Variable Speed Or Direction Is Planetary Transmission Patents (Class 475/204)
  • Patent number: 11852238
    Abstract: Axial adjustment device (1), comprising a first disk (2) which is rotatable and axially displaceable both in a first circumferential direction (I) and in a second circumferential direction (II), namely a circumferential direction counter to the first circumferential direction (I), and a second disk (3) which is locked against rotation in the first circumferential direction (I) and is rotatable in the second circumferential direction, wherein the second disk (3) has an activating element (8) on its end side facing away from the first disk (2), and wherein the first disk (2) and the second disk (3) each have, on their mutually facing end surfaces, at least three identically formed depressions (4) which lie opposite one another in each case in pairs and thus form at least three pairs of depressions, wherein a rolling element (5) is arranged in each of the pairs of depressions, wherein the depressions (4) each have a slope in the first circumferential direction (I) from a lower dead centre (6) towards an upper de
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: MAGNA POWERTRAIN GMBH & CO KG
    Inventor: Stefan Lienhart
  • Patent number: 11752985
    Abstract: An alternative braking apparatus for a vehicle includes a gear type automatic transmission having at least one clutch and at least one brake for changing the meshing state of gears, and a control unit configured to switch the shift stage of the automatic transmission by controlling the clutch and the brake. The control unit is configured to perform alternative braking that controls the clutch and the brake so that an output shaft of the automatic transmission is braked by a braking force of the brake through the gears when the control unit determines that a braking device of the vehicle cannot normally apply braking forces to wheels despite that the vehicle needs to be braked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Mitsuhiro Tsumano
  • Patent number: 11555537
    Abstract: A power transmission device including a planetary gear, a differential gear and a differential case. The planetary gear includes a carrier, and pinion gears supported by pinion shafts. The differential gear includes a pair of bevel gears supported by a bevel gear shaft, and side gears engaged with the bevel gears. The carrier defines pinion shaft insertion holes in which pinion shafts are respectively inserted. The differential case defines bevel gear shaft insertion holes in which the bevel gear shaft is inserted. A straight line that penetrates the bevel gear shaft insertion holes overlaps with the pinion shaft insertion holes in a circumferential direction, and the bevel gear shaft passes through a center of a circle that connects the pinion shaft insertion holes. When viewed along an axial direction, the pinion shafts do not overlap the side gears, with the side gears being arranged radially inwardly than the pinion shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: Jatco Ltd
    Inventor: Toshikazu Oshidari
  • Patent number: 11383599
    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 speed of the vehicle is determined. A value of a preload for application to the LSD is also determined. The value of the preload is based on a predicted engine torque and on the speed of the vehicle. A preload is applied to the LSD when the value of the preload is greater than zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Francois-Charles Dumas, Jean-Philippe Houle
  • Patent number: 11364797
    Abstract: An axle assembly having an electric motor module, a drive pinion, a planetary gear set, and at least one one-way freewheel clutch. The planetary gear set may operatively connect the electric motor module and the drive pinion. The one-way freewheel clutch may be configured to selectively couple at least two components of the planetary gear set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Brian D. Hayes, Robert Martin
  • Patent number: 11359698
    Abstract: Provided is a dual clutch transmission. First and second input shafts are mounted concentrically. First and second output shafts are mounted in parallel to the first input shaft and respectively include output gears engaged with a ring gear of a differential. The rotations of first and second gears are restrained by the first input shaft. The rotations of third and fourth gears are restrained by the second input shaft. The rotations of fifth and sixth gears engaged with the second and third gears, respectively, are restrained by the first output shaft. The rotation of a seventh gear engaged with the first gear is restrained by the second output shaft. An eighth gear is engaged with the second gear to be rotatable about the second output shaft. The rotation of a ninth gear engaged with the fourth gear and restrained by the eighth gear is restrained by the second output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Soon Ki Eo, Dong Woo Kim, Min Ho Chae, Chon Ok Kim, Seong Wook Hwang, Marcus Meyer, Mirko Leesch, Erik Schreiterer, Rico Resch, Matthias Hoehne, Joerg Mueller
  • Patent number: 11274718
