-wheel-drive vehicle includes a primary drive axle, a secondary drive axle, and an all-wheel-drive powertrain configured to selectively power the primary and secondary axles. The powertrain includes a powerplant and a clutch that couples the powerplant to the secondary axle when engaged and that decouples the powerplant from the secondary axle when disengaged. A controller is programmed to disengage the clutch to disable all-wheel drive and propel the vehicle solely with the primary drive axle based on repeated occurrence of power output of the powertrain being less than a value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Richard David Bruns
  • Patent number: 11333505
    Abstract: A system, a method, and a computer program product for generating updated map data are provided. The method comprises obtaining map data of a speed sign associated with a plurality of parallel roads, determining one or more effective links associated with the speed sign, based on the map data of the speed sign, determining first vehicle sensor data corresponding to the one or more effective links, and generating a speed index for each of the one or more effective links based on the first vehicle sensor data The method further comprises generating the updated map data based on the speed index for each of the one or more effective links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: HERE Global B.V.
    Inventors: Zhenhua Zhang, Leon Stenneth
  • Patent number: 11273706
    Abstract: A drive device includes a first clutch mechanism that couples or decouples power transmission systems for front and rear wheels, a first electric motor disposed on a front or rear wheel side and coupled to the first clutch mechanism, a second electric motor disposed on the other of the front and rear wheel sides and coupled to the first clutch mechanism, a second clutch mechanism that couples or decouples the first electric motor and front drive shafts, a planetary gear mechanism that distributes output of the first electric motor to the first and second clutch mechanisms, and a third clutch mechanism that limits a difference between a first rotational element that transmits the output of the first electric motor to the first clutch mechanism and a second rotational element that transmits the output of the first electric motor to the second clutch mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: SUBARU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takahito Inoh, Naohiro Imamura, Mamoru Murakami, Koki Mitsumoto
  • Patent number: 11167638
    Abstract: A utility vehicle includes: a power unit that outputs drive power; a drive shaft that receives the drive power transmitted from the power unit; a front axle that receives the drive power transmitted from the drive shaft; a right front wheel connected to the front axle; a left front wheel connected to the front axle; a right clutch configured to disable power transmission from the drive shaft to the right front wheel; a left clutch configured to disable power transmission from the drive shaft to the left front wheel; a clutch actuator that actuates the left clutch and the right clutch; and a controller that controls the clutch actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Shouji Ozawa, Yoshimoto Matsuda
  • Patent number: 11161408
    Abstract: A multi-speed transfer case equipped with a planetary reduction gearset and a range clutch disposed between an input shaft and an output shaft. A clutch actuation mechanism controls actuation of the range clutch to establish distinct ratio drive connections between the input shaft and the output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: MAGNA POWERTRAIN OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: John Zalewski, Michael Bujold, Ryan Strand
  • Patent number: 11143281
    Abstract: A differential case (23) is therein provided with a plurality of rotating discs (38) that are spline-coupled to an outer peripheral side of aright side gear (35), and a plurality of non-rotating discs (39) that are respectively arranged between the respective rotating discs (38) and are non-rotatable relative to the differential case (23) and are movable in a left-right direction. A pressure ring (43) that presses the non-rotating discs (39) toward the rotating discs (38) is disposed between a right retainer (41) positioned in the right side gear (35)-side and the non-rotating disc (39). The right retainer (41) is therein provided with a piston accommodating part (41D) in a position facing the pressure ring (43) in the left-right direction. The piston accommodating part (41D) is therein provided with a piston (46) that is displaced by hydraulic pressure to press the non-rotating discs (39) against the rotating discs (38) through the pressure ring (43).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomohiro Onishi
  • Patent number: 11087911
    Abstract: Provided are embodiments for operating an autonomous mode change circuit for solenoid drivers. The embodiments include initiating an operation of a solenoid, and receiving a command to control the operation of the solenoid. The embodiments also include controlling, by a drive circuit, a switch coupled to the solenoid based at least in part on the command, and detecting at least one of a current or voltage of the solenoid, and subsequently controlling the operation of the solenoid based at least in part on the detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shihab T. A. Muhammed, Pradeep Chitirala, Shardul Shrinivas Bapat
  • Patent number: 11028883
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to an off-road vehicle comprising a frame, including at a frame, a passenger compartment, a driveline that includes at least a drive system and a driven system, and a constant velocity (CV) joint for coupling the driven system to the drive system. The CV joint includes a housing, a coupling shaft, a detent, a plunge pin and an actuation pin, wherein the actuation pin has a first end that is accessible via an aperture in the housing, wherein actuation of the actuation pin determines whether the plunge pin is in the first position or the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: Arctic Cat Inc.
