With Electric Or Magnetic Controlled Brake Patents (Class 475/154)
  • Patent number: 11828355
    Abstract: Proposed is a disconnector apparatus including a support ring mounted in a casing and including a pinion gear mounted in the support ring and configured to engage with a first side gear, the support ring including a first dog gear part provided on one surface directed toward the first side gear, a clutch ring including a second dog gear part provided on one surface facing the support ring, the second dog gear part being configured to engage with the first dog gear part, and a sleeve connected to an actuator device and configured to move in an engagement direction or disengagement direction, the sleeve being connected to the clutch ring and configured to push the clutch ring in a direction toward the support ring or pull the clutch ring in a direction opposite to the support ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Hyundai Transys Inc.
    Inventors: Se Dong Yang, Jong Bae Ahn, Sangheon Lee
  • Patent number: 11453374
    Abstract: To provide a disc brake having a planetary gear reduction mechanism that may be satisfactory costly and achieve improved reliability, a planetary gear reduction mechanism of a disc brake according to the present disclosure includes a sun gear having an input gear portion to which rotation from a motor is transmitted and an output gear portion extending axially from a radial central region of the input gear portion, a plurality of planetary gears configured to mesh with the output gear portion of the sun gear, and an internal gear configured to mesh with each planetary gear, and the internal gear has a cylindrical support portion configured to rotatably support the sun gear. Accordingly, at the time of assembly, the axis of the sun gear and the axis of the internal gear may be arranged substantially concentrically, which may result in improved reliability and cost satisfaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: HITACHI ASTEMO, LTD.
    Inventors: Takashi Mitsugi, Daisuke Hibi, Takayasu Sakashita, Jun Watanabe, Rikiya Yoshizu, Atsushi Odaira, Takuya Usui
  • Patent number: 11320030
    Abstract: A two-speed transmission alternately establishes two speed ratios between a primary drive pulley and one or more accessories pulleys of an accessory drive system. The two-speed transmission includes concentric input and output shafts fixed to input and output pulleys respectively. When an actuator is disengaged, a one-way clutch transfers power between the input shaft and the output shaft. The input shaft is fixed to the planet carrier of a planetary gear set and the output shaft is fixed to the sun gear of the planetary gear set. When the actuator is engaged, the ring gear of the planetary gear set is held establishing an overdrive speed relationship between the input pulley and the output pulley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Nicholas Hrusch
  • Patent number: 11205938
    Abstract: A magnetic torque converter comprising a platform configured to rotate about an axis; at least one riser coupled to the platform; at least one riser permanent magnet coupled to the at least one riser; a lifting cap supporting at least one lifting rod; a lifting rod permanent magnet coupled to the at least one lifting rod opposite the lifting cap, the lifting rod permanent magnet is configured to levitate along the at least one riser proximate the at least one riser permanent magnet through magnetic field repulsion, wherein the at least one riser permanent magnet comprises a magnetic pole opposite the lifting rod permanent magnet; and a connecting rod coupled to the lifting cap opposite the at least one lifting rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Inventor: Gerald William Rowley
  • Patent number: 11092216
    Abstract: A speed reduction ratio automatic switching device includes a planetary gear mechanism. The planetary gear mechanism includes a sun gear provided for an input shaft, planetary gears in mesh with an outer circumferential side of the sun gear, an internal gear in mesh with an outer circumferential side of the planetary gears, and first and second carriers made of a semi-rigid magnetic material. The first and second carriers support the planetary gears in a rotatable manner, and rotate together with the planetary gears along with revolution of the planetary gears. Each of the sun gear, the planetary gears and the internal gear is a helical gear. First and second magnets for generating a thrust force in an axial direction are provided between the first and second carriers and the internal gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: SMC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ryuichi Masui, Naohiro Ishizawa
  • Patent number: 10808444
    Abstract: A spindle drive for an adjustment element of a motor vehicle is provided. The spindle drive has a drive unit and a spindle-spindle nut transmission arranged downstream of the drive unit in terms of drive for generating linear drive movements. The drive unit has a tubular drive unit housing and therein a drive motor. In some cases an intermediate transmission is arranged downstream of the drive motor in terms of drive. The drive unit and the spindle-spindle nut transmission are arranged one behind the other on the geometrical spindle axis, and a spindle drive housing is provided with a tubular inner housing and a tubular outer housing. The inner housing runs in a telescope-like manner in the outer housing. In some cases the outer housing of the spindle drive housing accommodates the drive unit with the drive unit housing and is connected to the drive unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. KG, Hallstadt
    Inventors: Uwe Fischer, Christian Saxstetter, Robert Neundorf
  • Patent number: 10746261
    Abstract: A gear assembly includes a planetary gear set and a clutch. The planetary gear set includes a sun gear, at least one planet gear meshing with the sun gear, a carrier supporting the at least one planet gear, and an outer ring gear meshing with the at least one planet gear. The clutch is operable to engage with and disengage from the planetary gear set to enable the planetary gear set to switch between a first mode and a second mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: CANDY HOUSE INC.
