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.

Abstract: An axle comprising: a housing including an interior surface defining a first cavity therein; a differential positioned within the first cavity of the housing; a first planetary gear system coupled to the differential and positioned within the first cavity of the housing.

Abstract: A vehicle powertrain includes a transaxle configured to drive front wheels and a power take-off unit configured to drive rear wheels through a driveshaft. The power take-off unit includes a disconnect clutch such that the power flow path to the rear wheels can be disconnected to reduce fuel consumption and reconnected when needed for traction enhancement. Although the disconnect clutch is physically located within the power take-off unit, it is actuated by fluid from the transaxle valve body. The disconnect clutch actuator includes a piston that slides within a chamber in a housing and a solenoid controlled valve that fluidly connects the chamber either to a pressure source or to the transaxle sump.

Abstract: In a drive arrangement for wheels of a motor vehicle which are driven by means of an electric machine via a differential, the electric machine includes a rotor and a stator and drives a drive element of the differential whose output shafts output to the wheels of the motor vehicle. In order to achieve a structurally compact construction which enables favorable transmission ratios the rotor outputs to the drive element of the differential and that by interposing a gear mechanism, the drive element and/or the output shafts are supported offset to the rotation axis of the rotor.

Abstract: A power interrupting apparatus is provided with: a first rotating member, a second rotating member, a clutch device adapted to interrupt a coupling between the first rotating member and the second rotating member, and an actuator adapted to actuate the clutch device. The actuator is disposed on a radially outer periphery of a part of one of the first rotating member and the second rotating member.

Abstract: A drive module with a planetary transmission that includes a transmission housing, a first ring gear and a second ring gear. The first ring gear is rotatably mounted in the transmission housing, the second ring gear is non-rotatably mounted in the transmission housing, and the first ring gear is supported on the second ring gear to thereby align a central axis of the first ring gear to a central axis of the second ring gear.

Abstract: An axle assembly with a motor, a differential assembly, a housing, a transmission and a reduction gearset. The transmission has a first and second planetary gearsets that have associated (i.e., first and second) ring gears, planet carriers and sun gears. The first planet carrier is coupled to a differential carrier of the differential assembly for common rotation. The second ring gear is non-rotatably coupled to the housing. The second planet carrier is coupled to the second differential output for common rotation. The second sun gear is coupled to the first sun gear for common rotation. The reduction gearset is disposed between an output shaft of the motor and the first ring gear and includes a first gear, which is coupled to the output shaft for rotation therewith, and a second gear that is coupled to the first ring gear for rotation therewith.

Abstract: An axle assembly includes first and second spiral bevel gears meshing with a pinion, a gearset including a sun gear secured to the first bevel gear, a ring gear secured to the second bevel gear, and planet pinions supported on a carrier and meshing with the sun gear and ring gear, and a differential including an input secured to the carrier, and first and second outputs secured, respectively to first and second output shafts.

Abstract: An electric drive for a motor vehicle is disclosed that comprises an electric motor and a drive unit drivable by the electric motor. The drive unit has a planetary drive and a differential drive 9, which are arranged coaxially to a rotational axis A. The planetary drive comprises a ring gear, a sun gear, a plurality of planet gears as well as a planet carrier. The ring gear is rotatingly driveable by the electric motor around the rotational axis A. The sun gear is supportable or supported relative to a stationary component against rotation. The planet carrier is connected to a differential carrier of the differential drive so as to transmit torque thereto. A motor vehicle with such an electric drive is also disclosed.

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.

Abstract: A torque transfer assembly for a tandem axle drive train, having a first synchronizer assembly including a first portion arranged to non-rotatably connect to a power input shaft arranged to receive torque from an engine, a second synchronizer assembly, an overdrive gear assembly engageable with the first synchronizer assembly, and an inter-axle differential gear (IAD) arranged to engage first and second power shafts, and engaged with the second synchronizer assembly. In a differential mode, a first torque path is formed from the power input shaft to a first axle through the first synchronizer, the power shafts, the IAD and second synchronizer, and a second torque path is formed from the power input shaft to a second axle through the first synchronizer, the power shafts, and the IAD, and, in overdrive mode, a third torque path is formed from the power input shaft to the first axle through the first synchronizer.