    Inventor: Kyle Douglas Olason
  • Patent number: 10913350
    Abstract: A front wheel drive based four wheel drive powertrain includes range gearing, bevel gearing, final drive gearing, and a differential. The range gearing, final drive gearing, and differential are on the same axis. The bevel gearing, which transfers power to a rear drive unit, is upstream of the final drive gearing in the power flow. Consequently, no step-down ratio is required to provide a suitable driveshaft speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: David Allen Janson
  • Patent number: 10907715
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, gearing assemblies, and methods for controlling a differential rotation rate between shafts of a vehicle using a variable speed motor. An embodiment includes a gearing assembly including a differential configured to engage a first axle shaft, a second axle shaft, and a drive shaft of a vehicle. The gearing assembly further includes a plurality of adjustment gears configured to engage the differential, configured to be driven by a variable speed motor of the vehicle, and configured to controllably alter a rotation of the first axle shaft relative to the second axle shaft based on rotation produced by the variable speed motor. The plurality of adjustment gears includes a subassembly of planetary gears including a planetary gear carrier, a first set of planetary gears coupled to the planetary gear carrier, and a second set of planetary gears coupled to the planetary gear carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Inventor: Shaun Chu
  • Patent number: 10882506
    Abstract: A method controls a drive system for an axle of a motor vehicle, wherein the drive system has at least an electrical machine as drive unit, a drive shaft which is driven by the drive unit, a first output shaft and a second output shaft and also a first clutch which connects the drive shaft to the first output shaft and a second clutch which connects the drive shaft to the second output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: GKN Automotive Ltd.
    Inventors: Volker-René Ruiters, Gerd Kaiser, Rudolf Fitz, Emanuel Blaj, Florian Sontheim, Enrique Cordero, Rainer Bruening
  • Patent number: 10857881
    Abstract: Provided herein is an electric tandem axle having a first drive axle assembly having a first differential assembly drivingly engaged with a first drive axle; a second axle drive assembly having a second drive axle drivingly engaged with a second differential assembly having a first axle output shaft and a second axle output shaft and an axle disconnect clutch; an inter-axle assembly is drivingly connected to the first axle drive assembly and the second axle drive assembly; a motor-generator in driving engagement with the first and second drive axle assemblies; a planetary drive unit including a selection clutch in driving engagement with the first differential assembly, the inter-axle assembly and the motor-generator; and a controller connected to the motor-generator, selection clutch and axle disconnect clutch. The controller is configured to selectively engage and disengage the selection clutch and axle disconnect clutch to facilitate different modes of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: DANA HEAVY VEHICLE SYSTEMS GROUP, LLC
    Inventor: Krishna Kumar
  • Patent number: 10836252
    Abstract: A limited slip differential (LSD) is mounted on a driven axle of a vehicle to drive left and right wheels. To control the LSD, a current input torque applied to the LSD is determined and a predicted engine torque is determined based on an accelerator control position. A current average speed of the left and right wheels is also determined. A preload is applied to the LSD. The preload is determined based on the predicted engine torque and to the current average speed of the left and right wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Francois-Charles Dumas, Jean-Philippe Houle
  • Patent number: 10781868
    Abstract: A one-way clutch, including: pocket and inner rings; rollers between the rings; springs urging the rollers in a first circumferential direction; a switch ring including protrusions in contact with the rollers and having ramps. In a one-way configuration: the inner and pocket rings non-rotatably connect for relative rotation of the inner ring, with respect to the pocket ring, in the first circumferential direction; and for a free-wheel mode, the inner ring is rotatable in a second circumferential direction with respect to the pocket ring. In an open configuration: the inner and pocket rings are independently rotatable. To transition from the one-way clutch configuration to the open configuration: the actuator axially displaces the switch ring with respect to the pocket ring; the ramps slide along the pocket ring to rotate the switch ring in the second circumferential direction; and the protrusions displace the rollers in the second circumferential direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Kenneth Hunt, David Smith
  • Patent number: 10730544