    Inventor: Che-Ming Ku
  • Patent number: 10663076
    Abstract: A rotation stop shape is visually recognizable through an exposing hole. A relative angle between an output shaft and an actuator lever can be freely set while the rotation stop shape, which is visually recognizable through the exposing hole, is used as the reference angle of the output shaft. Therefore, it is possible to limit disadvantageous variations in a fixation angle of the actuator lever. The fixation angle of the actuator lever relative to the output shaft can be freely changed by using the rotation stop shape, which is visually recognizable through the exposing hole, as a reference angle of the output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tetsuji Yamanaka, Naoaki Kouno, Etsugo Yanagida, Hiroki Shimada
  • Patent number: 10654484
    Abstract: A starting strategy for a power train of a motor vehicle including an internal combustion engine fitted with a drive shaft extending along a longitudinal axis, an alternator-starter, a first pulley that is designed to be driven in rotation by the drive shaft, a pulley that is rigidly connected to a shaft of the alternator-starter, a belt encircling said two pulleys, and a coupling/decoupling system between the first pulley and the drive shaft of the engine, characterized in that the starting strategy includes a preparation procedure for said belt in cold weather.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Millon, Jean-Yves Der Matheossian
  • Patent number: 10584800
    Abstract: A setting/operating device includes a first motor; a sun gear that rotates by receiving a rotating force from the first motor; a first internal gear disposed so as to surround the sun gear; a second motor that applies a force to the first internal gear in a direction in which rotation of the first internal gear is prevented; a plurality of planetary gears disposed between the sun gear and the first internal gear, engaged with the sun gear and the first internal gear, and capable of rotating on the axes thereof while revolving around the sun gear; a rotation mechanism that rotates by receiving rotating forces of the plurality of planetary gears; an output shaft that is coupled to the rotation mechanism; and a spring unit that applies a rotating force to the output shaft when supply of electric power to the first motor and the second motor is stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Azbil Corporation
    Inventor: Tomofumi Ohashi
  • Patent number: 9938760
    Abstract: A door opening and closing apparatus for a vehicle includes a transmission gear configured to be driven to rotate by a motor, a pulley arranged coaxially with the transmission gear and configured to open and close a vehicle door by moving a rope member with a rotation of the pulley, an output member arranged coaxially with the transmission gear and configured to bring a door lock to a holding state or a release state with a rotation of the output member, a first clutch housed in the pulley in a state being coaxial with the transmission gear, the first clutch selectively permitting and prohibiting a rotation transmission between the transmission gear and the pulley, and a second clutch housed in the transmission gear in a state being coaxial with the transmission gear, the second clutch selectively permitting and prohibiting a rotation transmission between the transmission gear and the output member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Sadayuki Makino, Kenta Mori, Yuki Ishiguro
  • Patent number: 9939049
    Abstract: A speed change device is provided, including: an outer ring part, an interior thereof including at least one outer gear; a spindle, coaxially pivoted to the outer ring part with the at least one outer gear, having a central axis, an outer circumference of the spindle having a plurality of cam assembling portions; a plurality of cam parts, respectively disassemblably assembled to the plurality of cam assembling portions, synchronizingly rotating with the spindle, at least two of the plurality of cam parts having a phase difference of angle which is larger than zero degree; a plurality of inner gears, being rigid, respectively sleeved on the plurality of cam parts and being non-rotatable with the plurality of the cam parts, respectively meshed with the at least one outer gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Teraforce Precision Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Te-En Liu
  • Patent number: 9316296