    Abstract: An active transfer case is equipped with a multi-plate clutch assembly, a clutch actuation mechanism configured to selectively engage the clutch assembly, a power-operated clutch actuator configured to control actuation of the clutch actuation mechanism, a power-operated actuator brake associated with the power-operated clutch actuator, and a control system configured to control actuation of the clutch actuator and the actuator brake while employing a preemptive check of the functionality of the actuator brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: MAGNA POWERTRAIN OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Benjamin Northrup, Opinder Sharma
  • Patent number: 11221064
    Abstract: A transmission system for a vehicle having a belt drive transmission. The belt drive has an adjustable input and output ratio, where the output of the belt drive is provided as a first input to a differential coupling. A further rotating connection is provided as a second input to the differential coupling, so that the output of the differential coupling is arranged as the output of the transmission system. Accordingly, the transmission output is based on the aggregate sum of the rotation of the first and second inputs to the differential coupling, wherein adjustment of the input and output ratio of the belt drive allows for a continuously variable transmission system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: AGCO International GmbH
    Inventor: Jakob Bro Sørensen
  • Patent number: 11199246
    Abstract: An automatic transmission which includes a first rotating member and a second rotating member is provided. The first rotating member includes an outer rotating member having a first outer power transmission part and an outer extending part, and an inner rotating member which is made of a different material from the outer rotating member and has a first inner power transmission part and an inner extending part. The outer and inner extending parts are coupled through a first extending part formed by axially joining them to each other at a caulking part. The second rotating member includes a second extending part having a recess indented on an opposite side of the first extending part. The caulking part has a protrusion protruding by being recessed from the first extending part to the second extending part. At least a part of the protrusion is located inside the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Hashimoto, Yasuo Miura, Takeyuki Tanaka, Tomoya Nakano, Kazuhiro Yamada, Hiroyuki Enoki
  • Patent number: 11187303
    Abstract: A planetary gearbox including a first planetary gear assembly, a second planetary gear assembly, and a disconnect assembly. The first planetary gear assembly includes a first sun gear, a first carrier, at least one first planet gear mounted in the first carrier, and a ring gear. The second planetary gear assembly includes a second sun gear, a second carrier, at least one second planet gear mounted in the second carrier, and the ring gear. The disconnect assembly includes a disconnect member and a connecting member. The disconnect member is coupled to the second carrier of the second planetary gear assembly, and the connecting member is coupled to both the disconnect member and the movable second sun gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Fairfield Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Dean Elmore, Darren D. Arnold, Shuo Zhang, Matthew P. Richards
  • Patent number: 11131372
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an equidirectional transfer universal transmission formed by connecting an equidirectional transfer case, a commutator, and an actuator. One of five types of planetary gear trains is used for the equidirectional transfer case, the component corresponding to a term having a maximum absolute value of a coefficient in a motion characteristic equation is used as an input end, and the other two components are respectively used as an inner output end and an outer output end. The commutator includes fourth types of quill shaft commutators and a non-quill shaft commutator, which are set by respective methods. One of two types of single-layer planetary gear trains is used for the actuator. The present invention includes methods for setting respective components of the equidirectional transfer case and the actuator, and includes a connection method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Inventor: Can Luo
  • Patent number: 10982645
    Abstract: A river or tidal turbine for generating a minimum predetermined value of electricity from river current received at a harnessing module comprises a harnessing module, a control module and a generating module. Han's principle is that harnessed power from a river or tidal turbine must exceed a predetermined value of control power used by the turbine. Minimum power is lost in a three variable closed mechanical control system. The three variable closed mechanical system comprises a Hummingbird control assembly of first and second spur/helical gear assemblies which may be preferably mechanically simplified. The Hummingbird control, a control motor and a generator among other components may be mounted on a floating platform for delivery of constant power at constant frequency given sufficient input from a waterwheel harnessing module driven by river current flow in at least one direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Differential Dynamics Corporation
    Inventor: Kyung Soo Han
  • Patent number: 10781755