    Abstract: A vehicle has a frame, a motor, a driveshaft operatively connected to the motor, a front differential operatively connected to the driveshaft, a pair of front half-shafts operatively connecting the front differential to front wheels, at least one rear wheel, a steering wheel, a steering column operatively connected to the steering wheel, a rack and pinion assembly operatively connected to the steering column, the rack and pinion assembly being disposed rearward of the front differential, a right tie rod having a left end operatively connected to a rack of the rack and pinion assembly and a right end operatively connected to the right wheel, and a left tie rod having a right end operatively connected to the rack and a left end operatively connected to the left wheel. The inner ends of the tie rods are disposed forwardly of a vertically and laterally extending central plane of the rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Martin Heon, Charles Despres-Nadeau
  • Patent number: 10731753
    Abstract: An all-wheel-drive-vehicle controller includes: a drive gear coupled to a driving source; a driven gear meshed with the drive gear and coupled to main and sub driving-wheel axle shafts transmitting torques to main and sub driving wheels, respectively; a transfer clutch interposed between the driven gear and the sub-driving-wheel axle shaft and adjusting the torque transmitted to the sub driving wheel; a first determination unit determining whether a first condition in which a torque applied to the drive gear is substantially zero is satisfied; a second determination unit determining whether a second condition in which hydraulic pressure is applied to the transfer clutch and a torque applied to the driven gear is substantially zero is satisfied; and a control unit controlling a torque adjuster to adjust the torque applied to either one of the drive gear and the driven gear if the first and second conditions are satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: SUBARU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Shinohara, Musashi Murakami, Kenichiro Okada, Shinichiro Kojima, Atsushi Fujie, Shintaro Kato, Takahiro Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 10663052
    Abstract: A vehicle driveline component having a differential input, which is rotatable about a differential axis, a differential gearset that is driven by the differential input, first and second differential outputs, which are rotatable about the differential axis, a first disconnect clutch and a second disconnect clutch. The differential gearset has a first gearset output and a second gearset output that are rotatable about the differential axis. The first disconnect clutch selectively couples the first differential output to the first gearset output, while the second disconnect clutch selectively couples the second differential output to the second gearset output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph S. Balenda, II
  • Patent number: 10583733
    Abstract: A transaxle includes: an axle housing in which an input gear is rotatably supported; a differential casing that is contained in the axle housing while being rotatably supported relative to the axle housing; first and second side gears as a pair of spur gears that are contained in the differential casing, coaxially arranged, relatively rotatable with each other, and rotatable relative to the differential casing; a group of pinions as spur gears that are rotatably supported, in the differential casing, by rotational shafts that are in parallel with axes of the first and the second side gears in the differential casing, the group of pinions transmitting power between the first side gear and the second side gear; and a final gear having a ring shape that is contained in the axle housing, meshes with the input gear, incorporates the differential casing, and is relatively unrotatably coupled to the differential casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: KANZAKI KOKYUKOKI MFG. CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Michio Tsukamoto
  • Patent number: 10434875
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a limited-slip differential for front and rear wheels of a vehicle, the control apparatus includes: a basic LSD torque calculation module configured to calculate a basic LSD torque at least on the basis of a transfer input torque; a subtraction LSD torque calculation module configured to calculate a subtraction LSD torque that is subtracted from the basic LSD torque at least on the basis of a vehicle speed and a steering angle; a minimum LSD torque calculation module configured to calculate a minimum LSD torque on the basis of the transfer input torque; a target LSD torque setting module configured to set a target LSD torque at least on the basis of the basic, subtraction, and minimum LSD torques; and a clutch control module configured to control an engaging force of a clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: SUBARU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Taichi Tsuji
  • Patent number: 10399401
    Abstract: A utility vehicle with ergonomic, safety, and maintenance features is disclosed. A vehicle is also disclosed with improved cooling, suspension and drive systems. These features enhance the utility of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Adam J. Schlangen, Jason K. Raska