Abstract: An infinitely variable speed amplifier comprising a continuously variable unit (“variator”), two differential gear trains, and four shafts. Two of the shafts connect to opposite ends of the variator and to two connections of each differential gear train, respectively. The third connections of the first and second differential gear trains are connected to the input and output shafts respectively. Ratios and other parameters are chosen so that an acceptable range of transmission speeds can be achieved without the use of clutches while also minimizing the power crossing the variator. Furthermore, this invention includes a variant that is a compound infinitely variable speed amplifier that provides a wider performance range.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices including rotary units and rotary mechanisms that are suitable for use in numerous applications. Rotary units typically include rotational components that are configured to rotate. In some embodiments, for example, multiple rotary units are assembled in rotary mechanisms such that neighboring pairs of rotational components counter-rotate or contra-rotate relative to one another during operation of the rotary mechanisms. Rotational components generally include one or more implements that are structured to perform or effect one or more types of work as the rotational components rotate relative to one another in a given rotary mechanism. In certain embodiments, implements are configured to rotate and/or to effect the movement of other components as rotational components rotate.

Abstract: A drive device for a vehicle includes a first drive shaft, a second drive shaft, a differential mechanism, a speed reduction mechanism, and a case. The second speed reduction pinion gear of the speed reduction mechanism, and the first pinion gear and the second pinion gear of the differential mechanism are arranged out of phase in a rotation direction, and are arranged at a position in an axial direction so that at least any one of the first pinion gear and the second pinion gear of the differential mechanism overlaps with the second speed reduction pinion gear of the speed reduction mechanism.

Abstract: A drive mechanism includes a transmission including a pinion centered at an axis, a differential mechanism centered at a second axis forward of the axis, driveably connected to the pinion through a gear wheel meshing with the pinion, and a power take-off mechanism centered at a third axis rearward of the axis, driveably connected to the pinion, including a clutch that alternately opens and closes a drive connection to the pinion.

Abstract: A tandem axle system has a forward axle system and a rear axle system. A method of selectively driving one or both of the axle systems is described.

Abstract: A two-speed power take-off unit adapted for installation in an all-wheel drive vehicle having a transversely mounted engine/transaxle powertrain. The two-speed power take-off unit includes a planetary gear reduction unit capable of establishing a high-range and a low-range drive connection between the powertrain and a transfer assembly. The transfer assembly provides drive torque to a front differential assembly driving the front wheels and a PTU gearset driving the rear wheels.

Abstract: A double differential device for a vehicle which is of compact construction. The device has a longitudinal differential section with a longitudinal differential input, a longitudinal differential output, an axle output. It also has a transverse differential section with a transverse differential input and two driven outputs. The longitudinal differential output is connected with the transverse differential input, the longitudinal differential section and the transverse differential section are each a planetary spur wheel gear and are arranged coaxially with a common main axis of rotation. The longitudinal differential section has a longitudinal differential planet carrier, which carries a longitudinal differential planet set, and the transverse differential section has a transverse differential planet carrier, which carries a first and a second transverse differential planet set.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes the rotary kinetic power of a rotary kinetic power source to directly drive the epicyclic gear set, or to drive the epicyclic gear set through a transmission device, then a continuous variable transmission (CVT) is individually installed between two output shafts of the epicyclic gear set and the load driven thereby, so the wheel set of the driven load is enabled to randomly perform variation of the driving speed ratio and the driving torque, so as to drive the combined common load; between the output ends of the mentioned two continuous variable transmissions, a limited slip differential or a stabilize device composed of a dual shaft connecting device having slip coupling torque can be further installed according to actual needs.

Abstract: A tandem axle vehicle includes a powertrain. The powertrain includes an input shaft, a forward drive axle assembly including a forward carrier assembly including a forward differential, and a rear drive axle assembly coupled to the forward drive axle assembly via a connecting driveshaft and including a rear carrier assembly including a rear differential. The forward carrier assembly includes an inter-axle differential (IAD), the IAD including an IAD housing, a differential spider including a plurality of legs attached to the IAD housing and a plurality of spider gears mounted on the legs, a first side gear engaged with the spider gears on a first side of the spider and arranged to drive a shaft for driving the driveshaft, and a second side gear engaged with the spider gears on a second side of the spider and arranged to drive the forward differential.

