Differential Or Nondifferential Planetary Combined With Differential (e.g., Two Differentials) Patents (Class 475/221)
-
Patent number: 7658692Abstract: A double differential assembly having a first differential drive (3) with a differential carrier (5) drivable around an axis of rotation (A), a plurality of first differential gears (6) rotatably supported therein, as well as two output gears (7, 8) which are coaxially arranged relative to the axis of rotation (A) and engage the first differential gears (6). It also includes a second differential drive (4) with a cage element (22) which is firmly connected to one of the output gears (8) of the first differential drive (3) and is drivable thereby around the axis of rotation (A), a plurality of second differential gears (25) which are rotatably held in the cage element (22), and two sideshaft gears (26, 27) which are arranged coaxially relative to the axis of rotation (A) and engage the second differential gears (25). At least one of the two differential drives (3, 4) is a crown gear differential.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2007Date of Patent: February 9, 2010Assignee: GKN Driveline International GmbHInventors: Michael Engelmann, Mark Schmidt, Heinzwilli Fuchs
-
Patent number: 7637831Abstract: A power transmission mechanism of a model vehicle capable of mechanically performing accurate straight running and turning control without relying upon the output characteristic of each drive system in an RC tank having two drive systems. The power transmission mechanism comprises a motor (10) for traveling providing a drive force for traveling, a motor (30) for turning providing a drive force for turning, a left side differential gear (40) and a right side differential gear (50) to which the rotations of the motor (10) for traveling and the motor (30) for turning are transmitted, and a center differential gear (80) to which the rotation of the motor (30) for turning is transmitted. The turning is performed by using the left side differential gear (40), the right side differential gear (50), and the center differential gear (80).Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2005Date of Patent: December 29, 2009Assignee: Tamiya, Inc.Inventor: Shigeki Araki
-
Patent number: 7601089Abstract: A drive axle assembly includes first and second axleshafts connected to a pair of wheels and a drive mechanism operable to selectively couple a driven input shaft to one or both of the axleshafts. The drive mechanism includes a differential, a speed changing unit operably disposed between the differential assembly and the first and second axleshafts, first and second mode clutches and a brake unit. The first mode clutch is operable to increase the rotary speed of the first axleshaft which, in turn, causes a corresponding decrease in the rotary speed of the second axleshaft. The second mode clutch is operable to increase the rotary speed of the second axleshaft so as to cause a decrease in the rotary speed of the first axleshaft. The brake unit is operable to engage the speed changing unit. A control system controls actuation of both mode clutches.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2007Date of Patent: October 13, 2009Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.Inventors: Sankar K. Mohan, Anupam Sharma, Thomas Bowen
-
Publication number: 20090215582Abstract: A front wheel drive transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes a sun gear member, a planet carrier member, and a ring gear member. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes arranged within a transmission housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2008Publication date: August 27, 2009Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Clinton E. Carey, Scott H. Wittkopp, James M. Hart, Andrew W. Phillips
-
Publication number: 20090209385Abstract: A front wheel drive transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes a sun gear member, a planet carrier member, and a ring gear member. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes arranged within a transmission housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2008Publication date: August 20, 2009Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: CLINTON E. CAREY, SCOTT H. WITTKOPP, JAMES M. HART, ANDREW W. PHILLIPS
-
Patent number: 7568992Abstract: A two-stage, continuously variable transmission used to power a machine, incorporates self-adjusting features while ensuring a positive engagement. Power from an engine is transferred via a rotatable shaft of a first stage, which engages with a first stage differential gear. The first stage gear delivers power to each of (1) a low ratio and (2) a high ratio first stage output half shafts. A second stage includes each of (1) a low ratio and (2) a high ratio second stage input half shaft. The low ratio half shafts are engaged providing a first pathway. The high ratio half shafts are engaged providing a second pathway, both shafts in positive engagement. A second stage differential gear receives low and high gear ratio power simultaneously, over the first and second pathways and aggregates the power to be output at an automatically selected optimum gear ratio for the machine, determined by the kinetic status of the machine.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2006Date of Patent: August 4, 2009Inventor: Fernando Sierra
-