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine according to an example of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a fan, a compressor, a combustor, and a spool including a fan drive turbine that drives the fan through a gear reduction. The gear reduction includes at least two double helical gears in meshed engagement, each of the at least two double helical gears having a first plurality of gear teeth separated from a second plurality of gear teeth such that a first end of the first plurality of gear teeth and a first end of the second plurality of gear teeth are spaced apart by an axial distance. Each of the first plurality of gear teeth is offset a first circumferential offset distance in relation to the next gear tooth of the second plurality of gear teeth when moving in a circumferential direction relative to respective axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Michael E. McCune
  • Patent number: 10753334
    Abstract: An apparatus includes an engine friction module in operative communication with an engine and structured to interpret engine operation data indicative of an engine friction amount, and a stop/start module structured to compare the engine operation data with predetermined protective criteria that includes an engine friction threshold and to turn off the engine for at least a portion of time based on the engine friction threshold exceeding the engine friction amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: Cummins, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin T. Books, John P. O'Brien, Jaideep Prasad, Jeffrey S. Rauch
  • Patent number: 10591037
    Abstract: A drive axle system having a planetary interaxle differential unit. A shift collar may be movable along an axis between a first position and a second position. The shift collar may operatively connect a sun gear to a drive pinion when in the first position. The shift collar may operatively connect the sun gear to a planet carrier when in a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Dale Eschenburg, Brian D. Hayes, Robert J. Martin, Phillip Leicht, Pedro Garcia, Christopher Keeney
  • Patent number: 10493846
    Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle including a frame having longitudinally-spaced ends defining a first longitudinal axis, and an engine supported by the frame. The engine includes a crankshaft defining a second longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the first longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Bennett, Stephen L. Nelson, Louis J. Brady, John D. Schreier
  • Patent number: 10471826
    Abstract: A transfer case includes a housing, along with an input shaft, a primary output shaft, a secondary output shaft, and a secondary torque transfer mechanism, each disposed at least partially within the housing. The input shaft is configured to couple to the primary output shaft to transfer torque thereto. The secondary torque transfer mechanism includes a rotating member coupled to the secondary output shaft and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism includes a locking ring, a fork member engaging the locking ring, and a slide shaft coupled to the fork member and configured to slide the locking ring to positively couple the primary output shaft to the rotating member to transfer torque to the secondary output shaft. The housing includes an aperture axially configured to receive an elongated tool configured to be rotated manually external to the housing for engaging and moving the slide shaft to the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Ray Fortune Hamilton, Jeffrey Richard Edwards
  • Patent number: 10457140
    Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle including a frame having longitudinally-spaced ends defining a first longitudinal axis, and an engine supported by the frame. The engine includes a crankshaft defining a second longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the first longitudinal axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Bennett, Stephen L. Nelson, John D. Schreier
  • Patent number: 10384529
    Abstract: A transmission for a vehicle may include a first input shaft selectively connected to an engine through a first clutch, a second hollow input shaft disposed in a front side portion of the first input shaft and selectively connected to the engine through a second clutch, a continuously variable transmission mechanism (CV) that continuously shifts and outputs rotation power transferred from the first input shaft, a shift output mechanism that receives rotation power transferred from driving gears on the second input shaft and the CV through driven gears connected to an external gear and selectively shifts and outputs the rotation power, a reverse idle mechanism that transfers the rotation power of the first input shaft to the shift output mechanism in a reverse direction, and a final reduction mechanism that reduces the rotation power output from the shift output mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Seongwook Hwang, Won-jun Sung, Jaechang Kook, Wonmin Cho, Myeonghoon Noh, Ildae Cho, Seongwook Ji, Kangsoo Seo
  • Patent number: 10316948