  • Patent number: 10369861
    Abstract: A utility vehicle includes a plurality of ground-engaging members, a frame assembly, a cab frame assembly, a front suspension assembly, a rear suspension assembly, a power steering assembly, and a powertrain assembly, all of which may be configured to lower the center of gravity of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron D. Deckard, Adam J. Schlangen, Alex R. Scheuerell, Aaron J. Nysse, Anthony J. Ripley, Daniel L. Goffman, Andy T. Ives, Donovan L. Fredrickson, Gordon J. Steinmetz, Corrie S. Roytek, Shawn D. Peterson, Dennis J. Lutz
  • Patent number: 10359100
    Abstract: A transfer case (18) is disclosed. The transfer case (18) includes an input shaft (16) and a sun gear (56). The sun gear (56) includes a collar end (58) and a gear end (60) and at least a portion of the sun gear (56) circumscribes the input shaft (16). A hub (62) circumscribes the collar end (58) and the input shaft (16), and may be slidably move between a first position (64) and a second position (66) opposite the first position (64) along the input shaft (16) and the collar end (58). A plurality of planetary gears (70) is mounted in a carrier body (72) circumscribing the gear end (60), and the carrier body (72) is splined with the transfer case input shaft (16). A ring gear (78) circumscribes the plurality of planetary gears (70) mounted in the carrier body (72), and is integrally joined with an output shaft (20). The ring gear (78) is rotatable around the plurality of planetary gears (70).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph D. Mastie, Sathya Vaidyanathan
  • Patent number: 10295000
    Abstract: A mechanical diode to transfer torque between a first torque member and a second torque member is described, and includes a first race element, a second race element and a slide plate that are coaxially disposed in the housing. The slide plate includes a tab element projecting radially outwardly. The slide plate is rotatable to one of a first position and a second position. A spring element is disposed between the slide plate and one of the first and second race elements, and is configured to urge the slide plate to the first position. A controllable braking element is disposed to apply a braking force to the tab element of the slide plate to urge the slide plate to achieve the second position in response to a control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC.
    Inventors: Derek F. Lahr, Farzad Samie, Dongxu Li
  • Patent number: 10293707
    Abstract: A method for controlling deceleration of a vehicle includes: controlling a feed forward torque output unit to output feed forward torque stored in a map table, which corresponds to a current velocity of the vehicle and a deceleration target velocity of the vehicle when a deceleration event for the vehicle occurs; outputting feedback torque corresponding to the deceleration target velocity based on a vehicle velocity difference; controlling an adjustment factor output unit to adjust an application ratio of the feed forward torque stored in the map table, which corresponds to the vehicle velocity difference and a residual distance up to the deceleration event; and controlling a final control torque output unit to calculate final control torque for decelerating the vehicle based on the output feed forward torque and feedback torque and the adjusted application ratio and output the calculated final control torque to a powertrain of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Do Hee Kim
  • Patent number: 10274069
    Abstract: An input arrangement for a drive axle system and a drive axle system are provided. The input arrangement comprises a splined sleeve and an input shaft. The splined sleeve has a first end drivingly engaged with a portion of a driveshaft and a second end which defines a splined recess. The input shaft has a first splined portion on an end of the input shaft. The first splined portion is complimentary to and axially slidably engageable with the splined recess of the splined sleeve. The input arrangement for a drive axle drive system eliminates a need for a companion flange, reduces a weight of the drive axle system, and reduces noise, vibration and harshness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Paulo R. Schilling, Ryan W. Laskey, Steve G. Slesinski
  • Patent number: 10253861
    Abstract: A torque vectoring unit for use with a motor vehicle including a differential unit, a gear arrangement and a clutch system. The gear arrangement is connected to the differential unit and includes a first gear set, a second gear set, a third gear set and a common shaft. The clutch system is selectively connected to the gear arrangement and includes a concentric inner clutch and a concentric outer clutch drivingly to an actuator. The actuator actuates each clutch independently. The first gear set includes an external gear supported on the common shaft and an internal gear selectively in engagement with the outer clutch. The second gear set includes an external gear supported on the common shaft and an internal gear selectively in engagement with the inner clutch. The third gear set includes an external gear coupled to the common shaft and an internal gear coupled to a differential case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Dana Automotive Systems, Group, LLC