Patent number: 7553251Abstract: A power divider for a motor vehicle with a first and a second driven axle, with an input member which is connectable to the output of a drive unit, with a transverse differential for the first driven axle and an output member which is connectable to the second driven axle, and with a friction clutch which has two friction members, one of the friction members being connected to the output member, the other friction member being connected axially rigidly to an input element of the transverse differential, and the input element of the transverse differential being supported in the axial direction on the output member.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2006Date of Patent: June 30, 2009Assignee: GETRAG Driveline Systems GmbHInventors: Hans-Peter Nett, Michael Hoeck, Jan Haupt
-
Publication number: 20090156351Abstract: In a hybrid transmission for a motor vehicle with three differential drive units (D1 to D3), two electric machines (E1, E2) and four shift elements (C1 to C4), the hybrid transmission (HG) includes a fifth shift element (C5) by which two transmission elements of the first differential drive unit (D1) can be coupled thereby achieving an improved operating efficiency and smaller continuous electric power requirements.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 17, 2008Publication date: June 18, 2009Inventors: Markus Brouwer, Benjamin Kaehler, Karl-Ernst Noreikat
-
Patent number: 7547265Abstract: A variable biasing differential provides an adjustable torque bias between two outputs. An input shaft provides drive torque to a carrier which receives a plurality of stub shafts and a like plurality of planet gears. A first set of planet gears drives a first sun gear and first output and a second set of planet gears, which, in turn, drives additional planet gears which drive a second sun gear and second output. Secured to both ends of the carrier are first and second ring gears which each mesh with an eccentric gear which in turn includes an eccentric second ring gear which meshes with an internal gear disposed about the first and second outputs. These gears are coupled to respective first and second friction clutches which can be independently activated to adjust the torque bias of the differential.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2006Date of Patent: June 16, 2009Assignee: BorgWarner, Inc.Inventor: Dan J. Showalter
-
Publication number: 20090120706Abstract: A system for transmitting rotary power to the wheels of a motor vehicle includes an input, a planetary final drive connected driveably to the input and including a first output that is driven at a speed that is slower than a speed of the input, and a inter-wheel planetary differential driveably connected to the first output for splitting torque carried by the first output between a second output connected driveably to a first wheel of a first wheel set and a third output connected driveably to a second wheel of the first wheel set.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 9, 2007Publication date: May 14, 2009Inventor: David A. Janson
-
Publication number: 20090111638Abstract: A driving force transmission device is provided. The device includes: a first differential unit and a second differential unit. The first differential unit includes: first and second input shafts connected to a first motor and a second motor, respectively, and a first output shaft connected to a first driven member. The second differential unit includes: third and fourth input shafts connected to the first motor and the second motor, respectively, and a second output shaft connected to a second driven member. An angular speed of the first output shaft is a sum of a times a first angular speed of the first motor and b times the second angular speed of a second motor. An angular speed of the second output shaft is a sum of c times the first angular speed and d times the second angular speed. a, b, c and d satisfy a relation of ad?bc?0.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2008Publication date: April 30, 2009Applicant: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Kohei TERADA
-
Publication number: 20090105029Abstract: A transmission and a motor or non-motor type transport device including a cross-coupling power train using the transmission, such as chainless bicycle or wagon with two or four wheels are disclosed. The transmission includes a coarse adjustment gearshift of internal gear type and a fine adjustment gearshift of differential gear type which are mounted on a main shaft to change the speed and are selectively connected to each other by a shift lever to provide low-speed rotation and high-speed rotation.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2008Publication date: April 23, 2009Inventor: Jong-Dae KIM
-
Publication number: 20090088283Abstract: A transmission includes a first gear, and a second gear is fixed to one end of a shaft with the second gear engaging the first gear. A bevel gear is rotatably supported on the shaft and engages a power input gear. A hub is fixed to the bevel gear for concentric rotation about the shaft; the hub having a splined outer section. A planetary gear set including a sun gear and a carrier are arranged concentrically about the splined outer section of the hub. A splined section is fixed to an opposite end of the shaft. A collar assembly includes first and second collars, each having internal teeth and external teeth. The first collar and the second collar are axially coupled together and independently rotatable relative to one another, and the collar assembly slidably engages the splined section and the splined outer section.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2007Publication date: April 2, 2009Inventor: Martin Schimke
-
