Differential Or Nondifferential Planetary Combined With Differential (e.g., Two Differentials) Patents (Class 475/221)
  • Patent number: 11911907
    Abstract: A control system for controlling movements of an end effector connected to a clutch output of magnetorheological (MR) fluid clutch apparatuses. A clutch driver drives the MR fluid clutch apparatuses between a controlled slippage mode, in which slippage in the MR fluid clutch apparatuses varies, and a combined mode, in which slippage between clutch input and clutch output is maintained below a given threshold simultaneously for both of the MR fluid clutch apparatuses, the two clutch outputs resisting movement of the end effector in the same direction. A mode selector module receives signals representative of a movement parameter(s) of the end effector, to select and switch a mode based on the signals. A movement controller controls the clutch driver and the motor driver to displace the end effector based on the selected mode and on commanded movements of the end effector for the end effector to achieve the commanded movements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: EXONETIK INC.
    Inventors: Pascal Larose, Patrick Chouinard, Jean-Sebastien Plante, Guifre Julio
  • Patent number: 11913532
    Abstract: A domino-type torque generator includes a base member, and a plurality of toppling members pivotally connected to the base member. Each toppling member is pivotable from an upright position to an inclined position, or from the inclined position directly to an opposite inclined position, about a torque shaft extending transversely through a lower end portion of each toppling member. One end of each torque shaft is provided with a pinion. A first differential gear is connected to the pinions to accumulate torques applied on the torque shafts by toppling of the toppling members. A rotating cage of the first differential gear is the output, and is directly or indirectly connected to one of the side gears of the next differential gear, which is used to accumulate output torque from the first differential gear. A drive mechanism is configured to repeatedly drive the toppling members to topple, thereby continuously generating torques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Inventor: Chi Yin Mak
  • Patent number: 11879529
    Abstract: A two-speed gearbox assembly for an electric drive vehicle includes a housing, a first planetary gear set configured to operably connect to an output of an electric motor to drive a first axle, the first planetary gear set including a first sun gear, a first carrier, and a first ring gear, a first clutch configured to selectively ground the first ring gear, and a second clutch configured to selectively ground the first carrier. A second planetary gear set is configured to operably connect to the output of the electric motor to drive a second axle, the second planetary gear set including a second sun gear, a second carrier, and a second ring gear. A third clutch is configured to selectively ground the second ring gear, and a fourth clutch is configured to selectively ground the second carrier. The first, second, third, and fourth clutches are independently controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventor: Richard S Silbert
  • Patent number: 11859718
    Abstract: An axle assembly having a collar that receives a shift collar that is moveable along an axis. An alignment rod may be provided to inhibit rotation of the collar about the axis. A linkage retaining device may be provided that is selectively engageable with a linkage that is operatively connected to the shift collar to inhibit rotation of the linkage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Supreeth Chandrashekar, Jeremy Cradit, David M Zueski, Nick Bofferding
  • Patent number: 11796037
    Abstract: A power transmission apparatus of an electric vehicle includes a motor shaft fixed to a drive motor and receiving the torque of the drive motor, a first input shaft disposed on a same axis with and selectively connectable to the motor shaft, a second input shaft coaxially disposed with the first input shaft, and selectively connectable to the motor shaft, front and rear wheel driving devices for driving front and wheels, a first shifting section for shifting a torque of the first input shaft and selectively transmit the shifted torque to the front wheel driving device, a second shifting section for shifting a torque of the second input shaft and selectively output the shifted torque, and a mode conversion unit of transferring an output torque of the second shifting section to at least one of the front wheel driving device and the rear wheel driving device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Corporation
    Inventor: Minho Chae
  • Patent number: 11780328
    Abstract: A drive device for an electrically driven axle of a motor vehicle may include at least one electric machine, a shiftable transmission connected downstream from the at least one electric machine, and a differential coupled to the transmission for distributing drive torque to the axle. The transmission has first and second planetary gear sets connected in series. The at least one electric machine engages with an external toothing of a ring gear of the first planetary gear set. A carrier of the first planetary gear set is rotationally fixed to a sun gear of the second planetary gear set. A sun gear of the first planetary gear set is detachably couplable to a housing. A ring gear of the second planetary gear set is coupled to the housing. A carrier of the second planetary gear set is an output of the transmission. The first planetary gear set is interlockable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignees: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG, ZF DRIVETECH (SUZHOU) CO. LTD.