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Cooper
  • Patent number: 10227068
    Abstract: A control process including the following steps is executed. The control process includes, at the time of switching from series-parallel mode to series mode, a step of reducing an engine torque, a step of releasing a clutch, a step of reducing a reaction torque of a first rotary electric machine and a step of increasing a torque of a second rotary electric machine, and, when synchronization is started and a step of increasing a positive torque of the first MG, a step of starting engagement of a clutch, and, when a rotation speed of the first rotary electric machine and a rotation speed of an engine are synchronous with each other, a step of engaging the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kiyonori Takagi, Hidehiko Banshoya, Atsushi Kawamoto, Haruhisa Suzuki, Tatsuya Imamura, Toshiki Kanada, Atsushi Tabata
  • Patent number: 10166986
    Abstract: A method for operating a drive device for a motor vehicle includes: during a coasting operation of the motor vehicle in which a shifting clutch is open and the internal combustion engine stands still starting the internal combustion engine in a first operating mode with the electric machine and in a second operating mode by at least partially closing the shifting clutch with a coupling torque set at the shifting clutch, thereby operatively connecting the internal combustion engine with at least one wheel, wherein the internal combustion engine is started in the first operating mode when a predictively determined wheel slip predictive value exceeds a wheel slip setpoint value, and wherein when the internal combustion engine is started in the second operating mode the electric machine is used for starting the internal combustion engine and for driving the at least one wheel when a wheel slip actual value exceeds the wheel slip setpoint value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventors: Thomas Theel, Andras Eppel, Jörg Au
  • Patent number: 10141819
    Abstract: An actuator apparatus includes a motor, an electromagnetic clutch, and an accommodation member accommodating the electromagnetic clutch, the electromagnetic clutch including an armature supported by a drive member rotated by motor drive and being adapted to rotate integrally with the drive member, a rotor being rotatable relative to the armature and being adapted to rotate integral with an output member, an electromagnet being capable of connecting the armature and the rotor to each other in accordance with an electromagnetic attractive force generated by electrification in such a manner that torque of the motor is transmittable, the actuator apparatus including a conductive member integrally provided at the accommodation member and being connected to a conductive portion of the electromagnetic clutch in such a manner that the conductive member forms a ground circuit that can connect the conductive portion with ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Keisuke Matsumoto, Seiichi Sumiya, Tomohiro Negishi, Ryoichi Fukumoto, Eisuke Umemura
  • Patent number: 10112481
    Abstract: A power takeoff unit for an automotive vehicle being a normally front-wheel drive vehicle that is convertible to all wheel drive. The takeoff unit includes an input shaft supported in a housing, the input shaft is torsionally connected with a transmission of said vehicle. An output shaft concentric with the input shaft is provided, the output shaft is torsionally connected with the rear wheels of the vehicle. A shift collar to selectively connect said input shaft with said output shaft is provided. A shift fork is provided to translate the shift collar, the shift fork having a main body with a bore. A cylinder is connected with the housing. A piston is slidably mounted within said cylinder. A headed fastener is provided with a shank extending through the shift fork main body bore. The fastener head engages the shift fork, the fastener's shank being threadably engaged with the piston to capture the shift fork with the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Kowalsky, Jeremy L. Cradit, John H. Rode
  • Patent number: 10099694
    Abstract: A motor vehicle is controlled: during a prescribed transition from an accelerator ON state to an accelerator OFF and brake OFF state, the control unit makes a rear wheel distribution ratio that is a ratio of a torque of the rear wheel to a sum of a torque of the front wheel and the torque of the rear wheel, change to a first prescribed distribution ratio after changing from a value during the accelerator ON state to a second prescribed distribution ratio that is larger than the first prescribed distribution ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yoshimitsu Takahashi
  • Patent number: 9945432