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a reducer including a planetary gear and a steering apparatus of a vehicle including the same, and more particularly to a reducer including a planetary gear which can compensate a gap generated by wear of gear teeth of planet gears, sun gears, and ring gears, and a steering apparatus of a vehicle including the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Mando Corporation
    Inventor: Han Sang Chae
  • Patent number: 9151364
    Abstract: A family of transmissions has four planetary gear sets, five controllable clutches and brake, and a passive one way brake. Selective engagement of the brakes and clutches in combinations of three produces eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The passive one way brake is engaged in the first forward speed ratio and overruns in the second through fifth forward speed ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Daniel Goleski, Steven Gerald Thomas, Reid Alan Baldwin
  • Patent number: 9017219
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for aircraft braking and taxiing systems for use in, for example, an aircraft. In this regard, system comprising an electric motor coupled to a first transmission, a first clutch for selectively engaging the first transmission to a propulsion transmission and a brake clamping system, wherein, in response to engagement with the propulsion transmission, the electric motor drives an aircraft wheel, wherein, in response to engagement with the actuator ram, the electric motor drives the brake clamping system to apply force to an aircraft brake disk stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventor: Eric D. Cahill
  • Patent number: 9011286
    Abstract: The present invention provides a controllable epicyclic type clutch device coupled with hybrid power train structured by using the controllable brake device to manipulate an epicyclic gear set (EG101), in which the power train having the clutch device structured by using the controllable brake device to manipulate the epicyclic gear set (EG101) can be widely applied in a dual rotary kinetic power source or a triple rotary kinetic power source, the structural configuration includes a coaxial in-series structure or a multiple axial in-parallel structure for satisfying the requirement of applied space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
  • Patent number: 9010471
    Abstract: A wheel bearing unit comprises an inner ring and an outer ring. The outer ring is mounted rotatably and is arranged concentrically with respect to the inner ring. The inner ring serves to receive a wheel and the outer ring serves for fastening to a wheel support of a motor vehicle. The wheel bearing unit has, between the inner ring and the outer ring, a first ball row and a second ball row which is arranged parallel to the first ball row. A follower is arranged in a rotationally fixed manner with respect to an outer side of the inner ring between the first ball row and the second ball row. The follower is connected directly or indirectly to a rotor of an electric machine in a torque-transmitting manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mohsen Lakehal-Ayat, Michael Seemann
  • Patent number: 8956261
    Abstract: An electric motor is arranged on a reduction device, and a wet braking device which gives braking force to a motor shaft is arranged on an upper end side of the electric motor. The wet braking device has a brake case which accommodates an upper end portion of the motor shaft, an adapter which is detachably disposed to the motor shaft in the brake case, a plurality of rotating side brake disks and a plurality of non-rotating side brake disks arranged on an outer peripheral side of the adapter and a brake piston which gives braking force to the motor shaft by frictionally engaging the rotating side brake disks and the non-rotating side brake disks with each other. At the time of performing a maintenance operation for the wet braking device, the wet braking device alone can be solely removed while keeping the electric motor assembled to the reduction device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yutaka Komaru, Takashi Niidome
  • Patent number: 8944950
    Abstract: An electric drive unit (EDU) is configured for driving a first and second wheel of a vehicle. The EDU includes a rotor, a stator, a first planetary gear set, a second planetary gear set, and a pair of engagement mechanisms. The first planetary gear set is operatively connected to the rotor and rotates about the drive axis in response to rotation of the rotor to transmit torque to the first wheel. The second planetary gear set is operatively connected to the rotor and rotates about the drive axis in response to rotation of the rotor to transmit torque to the second wheel. Rotation of the rotor causes each of the planetary gear sets to rotate about the drive axis. Each engagement mechanism is selectively engages a respective one of the planetary gear sets to vary the torque transmitted to the respective wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Alan G. Holmes