    Abstract: An all-wheel drive vehicle drivetrain can include an input member, first and second output members, a planetary differential, a first clutch, and a second clutch. The differential can include an internal gear, a carrier, a sun gear, and a differential gear set. The internal gear can be coupled to the input member to receive input torque about an axis. The carrier can be coupled to the first output for common rotation about the axis. The differential gear set can receive input torque from the internal gear and output differential torque to the carrier and the sun gear. The first clutch can be operable to selectively couple and decouple the sun gear with the second output member for common rotation. The second clutch can be operable to selectively transmit torque between the carrier and the second output member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventor: Paul J. Valente
  • Patent number: 10316946
    Abstract: A drive module includes a Ravigneaux gearset, first and second input shafts, shift member, and differential. The first planet gears of the gearset can engage the first sun gear and the second planet gears, which can engage the second sun gear. The first input shaft can rotate with the second sun gear and receives torque from a first motor. A first gear can be coupled to the carrier of the Ravigneaux gearset for rotation therewith and meshingly engages the differential input. The second input shaft receives torque from a second motor and is drivingly coupled to the differential input. When the shift member is in a first position, the shift member drivingly couples the first sun gear to a first differential output. When the shift member is in a second position, the shift member couples the first sun gear to a housing to prevent rotation of the first sun gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: e-AAM Driveline Systems AB
    Inventors: Erik J. Sten, Gabriel Trönnberg
  • Patent number: 10221928
    Abstract: In a differential device including: an input member capable of being joined to a carrier supporting a plurality of planetary gears via a plurality of first shafts that respectively support the plurality of planetary gears; a differential gear supported on the input member via at least one second shaft and being able to rotate and revolve; and a pair of output gears each meshing with the differential gear, the input member includes a plurality of recessed portions on a wall of the input member facing the carrier, the plurality of recessed portions being able to be respectively fitted with the plurality of first shafts and being each arranged at a position deviated in a peripheral direction of the input member with respect to the at least one second shaft. Accordingly, deterioration in durability of a differential case due to formation of the recessed portions is suppressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: Musashi Seimitsu Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Mori
  • Patent number: 10197144
    Abstract: A differential assembly having a torque coupling unit and an axle disconnect. A first end portion of an intermediate portion of a differential case is integrally connected to a ring gear. Integrally connected to an inner surface of the intermediate portion of the case is a first plurality of clutch plates. Disposed within a hollow portion of the intermediate portion is a first and a second differential side gear that are meshing with one or more pinion gears. Drivingly connected to the first side gear is a first output shaft. A clutch can having a second plurality of clutch plates is drivingly connected to the first output shaft. Within the hollow portion of the intermediate portion of the case is a clutching assembly that selectively engages the second side gear. A first clutch actuator selectively engages the plurality of plates and a second clutch actuator selectively engages the clutching assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Cooper
  • Patent number: 10167940
    Abstract: An input member of a differential device includes a step portion in a side surface on a carrier side of an outer peripheral end portion of the input member, the step portion being recessed in a direction opposite to the carrier, extending to a radially-outer end surface of the outer peripheral end portion of the input member, and being capable of abutting against the carrier. Accordingly, when welding the input member and the carrier supporting a planetary gear, a degree of freedom of processing and welding workability are improved and the differential device is reduced in size. Moreover, grinding and finishing of a welding bead are unnecessary, and therefore manufacturing cost is suppressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: Musashi Seimitsu Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Mori
  • Patent number: 10132394
    Abstract: A differential assembly with at least a first gear ratio and a second gear ratio that can be integrated with an automatic transmission system thereby increasing the total number of available gear ratios is presented. A method of shifting to improve engine efficiency is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: Thomas Alan Genise, Gregory L. Heatwole, Richard Kukucka, Gabriela Florentina Radulescu, Daniel Stanley Frazier, Robert Joseph Kyle, Andrew P. Harman, Robert Michael Arnsparger, Patrick John McMillan, Jamie Gerad Cullen
  • Patent number: 10118274