Patent number: 7503866Abstract: A drive axle assembly includes a pair of axelshafts connected to a pair of wheels and a drive mechanism for selectively coupling a driven input shaft to one or both of the axelshafts. The drive mechanism includes first and second drive units that can be selectively engaged to control the magnitude of the drive torque transferred and the relative rotary speed between the input shaft and the axleshafts. Each drive unit includes a planetary gearset disposed between the input shaft and its corresponding axleshaft, a bi-directional overrunning clutch and a mode clutch that may be activated to cause the planetary gearset to establish different speed ratio drive connections between the input shaft and the axleshaft. A control system including an electronic control unit (ECU) and sensors are provided to control actuation of the mode clutches so as to control the side-to-side traction characteristics of the drive axle assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2008Date of Patent: March 17, 2009Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.Inventors: Dumitru Puiu, Malcolm E. Kirkwood
-
Patent number: 7503416Abstract: A drive axle assembly includes first and second axleshafts and a drive mechanism coupling a driven input shaft to the axleshafts. The drive mechanism includes a differential assembly, a planetary gear assembly operably disposed between the differential assembly and the first axleshaft, a brake and first and second mode clutches. The first clutch is operable with the brake and the planetary gear assembly to increase the rotary speed of the first axleshaft which, in turn, causes a corresponding decrease in the rotary speed of the second axleshaft. The second clutch is operable with the brakes and the planetary gear assembly to decrease the rotary speed of the first axleshaft so as to cause an increase in the rotary speed of the second axleshaft. A control system controls actuation of both mode clutches.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2006Date of Patent: March 17, 2009Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.Inventors: Anupam Sharma, Timothy M. Burns
-
Patent number: 7500934Abstract: A drive system comprises a one-piece differential carrier housing an input assembly, a power divider, a hollow pinion gear and a wheel differential. A through shaft is concentric with, but rotates independently of, the hollow pinion gear. The input assembly, the power divider and the pinion gear are rotatingly supported within the one-piece differential carrier by a maximum of three bearings. The bearing cage and the pinion gear are assembled through the rear of the one-piece differential carrier.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2003Date of Patent: March 10, 2009Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLCInventor: James F. Ziech
-
Patent number: 7491146Abstract: A drive axle assembly includes first and second axleshafts and a drive mechanism coupling a driven input shaft to the axleshafts. The drive mechanism includes a differential assembly, a planetary gear assembly operably disposed between the differential assembly and the first axleshafts, a transfer clutch and first and second brakes. The first brake is operable with the transfer clutch and the planetary gear assembly to increase the rotary speed of the first axleshaft which, in turn, causes a corresponding decrease in the rotary speed of the second axleshaft. The second brake is operable with the transfer clutch and the planetary gear assembly to decrease the rotary speed of the first axleshaft so as to cause an increase in the rotary speed of the second axleshaft. A control system controls actuation of both brakes and the transfer clutch.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2008Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.Inventors: Anupam Sharma, Timothy M. Burns
-
Patent number: 7479085Abstract: An axle assembly for a motor vehicle includes a pair of axle half-shafts that are adapted to transfer rotational motion to a pair of spaced apart wheels. A differential is positioned between the axle half-shafts and a dual planetary gear set is positioned between and interconnects each axle half-shaft to the differential. Each dual planetary gear set includes a first planetary gear set and a second planetary gear set mounted adjacent one another, back to back, and having a shared ring gear.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2006Date of Patent: January 20, 2009Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventor: Jeffrey Brengle Finn
-
Publication number: 20080287245Abstract: An orthogonal axis gear, a planetary gear reduction mechanism portion, and a differential gear mechanism portion are arranged along an axial center direction of left and right output shafts. The planetary gear reduction mechanism portion is constituted such that a sun gear thereof is provided as a continuation of a crown gear of the orthogonal axis gear, a ring gear thereof is fixed to a differential case, and a planetary carrier thereof serves as an output. Further, the differential gear mechanism portion employs a planetary gear mechanism and is constituted such that a ring gear of the planetary gear mechanism is provided as a continuation of the planetary carrier of the planetary gear reduction mechanism portion, a planetary carrier thereof is provided as a continuation of the left side output shaft, and a sun gear thereof is provided as a continuation of the right side output shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2008Publication date: November 20, 2008Applicant: FUJI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Takaharu Kikura, Hiromi Hirase
-