  • Patent number: 8944951
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a clutch device structured by a dual-drive electric machine being combined with an planetary gear set (DG101) and a controllable brake device, and through controlling the controllable brake device to perform brake locking or releasing, the operations of transmission function of connecting transmission or releasing between a rotation shaft (S101) at an output/input end, a rotation shaft (S102) at an output/input end and a sleeve type rotation shaft (AS101) at an output/input end of the planetary gear set (DG101) are enabled to be controlled, thereby to control the interactive operations between the dual-drive electric machine (EM100) and the output/input ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
  • Patent number: 8888649
    Abstract: A hoisting device including a cable drum, a first motor, a second motor and a gear assembly is provided. The gear assembly includes a first epicyclic and a second epicyclic. The first epicyclic includes a first carrier rotationally connected to the cable drum, a first sun rotationally connected to the first motor, a first annulus, and a first planet in meshing engagement with the first sun and the first annulus. The second epicyclic includes a second carrier rotationally grounded, a second sun rotationally connected to the second motor, a second annulus connected to the first annulus, and a second planet in meshing engagement with the second sun and the second annulus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: MiVa Engineering Ltd.
    Inventors: Vladimir Scekic, Russell Turnbull, Daniel Constantin Popa, Soegi Hartono
  • Publication number: 20140287863
    Abstract: Construction capable of improving the convenience of an electric automobile is achieved by making the drive apparatus for an electric automobile in which a planetary-gear transmission 11 is assembled more compact and simple, and increasing the distance traveled per charge. The planetary-gear transmission 11 comprises a single-pinion first planetary-gear mechanism 12 and a double-pinion second planetary-gear mechanism 13, and reduces power from an electric motor 1a by a desired reduction ratio before transmitting that power to a driven-side rotating shaft 5a. A first braking device 14 switches a ring gear 22 and a second braking device 15 switches a second sun gear 19 between a state of being allowed to rotate and a state of being prevented from rotating with respect to a fixed portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazutaka Tanaka, Eiji Inoue, Takashi Imanishi, Yasuyuki Matsuda, Daisuke Gunji
  • Patent number: 8840516
    Abstract: A dynamic damper device includes a planetary gear mechanism including plural differentially rotatable rotating elements, an elastic member that couples a rotating shaft rotated by being transmitted with a power with a first rotating element of the planetary gear mechanism, speed control devices that are coupled with second rotating elements different from the first rotating element and control rotation speeds of the second rotating elements, and a torque control device that is coupled with the first rotating element and controls torque acting on the first rotating element. Accordingly, the dynamic damper device achieves an effect that vibration can be appropriately reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kiyohito Murata
  • Patent number: 8795121
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle is provided with a drive mechanism for transmitting torque to at least a first and a second output member as well as to such a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism includes, but is not limited to a torque generating drive member operably coupled to the first and second output members, a switching element operably coupled to the drive member for selectively coupling the drive member with the first and second output members either in a propulsion mode or in a vector mode. In the propulsion mode, the drive member's torque is inducted to first and second output members uni-directionally and in the vector mode, the drive member's torque is inducted to first and second output members in opposite directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Matthijs Klomp
  • Patent number: 8702550