Abstract: A drive module with a planetary transmission that includes a transmission housing, a first ring gear and a second ring gear. The first ring gear is rotatably mounted in the transmission housing, the second ring gear is non-rotatably mounted in the transmission housing, and the first ring gear is supported on the second ring gear to thereby align a central axis of the first ring gear to a central axis of the second ring gear.

Abstract: Various drive axle systems are described each having a bevel gear system associated with the front axle system that is designed to minimize the angle of the inter-axle driveline with respect to the rear axle pinion gear.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes the rotary kinetic power of a rotary kinetic power source to directly drive the epicyclic gear set, or to drive the epicyclic gear set through a transmission device, then a continuous variable transmission (CVT) is individually installed between two output shafts of the epicyclic gear set and the load driven thereby, so the wheel set of the driven load is enabled to randomly perform variation of the driving speed ratio and the driving torque, so as to drive the combined common load; between the output ends of the mentioned two continuous variable transmissions, a limited slip differential or a stabilize device composed of a dual shaft connecting device having slip coupling torque can be further installed according to actual needs.

Abstract: Technologies relating to differential output control are disclosed. A differential output control apparatus may be coupled between a rotating device output and a controlled rotating output. The differential output control apparatus may comprise an adjustable mechanical link coupling two linked differential inputs, and configured to adjust a relative rotation speed or relative torque of the linked differential inputs. The differential output control apparatus may receive the rotating device output and adjust the adjustable mechanical link to control the rotation speed and/or torque of the controlled rotating output.

Abstract: An electronic traction optimization system includes a control unit adapted to produce a corner speed estimate signal for each wheel of a machine, produce an ideal target speed signal for each wheel having a value at least partially responsive to the corner speed estimate signals, produces a practical target speed signal for each wheel, generates an actual target speed signal having a value responsive to a comparison of the ideal target speed signal and the practical target speed signal for each wheel. The control unit compares each actual target speed signal to an associated wheel speed signal to obtain a wheel speed error signal for each wheel and converts each wheel speed error signal to a clutch control signal, wherein each differential clutch actuator is responsive to an associated clutch control signal.

Abstract: A vehicle drive train includes a first power disconnection device and a first driveline for transferring torque to a first set of wheels. A second driveline for transferring torque to a second set of wheels includes a differential gearset having an output coupled to a second power disconnection device. A hypoid gearset is positioned within the second driveline in a power path between the first and second power disconnection devices. The second power disconnection device includes a clutch having a first set of clutch plates fixed for rotation with the differential gearset output. The clutch further includes a second set of clutch plates fixed for rotation with a shaft adapted to transfer torque to one of the wheels of the second set of wheels. A valve limits a flow of coolant to the clutch when the second power disconnection device operates in a disconnected mode.

Abstract: A multi ratio drive operably connected to a drive shaft including a pinion gear rotatable by the drive shaft; a main shaft; a fixed ring gear fixed to the main shaft and engaged with the pinion gear; a differential shaft; a first drive chain having a first gear ratio; a second drive chain having a second gear ratio; a differential operably connected to the differential shaft; a first axle operably connected to the differential; and a second axle operably connected to the differential. A first slip clutch locks the first main shaft ring gear on the main shaft when the first drive chain is in the first drive chain engaged state; and the first slip clutch is operable to lock the first main shaft ring gear on the main shaft regardless of direction of main shaft rotation.

Abstract: A vehicle drive train includes a first power disconnection device and a first driveline for transferring torque to a first set of wheels. A second driveline for transferring torque to a second set of wheels includes a differential gearset having an output coupled to a second power disconnection device. A hypoid gearset is positioned within the second driveline in a power path between the first and second power disconnection devices. The second power disconnection device includes a clutch having a first set of clutch plates fixed for rotation with the differential gearset output. The clutch further includes a second set of clutch plates fixed for rotation with a shaft adapted to transfer torque to one of the wheels of the second set of wheels. A valve limits a flow of coolant to the clutch when the second power disconnection device operates in a disconnected mode.

Abstract: The drive system comprises a drive unit. The drive unit comprises a motor unit and a gear train coupled to the motor unit. The gear train comprises a differential planetary gear system having a single input shaft connected to the motor unit. The differential planetary gear system further has at least two output shafts of which each output shaft is arranged for driving a drive shaft. The differential planetary gear system comprises at least two single planetary gear sets.