Patent number: 7442143Abstract: A drive module (5, 6) for a variable torque distribution in the driveline of a motor vehicle. The drive module (5, 6) has a first shaft (19) rotatably supported relative to a stationary housing (18); a second shaft (22) which is drivingly connected to the first shaft (19); and a transmission stage (25) arranged in the torque flow between the first and second shafts (19, 22). The transmission stage (25) has at least one planetary gear (27) and a rotating carrier element (32). A coupling (37) serves to couple the carrier element (32) relative to the housing (18). When coupled, torque transmission occurs from one of the first or second shaft (19, 22), to the other one of the two shafts. The housing (18), the first shaft (19), the second shaft (22), the transmission stage (25) and the coupling (37) form part of a unit adapted to attach to a drive (3).Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2005Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Assignee: GKN Driveline International GmbHInventors: Theodor Gassmann, Mark Schmidt, Kurt Müller
-
Publication number: 20080254930Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a hybrid differential gear device achieving the small and light devices as a whole and easy assembling of a differential case. A hybrid differential gear device has a first differential gear mechanism 2 and a second differential gear mechanism 3. The first differential gear mechanism 2 has a plurality of planetary gears 5 as an input element, a sun gear 6 engaging with the plural planetary gears 5 as a first output element, and an internal gear engaging with the plural planetary gears 5 as a second output element. The second differential gear mechanism 3 has side gears 14R, 14L connected respectively to a right and a left front tire wheel, pinion gears 12, 13 engaging with the side gears 14R, 14L, and a pinion gear shaft 15 supporting rotatably the pinion gears 12, 13. The pinion gear shaft 15 is supported non-rotatably and movably to a direction of a rotational axis of a differential case 4.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2008Publication date: October 16, 2008Applicant: JTEKT CorporationInventors: Noriyuki Fujii, Makoto Nishiji
-
Publication number: 20080227582Abstract: A variable speed front differential assembly for a vehicle is provided including a first side shaft, a second side shaft, and an input shaft. An offset differential case houses a differential mechanism engaging the first side shaft and the second side shaft. A speed selection assembly is movable from a first speed position to a second speed position. A speed reduction assembly is mounted adjacent the offset differential case. The speed selection assembly directly engages the offset differential case housing when in the first speed position such that a 1:1 drive ratio is achieved. The speed selection assembly engages the offset differential case through the speed reduction assembly when in the second speed position such that an increased drive ratio is achieved.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2008Publication date: September 18, 2008Inventor: Brent Michael Peura
-
Patent number: 7410440Abstract: A method for converting a non-driven tag axle system to a driven axle system is disclosed where a forward driven axle system is converted to drive an interaxle drive shaft. The interaxle drive shaft is connected to a drive axle head mounted within the tag axle housing. Drive axles are connected to drive axle head. In another embodiment, a forward driven axle system is removed from a first position on the vehicle frame and the tag axle is removed from a second position on the vehicle frame. A differential is installed in the tag axle and it is located in the first position. The forward driven axle system is located in the second position and connected to the differential in the first position.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2007Date of Patent: August 12, 2008Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLCInventors: Francisco Garcia, Leo Wenstrup, Dale Lee Kwasniewski, Steve Slesinski
-
Patent number: 7407458Abstract: A four wheel drive articulated mine loader is powered by a fuel cell and propelled by a single electric motor. The drivetrain has the first axle, second axle, and motor arranged in series on the work machine chassis. Torque is carried from the electric motor to the back differential via a pinion meshed with the ring gear of the back differential. A second pinion oriented in an opposite direction away from the ring gear is coupled to a drive shaft to transfer torque from the ring gear to the differential of the front axle. Thus, the ring gear of the back differential acts both to receive torque from the motor and to transfer torque to the forward axle. The in-line drive configuration includes a single electric motor and a single reduction gear to power the four wheel drive mine loader.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2005Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Brian Hoff
-
Publication number: 20080139359Abstract: A drive axle assembly includes first and second axleshafts and a drive mechanism coupling a driven input shaft to the axleshafts. The drive mechanism includes a differential assembly, a planetary gear assembly operably disposed between the differential assembly and the first axleshafts, a transfer clutch and first and second brakes. The first brake is operable with the transfer clutch and the planetary gear assembly to increase the rotary speed of the first axleshaft which, in turn, causes a corresponding decrease in the rotary speed of the second axleshaft. The second brake is operable with the transfer clutch and the planetary gear assembly to decrease the rotary speed of the first axleshaft so as to cause an increase in the rotary speed of the second axleshaft. A control system controls actuation of both brakes and the transfer clutch.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2008Publication date: June 12, 2008Applicant: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.Inventors: Anupam Sharma, Timothy M. Burns
-