    Abstract: An electric taxi system (ETS) for an aircraft may comprise drive motors mounted coaxially with wheels of the aircraft. A clutch assembly may be interposed between the drive motor the wheel. The clutch assembly may transmit torque from the motor to the wheel when the wheel and a rotor of the motor rotate at the same rotational speed. The clutch assembly may self-disengage a rotor of the motor from the wheel when the wheel rotates faster than the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald J. Christensen, Todd Langston, David Lane Charles, Rudy Velasquez
  • Patent number: 8668611
    Abstract: The present invention is structured by a dual-drive electric machine being combined with an epicycle gear set (EG101) and a controllable brake device, through controlling the controllable brake device to perform brake locking or releasing, the operations of transmission function of combining transmission or releasing between a rotation shaft (S101) at an output/input end, a rotation shaft (S102) at an output/input end and a sleeve type rotation shaft (AS101) at an output/input end of the epicycle gear set (EG101) are enabled to be controlled, and the interacting operation between the dual-drive electric machine (EM100) and the output/input ends are also enabled to be controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
  • Patent number: 8617019
    Abstract: An electric taxi system (ETS) for an aircraft may comprise drive motors mounted coaxially with wheels of the aircraft. A clutch assembly may be interposed between the drive motor the wheel. The clutch assembly may transmit torque from the motor to the wheel when the wheel and a rotor of the motor rotate at the same rotational speed. The clutch assembly may self-disengage a rotor of the motor from the wheel when the wheel rotates faster than the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Donald J. Christensen, Todd Langston, David Lane Charles, Rudy Velasquez
  • Patent number: 8591368
    Abstract: A drive system has a gear unit with planetary gear stage with a planetary gear carrier. A first shaft associated with the gear unit has a coupling flange connectable to the shaft of a working machine or a rotor and is supported by the planetary gear carrier. The gear unit and a motor/generator unit connected to a second shaft of the gear unit are enclosed by a gearbox. The motor/generator unit additionally includes a rotor connected to a hollow rotor shaft with a rotation lock. An electrically isolating, detachable flange connection is disposed between the rotor shaft and the second shaft, with the gear-side end of the detachable flange connection connected to a hollow gear shaft. A gearbox stub which concentrically encloses a gear-side end section of the gear shaft is disposed between gear unit and motor or generator unit and forms a bearing seat for the second shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Ralf Martin Dinter, Arno Klein-Hitpass, Jan-Dirk Reimers
  • Patent number: 8591370
    Abstract: A clutch device includes a dual-drive electric machine combined with a planetary gear set and at least one controllable brake device. The at least one controllable brake device controls transmission or release between a first rotation shaft at a first output/input end, a second rotation shaft at a second output/input end and a sleeve type rotation shaft (AS101) at a third, thereby controlling interactive operations between the dual-drive electric machine and the output/input ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
  • Patent number: 8500590
    Abstract: An automotive accessory drive system for a motor vehicle connects to an internal combustion engine crankshaft during at least one mode of operation. The system includes an accessory drive pulley, a starter motor/generator, and an endless loop power transmission member connecting at least the starter motor/generator and the accessory drive pulley. A planetary gear set includes a sun gear, a ring gear integrally associated with the accessory drive pulley, and a planetary carrier connected to the engine crankshaft. First and second one way clutches connect the engine crankshaft to the ring gear, and the sun gear to a grounding member, respectively, to define a normal drive mode and an engine start mode, respectively. An electromagnetic disconnect includes a normally closed friction clutch connecting the grounding member to ground to define a third mode of operation corresponding to a free wheel function with the grounding member disengaged from connection to ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: BorgWarner, Inc.