    Inventors: Frank Seemann, Paul Lenz, Andreas Grossl, Werner Hechberger, Kai Bornträger, Maik Wörl, Marco Di Sarno, Cong Ren
  • Patent number: 11760337
    Abstract: Provided is a power drive system for a hybrid power vehicle, including an engine, a hybrid power module, and a dual input shaft speed change mechanism, wherein the hybrid power module consists of a motor, a composite planetary gear mechanism, a clutch, and a brake; the composite planetary gear mechanism is provided with at least four rotating shafts which are respectively connected to a rotor of the motor, a power output shaft of the engine, and a first input shaft and a second input shaft of the dual input shaft speed change mechanism; the brake is disposed on the power output shaft of the engine; and the clutch is disposed between any two of the four rotating shafts of the composite planetary gear mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignees: Beijing National New Energy Vehicle Technology Innovation Center Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Zhihui Duan
  • Patent number: 11746867
    Abstract: A drive device for driving wheels of a motor vehicle includes a housing, an electric machine with a stator and rotor, a first output shaft for driving a first wheel, and a second output shaft for driving a second wheel. Via a differential transmission, first and second planetary gearsets are drivable by the rotor. First and second differential shafts transfer drive power from the differential transmission to the first and second planetary gearsets. The first differential shaft is mounted rotatably on an input shaft via bearings and the rotor is connected non-rotationally to the input shaft. A stable and non-buckling bearing of the second differential shaft in relation to the rotor is carried out via further bearings arranged on the second differential shaft or in the first differential shaft. The further bearings are arranged spaced apart from one another at least at a distance of twice an average bearing diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Mercedes-Benz Group AG
    Inventor: Goran Ogrizovic
  • Patent number: 11732789
    Abstract: An assembly for an electric vehicle includes an input shaft extending along a first axis and an electric motor rotatably coupled to the input shaft and co-axially aligned with the first axis. The assembly also includes an intermediate input shaft extending along a second axis and rotatably coupled to the input shaft. The assembly also includes an output shaft extending along the second axis and spaced from the intermediate input shaft along the second axis. The assembly further includes a planetary gearset rotatably coupled to the intermediate input shaft and to the output shaft, and co-axially aligned with the second axis. The assembly includes a final drive co-axially aligned with the first axis and rotatably coupled to the output shaft for providing rotational torque to at least one of a first and second set of wheels of the electric vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Chengyun Guo, Keith Van Maanen
  • Patent number: 11724593
    Abstract: Methods and systems for an electric axle assembly are provided herein. The electric axle assembly includes, in one example, an electric machine with a rotor shaft having an output gear thereon. The electric axle assembly further includes a planetary gearset with a carrier coupled to a pair of axle shafts, a first ring gear with external teeth that are rotationally coupled to the output gear; and a sun gear meshing with a plurality of planet gears that rotate on the carrier, where, in the axle assembly, internal teeth of the ring gear are rotationally coupled to the plurality of planet gears, and where, in the axle assembly, the sun gear or the carrier are grounded by a housing of the electric axle assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Dana Automotive Systems Group, LLC
    Inventor: Thibault Devreese
  • Patent number: 11701956
    Abstract: A drive system for an electric vehicle includes a housing having a first housing portion, a second housing portion connected to the first housing portion, and a third housing portion connected to the second housing portion. The third housing portion includes a torque arm connectable to a vehicle chassis. A hypoid gear set is mounted in the first housing portion, and an electric motor is mounted in the third housing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Chad R. Brizendine, Bhapinder Puri, Hai Xu, Dan E. Revers, William Matzen
  • Patent number: 11667325
    Abstract: A hydraulic circuit, in particular to a hydraulic steering circuit for steering at least one vehicle axle, the hydraulic circuit including a first fluid path having a first end and a second end and providing fluid communication or selective fluid communication between the first end and the second end of the first fluid path; and a second fluid path providing fluid communication or selective fluid communication between the first end of the first fluid path and the second end (2) of the first fluid path, in parallel to the first fluid path or to a section thereof. In some aspects, the first fluid path includes a first hydraulic displacement unit; and the second fluid path includes at least a first proportional bypass control valve for controlling a bypass fluid flow in the second fluid path. The hydraulic steering circuit may be part of a driveline for a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: DANA ITALIA S.R.L.