    Abstract: A drive power distribution device includes a hydraulic pressure sealing-type hydraulic pressure control device for making an operation noise of an on-off valve such as a solenoid valve less recognizable to occupants of a vehicle. By closing the on-off valve and driving the oil pump, a hydraulic pressure detected using a hydraulic pressure detection means reaches a target hydraulic pressure, and fastening power of a hydraulic clutch is maintained at an oil pressure of hydraulic fluid sealed in an oil passage until the on-off valve is opened. The drive power distribution device closes the solenoid valve when the hydraulic pressure is detected to be equal to or less than a predetermined threshold hydraulic pressure and equal to or less than a predetermined threshold vehicle speed. This can prevent synchronization between an accelerator operation by a driver and a closing operation of the solenoid valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yuma Yoshida
  • Patent number: 9939029
    Abstract: A drive arrangement for a drive train of a vehicle is disclosed. In one aspect, the drive arrangement includes at least one transmission element configured to transmit a force and/or a torque and at least one joint. The transmission element and the joint are configured to be connected reversibly in a force transmitting manner and/or in a torque-transmitting manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignees: Neumayer Tekfor Engineering GmbH, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Volker Szentmihályi, Alexander Ebert, Thomas Etzold, Martin Lehmann, Tobias Hertter, Michael Hombauer
  • Patent number: 9925902
    Abstract: A utility vehicle is provided with a seat frame disposed below a seat for a crew and supporting the seat, the utility vehicle includes: a seatbelt apparatus configured to hold the crew sitting on the seat; in which the seat frame includes a projection projecting outward in a vehicle width direction from the seat and covering a top of a fuel tank, the seatbelt apparatus includes a retractor supporting an end of webbing so as to freely wind the webbing, and the retractor is attached to the projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yoshinori Tsumiyama, Takashi Hisamura
  • Patent number: 9915333
    Abstract: A differential gear mechanism incudes a differential casing. A first and a second side gear can be rotatably mounted within the differential casing. A pair of pinion gears can be mounted between the first and second side gears. Both of the pinion gears can be rotatably mounted on a cross shaft that is fixed for rotation with the differential casing. A clutch pack can include a plurality of annular plates that are interleaved between a plurality of annular friction disks. The clutch pack can be arranged on a first side of the cross shaft. An actuator assembly can comprise a piston received in a piston housing. The actuator assembly can be configured to actuate the clutch pack. The actuator assembly can be arranged on a second side of the cross shaft, opposite the first side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Daniel P. Fisher
  • Patent number: 9895946
    Abstract: A utility vehicle with ergonomic, safety, and maintenance features is disclosed. A vehicle is also disclosed with improved cooling, suspension and drive systems. These features enhance the utility of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Adam J. Schlangen, Jason K. Raska
  • Patent number: 9889743
    Abstract: A vehicle control device includes motors that respectively drive front and rear, left and right wheels independently, wheel speed sensors that detect rotation speeds of the respective wheels, motor rotation speed sensors that detect rotation speeds of the motors corresponding to the respective wheels, a slip determination module that sets, as a base rotation speed, a lowest rotation speed, and performs slip determination on each wheel on the basis of the base rotation speed and the rotation speeds of the motors, a rotation speed control module that performs torque down, and calculates requested torques of the motors from redistributed torques, and a redistribution control module that redistributes a torque down amount of the slipping wheel to a non-slipping wheel to calculate the redistributed torques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: SUBARU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hiroshi Ienaga
  • Patent number: 9849898
    Abstract: A method for managing a railway vehicle which comprises a motor (6) connected to a chassis (2), a first (3) and a second axle (4) functionally connected to the motor (6); a first transmission member (7) of hydrostatic type and a second transmission member (8) of hydrodynamic type (generally defined “gear”, which can be of hydrodynamic or mechanical type) for connecting the motor to the first and second axle; the method comprising the steps of selecting a configuration for managing the vehicle (1) and switching said vehicle between a first operative condition, in which the first transmission member (7) or the second transmission member (8) is active, and a second operative condition, in which both the first transmission member (7) and the second transmission member (8) are simultaneously active, at least as a function of the vehicle (1) management configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: TESMEC S.P.A.