    Inventor: Dan Joseph Showalter
  • Publication number: 20130065723
    Abstract: This present invention uses the rotational resistance created by a high-voltage alternator/generator to regulate the speed of the primary work output shaft in an Infinitely Variable Transmission. This will be accomplished by mechanically and rotationally attaching the high-voltage alternator/generator to a secondary output shaft or gear in the IVT. Sending a signal to the high-voltage alternator/generator to create electricity will create rotational resistance against the secondary output shaft or gear, slowing the rotation of the secondary output shaft or gear and causing the primary work output shaft to speed up. The greater the electrical load that is applied to the high-voltage alternator/generator, the faster the primary work output shaft will turn. The lesser the electrical load, the slower the primary work output shaft will turn.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventor: Ross George Haldeman
  • Patent number: 8376094
    Abstract: An electromechanical linear-motion actuator includes a rotary shaft, a stationary outer race member, and planetary rollers between the rotary shaft and the outer race member to rotate about their own axes and revolve around the rotary shaft axis. A helical rib is on the radially inner surface of the outer race member or the radially outer surface of the rotary shaft. A helical groove or circumferential grooves are formed in a radially outer surface of each of the planetary rollers in which the helical rib is engaged. A planetary carrier axially faces the planetary rollers, and thrust ball bearings are between the planetary carrier and the respective planetary rollers 16 for preventing rotation of the respective planetary rollers 16 from being transmitted to the planetary carrier 17. Each of the thrust ball bearings comprises a raceway formed on an axial end surface of the corresponding planetary roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Tatsuya Yamasaki, Masaaki Eguchi
  • Patent number: 8343000
    Abstract: An electric drive system including an electric motor arranged to rotate a drive shaft. A differential includes a first planetary gear being drivingly connected to a first output assembly. A second planetary gear configuration is in driving engagement with the first planetary gear configuration via an output shaft. The second planetary configuration is drivingly connected to a second output assembly. The motor is disposed between the first and second planetary gear configuration. The first planetary gear configuration is arranged to co-act with the second planetary gear configuration so as to provide a differential function. The ring gears of the first and second planetary gear configurations are engaged via a reversing assembly for the differential function. Also, a motor driven unit, such as a motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: BAE Systems Hägglunds Aktiebolag
    Inventors: Pontus Karlsson, Henrik Kjellman, Viktor Lassila
  • Patent number: 8323143
    Abstract: A wheel drive assembly includes a rotatable spindle-carrier affixed to a wheel. A fixed housing includes an output ring gear and the spindle-carrier resides generally within the housing. An output sun gear driven by an input carrier drives output planetary gears which, in turn, interengage the output ring gear driving and rotating the spindle-carrier. A fixed drive end housing includes an input ring gear and houses a noise reducing radially floating input carrier and a plurality of input planet gears rotatably mounted in the input carrier. The input sun gear is driven by an electric motor and drives the plurality of input planet gears which mesh with the input ring gear causing rotation of the input carrier about its true center. The input carrier is partially nested within the spindle-carrier and the motor is partially nested within the fixed drive end housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Fairfield Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Benjamin Warren Schoon
  • Publication number: 20120220412
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a clutch device structured by a dual-drive electric machine being combined with an planetary gear set (DG101) and a controllable brake device, and through controlling the controllable brake device to perform brake locking or releasing, the operations of transmission function of connecting transmission or releasing between a rotation shaft (S101) at an output/input end, a rotation shaft (S102) at an output/input end and a sleeve type rotation shaft (AS101) at an output/input end of the planetary gear set (DG101) are enabled to be controlled, thereby to control the interactive operations between the dual-drive electric machine (EM100) and the output/input ends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventor: Tai-Her YANG
  • Publication number: 20120220411
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a clutch device structured by a dual-drive electric machine being combined with an planetary gear set (DG101) and a controllable brake device, and through controlling the controllable brake device to perform brake locking or releasing, the operations of transmission function of connecting transmission or releasing between a rotation shaft (S101) at an output/input end, a rotation shaft (S102) at an output/input end and a sleeve type rotation shaft (AS101) at an output/input end of the planetary gear set (DG101) are enabled to be controlled, thereby to control the interactive operations between the dual-drive electric machine (EM100) and the output/input ends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventor: Tai-Her YANG
  • Patent number: 8231492