    Inventors: Davide Moser, Stefano Fasano, Maurizio Bartoli
  • Patent number: 11667180
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for an electric axle assembly. In one example, a system, includes a cover plate for a head assembly, wherein a cross-member is integrated into the cover plate and configured to attach to a vehicle frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Harry W. Trost, Steven G. Slesinski
  • Patent number: 11649882
    Abstract: A transmission device is formed by combining a planetary gear-type reduction gear and a differential device, wherein at least one of first and second planetary gear portions in a two-stage planetary gear has gear teeth that receive a thrust load due to meshing with opposing gear, a power-transmission case formed by joining a carrier to a differential case is rotatably supported on a transmission case. A pivot shaft of the planetary gear has one end thereof on the first planetary gear portion side supported on the power-transmission case via a first bearing and the other end on the second planetary gear portion side supported on the power-transmission case via a second bearing, and the thrust loads on one side and on the other side in an axial direction are supported only by the first bearing among the first and second bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Musashi Seimitsu Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryosuke Asai, Naofumi Butta, Hoa Binh Nguyen, Shiryu Kato
  • Patent number: 11603112
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for applying an adaptive drive mode to a vehicle, including: the vehicle detecting selection of a drive mode and setting vehicle systems to correspond to the selected drive mode to place the vehicle in the selected drive mode; an adaptive drive mode circuit using vehicle sensor data to determine whether the vehicle is in a low-range mode of operation; and modifying the vehicle system settings that correspond to the selected drive mode if the vehicle is in low-range mode to adapt the vehicle system settings that correspond to the selected drive mode for the low-range mode of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: TOYOTA MOTOR ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Daniel H. Rich
  • Patent number: 11572940
    Abstract: A vehicular differential device includes a differential rotation mechanism, and a torque input member that receives drive torque, the drive torque is distributed and transmitted to a first drive shaft and a second drive shaft. The differential rotation mechanism includes an input gear that rotates as a unit with the torque input member, an output gear that rotates as a unit with the first drive shaft, a first gear and a second gear that rotate as a unit, and a carrier that supports the first gear and the second gear, the carrier being configured to rotate as a unit with the second drive shaft. The gear ratio between the input gear and the first gear is different from that between the output gear and the second gear. During differential rotation, the first drive shaft and the second drive shaft are rotated in opposite directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hiroshi Isono
  • Patent number: 11485227
    Abstract: A work vehicle includes a first actuator driving a differential lock device, a second actuator driving the drive-wheel switchover device, a first operational tool for operating driving of the first actuator, a second operational tool for operating driving of the second actuator and a control device. The control device includes a first driving section configured to drive the first actuator in response to a manual operation on the first operational tool and a second driving section configured to drive the second actuator in response to a manual operation on the second operational tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventor: Yuji Ishii
  • Patent number: 11485226
    Abstract: A transmission device for a motor vehicle includes a planetary gearset and a spur gear differential. The planetary gearset includes a drive sun gear, a ring gear fixed to the housing, and multiple stepped planetary gears. Each stepped planetary gear has a first gear meshing with the drive sun gear and a second gear meshing with the ring gear. The spur gear differential includes multiple first and second compensation gears. Each first compensation gear meshes with a first output sun gear, each second compensation gear meshes with a second output sun gear, and the first and second compensation gears mesh with each other in pairs. One compensation gear of each compensation gear pair is arranged in phase with a respective stepped planetary gear. The other compensation gear of each compensation gear pair overlaps axially and contactlessly with the second gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Inaki Fernandez, Harald Martini, Thorsten Biermann, Philip Wurzberger
  • Patent number: 11421770
    Abstract: A power transmission mechanism including a planetary mechanism, an electronically controlled clutch, and a motor generator. The planetary mechanism is coupled to an input shaft and first and second output shafts. The planetary mechanism includes a differential element rotating the first and second output shafts at different rotation speeds. The planetary mechanism outputs a torque input to the first and second output shafts. The electronically controlled clutch includes first and second clutch plates. The first clutch plate is coupled to a member different from the differential element. The second clutch plate is coupled to the differential element. The electronically controlled clutch allows the differential element to rotate the first and second output shafts at the different rotation speeds when the first and second clutch plates are released. The electronically controlled clutch restricts a rotation speed difference in response to engaging between the first and second clutch plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: SUBARU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Norio Oowada, Tatsuhiro Kubo, Gen Hariu, Ryou Kanome