Patent number: 7384362Abstract: All power generating member for generating a torque needs a transmission for randomly controlling the torque. Most of current transmission utilizes the engagement of gears having different gear rates or frictions as a medium. The transmission according to the engagement of gears generates the transmission the transmission shock and the transmission utilizing the friction as a medium has a limit caused by the friction. In order to resolve the problems, it is suggested to construct elements which may move in position in gears to distribute the torque to a low speed line or a high speed gear line in the constant engagement state, thereby realizing the continuous speed change from the high speed to the low speed or vise versa. Such a continuously variable transmission is applicable to vehicles and heavy equipment utilizing an internal combustion engine as a power generating source and any other vehicles.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2003Date of Patent: June 10, 2008Inventor: Koang-Ho Jo
-
Patent number: 7381145Abstract: An activating device for a cover has: a shaft unit having a rotary shaft; an arm unit which is coupled to the cover and the rotary shaft; and an actuator which drives the rotary shaft. The actuator has: a motor having a first output portion; a first reducer having an input portion and an output portion; and a second reducer having an input portion and an output portion.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2007Date of Patent: June 3, 2008Assignee: TS CorporationInventors: Kouji Watanabe, Toshihiro Yudate
-
Patent number: 7361113Abstract: A drive axle assembly includes a pair of axleshafts connected to a pair of wheels and a drive mechanism for selectively coupling a driven input shaft to one or both of the axleshafts. The drive mechanism includes first and second drive units that can be selectively engaged to control the magnitude of the drive torque transferred and the relative rotary speed between the input shaft and the axleshafts. Each drive unit includes a planetary gearset disposed between the input shaft and its corresponding axleshaft, a bi-directional overrunning clutch and a mode clutch that may be activated to cause the planetary gearset to establish different speed ratio drive connections between the input shaft and the axleshaft. A control system including an electronic control unit (ECU) and sensors are provided to control actuation of the mode clutches so as to control the side-to-side traction characteristics of the drive axle assembly.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2005Date of Patent: April 22, 2008Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.Inventors: Dumitru Puiu, Malcolm E. Kirkwood
-
Patent number: 7357747Abstract: A steering drive mechanism utilizes a pair of planetary gear arrangements between the input (or engine drive shaft) and the output shafts driving each wheel of a vehicle. The input is supplied to each sun gear in equal magnitude but opposite direction to account for driving the left or right wheels. The output shafts are connected to the planet carriers. In normal straight line driving, the ring gears are held fixed. The drive mechanism further comprises a steering motor that drives a steering gear that meshes with each ring gear. When the steering motor is activated, the steering gear rotates each ring gear in the same direction, so that the ring gear for one side increases the speed of the planet carrier and output shaft, while the ring gear for the opposite side decreases the output shaft speed.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2006Date of Patent: April 15, 2008Inventor: James T. Hamilton
-
Patent number: 7351178Abstract: A driving axle for a vehicle driven by an electric motor disposed on a driven motor shaft. Drive shafts are coupled to the motor shaft via the interposition of a reduction transmission stage and a following differential transmission. As part of the transmission stage an externally toothed sun pinion is disposed on the motor shaft, which is mounted in motor shaft bearings connected to a gearbox and absorbing radial and axial forces. A sleeve is disposed between, and supported on opposite sides against, the motor shaft bearings and sun pinion. A securing device is disposed on the free end of the motor shaft for fixing the sun pinion against the sleeve. Gears of the transmission stage mesh with the sun pinion, which together with the gears are embodied as helical gears having a force component acting in the direction of the motor shaft bearings.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2003Date of Patent: April 1, 2008Assignee: Ewald Speth AntriebstechnikInventor: Karl-Heinz Keuth
-
Patent number: 7344469Abstract: A drive axle assembly includes first and second axleshafts and a drive mechanism coupling a driven input shaft to the axleshafts. The drive mechanism includes a differential assembly, a planetary gear assembly operably disposed between the differential assembly and the first axleshafts, a transfer clutch and first and second brakes. The first brake is operable with the transfer clutch and the planetary gear assembly to increase the rotary speed of the first axleshaft which, in turn, causes a corresponding decrease in the rotary speed of the second axleshaft. The second brake is operable with the transfer clutch and the planetary gear assembly to decrease the rotary speed of the first axleshaft so as to cause an increase in the rotary speed of the second axleshaft. A control system controls actuation of both brakes and the transfer clutch.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2006Date of Patent: March 18, 2008Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.Inventors: Anupam Sharma, Timothy M. Burns
-