    Abstract: An apparatus for imparting compressive residual stress to at least a surface portion of a first plurality of balls includes a first body having a first surface, the first surface including a smooth contact portion, the smooth contact portion being substantially flat or convex and having a surface hardness greater than or equal to the initial surface hardness of the balls. The apparatus also includes a second body having a second surface, the first surface overlying the second surface, and at least one drive operably connected to the first body or to the second body and configured to move one of the first and second bodies relative to the other body at a substantially fixed distance, the at least one drive also being configured to move the first body toward the second body with a force or to move the second body toward the first body with the force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: AKTIEBOLAGET SKF
    Inventors: Bryan McCoy, John Roth, Nathan Hipwell, Ron Radovich
  • Patent number: 10100910
    Abstract: A driving system includes a drive source for driving a left drive portion and a right drive portion, a power transmission mechanism having a first and second differential mechanisms each including a first rotating element, a second rotating element and a third rotating element and a switching unit. The first rotating elements of the first and second differential mechanisms are connected to each other so as to rotate in the same direction, the second rotating elements of the first and second differential elements are connected to the left drive portion and the right drive portion, respectively, and the third rotating elements of the first and second differential mechanism are connected to each other so as to rotate in opposite directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shigeru Nakayama, Kenji Honda
  • Patent number: 10060523
    Abstract: An active differential for the controlled distribution of a drive torque generated by a drive motor to two drive shafts includes a planetary gear train configured to couple the two drive shafts to a drive shaft of the drive motor, and a distributor motor including a distributor shaft. The distributor motor produces a torque, with a distribution of a drive torque to the two drive shafts being dependant on the torque produced by the distributor motor. The distributor shaft and the planetary gear train are coupled by a coupling device which only transmits a torque from the planetary gear train to the distributor shaft when a rotational speed difference between rotational speeds of the two output shafts exceeds a predetermined limit value and when a connection condition depending on an operating condition of the distributor motor is satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventors: Udo Pinschmidt, Thomas Schels
  • Patent number: 10030708
    Abstract: A roller bearing cage includes a cylindrical body including a plurality of pocket holes defined within and positioned circumferentially about the cylindrical body. At least a portion of the cylindrical body is hollow. The roller bearing cage further includes a reinforcement structure extending within the portion of the cylindrical body. The reinforcement structure is configured to provide a stiffening force to the cylindrical body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Fabio Nonato de Paula, Bugra Han Ertas, Darren Hallman
  • Patent number: 10018259
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gearbox for vehicles, comprising a planetary gear with a ring gear a sun gear and a planet carrier on which at least one planet gear is rotatable mounted, which ring gear and sun gear engages with the at least one planet gear by teeth; and a gearbox housing surrounding the planetary gear. A first axially movable coupling sleeve is in a first gear position arranged to engage the ring gear with the gearbox housing in a second gear position arranged to engage the sun gear with the planet carrier and in a third gear position arranged to engage the planet carrier with the gearbox housing. A second axially movable coupling sleeve is in the third gear position arranged to engage the ring gear with an output shaft. The invention also relates to a vehicle, which comprises such a gearbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Scania CV AB
    Inventor: Per Arnelöf
  • Patent number: 9989151
    Abstract: A drum cam is connected to a first annular member in a ball cam provided on a rear wheel-side output shaft. Furthermore, linear motion of a second annular member in the ball cam provided on the rear wheel-side output shaft is transmitted to a front wheel-driving clutch via a first transmission mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Mizuki Imafuku
  • Patent number: 9976459
    Abstract: Regeneration of a diesel particle filter of an internal combustion engine of a vehicle is controlled according to soot mass loading and the vehicle operating condition. Regeneration modes include active regeneration and forced passive regeneration, and operating conditions include highway, town and off-road driving. One strategy may determine initiation of regeneration, and another may determine cessation. Regeneration mode may change in real time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Limited
    Inventors: Neil Bevan, Nicholas Rawlinson, Peter Koster, David Weatherall
  • Patent number: 9958047
