Friction Clutch Patents (Class 475/238)
-
Patent number: 10889270Abstract: Differentials having plate packs for exerting a braking torque onto the output shafts of the gear unit are known. The brake device is intended to be designed such that effective braking can be achieved using it and that it is easy to service. To this end, the invention makes provision for the brake device to be a drum brake having a passive element, exhibiting a cylindrical frictional surface, and brake shoes, the frictional surfaces of which brake shoes can be placed against the cylindrical frictional surface of the passive element. The passive element can be a brake drum or a radial brake disk, the cylindrical edge of which serves as a frictional surface. The passive element is fastened to the differential cage and/or one of the shafts. The brake shoes are held in a pivotable manner on a carrier plate fastened to the outside of the differential housing.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2017Date of Patent: January 12, 2021Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co. oHGInventors: Ulrike Meyer, Martin Semsch, Uwe Bach, Jens Hoffmann, Ahmed Sefo, Wolfgang Ritter, Martin Gädke, Holger von Hayn, Adrian Messner
-
Patent number: 9039559Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 13, 2010Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: GKN Driveline International GmbHInventor: Theodor Gassmann
-
Patent number: 8900086Abstract: A hydraulic system for a vehicle clutch assembly can include an on-demand variable displacement pump and a purge valve for regulating hydraulic pressure supplied to the clutch(es). The hydraulic pressure at the pump can have multiple displacement settings to compensate for variable changes in clutch pressure requirements. The purge valve can be configured to purge hydraulic pressure from the hydraulic system so that an optimum, controllable, and/or pre-determined operating pressure can be supplied to the clutch(es). The system can be configured to provide accurate control of clutch(es) when a drivetrain is being automatically controlled to switch between a low gear ratio and a high gear ratio.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2010Date of Patent: December 2, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tetsushi Asano, Bobbie Burke, Andrew J. Fox
-
Patent number: 8740741Abstract: A differential axle assembly for a work machine having a differential lock capability. The differential axle has a differential gear housing, which utilizes a sealed housing on the outside thereof and a bleed flow path for pressurized liquid lubricant actuating a differential lock feature to provide adequate cooling flow for the differential gear set and differential lock mechanism under heavy duty circumstances.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2011Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Robert L. Wood, Jr., Michael J. Cliff, Craig R. Eike
-
Patent number: 8594898Abstract: In an apparatus for controlling a belt type CVT connected to an engine (prime mover) mounted on a vehicle through a forward clutch to change power of the engine in speed and transmit the power to a driven wheel of the vehicle, it is configured to determine whether it is in a predetermined operating condition where an operator is likely to apply a panic brake or the like, set a first value as a friction coefficient ? of the clutch to calculate and control a desired supply hydraulic pressure based on the first value when the determination result is negative, and set a second value greater than the first value to calculate and control the desired supply hydraulic pressure based on the second value when the determination result is affirmative.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2010Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hirohiko Totsuka
-
Patent number: 8388486Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2010Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Magna Powertrain of America, Inc.Inventors: Todd Ekonen, Johannes Quehenberger
-
Patent number: 7862462Abstract: A differential device is provided with a case being capable of rotation around a rotation axis; a differential gear set housed in and drivingly coupled to the case, which includes first and second output gears and is configured to differentially transmit the rotation of the case to the first and second output gears; a clutch configured to controllably limit and free a differential motion between the first and second output gears, which is housed in the case; an actuator configured to actuate the clutch; and a notifying member configured to notify whether the differential motion is limited or freed to an exterior of the case.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2007Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: GKN Driveline Torque Technology KKInventor: Masaaki Fusegi
-
Publication number: 20080254931Abstract: A differential device includes a differential casing 15 having a cylindrical part 3, first and second sidewalls 5, 7 formed on both sides of the cylindrical part 3 and a flange part 13 formed on the outer circumference of the first sidewall 5, a differential mechanism 23 having a differential member 17 to which a driving force is transmitted from the differential casing 15 and first and second output members 19, 21 both engaged with the differential member 17 to distribute the driving force, a diff lock mechanism 29 having a clutch member 25 rotatable integrally with the first sidewall 5 and connectable with the first output member 19 by a relative movement of the clutch member 25 to the first sidewall 5 in the axial direction of the cylindrical part 3 and an actuator 27 for moving the clutch member 25 in the axial direction of the cylindrical part 3 and a differential restraint mechanism 33 having a frictional clutch 31 arranged on the side of the second sidewall 7, for restraining a relative rotation of theType: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2008Publication date: October 16, 2008Applicant: GKN Driveline Torque Technology KKInventors: Hiroaki Sugaya, Masaaki Fusegi