  • Patent number: 11332155
    Abstract: A method for operating a drive train of a transportation vehicle wherein the drive train is switched between a first operating state, in which a two-wheel drive of the drive train is activated, and a second operating state, in which a four-wheel drive of the drive train is activated. The drive train is switched by an electronic computing device from one of the operating states to the other operating state. During the driving of the transportation vehicle, a demand time is determined by the electronic computing device not later than which the switching from the one operating state to the other operating state must be completed, the demand time lying in the future with respect to the determination of the demand time. The switching from the one operating state to the other operating state is commenced at a starting time in advance of the demand time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Inventor: Dietmar Schmitz
  • Patent number: 11255428
    Abstract: A securing device for securing a stationary state of an electric vehicle includes a gearshift interlock device and a differential interlock device. The gearshift interlock device has a gearshift interlock drive with a gearshift interlock shaft for driving a gearshift interlock between a gearshift interlock position and a gearshift release position. The differential interlock device has a differential interlock drive with a differential interlock shaft for driving a differential interlock between a differential interlock position and a differential release position. The gearshift interlock shaft and the differential interlock shaft are connected to one another in a drive-transmitting fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Inventors: Thomas Weigelt, Raphael Thomann, Gary Avery, Daniel Knoblauch, Gerhard Spengler
  • Patent number: 11247562
    Abstract: A power transmission assembly for tandem axles of a vehicle, the assembly including an input axle, a first drive axle, a second drive axle, a plurality of engagement/disengagement devices, a locking device, and a differential unit. The differential unit being set for power distribution between the drive axles of the vehicle, from which, in cooperation with the engagement/disengagement devices and the locking device, enables configurations of the drive axles in which the first and the second drive axles are driven, one of the drive axles is driven and the other drive axle is not driven, or all the drive axles are not driven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: IVECO S.P.A.
    Inventor: José Francivaldo Peira De Lemos
  • Patent number: 10883585
    Abstract: A differential device includes a differential gear mechanism having a plurality of differential gears, a plurality of differential gear support bodies supporting the plurality of differential gears, and a pair of output gears meshing with each of the differential gears; and a differential case having a support member having a plurality of opposite ends-supporting parts supporting opposite end parts of each of the differential gear support bodies, a first cover member covering a back face of one of the output gears and capable of being joined to the support member, and a second cover member covering a back face of the other output gear and capable of being joined to the support member, wherein a recess portion facing a back face of each of the differential gears is formed in an outer support part, supporting of the differential gear support body on an outer side of the output gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: Musashi Seimitsu Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Mori
  • Patent number: 10864818
    Abstract: A method of controlling a drive axle system. The drive axle system may include first and second drive axle assemblies. A drive axle assembly may be disconnected by operating a wheel end disconnect to discontinue transmission of torque between a wheel assembly and a differential and by discontinuing the transmission of torque to the differential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Dale Eschenburg, Brian D. Hayes, Robert J. Martin, Phillip Leicht, Pedro Garcia, Christopher Keeney
  • Patent number: 10730552
    Abstract: A regenerative differential includes torque members, and a gear assembly that includes a primary gear set and a plurality of secondary gear sets. The primary gear set is configured to transfer torque between the secondary gear sets and first and second torque members. The first secondary gear set transfers torque between the primary gear set and a third torque member. The second secondary gear set transfers torque between the primary gear set and a fourth torque member. The gear assembly is configured to maintain a fixed relationship between torque member rotation velocities ?1, ?2, ?3, and ?4, such that ?3=ML?2+?L?1, ?4=MR?2+AR?1, ML and ?L are functions of a ratio of the first secondary gear set, and MR and ?R are functions of kR of a ratio of the second secondary gear set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Ker-Train Holdings Ltd.