    Inventor: Antonio Nitti
  • Patent number: 9845834
    Abstract: A positive-locking clutch for a motor vehicle comprises a coupling element with a toothing, a rotatable counterpart element with a counterpart toothing, and an electromagnetic actuator. The coupling element can be moved by means of the electromagnetic actuator between a disengaged position and an engaged position, and wherein the toothing of the coupling element is meshed with the counterpart toothing of the counterpart element in the engaged position. Even after the engaged position of the coupling element has been fully reached, a backlash is provided between the toothing of the coupling element and the counterpart toothing of the counterpart element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: MAGNA POWERTRAIN AG & CO KG
    Inventors: Markus Kohlbock, Daniel Prix, Dominik Schober, David Willam
  • Patent number: 9815366
    Abstract: A vehicle transfer case is provided including input and output shafts mounted within a housing, a secondary shaft selectively driven by the output shaft, a first hub having an inner diameter splined section having a first extreme neutral position with exclusive torsional engagement with the output shaft, and in a second intermediate high position having torsional engagement with the output shaft and input shafts, and in a third extreme low position having exclusive torsional engagement with the input shaft. A second hub is provided, rotatably mounted on the first hub and axially fixed therewith. The second hub is torsionally fixed to the output shaft, and a shift fork is provided to translate the second hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Michael R. Palazzolo, Paul M. Riggs
  • Patent number: 9783182
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a control method for front and rear wheel torque distribution of an electric 4 wheel drive (E-4WD) hybrid electric vehicle. The control method includes: determining one of a fuel efficiency optimization mode and a 4WD mode from vehicle state information and driver's driving manipulation input information; calculating a driver request total torque amount; when the 4WD mode is determined, calculating a rear wheel torque amount for the 4WD; calculating a front wheel torque amount for the 4WD; calculating a front wheel engine torque amount for the 4WD; and controlling a torque output of an engine for front wheel driving and a torque output of a driving motor for rear wheel driving according to the calculated front wheel engine torque amount for 4WD and the calculated rear wheel torque amount for 4WD.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Min Su Lee
  • Patent number: 9751404
    Abstract: A transfer includes an input shaft, an output shaft, an output member, a high-low switching mechanism, a clutch, an actuator, a screw mechanism, a first transmitting mechanism, a cam engaging member, a drum cam, and a second transmitting mechanism. The high-low switching mechanism is configured to change a rate of rotation of the input shaft and transmit a resultant rotation to the output shaft. The second transmitting mechanism is configured to transmit a movement of one of the drum cam and the cam engaging member that is connected to a second shaft to the high-low switching mechanism via the second shaft such that the high-low switching mechanism switches between the high-speed gear and the low-speed gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Mizuki Imafuku
  • Patent number: 9746064
    Abstract: A vehicle driveline component having a dual friction clutch differential assembly and a hydraulic circuit for operating the friction clutches. The hydraulic circuit includes a pair of normally open, solenoid operated valves that are selectively closed to control the fluid pressure that acts on the friction clutches. The hydraulic circuit provides a simplified and cost-effective means for providing disconnecting and/or torque vectoring capabilities to the vehicle driveline component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Kent A. Shoemaker, Charles G. Stuart, James P. Downs
  • Patent number: 9719585
    Abstract: An axle assembly with a differential assembly, a housing and a transmission. The transmission has a first and second planetary gearsets that have associated (i.e., first and second) ring gears, planet carriers and sun gears. The first planet carrier is coupled to a differential carrier of the differential assembly for common rotation. The second ring gear is non-rotatably coupled to the housing. The second planet carrier is coupled to the second differential output for common rotation. The second sun gear is coupled to the first sun gear for common rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: e-AAM Driveline Systems AB
    Inventor: Erik J. Sten
  • Patent number: 9683649
    Abstract: A vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes a power source, at least one wheel, a gearbox. The gearbox includes a housing, gearing disposed in the housing, and an insulator disposed between the gearing and the housing. The gearing is configured to couple the power source to the at least one wheel. The insulator is configured to reduce thermal energy losses of a fluid that lubricates the gearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Danrich Henry Demitroff, Mathew John Fast, Michael Levin, Sunil Katragadda, Furqan Zafar Shaikh, W. Cary Cole
  • Patent number: 9669710
    Abstract: A drive train of a motor vehicle between a drive unit and a first wheel axle and a second wheel axle is disclosed, the second wheel axle consisting at least of a first sub-axle and a second sub-axle, and the first and the second sub-axle being connected to a differential for torque distribution. The differential is an individual differential which is operatively connected to the drive unit via a drive shaft and which can optionally be operatively connected to the first wheel axle for torque distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventor: Christian Meixner