    Abstract: A differential includes a cross-pin assembly. The case can rotate about an output axis. First and second side gears can be rotatable about the output axis relative to the case. First, second, and third pinion gears can be meshingly engaged with the first and second side gears. The cross-pin assembly can include first, second, and third pin members, each having a cylindrical body and a finger fixedly coupled to a proximal end of the corresponding cylindrical body. The first, second, and third pinion gears can be rotatably disposed about the corresponding first, second, or third cylindrical body. The first, second, and third fingers can overlap along the output axis to non-rotatably couple the first, second, and third pin members together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventors: Joseph S. Balenda, II, Ryan Ettenhofer, Thomas E. Gansenhuber
  • Patent number: 9933049
    Abstract: A vehicle drive system including a transmission has a gear set with first, second, third and fourth elements. The second element connects with an output shaft of the transmission. The system has a transmission housing and a first electric motor having an output shaft connecting with the first element for driving the first element in response to a first electrical signal. A second electric motor has an output shaft connecting with the fourth element for driving the fourth element in response to a second electrical signal. The motors operate together to cause transmission ratios to change steplessly through an infinite number of ratios between maximum and minimum values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: John W. Kimes
  • Patent number: 9849778
    Abstract: A transfer case of a motor vehicle drivetrain includes a planetary gear set including a ring gear to receive input torque, and a pinion assembly having pinion gears in mesh with the ring gear and a carrier to carry the pinion gears and transmit output torque. A sun gear is in mesh with the pinion gears, is selectively connectable to the carrier and rotatable therewith in a two-wheel drive mode and in a four-wheel-drive high range mode, and is selectively fixable against rotational motion in a four-wheel drive low range mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: BorgWarner, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry A. Pritchard, Mallikarjun Rudagi, William C. Dodge, Sathya Vaidyanathan
  • Patent number: 9816594
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) for a motor vehicle includes a transmission input shaft rotatably connected to an engine by a torque converter, the transmission input shaft defining a first CVT axis. A continuously variable unit connected for rotation by the transmission input shaft includes a first pulley assembly, a second pulley assembly, and a flexible member wrapped around the first pulley assembly and the second pulley assembly. A two mode transfer gear assembly is connected to the second pulley assembly and is coaxially aligned for rotation on a second CVT axis. A clutch assembly having at least one clutch is connected to the transfer gear assembly. A final drive unit connected to the transfer gear assembly is co-axially aligned with respect to the second CVT axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: James M. Hart, Daryl A. Wilton
  • Patent number: 9783035
    Abstract: A vehicle axle assembly including an electric motor, an electric power source, a mode shift gearset, an actuator and a differential within a housing. The motor can include a first output member. The mode shift gearset can include a second output member and a shift member. The shift member can transmit torque between the first and second output members when the shift member is in a second position. The actuator can be coupled to the shift member to move the shift member between first and second positions. The differential can include a differential case and a differential gearset. The differential case can be drivingly coupled to the second output member to receive rotary power therefrom. The differential gearset can transmit rotary power between the differential case and first and second output shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Zugang Huang, James P. Downs
  • Patent number: 9772035
    Abstract: A vehicle transfer includes an input shaft, an output shaft, an output member, a clutch, a motor, a screw mechanism, a transmitting mechanism, a fork shaft, an amplifying link mechanism, a high-low switching mechanism, and a fork. The fork shaft is configured to move in an axial direction of the fork shaft. The amplifying link mechanism is connected to the nut member and the fork shaft. The amplifying link mechanism is configured to amplify an amount of movement of the nut member in the direction of the common axis and transmit the amplified amount of movement to the fork shaft. The fork is connected to the fork shaft. The fork is configured to transmit moving force of the fork shaft to the high-low switching mechanism such that the high-low switching mechanism switches between the high-speed gear and the low-speed gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Mizuki Imafuku, Yuya Maruyama
  • Patent number: 9689476
    Abstract: A fixed conical plate that is fixed to a rotation shaft, a movable conical plate that moves in the axial direction of the rotation shaft with respect to the fixed conical plate, a slide mechanism that moves the movable conical plate, and a controller that controls the state of the slide mechanism are provided. The controller changes the groove width of a second pulley by driving a motor generator, while a first clutch is engaged, and thus moving the movable conical plate, and drives the motor generator as a generator by the rotation of the rotation shaft, by engaging a second clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: JATCO Ltd