    Inventor: John Hugh Kerr
  • Patent number: 10539218
    Abstract: An axle assembly having a drive pinion assembly. The drive pinion assembly may have a drive pinion body, a pinion gear, and a side gear. The pinion gear may be fixedly disposed on a first end portion of the drive pinion body. The side gear may be fixedly disposed on a second end portion of the drive pinion body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Aniruddh P. Annigeri, Brian D. Hayes, Pedro Garcia, Robert J. Martin
  • Patent number: 10539215
    Abstract: A differential gear mechanism includes a differential case, a first and second side gear, a first, second and third pinion gear and a center block. The differential case can define a first, second and third counterbore formed therearound. The differential case rotates around an axis of rotation. Each cross-pin can have a cylindrical pin body that extends between first and second ends. The first, second and third pinion gears intermesh with the first and second side gears to form a torque transfer arrangement. The center block can have a cylindrical body that defines a first, second and third locating feature thereon. The center block can be disposed between the first and second side gears. Each first end of a respective cross-pin is received by a corresponding counterbore of the differential case. Each second end is received by a corresponding locating feature of the center block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: Easton Corporation
    Inventor: Ashish Wadhva
  • Patent number: 10352424
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, gearing assemblies and methods for controlling a differential rotation rate between shafts of a vehicle using a variable speed motor. An embodiment includes a gearing assembly including a differential configured to engage a first axle shaft, a second axle shaft, and a drive shaft of a vehicle. The gearing assembly further includes a plurality of adjustment gears configured to engage the differential, configured to be driven by a variable speed motor of the vehicle, and configured to controllably alter a rotation of the first axle shaft relative to the second axle shaft based on rotation produced by the variable speed motor. The plurality of adjustment gears includes a subassembly of planetary gears including a planetary gear carrier, a first set of planetary gears coupled to the planetary gear carrier, and a second set of planetary gears coupled to the planetary gear carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Inventor: Shaun Chu
  • Patent number: 10344845
    Abstract: A sun gear for an integrated drive generator (IDG) includes a sun gear body having an outer diametric edge and an inner diametric wall. The outer diametric edge includes 33 gear teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Glenn C. Lemmers, Jr., Aaron M. Finke, Doren C. Smith, Andrew P. Grosskopf, David S. Behling
  • Patent number: 10285892
    Abstract: Driving modules, motion assistance apparatuses including at least one of the driving modules, and methods of controlling at least one of the motion assistance apparatuses may be provided. For example, a driving module including a driving source on one side of a user and configured to transmit power, an input side rotary body coupled to the driving source and configured to rotate, first and second decelerators configured to operate using the power respectively received from the driving source through the input side rotary body, and a first stopper and a second stopper configured to selectively enable or disable a transmission of the power between the input side rotary body and respective output terminals of the first and second decelerators may be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jongwon Lee, Se-Gon Roh, Youn Baek Lee, Jeonghun Kim, Minhyung Lee, Byungjune Choi, Hyun Do Choi
  • Patent number: 10106131
    Abstract: An axle of an industrial vehicle, in which a parking brake can be maintained easily. The parking brake is arranged adjacent to a power transmission device outside an axle housing. The parking brake includes a brake housing, a brake shaft supported rotatably around the axis of the brake housing, a brake gear attached to the brake shaft and meshed with a transmission gear, first brake plates attached to the brake shaft, second brake plates attached to the brake housing and alternately arranged with the first brake plates, and a brake piston arranged so as to move toward and away from the plates and in the brake housing for bringing the plates into pressure contact with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Logisnext Co., LTD.