Patent number: 7338404Abstract: A drive assembly (1) includes a differential (3) with a differential carrier (7) and two output shafts (19) connected to the differential carrier (7) via a differential gear set (10). The assembly includes at least one transmission stage (25) with a first sun gear (26) connected to the differential carrier (7), and a second sun gear (28) connected to one of the two output shafts (19), and at least one parallel planetary gear (27) which engages the sun gears (26, 28) and which is rotatably held in a carrier element (32) which can be coupled to a stationary housing (18). The two sun gears have profile-displaced teeth with different numbers of teeth and are arranged at the same axial distance (C) from the at least one planetary gear (27). The planetary gear (27) has two toothed portions (29, 30) with corresponding teeth.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2005Date of Patent: March 4, 2008Assignee: GKN Driveline International GmbHInventors: Theodor Gassmann, Mark Schmidt, Klaus Arndt
-
Patent number: 7331896Abstract: A drivetrain of an all-wheel drive motor vehicle provided for selective actuation and control of the torque distribution between first and second drive axle assemblies to match various vehicle operating conditions. The drivetrain comprises a power drive unit including a prime mover, the first drive axle assembly driven by the power drive unit to drive a first set of wheels, the second drive axle assembly driven by the power drive unit to drive a second set of wheels, a first clutch unit provided to disconnect the first drive axle assembly from the power drive unit, and a second clutch unit provided to disconnect the second drive axle assembly from the power drive unit.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2005Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Dana CorporationInventor: William J Kroppe
-
Patent number: 7331897Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a less expensive active transmission control system for an automobile, capable of disconnecting an engine, without increasing the number of dog clutches. In an active shift transmission, a second intermediate shaft is provided between a transmission input shaft connected with an engine and a transmission output shaft, and the transmission ratio is determined by the product of gear ratios of two sets of transmission gears. Further, a differential gear box is connected between both intermediate shafts and a motor is connected to the third shat of this differential gear box, so that the engine torque is borne by the motor on a temporary basis, whereby active transmission is performed. When the transmission gear of the input shaft is released, the engine rotation loss at the time of regenerative braking can be eliminated by disconnecting the engine.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2007Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masahiko Ibamoto, Hiroyuki Sakamoto, Hiroshi Kuroiwa
-
Patent number: 7311631Abstract: The number of the teeth of a second sun gear is slightly different from that of a first sun gear. A first planetary gears mesh with both the first sun gear and the second sun gear. A first carrier supports the first planetary. The number of the teeth of a third sun gear is same as that of the first sun gear. The second planetary gears mesh with both the second sun gear and the third sun gear. The second carrier supports the second planetary gears with preventing the same from revolving. The second power source generates a torque for rotating the first carrier.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2005Date of Patent: December 25, 2007Assignee: JTEKT CorporationInventor: Hiroshi Kushino
-
Patent number: 7311633Abstract: A vehicular drive unit comprises a central differential mechanism and a front-wheel side axle differential mechanism. The central differential mechanism comprises a first planetary gear train 10, which includes an output gear body 50, a first carrier 13, which is provided in a one-piece body with this gear body, a first sun gear 11, a first ring gear 14, and a rear-wheel drive gear 15, which is a helical gear formed around this ring gear in a one-piece body. In this drive unit, a differential limiter C is provided between the output gear body 50 (input rotating member) and a drive gear body 55 (output rotating member) to generate a rotational resistance, which acts to reduce the rotational difference between the output gear body 50 and the drive gear body 55.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2005Date of Patent: December 25, 2007Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Taiji Maruyama, Kanji Kita, Mikihiro Takano, Kazunori Miyata
-
Patent number: 7309301Abstract: A powertrain for transmitting power to the drive wheels of a vehicle includes a transaxle case containing a transaxle drive mechanism for producing variable ratios of a speed of its output and a speed of its input, a differential mechanism for transmitting power between the output and the wheels of a first set of drive wheel, a transfer clutch secured to the output for transmitting power between the output and the wheels of a second set of drive wheels, and a control system for hydraulically actuating the transfer clutch.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2005Date of Patent: December 18, 2007Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: David Janson, Andy Perakes, Dennis Person, Gregory Goleski
-