-
Patent number: 7178652Abstract: A torque transfer mechanism is provided for controlling the magnitude of a clutch engagement force exerted on a multi-plate clutch assembly that is operably disposed between a first rotary and a second rotary member. The torque transfer mechanism includes a clutch actuator for generating and applying a clutch engagement force on the clutch assembly.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2005Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.Inventor: Joseph G. Mueller
-
Patent number: 6837821Abstract: The differential includes a differential casing configured to be rotatably driven by a motor under a driving force. The differential includes a differential mechanism which includes a pair of first and second side-gears for distributing a torque of the differential casing to first and second output shafts. The differential includes a frictional clutch for interconnecting the first and second output shafts. The frictional clutch includes first and second power-transmitting members connected to first and second output shafts respectively and first and second clutch plates. The first and second clutch plates are connected to the first and second power-transmitting members respectively. The differential includes an actuator for operating the frictional clutch. One output shaft of the first and second output shafts is axially displacable by the actuator under an engagement force to engage the frictional clutch.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2003Date of Patent: January 4, 2005Assignees: Tochigi Fuji Sangyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masao Teraoka, Tatsuhiro Tomari, Akihiro Iwazaki, Koji Matsubara, Yutaka Tashiro
-
Publication number: 20030114264Abstract: A cone clutch mechanism that is controlled by an electronic control unit is disclosed. The cone clutch mechanism features simplicity of construction and a control system to engage or disengage shaft power on the vehicle according to vehicle stability and traction control requirements. The mechanism may be used to selectively transfer the power to desired shafts or wheels.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2001Publication date: June 19, 2003Applicant: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Xiaohong N. Duan
-
Patent number: 6290623Abstract: A removable support of motor vehicle differential side gear that facilitates machining which is added after the internal features of a two-piece motor vehicle differential case have been machined to position and support a motor vehicle differential side gear in the two-piece motor vehicle differential case and preclude gear movement therein. The removable motor vehicle differential side gear support is preferably fabricated from a structurally sound material, such as steel, and has a configuration similar to a washer. The removable motor vehicle side gear support is preferably removably secured to the two-piece motor vehicle differential case by, for example, mechanical fasteners, such a plurality of threaded bolts which pass through a corresponding plurality of clearance openings in the removable motor vehicle side gear support and are received in and secured in a corresponding plurality of internally threaded openings in the two-piece motor vehicle differential case.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 1999Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: Dana CorporationInventor: David M. Morse
-
Patent number: 6063000Abstract: A limited slip differential gear that is simple in construction, small in size and light in weight is provided. The limited slip differential gear includes a pair of divided gear cases that are turned by a driving force of an engine. A pressure ring provided in one of the gear cases is movable in the direction of the wheel axles. Pinion shafts each have an end that is freely engageably supported between the pressure ring and the gear cases. Pinion gears are turnably supported by the pinion shafts. A pair of side gears mesh with the pinion gears positioned therebetween to transmit the driving force to both wheel axles. A multiple disc clutch mechanism provided between one of the gear cases, the side gears and the pressure ring limits differential motion of the side gears when the pressure ring is moved in an axial outward direction.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 1999Date of Patent: May 16, 2000Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Route SixInventor: Kazuaki Sugimoto
-
Patent number: 5759129Abstract: A locking differential is provided for selectably locking a first axle to a second axle. The locking differential utilizes a dog clutch assembly characterized by two interlocking clutch members positioned between the differential side gears on opposing sides of the differential pinion shaft. The interlocking clutch members have face splines thereon for engaging corresponding face splines formed on the side gears. An actuating mechanism can be selectably activated to force the two interlocking members into engagement with the side gears.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 1996Date of Patent: June 2, 1998Assignee: Vehicle Technologies, Inc.Inventors: John H. Zentmyer, Mark V. Tyson