    Abstract: A torque transmitting device includes a plurality of clutch plates, a ramp member that is selectively rotatable about an axis and that defines a ramp surface, a worm gear that is operatively connected to the ramp member for rotation therewith about the axis, and a roller element contacting the ramp surface. The ramp surface is configured such that, when the ramp member is rotated about the axis, the roller element exerts a reaction force on the ramp surface that urges the ramp member to move in a first axial direction and thereby transmit the reaction force to the clutch plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Shanghai Jiao Tong University
    Inventors: Li Chen, Chengliang Yin, Jie Shu, Jian Yao, Chunhao J. Lee, Chi-Kuan Kao, Farzad Samie, Yu Dong
  • Publication number: 20120149518
    Abstract: A vehicle drive system including a transmission is provided. The system includes a compound planetary gear set including first, second, third and fourth elements. The second element connects with an output shaft of the transmission. The system further includes a transmission housing. The system still further includes an electric motor which has an output shaft connecting with the first and fourth elements for driving the first and fourth elements in response to an electrical signal to obtain a desired transmission ratio. The system further includes a non-friction controllable clutch assembly which is non-hydraulically controlled to change between a coupling state for coupling the fourth element to the motor output shaft and an uncoupling state for uncoupling the fourth element from the motor output shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: MEANS INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventor: John W. Kimes
  • Patent number: 8157689
    Abstract: The invention relates to a torque transmission unit for a motor vehicle with a permanently driven primary axle and a switchable secondary axle, comprising a first connecting part and a second connecting part. The invention furthermore comprises several lamellas that are divided into primary lamellas and secondary lamellas in an alternating arrangement. The unit further comprises a planetary gear system, comprising an at least first gear element, rotationally connected with the first connection part, a second gear element, rotationally connected with the second connection part, and a third gear element, rotationally connected with the primary lamellas. The secondary lamellas are rotationally connected with the first connection part, the second connection part or with a stationary housing part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: MAGNA Powertrain AG & Co KG
    Inventors: Herbert Steinwender, Franz Gratzer, Gerald Schober
  • Publication number: 20120077634
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) responsive to a device for supplying a rotational force. The transmission comprises a planetary gear system that further comprises: a control element, an output element, and an input element caused to rotate responsive to the device for supplying rotational force. The output element is engaged with the control element and the input element. The CVT further comprises a control module comprising a controllable brake connected to the control element for allowing the control element to rotate freely, for stopping the control element and for slowing the control element to a speed between free rotation and stopped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventor: Harry Thompson
  • Publication number: 20120065015
    Abstract: A compound-input is provided for an electrically variable transmission for a motor vehicle. The compound-input electrically variable transmission has improved input gear ratios that allow the vehicle engine to be operated in its desired efficiency and/or performance range during both city and highway vehicle operation. Further, the multi-speed input electrically variable transmission provides an input brake without the need for a dedicated input brake clutch or braking mechanism and incorporates a reverse gear for reverse operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventors: GORO TAMAI, Dumitru Puiu, Scott A. Miller, Dale E. Martin, Travis J. Miller
  • Patent number: 8043185
    Abstract: A multiple gear transmission with magnetic control for vehicles or for use in drive technology includes an input shaft supported on a frame and an output shaft. The input shaft protrudes from the frame at least one end and the output shaft protrudes from the frame at one end. Transmission gear ratios with transmission wheels are embodied as gear trains or belt and chain drives and are located between the input shaft and the output shaft. Transmission wheels are supported in a rotatable manner on the input shaft or on the output shaft. The transmission wheels are connected to the input shaft or the output shaft in a torsionally fixed manner by a clutch mechanism. The transmission wheels are constantly in rotation during operation. A state of the clutch mechanism changes through the change of an additional magnetic field inside or in a direct vicinity of the clutch mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Inventor: Karlheinz Nicolai
  • Publication number: 20110130238
    Abstract: A wheel drive assembly includes a rotatable spindle-carrier affixed to a wheel. A fixed housing includes an output ring gear and the spindle-carrier resides generally within the housing. An output sun gear driven by an input carrier drives output planetary gears which, in turn, interengage the output ring gear driving and rotating the spindle-carrier. A fixed drive end housing includes an input ring gear and houses a noise reducing radially floating input carrier and a plurality of input planet gears rotatably mounted in the input carrier. The input sun gear is driven by an electric motor and drives the plurality of input planet gears which mesh with the input ring gear causing rotation of the input carrier about its true center. The input carrier is partially nested within the spindle-carrier and the motor is partially nested within the fixed drive end housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventor: BENJAMIN WARREN SCHOON