Abstract: A vehicle drive system includes a housing, a sun gear, a planet gear carrier, and planetary gears supported by the planet gear carrier and engaged with the sun gear. An output gear includes a ring gear engaged with the plurality of planetary gears, connected to and forming a part of a differential having a rotatable differential case. An interlock is configured to affix the planetary gear carrier to the housing in a first position, and to affix the sun gear to the planet gear carrier in a second position, the axles rotating in a first direction in a first position, and a second direction in a second position. An actuating system moves the planet gear carrier between the first and second positions. A kit includes the transmission and adapts a two wheeled motorcycle to a three wheeled motorcycle.

Abstract: A vehicle power transmission device includes: a first power transmission member including a cylindrical shaft end portion rotatably supported via a first bearing on an inner circumferential side of a non-rotating support wall; and a second power transmission member supported on the inside of the cylindrical shaft end portion via a second bearing radially overlapping with the first bearing by the cylindrical shaft end portion to be rotatable concentrically and relatively to the first power transmission member, the second power transmission member including a circular disc gear portion protruded to an outer circumferential side at a predetermined distance from the second bearing in a shaft center direction of the second power transmission member, at a portion facing the first bearing, the gear portion having an annular inner circumferential guide protruding portion for guiding to the first bearing a lubricant oil that passes through the second bearing for lubrication, that enters into a gap between the second b

Abstract: A drive unit, such as a rear drive unit, for a motor vehicle, such as an all-wheel drive motor vehicle, includes, but is not limited to two drive shafts, of which one drive shaft serves for driving the one wheel and the other drive shaft serves for driving the other wheel of a motor vehicle. Also provided is a transmission operationally connected to the drive shafts, through which a drive torque acting on the input of the transmission can be divided or is divided into at least two output torques and through which the output torque of the transmission acting on the one drive shaft is reversible or is reversed in its operation direction relative to the output torque of the transmission acting on the other drive shaft.

Abstract: A drive unit, more preferably rear drive unit, for an all-wheel drive of a motor vehicle with two drive shafts, of which one drive shaft serves for driving the one wheel and the other drive shaft serves for driving the other wheel of a motor vehicle. Provided is a transmission operationally that is connected to the drive shafts, through which a drive torque acting on the input of the transmission can be divided or is divided into at least two output torques and through which the output torque of the transmission acting on the one drive shaft is reversible or is reversed in its operation direction relative to the output torque of the transmission acting on the other drive shaft.

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.

Abstract: A drive assembly for a motor vehicle driven by a plurality of axles includes a differential unit, an externally controllable hang-on coupling, an externally controllable locking coupling, a first hydraulic actuating unit, and a second hydraulic actuating unit. The differential unit includes an input part that is rotatably drivable around an axis of rotation, and two output parts drivingly connected to the input part. The hang-on coupling drivingly connects the differential unit and a driveshaft. The locking coupling locks the differential movement between the two output parts of the differential assembly. The first hydraulic actuating unit actuates the hang-on coupling and the second hydraulic actuating unit actuates the locking coupling. The first hydraulic actuating unit, the hang-on coupling, the second hydraulic actuating unit and the locking coupling are arranged coaxially relative to the axis of rotation.

Abstract: An axle assembly with an input member, a first planetary gear set, a differential assembly, and a second planetary gear set. The first planetary gear set has a first transmission input that is driven by the input member. The differential assembly has a differential carrier and first and second differential output members received in the differential carrier. The second planetary gear set has a planet carrier coupled to the differential carrier for common rotation. A sun gear of the first planetary gear set is non-rotatably coupled to a sun gear of the second planetary gear set.

Abstract: A tandem axle system has a forward axle system and a rear axle system. A method of selectively driving one or both of the axle systems is described.

Abstract: A drive axle assembly that may include an input shaft, an intermediate shaft, an output shaft, and an actuator unit. The actuator unit may move the intermediate shaft between a first position in which the intermediate shaft transmits torque to the output shaft and a second position in which the intermediate shaft does not transmit torque to the output shaft.

Abstract: A drive train for a four wheel drive vehicle including a front differential engaged with a front drive shaft and front axles through a front differential gear set. The front differential includes a front bi-directional overrunning clutch that controls transmission of torque transfer between the front drive shaft and the front axles. A rear differential is engaged with rear axles and the transmission through a rear differential gear set. The rear differential includes a rear bi-directional overrunning clutch that controls torque transfer between the transmission and the rear axles. The differentials are configured with a gear ratio that is within five percent of a 1:1 gear ratio.