    Inventor: Seima Kitano
  • Patent number: 9987918
    Abstract: An electric drive for driving a motor vehicle comprises an electric machine, a transmission gearing and a differential drive; wherein the electric machine comprises a motor shaft that is rotatably driveable around a first rotational axis A1; wherein the transmission gearing comprises a drive gear connected to the motor shaft, at least one intermediate gear rotatingly drivable by the drive gear around a second rotational axis A2, a crown gear rotatingly drivable by the intermediate gear around a third rotational axis A3, and a driven gear connected to the crown gear; wherein the driven gear and the crown gear are arranged coaxially relative to one another and are connected to one another in a rotationally fixed way so that they rotate jointly around the third rotational axis A3, wherein the third rotational axis A3 crosses the first rotationally axis A1. A driveline assembly can have such an electric drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: GKN Automotive Ltd.
    Inventor: Jan Haupt
  • Patent number: 9956871
    Abstract: A driving apparatus of an electric vehicle that enables secure positioning and easy assembling, and a method for assembling the driving apparatus of the electric vehicle. A driving apparatus of an electric vehicle includes an electric motor provided in an electric motor case, the electric motor having an output shaft protruding outside the electric motor case, a planetary gear mechanism provided in a speed reducer case, the planetary gear mechanism transferring the driving force at a reduced speed from the output shaft to the driving wheel. The output shaft integrally includes a sun gear meshed with a planetary gear of the planetary gear mechanism. The speed reducer case includes a positioning section disposed concentrically with the output shaft, the positioning section being combined with the electric motor case. A meshing length between the sun gear and the planetary gear is larger than an insertion depth of the positioning section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: SUZUKI MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Takanori Tsujimoto
  • Patent number: 9746060
    Abstract: The present invention provides an infinitely variable transmission for a powered vehicle which includes a power source. The transmission includes an input shaft and an output shaft, the output shaft being spaced from the input shaft. The transmission further includes a variator coupled between the input shaft and output shaft. In addition, at least two planetary gearsets are disposed adjacent to the variator and an input coupler is configured to selectively couple the variator to the power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: Glen S. Hawkins, Jr., Brian Schoolcraft, James A. Raszkowski, David E. Earhart, Gary Reichanadter
  • Patent number: 9709148
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, gearing assemblies and methods for controlling a differential rotation rate between shafts of a vehicle using a variable speed motor. An embodiment includes a gearing assembly including a differential configured to engage a first axle shaft, a second axle shaft, and a drive shaft of a vehicle. The gearing assembly further includes a plurality of adjustment gears configured to engage the differential, configured to be driven by a variable speed motor of the vehicle, and configured to controllably alter a rotation of the first axle shaft relative to the second axle shaft based on rotation produced by the variable speed motor. The plurality of adjustment gears includes a subassembly of planetary gears including a planetary gear carrier, a first set of planetary gears coupled to the planetary gear carrier, and a second set of planetary gears coupled to the planetary gear carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Inventor: Shaun Chu
  • Patent number: 9695885
    Abstract: A movable sleeve of a second clutch is provided between a cylindrical ring gear and a cylindrical shaft of a differential case of a differential gear unit. In a disconnect mode in which a propeller shaft is disconnected from rear wheels, the cylindrical ring gear is disconnected from the differential case by the movable sleeve of the second clutch. Thus, in the disconnect mode, a fully differential state of the differential gear unit is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideki Tamoto, Takahiro Yoshimura
  • Patent number: 9688142
    Abstract: A clutch control device is provided for a four-wheel drive vehicle for transmitting drive force to the rear wheels. The clutch control device includes a dog clutch and a friction clutch, and a controller that controls the dog clutch and the friction clutch. The controller starts the engagement of the dog clutch, after placing the dog clutch in a rotationally synchronized state by engaging the friction clutch and increasing an output rotation thereof, when there is a request to engage the dog clutch. In this clutch control device, the controller sets the engagement start timing of the friction clutch when a transition is made to the connected, four-wheel drive mode to an earlier timing compared to when a transition is made to the standby two-wheel drive mode, when there is a request to engage the dog clutch while in a state in which the disconnected, two-wheel drive mode is selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuyoshi Ogawa, Atsuhiro Mori, Shunichi Mitsuishi, Makoto Morita, Tetsu Takaishi