    Inventors: Hiroaki Tanaka, Takeo Yoshida, Makoto Oguri
  • Patent number: 9644712
    Abstract: A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle may include an input shaft receiving torque of an engine, an output shaft outputting changed torque of the engine, a first planetary gear set, a second planetary gear set, a third planetary gear set, a fourth planetary gear set, a first rotation shaft directly connected to the input shaft, a second rotation shaft selectively connected to a transmission housing, a third rotation shaft, a fourth rotation shaft, a fifth rotation shaft directly connected to the transmission housing, a sixth rotation shaft, a seventh rotation shaft selectively connected to the fourth rotation shaft, and selectively connected to the transmission housing, an eighth rotation shaft selectively connected to the third rotation shaft, and directly connected to the output shaft, and a ninth rotation shaft selectively connected to the second rotation shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Jae Chang Kook, Wonmin Cho, Myeong Hoon Noh, Seongwook Ji, Kangsoo Seo, Seong Wook Hwang
  • Patent number: 9618090
    Abstract: A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle may include an input shaft receiving torque of an engine, an output shaft outputting changed torque, a first planetary gear set, a second planetary gear set, a third planetary gear set, a fourth planetary gear set, a first rotation shaft selectively connected to a transmission housing, a second rotation shaft, a third rotation shaft selectively connected to the transmission housing, a fourth rotation shaft, a fifth rotation shaft directly connected to the input shaft, a sixth rotation shaft selectively connected to the fourth rotation shaft or the fifth rotation shaft, a seventh rotation shaft selectively connected to the fourth rotation shaft, and an eighth rotation shaft directly connected to the output shaft, and selectively connected to the seventh rotation shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Wonmin Cho, Jae Chang Kook, Myeong Hoon Noh, Seongwook Jl, Kangsoo Seo, Seong Wook Hwang
  • Patent number: 9512909
    Abstract: An actuator assembly with first and second sleeves, a barrel, a follower, a groove, a spring, and an output member that is coupled to the second sleeve. The first sleeve has a first externally toothed body, a first flange, which extends radially outwardly from the first body, and a first bore. The barrel is received in the first bore and is rotatable therein. The follower is fixed to one of the barrel and the first sleeve and is received in the groove, which is formed in the other one of the barrel and the first sleeve. The second sleeve has a second body with an internally toothed second bore. The second sleeve is disposed about the first sleeve such that internal and external teeth are meshed to axially slidably but non-rotatably couple the first and second sleeves. The spring is disposed between the first flange and the second sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick E. Zink, Brian A. Calomeni, Peyman Moradshahi, Robert D. Hopp
  • Patent number: 9404563
    Abstract: Power system including differential-mechanism, clutch-mechanism, power-mechanism and dog-clutch disposed between an input rotary member to receive drive-force from a drive power source and output rotary-member to transmit drive-force to drive-wheels, the differential-mechanism including an input rotary element, output rotary element and reaction rotary element; the clutch-mechanism connecting two rotary elements of the input, output and reaction rotary elements of the differential-mechanism, to each other, the power-mechanism having predetermined gear ratio, and dog-clutch selectively placing a power path between the output rotary element and output rotary-member, in power transmitting state and power cutoff state; transmitting drive-force to drive-wheels while the clutch-mechanisms and dog-clutch are placed in engaged states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kozo Yamamoto, Michio Yoshida, Hirofumi Nakada, Kenji Matsuo, Mitsuhiro Fukao, Shuji Moriyama, Yuji Iwatsuru
  • Patent number: 9353832
    Abstract: An apparatus with the multi-stage power shifting means applied to a machine tool includes a housing body, a first transmission device and a second transmission device disposed in the housing body, a coupling device connected to the transmission devices and a controller controlling the gear shifting motion of the transmission devices. The controller includes two control units pivotally connected to respective engaging parts of the transmission devices and a driving system capable of moving the control units. When a power is sequentially transmitted from an external power source to the first transmission device, the coupling device, the second transmission device and then to a power transmission mechanism, the controller adjusts the mode of meshing the engaging parts with other correlated elements in the transmission devices to attain different output torque and speed values, the multi-stage shifting effect and the torque multiplying effect without increasing the bulk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Hua Yong Machine Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chao-Kun Hsia, Chien-Jen Ho