  • Publication number: 20100203997
    Abstract: A multiple speed power transmission, comprising: a gearbox input shaft; an output shaft; and a collection of gears, friction clutches, and passive couplers capable of transmitting power from the gearbox input shaft to the output shaft with eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio wherein the first forward speed ratio is selected by engaging friction brakes using electromechanical actuators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventor: Reid Alan Baldwin
  • Publication number: 20100167864
    Abstract: The invention relates to a torque transmission unit for a motor vehicle with a permanently driven primary axle and a switchable secondary axle, comprising a first connecting part and a second connecting part. The invention furthermore comprises several lamellas that are divided into primary lamellas and secondary lamellas in an alternating arrangement. The unit further comprises a planetary gear system, comprising an at least first gear element, rotationally connected with the first connection part, a second gear element, rotationally connected with the second connection part, and a third gear element, rotationally connected with the primary lamellas. The secondary lamellas are rotationally connected with the first connection part, the second connection part or with a stationary housing part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventors: Herbert Steinwender, Franz Gratzer, Gerald Schober
  • Publication number: 20090312134
    Abstract: A compact gear reducer electric motor assembly with an internal brake disclosed and claimed wherein a high speed electric motor is interconnected with a gear reducer having substantial gear reduction. The assembly includes a spindle, a brake mounted substantially within said high speed electric motor and operable against a spring biasing said brake into engagement with ground. The brake is electrically actuated to permit transmission of energy to the gear reducer. The gear reducer includes an input, intermediate and output planetary stages. The input and intermediate stages residing within the spindle, and, the output planetary stage drives an output ring gear. Releasing means for releasing the output ring gear from the brake allowing rotation thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventor: BENJAMIN WARREN SCHOON
  • Patent number: 7556580
    Abstract: A motor-driven wheel driving apparatus has a wheel bearing, a planetary reduction gear, a driving section with an electric motor to drive the planetary reduction gear, and a rotation member. The wheel bearing includes a wheel hub, an inner ring, an outer member and double row rolling elements arranged between the inner and outer raceway surfaces. The planetary reduction gear includes an input element, a stationary element, a plurality of planetary, and an output element to rotatably support the planetary elements relative to a connecting shaft. The driving section forming the electric motor has a stator housing, a stator portion contained within the stator housing, and a rotor portion secured on the rotation member arranged opposite to the stator portion via a predetermined air gap. The connecting shaft is removably and torque-transmittably connected to the wheel hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Saito, Kenichi Iwamoto
  • Publication number: 20090145674
    Abstract: A highly energy efficient automobile that provides payload, safety and performance capacities similar to a comparable vehicle of a given vehicle class. The current invention is ideal for short to medium range urban and suburban driving. The current invention incorporates components in a unique and novel way, in which these components combine to form a system that produces an automobile that reduces overall air pollution while encouraging the commercialization of alternative energy sources. The current invention features an lightweight, low rolling resistance, digitally controlled and direct-drive electric propulsion system. A lightweight spaceframe with a suspension system provides a structure for mounting a low-aerodynamic-drag body system and other components. An intelligent power and thermal management system coupled with a removable auxiliary power module supplies the electrical energy required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventors: David Warren Lee, Roeland M.M. Hogt
  • Patent number: 7469858
    Abstract: The present invention is a compound planetary gear system which has a moveable sun gear and a lockable sun gear to change the gear ratio between a high gear ratio and a pseudo 1:1 slipping ratio. The system makes use of a ratchet and pawl mechanism to provide a safety backup for when the lockable sun gear is locked. The invention may be used to move the aircraft from a stationary position, for taxiing, and for pre-rotating the wheels prior to landing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Borealis Technical Limited
    Inventor: Jonathan Sidney Edelson
  • Publication number: 20080293534
    Abstract: The invention relates to an actuator for the electromotive actuation of a parking or stop brake, especially of a private car. The actuator comprises, downstream on the electric motor, a planetary wheel transmission which is axially cascaded in a multi-stage manner and comprises a centering pin which is radially mounted on the two front ends thereof and extends coaxially to the output shaft, on the radial overdefined bearing arrangement thereof. Respectively one planet carrier comprising a pinion is embodied, along the centering pin, as a sun wheel for the planet wheels on the planet carrier of the following transmission step.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2006
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Applicants: OECHSLER ADTIENGESELLSCHAFT, LUCAS AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
    Inventors: Stefan Dettenberger, Wilhelm Wolf