-
Patent number: 5520589Abstract: An improved locking differential for driving a pair of vehicle axles. The differential includes a rotatable case. A differential pinion is supported by the case and meshes with side gears to drive the axles. A clutch assembly is carried by the case and connects the side gear with the case upon actuation. Fluid power actuates the clutch assembly to connect the case and side gear. The improvement comprises the fluid power means having a seal retainer which encircles a portion of the case. The seal retainer has a system for evenly distributes forces applied to the axially extending portion of the case during delivery of pressurized fluid to the clutch assembly to minimize relative movement between the seal retainer and the case. The system comprises oppositely facing surfaces formed in the seal retainer being substantially equal in area to offset oppositely directed forces acting within the seal retainer when pressurized fluid is communicated to the clutch assembly.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 1995Date of Patent: May 28, 1996Assignee: Clark Equipment CompanyInventors: Gregory T. Dewald, Charles D. Schaber
-
Patent number: 5350340Abstract: In a differential, a clutch links an axially stationary planet carrier with an axially mobile output shaft so that they rotate together. Engaging gears with engaging surfaces parallel to the main axis link an axially stationary clutch part with the output shaft so that they rotate together. Engaging gears with engaging surfaces parallel to the main axis link an axially mobile clutch part with the planet carrier so that they rotate together.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 1991Date of Patent: September 27, 1994Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Michael Paul, Eberhard Wilks, Peter Sigl
-
Patent number: 5312307Abstract: A system for selective direct connection of a shaft to a differential casing includes a frictional coupling that is engaged prior to direct connection of the shaft to the casing. The frictional coupling ensures that the shaft is rotating at a speed which approximates the speed of the casing prior to direct connection. The frictional coupling thus reduces any jarring from the direct connection of the shaft to the casing, thereby reducing the stress on the system.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 1992Date of Patent: May 17, 1994Assignee: Dana CorporationInventor: Howard W. Reaser
-
Patent number: 5295921Abstract: A system having a pair of axle shafts; an input shaft for transmitting torque; and a differential for transmitting motion from the input shaft to the axle shafts and in turn presenting a planet carrier angularly integral with the input shaft, and a pair of sun gears; the system also presenting a first clutch interposed between each axle shaft and a respective sun gear, a second clutch interposed between each axle shaft and the planet carrier; and a device for controlling the clutches and continuously varying distribution of the torque between the axle shafts.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1992Date of Patent: March 22, 1994Assignee: Centro Ricerche Fiat Societa Consortill per AzioniInventors: Luigi Ippolito, Giorgio Lupo, Alessandro Lorenzini
-
Patent number: 5125876Abstract: To realize a small-sized differential gear provided with both differential limiting and locking functions simultaneously without markedly modifying the conventional differential case, the differential gear comprises a differential mechanism having a differential case, pinion shafts, pinion gears, two side gears, etc.; two frictional multiplate clutches disposed between the two side gears and two inner side wall surfaces of the differential case, respectively for limiting differential function; a lock clutch disposed within the differential case for generating two opposite direction thrust forces to engage said limit multiplate clutches into engagement and further locking the differential function; and actuator for actuating the lock clutch from outside of the differential case.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 1991Date of Patent: June 30, 1992Assignee: Tochigifujisangyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Isao Hirota
-
Patent number: 5098360Abstract: To realize a small-sized differential gear provided with both differential limiting and locking functions simultaneously without markedly modifying the conventional differential case, the differential gear comprises a differential mechanism having a differential case, pinion shafts, pinion gears, two side gears, etc.; two frictional multiplate clutches disposed between the two side gears and two inner side wall surfaces of the differential case, respectively for limiting differential function; a lock clutch disposed within the differential case for generating two opposite direction thrust forces to engage said limit multiplate clutches into engagement and further locking the differential function; and actuator for actuating the lock clutch from outside of the differential case.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 1989Date of Patent: March 24, 1992Assignee: Tochigifujisangyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Isao Hirota