Patent number: 7306536Abstract: A tandem axle system for vehicle having an optimized inter-axle driveline is depicted and described. The system has a forward drive axle system having a forward pinion gear drivingly connected to a drive side of a forward portion of a forward ring gear. The system also has a rear drive axle system having a rear pinion gear drivingly connected to a drive side of a rear portion of a rear ring gear. An inter-axle driveline connects the forward drive axle system with the rear drive axle system.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2005Date of Patent: December 11, 2007Assignee: Dana CorporationInventor: James F. Ziech
-
Patent number: 7294082Abstract: A powertrain arrangement for selectively operating a vehicle in a skid-steer configuration is provided. The arrangement includes an engine coupled to a differential. A first torque transfer mechanism is coupled to a coupling mechanism and arranged to drive a first set of wheels on a side of the vehicle orientated parallel to a wheelbase of the vehicle. A second torque transfer mechanism is coupled to the differential and arranged to drive a second set of wheels on an opposite side of the vehicle. The coupling mechanism is coupled to the differential and includes a rotation selector arranged to selectively engage an output of the differential to provide a torque input to the first torque transfer mechanism of a direction so as to drive the first set of wheels in one of a same and an opposite direction as the second set of wheels.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2004Date of Patent: November 13, 2007Assignee: Chrysler LLCInventors: Stephen T Lim, Douglas J Quigley, Robert Smyczynski
-
Patent number: 7291083Abstract: An inter-axle differential assembly includes a forward side gear and a rear side gear that are supported by an input shaft. The forward and rear side gears are in meshing engagement with a plurality of inter-axle differential pinion gears that are supported on a spider. The spider is driven by the input shaft and has a plurality of legs with each leg supporting one of the plurality of inter-axle differential pinion gears. A helical drive gear is fixed for rotation with the forward side gear. The helical drive gear includes a center cavity defined by a spherical inner surface. The spider and the plurality of inter-axle differential pinion gears are positioned within the center cavity. This eliminates the need for an inter-axle differential housing assembly and reduces standout.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2004Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLCInventor: Adalberto Jair Reyes Almaguer
-
Patent number: 7267627Abstract: A drive axle assembly includes first and second axleshafts connected to a pair of wheels and a drive mechanism operable to selectively couple a driven input shaft to one or both of the axleshafts. The drive mechanism includes a differential, a speed changing unit operably disposed between the differential assembly and the first and second axleshafts, first and second mode clutches and a brake unit. The first mode clutch is operable to increase the rotary speed of the first axleshaft which, in turn, causes a corresponding decrease in the rotary speed of the second axleshaft. The second mode clutch is operable to increase the rotary speed of the second axleshaft so as to cause a decrease in the rotary speed of the first axleshaft. The brake unit is operable to engage the speed changing unit. A control system controls actuation of both mode clutches.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2005Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.Inventors: Sankar K. Mohan, Anupam Sharma, Thomas C. Bowen
-
Patent number: 7267628Abstract: A motor vehicle having a drive axle assembly including first and second axleshafts connected to a pair of wheels and a drive mechanism operable to selectively couple a driven input shaft to one or both of the axleshafts. The drive mechanism includes a differential, a speed changing unit operably disposed between the differential assembly and the first and second axleshafts, and first and second mode clutches. The first mode clutch is operable to increase the rotary speed of the first axleshaft which, in turn, causes a corresponding decrease in the rotary speed of the second axleshaft. The second mode clutch is operable to increase the rotary speed of the second axleshaft so as to cause a decrease in the rotary speed of the first axleshaft. A control system controls actuation of both mode clutches.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2006Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.Inventor: Thomas C. Bowen
-
Patent number: 7258644Abstract: A differential carrier housing having both reduced weight and improved strength along the operational load path of the housing is provided. The housing includes a hollow rib that extends from a forward end rearward of an outer bearing for an input shaft to a rear end at a flange on the carrier housing that is connected to an axle housing.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2003Date of Patent: August 21, 2007Assignee: Dana CorporationInventors: James F. Ziech, Glen Peterson, James Ridge
-
Patent number: 7247117Abstract: A drive axle, in particular an industrial truck drive axle, has an electric motor (2), a differential (4) of a traction drive, which differential is oriented coaxially with the electric motor, and a planetary gear set (3) that is connected between the electric motor (2) and the differential (4). To reduce the effort and expense required to construct the drive axle, the electric motor (2) can be connected in a drive connection by means of a coupling device (5) that is in an operative connection with the planetary gear set (3), with the traction drive, and/or with a work drive. The electric motor (2) can thereby feed a work drive alternatively or in addition to the traction drive.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2005Date of Patent: July 24, 2007Assignee: Linde AktiengesellschaftInventor: Franz Forster