  • Patent number: 9506504
    Abstract: A transfer case is provided with a primary shaft which is selectively engagable with a secondary shaft via a clutch mechanism. The clutch mechanism is inclusive of a friction pack. A hub of the clutch mechanism is connected on the primary shaft and the clutch housing is torsionally fixed with a primary sprocket rotatively mounted on the primary shaft. A reservoir system is provided for delivering splashed oil axially along the primary shaft overlapping the friction pack. The reservoir system has a collective fluid receptacle that is connected via a stationary passage with a lubrication passage radially inward of the friction pack of the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Philip J. Francis, Michael F. Boyer, Garrett W. Gage, Johan Nilsson, Daniel Kampe
  • Patent number: 9457654
    Abstract: A drive axle system that may have a first drive axle assembly and a second drive axle assembly. The first drive axle assembly may have a first pinion that may rotate about a first pinion axis. The second drive axle assembly may have a second pinion that may rotate about a second pinion axis. The first pinion axis may be disposed substantially parallel to the second pinion axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Craig Anderson, Dale Kwasniewski
  • Patent number: 9428050
    Abstract: A method of operating a drive axle system is provided. The method comprises the steps of rotating a first shaft, drivingly engaging a first axle assembly, drivingly engaging a second axle assembly, moving a second clutching device into a position to disengage a second driving gear of the second axle assembly, and moving a first clutching device into a position to disengage a first portion from a second portion of one of a second pair of output axles, thereby allowing the second driving gear to coast to a substantially non-moving state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: James F. Ziech, Donald J. Remboski, Steven J. Wesolowski, Timothy J. Morscheck
  • Patent number: 9333857
    Abstract: A drive axle system (10) and a method for adapting a shift schedule of a drive axle system (10) based on an input is provided. The drive axle system (10) comprises a first shaft (18), a first axle assembly (14), a second axle assembly (16), a clutching device (28), a controller (55), and a plurality of sensors (75). The plurality of sensors (75) are in communication with the controller (55) for sensing at least one of an environmental condition and at least one operating condition the drive axle system (10). Based on the information from the plurality of sensors (75) the controller (55) selects one of a plurality of shift schedules and places the clutching device (28) in one of a first position and a second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy J. Morscheck, Kenneth E. Cooper, James F. Ziech, Steven J. Wesolowski, Richard A. Nellums, Donald J. Remboski
  • Patent number: 9333853
    Abstract: A vehicle driveline with an axle assembly having an input member, a first output member, a second output member and a power distribution system that includes a transmission and a differential. The differential has first and second differential outputs. The first differential output is coupled directly to the first output member. The transmission is configured to control rotary power transmitted through the differential to the first and second output members. The axle assembly is operable in a first mode, which has no effect on a torque transmitted from the second differential output to the second output member, a second mode, which reduces the torque that is transmitted from the second differential output to the second output member, and a third mode that increases the torque that is transmitted from the second differential output to the second output member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Winston Platt
  • Patent number: 9249862
    Abstract: A differential Bevel gear speed reducer consisting of standard type gears, each of the standard type gears having a same tooth form and a same gear module value, wherein three identical pinion Bevel gears are located between an input Bevel gear and an output Bevel gear, revolution-inducing Bevel gears that have a same number of teeth, a same module value, and a same cone apex as the pinion Bevel gears are fixedly placed at an outer side of axes of the three pinion Bevel gears, an orbit Bevel gear that is engaged with the revolution-inducing Bevel gears is fixedly placed at inside of a housing, causing the pinion Bevel gears and the revolution-inducing Bevel gear to revolve along an orbit of the orbit Bevel gear as the input Bevel gear revolves, and the rotation of the input Bevel gear causes differential rotation of the output Bevel gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Inventor: Karen Park