  • Patent number: 9234571
    Abstract: A selector device disposed between a transmission and a differential gear includes a first output shaft connected to the transmission, a second output shaft connected to the differential gear, a third output shaft relatively rotatably fitted on an outer periphery of the second output shaft, a planetary gear mechanism having a sun gear connected to the third output shaft and a ring gear connected to the differential gear, a first meshing switching mechanism that is capable of switching between a state in which the first and third output shafts are joined and the second output shaft is detached and a state in which the first to third output shafts are joined, and a second meshing switching mechanism that is capable of joining a carrier of the planetary gear mechanism to a casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuki Ichikawa, Soichi Sugino, Shinichi Shimodaira
  • Publication number: 20150126320
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a differential assembly with at least a first gear ratio and a second gear ratio. The differential assembly of the present disclosure can be integrated with an automatic transmission system thereby increasing the number of available gear ratios. A method of shifting to improve engine efficiency is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2015
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Thomas Alan GENISE, Gregory L. HEATWOLE, Richard KUKUCKA, Gabriela Florentina RADULESCU, Daniel Stanley FRAZIER, Robert Joseph KYLE, Andrew P. HARMAN, Robert Michael ARNSPARGER, Patrick John MCMILLAN, Jamie Gerad CULLEN
  • Patent number: 9017203
    Abstract: A gear-train for transferring torque from multiple power sources includes first, second, and third input members, and an output member. The first and second input members rotate about a first axis, the third input member rotates about a second axis, and the output member rotates about a third axis. The gear-train additionally includes a first gear-set connected to the first input member. The gear-train also includes a second gear-set connected to the second input member. The gear-train additionally includes an intermediate shaft that rotates about a fourth axis. Furthermore, the gear-train includes a third gear-set connected to the intermediate shaft. In the third gear-set, first member is connected to the intermediate shaft and to the third input member, second and third members are set coaxially relative to the intermediate shaft and configured for asynchronous rotation with each other, and the third member is also connected to the output member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Goro Tamai, Shawn H. Swales, Norman Schoenek
  • Patent number: 8992370
    Abstract: Infinitely variable motion control (IVMC) provides motion control without any requirement for changing gears or use of a clutch. A spur gear transgear, defined as a system having an input, an output and a control, a variable pitch cam having an eccentric inner and outer cam assembly and a driver may be used to form a speed converter. The speed converter is used in various forms to provide an infinitely variable transmission, a differential, embodiments of wind and river turbines and pumps/compressors. In one embodiment, the speed converter drives first and second directional control assemblies to provide a vehicle with zero turn radius. Various embodiments of an infinitely variable pump or compressor are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Differential Dynamics Corporation
    Inventor: Kyung Soo Han
  • Patent number: 8986148
    Abstract: A disconnectable driveline arrangement for an all-wheel drive vehicle includes a power take-off unit having a disconnect mechanism, a rear drive module having a torque transfer device providing a disconnect function, a speed synchronization function and a torque biasing function, and a control system for controlling actuation of the disconnect mechanism and the torque transfer device. The power take-off unit and the rear drive module can each be equipped with a two-speed range shift unit which, under the control of the control system, permits establishment of high and low speed drive connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: James Preston Downs, Paul Joseph Valente
  • Patent number: 8972111
    Abstract: An articulated vehicle with a controllable wheel route includes a first vehicle body, a first pair of wheels, which are individually suspended on both sides of the first vehicle body, and can travel on the ground, a second vehicle body hingedly connected to the first vehicle body, a second pair of wheels, which are individually suspended on both sides of the second vehicle body, and can travel on the ground, a regulator, which regulates a relative steering angle between the first vehicle body and the second vehicle body, a mode selector, which is configured to select a first mode and a second mode, and a controller, which receives the first mode signal or the second mode signal from the mode selector and controls the regulator according to the received signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment AB
    Inventors: Reno Filla, Joakim Unneback, Bobbie Frank, Andreas Nordstrand