Abstract: A differential with torque distribution comprises two differentials. The two differentials can be connected in serial with one of the side gear of the first differential driving the housing of the second differential, and one of the side gear of the second differential being connected to the other side gear of the first differential, and vise versa. Hence the torque on the two output shafts of the differential with torque distribution are different. The rotational speeds on the respective two output shafts are independent of the change of torque on the two output shafts.

Abstract: The present invention relates a mechanical differential actuator for interacting with a mechanical load. The mechanical differential actuator comprises first and second semi-active sub-actuators, a velocity source and first and second mechanical differentials having three interaction ports each. The first mechanical differential includes a first interaction port coupled to the velocity source, a second interaction port and a third interaction port coupled to the first semi-active sub-actuator. The second mechanical differential includes a first interaction port coupled to the velocity source, a second interaction port and a third interaction port coupled to the second semi-active sub-actuator. Finally, the second interaction ports of the first and second mechanical differentials are coupled together to form an output which is configured so as to be coupled to the load.

Abstract: The invention relates to a final drive assembly. An axle final drive assembly includes an axle housing, and axially inner and outer axle bearings supported by the axle housing. An axle shaft has a flange and is supported for rotation by the outer axle bearing. A planetary transmission has a planet carrier fixed for rotation with the flange of the axle shaft. The planet carrier has a neck which is supported for rotation by the inner axle bearing. The planetary transmission also has a ring gear and a plurality of planet gears which are positioned axially between the inner and outer axle bearings.

Abstract: A multi ratio drive operably connected to a drive shaft including a pinion gear rotatable by the drive shaft; a main shaft; a fixed ring gear fixed to the main shaft and engaged with the pinion gear; a differential shaft; a first drive chain having a first gear ratio; a second drive chain having a second gear ratio; a differential operably connected to the differential shaft; a first axle operably connected to the differential; and a second axle operably connected to the differential. A first slip clutch locks the first main shaft ring gear on the main shaft when the first drive chain is in the first drive chain engaged state; and the first slip clutch is operable to lock the first main shaft ring gear on the main shaft regardless of direction of main shaft rotation.

Abstract: A vehicle with a primary driveline that is configured to distribute rotary power to a first set of vehicle wheels and a power transmitting device that can be selectively operated to transmit rotary power to a secondary driveline. The power transmitting device has an input member, which is driven by the primary driveline, and an output member that is selectively coupled to the input member to receive rotary power therefrom. The secondary driveline comprises a differential, a pair of shafts, and a side shaft coupling that selectively interrupts power transmission between the differential and one of the shafts.

Abstract: Provided herein is a multi-output differential gear apparatus, the apparatus including a first differential gear having a first output gear and a middle gear, and second differential gear having a second output gear and a third output gear. Therefore, according to the present disclosure, there is provided a multi-output differential gear apparatus capable of generating three outputs through three output gears from one driving force received from outside.

Abstract: A vehicle drive train for transferring torque to first and second sets of wheels includes a first driveline adapted to transfer torque to the first set of wheels and a synchronizing clutch. A second driveline is adapted to transfer torque to the second set of wheels and includes a power disconnection device and a friction clutch. A hypoid gearset is positioned within the second driveline in a power path between the synchronizing clutch and the power disconnection device. The friction clutch and the power disconnection device are positioned on opposite sides of the hypoid gearset. The hypoid gearset is selectively disconnected from being driven by the first driveline, the second driveline or the wheels when the synchronizing clutch and the power disconnection device are operated in disconnected, non-torque transferring, modes.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: A powertrain has an electric torque converter that includes an electric motor/generator, and a differential gear set having a first member, a second member, and a third member. The powertrain includes a layshaft transmission having a first input member connected to the first member, a second input member connected to the second member, and having a plurality of selectively engageable torque-transmitting mechanisms each of which is selectively engageable to establish a different respective speed ratio through the transmission. At least one controller is provided, and the motor/generator is connected for common rotation with the third member and is controlled by said at least one controller to establish a speed of the third member that permits synchronous engagement and disengagement of the torque-transmitting mechanisms to shift from one of the respective speed ratios to a successive one of the respective speed ratios. A method of controlling the powertrain is also provided.