-
Patent number: 7238140Abstract: A differential for delivering vectored torque to left and right axle shafts that rotate about an axis includes a cage which rotates about the axis as a consequence of torque applied to it. The cage contains gearing that transfers the torque to the axle shafts while accommodating for variances in angular velocity between the axle shafts. In addition, the differential has left and right torque diverters, each of which includes a ring gear on the cage, a sun gear on the axle shaft with which it is identified, planet gears between the ring and sun gears, and a carrier for providing axes about which the planet gears rotate. Each diverter also has a brake which resists rotation of the carrier for the diverter and thereby causes torque to transfer from the cage to the axle shaft while bypassing the gearing. The brakes control the torque delivered to the axle shafts, so the differential has the capacity to vector the torque applied to its cage.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2005Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: The Timken CompanyInventor: Mircea Gradu
-
Patent number: 7232398Abstract: A method for converting a non-driven tag axle system to a driven axle system is disclosed where a forward driven axle system is converted to drive an interaxle drive shaft. The interaxle drive shaft is connected to a drive axle head mounted within the tag axle housing. Drive axles are connected to drive axle head. In another embodiment, a forward driven axle system is removed from a first position on the vehicle frame and the tag axle is removed from a second position on the vehicle frame. A differential is installed in the tag axle and it is located in the first position. The forward driven axle system is located in the second position and connected to the differential in the first position.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2004Date of Patent: June 19, 2007Assignee: Dana CorporationInventors: Francisco Garcia, Leo Wenstrup, Dale Lee Kwasniewski, Steve Slesinski
-
Patent number: 7226379Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a less expensive active transmission control system for an automobile, capable of disconnecting an engine, without increasing the number of dog clutches. In an active shift transmission, a second intermediate shaft is provided between a transmission input shaft connected with an engine and a transmission output shaft, and the transmission ratio is determined by the product of gear ratios of two sets of transmission gears. Further, a differential gear box is connected between both intermediate shafts and a motor is connected to the third shaft of this differential gear box, so that the engine torque is borne by the motor on a temporary basis, whereby active transmission is performed. When the transmission gear of the input shaft is released, the engine rotation loss at the time of regenerative braking can be eliminated by disconnecting the engine.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2004Date of Patent: June 5, 2007Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.Inventors: Masahiko Ibamoto, Hiroyuki Sakamoto, Hiroshi Kuroiwa
-
Patent number: 7140995Abstract: In a gear drive for a motor vehicle comprising a first gear, a second gear in engagement with the first gear, an oil sump arranged below the second gear such that the second gear is partially immersed in the oil sump, and an oil collection structure disposed at a level higher than the oil sump for collecting oil carried by the gears out of the oil sump, the second gear is provided at least at one side thereof with an oil guide element which extends at the side of the first gear over the engagement area thereof with the second gear and carries oil upward for collection in the oil collection structure.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2004Date of Patent: November 28, 2006Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AGInventors: Uwe Mierisch, Jürgen Roth
-
Patent number: 7121971Abstract: A drive unit for driving at least two axles of an all-wheel drive vehicle, having a housing (3), an input gear (5) meshing with an output gear (4) of a gear-shift transmission (2), a center differential (6) coaxially disposed relative to the input gear (5) and one of the axles. To yield maximum rigidity at minimum structural dimensions the input gear (5) is rigidly mounted to a cage (20) of the center differential (6), the cage (20) being journalled at one end in a first tapered roller bearing (35) seated in the housing (3). A further output member (28) of the center differential (6) extends from the opposite end of the cage (20) and is rigidly connected to an output gear (10; 40) journalled in a second tapered roller bearing (36) seated in the housing (3) and provided with a third tapered roller bearing (37) wherein the other end of the cage (20) is journalled.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 1998Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Assignee: Steyr-Daimler-Puch AG & Co. KGInventors: Hermann Pecnik, Susanne Paier
-
Patent number: 7115057Abstract: An axle assembly mounts an electric motor to a central housing opposite an input yoke that is driven by an engine. The input yoke is mounted along an axis parallel to the electric motor to alternatively or additionally permit the engine to drive a gear reduction within the axle housing through a planetary gear assembly. Another axle assembly is powered by just an electric motor to provide a relatively lighter duty axle assembly for yet another vehicle configuration.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2004Date of Patent: October 3, 2006Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology LLCInventor: Dean M. House