  • Patent number: 9222530
    Abstract: A drive train control arrangement for a motor vehicle drive train includes a main drive train, a first drive axle permanently driven by the main drive train, an auxiliary drive train and a second drive axle coupleable to the main drive train via the auxiliary drive train, which has a first clutch unit and a second clutch unit connected downstream in the power train of the first clutch unit for connecting the second drive axle to the main drive train, and a control unit, which in at least one operating mode that closes the at least one second clutch unit of the auxiliary drive train to shift into a standby operating mode when a defined operating condition is present, and with the standby operating mode activated, closes the first clutch unit of the auxiliary drive train to connect the coupleable second drive axle depending on at least one parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Shivkumar Duraiswamy, Ferdinand Waizenegger, Uwe Mueller, George Myers, Daniel Nullmeier
  • Patent number: 9222416
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine comprises a fan, a compressor, a combustor, and a fan drive turbine rotor. The fan drive turbine 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 are disposed to rotate about respective axes, and each have a first plurality of gear teeth axially spaced from a second plurality of gear teeth by a spacer. Each of the first plurality of gear teeth has a first end facing the spacer and each of the second plurality of gear teeth has a first end facing the spacer. Each first end of the first plurality of gear teeth is circumferentially offset from each first end of the second plurality of gear teeth. A method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Michael E. McCune
  • Patent number: 9199535
    Abstract: A disconnectable driveline arrangement for an all-wheel drive vehicle includes a power take-off unit having a dog clutch disconnect mechanism that is configured to selectively couple an input spindle and a spool on which a ring gear is mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: James P. Downs, Paul J. Valente
  • Patent number: 9108511
    Abstract: A transfer case includes a planetary differential including an input, a first output and a second output, a sprocket journalled on the second output, and a sleeve driveably connected to the second output, for (i) releaseably connecting the first output to the sleeve, (ii) releaseably connecting the sprocket to the sleeve, (iii) releaseably connecting the first output and the sprocket to the sleeve, and (iv) disconnecting the sprocket and first output from the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: David A. Janson
  • Patent number: 9073432
    Abstract: A disconnectable driveline arrangement for an all-wheel drive vehicle includes a power take-off unit having a disconnect mechanism, and a drive module having a torque transfer device and a limited slip clutch assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: James P. Downs, Paul J. Valente
  • Patent number: 9039559
    Abstract: An electric drive for a motor vehicle comprising an electric motor and a drive unit is disclosed. The drive unit has a first gear stage, driveable by the electric motor, a second gear stage, driveable by the first gear stage, and a differential drive, driveable by the second gear stage. The first gear stage has a driving wheel and an output wheel, wherein the driving wheel is arranged coaxially to the output shaft of the electric motor and is rotatingly driveable by the electric motor around a first rotational axis A. The output wheel is drivingly connected to the driving wheel and is rotatingly driveable around a second rotational axis B, wherein the second rotational axis B is arranged parallel off-set to the first rotational axis A. The second gear stage and the differential drive are arranged coaxially to the second rotational axis B.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: GKN Driveline International GmbH
    Inventor: Theodor Gassmann
  • Patent number: 9028357
    Abstract: A power transfer unit assembly for a vehicle. The power transfer unit includes a housing, an internal variable speed differential positioned within the housing, a first front side shaft rotatively connected to the differential, a second front side shaft rotatively connected to the differential, an input shaft interconnected to at least one of the first and second side shafts, and at least one shifting mechanism for engaging at least one of the first and second shafts with at least one mode selection gear set. Engagement of the mode selection gear set transfers torque through the input shaft to selectively engage with a second gear set interconnected to a power transfer final drive unit assembly having an internal variable speed differential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: GKN Driveline North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Brent Michael Peura, Robert Genway-Haden, Theodor Gassmann, Mark Schmidt, Michael Schwekutsch