Abstract: An axle includes: a driven disc, an inner peripheral surface of the driven disc being a first contact surface; a half shaft connector in transmission with the driven disc, the half shaft connector including a second contact surface on its outer periphery, one of the first contact surface and the second contact surface being a circular ring surface, and the other thereof being a polygonal surface; and a differential lock device including rolling members, a rolling holder, a switching driving member, a switching driven member and a second elastic reset mechanism, a plurality of rolling members being arranged in one-to-one correspondence with a plurality of faces of the polygonal surface, and the switching driving member selectively driving the switching driven member to move, to make the rolling members move to an engaged position.

Abstract: A vehicle drive device includes: a brake that is provided with a plurality of friction plates, a first piston and a second piston, and a first piston hydraulic chamber and a second piston hydraulic chamber, and selectively fixes the third rotating element to a fixing member; a hydraulic control circuit that controls supply of the hydraulic pressure to the first piston hydraulic chamber and the second piston hydraulic chamber; and a control device. The control device controls the hydraulic control circuit such that the hydraulic pressure is supplied to the first piston hydraulic chamber and the second piston hydraulic chamber when the first traveling mode is set, and controls the hydraulic control circuit such that the hydraulic pressure is supplied only to one of the first piston hydraulic chamber and the second piston hydraulic chamber when the second traveling mode is set.

Abstract: A differential is sealed such that it retains its own lubrication fluid supply. The carrier housing is formed from two carrier halves which are welded together. One carrier half has an inner axial extension which is radially inside an outer axial extension of the other half. A circumferential weld is placed between the outer axial extension and the first carrier half. One of the stub shafts has an end cap with a one-way valve to allow fluid to be added after the welding is completed.

Abstract: An electric axle is configured to selectively enable an electric motor to power a drive shall of a vehicle. The electric axle includes a differential planetary gearset configured to transmit drive torque to a drive shaft. The differential planetary gearset has a sun gear configured to circumscribe the drive shaft. A clutch is configured to selectively non-rotatably couple the sun gear to the drive shaft. The clutch may include a sleeve moveable in an axial direction.

Abstract: A power takeoff unit for an automobile combined with a transmission is comprised of a first rotatable shaft including a first gear; a second rotatable shaft including a second gear, the second shaft being so disposed as to have the second gear engaged with the first gear and intersecting with, or being not parallel and not intersecting with, the first shaft to establish driving link between the first shaft and the second shaft; a casing including an attachment portion having a first internal face having a first internal diameter and an end portion and a second internal face being disposed inward than the first internal face relative to the casing and having a second internal diameter; and a seal member interposed between the first shaft and the second internal face.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating and hybrid driveline are presented. In one example, driver demand torque may be supplied to vehicle wheels via a hydraulic torque path and a friction torque path. Torque is distributed between the friction torque path and the hydraulic torque path in a way that ensures that driver demand torque is met and the friction torque path transfers torque up to its capacity.

Abstract: A powertrain includes an engine and a continuously variable transmission including a planetary gear arrangement and a variator. An input drives the variator and the planetary gears. A first planetary output gear is connected to the first output of the planetary gear arrangement. A second planetary output gear is connected to the first output, and a third planetary output gear is connectable by a first clutch to a second output of the planetary gear arrangement. A first output member is connected to the third planetary output gear, a second clutch releasably connects the first output member with the first planetary output gear, a third clutch connects the first output member with the second planetary output gear, a fourth clutch connects the second output member with the first planetary output gear, and a fifth clutch connects the second output member with the second planetary output gear.

Abstract: 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 the

Abstract: A fluid coupling employing a viscous fluid to produce a limited slip differential assembly. The fluid coupling is disposed within a differential casing along with a pair of side gears. The fluid coupling includes a first impeller provided with a first set of vanes and drivingly coupled to one of the side gears, a second impeller provided with a second set of vanes and drivingly coupled to the differential casing so that the first set of vanes is facing the second set of vanes, and a viscous fluid disposed between the first and second sets of vanes.

Abstract: A differential system includes a case, a pair of pinion gears, a pair of side gears and an electrically operable coupling including a magnetically responsive fluid. The coupling selectively drivingly interconnects one of the side gears and the case. In one instance, the present invention includes a rotor having a plurality of outwardly extending blades positioned in communication with a magneto-rheological fluid. An electromagnet is selectively actuated to change the viscosity of the magneto-rheological fluid. In this manner, the differential may function as an “open” differential, a “locked” differential or a differential accommodating a limited-slip condition.

Abstract: A differential system includes a case, a pair of pinion gears, a pair of side gears and an electrically operable coupling including a magnetically responsive fluid. The coupling selectively drivingly interconnects one of the side gears and the case. In one instance, the present invention includes a rotor having a plurality of outwardly extending blades positioned in communication with a magneto-rheological fluid. An electromagnet is selectively actuated to change the viscosity of the magneto-rheological fluid. In this manner, the differential may function as an “open” differential, a “locked” differential or a differential accommodating a limited-slip condition.

Abstract: A differential includes: a driving member; a first driven member; a second driven member; and a coupling between the driving member and each of the driven members, the coupling includes: an input member connected to one of the driving member, the first driven member and the second driven member; an output member connected to another one of the first driven member and the second driven member, wherein there is a first space between the output member and the input member; a magneto-rheological fluid located in the space; and at least one electromagnet proximate the space.

Abstract: A limited slip differential includes a friction clutch mechanism, an electromagnetic coupling, and a camming mechanism disposed between the friction clutch mechanism and the electromagnetic coupling. The camming mechanism converts shearing forces within the electromagnetic coupling to an axial force applied to engage the clutch mechanism. The camming mechanism includes annular discs having axially inclined ramps, and a roller bearing for movement along the ramps to provide for variable spacing between the annular discs, wherein increased spacing is used to apply the axial force.

Abstract: A method of controlling torque transfer from a torque input source to an outlet source in which an electronically controllable magnetorheological fluid-based torque limiting device is coupled to either a differential pinion gear, a side gear, both the differential pinion gear and side gear, or both side gears of a differential assembly. By introducing current through electronically controllable magnetorheological fluid-based torque-limiting device during a turning or spin-out condition, and thereby increasing the viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid within the torque limiting device, the amount of torque that is transferred to the output source through the differential assembly can be controlled.

Abstract: A method of controlling torque transfer from a torque input source to an outlet source in which an electronically controllable magnetorheological fluid-based torque limiting device is coupled to either a differential pinion gear, a side gear, both the differential pinion gear and side gear, or both side gears of a differential assembly. By introducing current through electronically controllable magnetorheological fluid-based torque-limiting device during a turning or spin-out condition, and thereby increasing the viscosity of the magnetorheological fluid within the torque limiting device, the amount of torque that is transferred to the output source through the differential assembly can be controlled.

Abstract: A limited slip differential includes a friction clutch mechanism, an electromagnetic coupling, and a camming mechanism disposed between the friction clutch mechanism and the electromagnetic coupling. The camming mechanism converts shearing forces within the electromagnetic coupling to an axial force applied to engage the clutch mechanism. The camming mechanism includes annular discs having axially inclined ramps, and a roller bearing for movement along the ramps to provide for variable spacing between the annular discs, wherein increased spacing is used to apply the axial force.

Abstract: A control for a differential for controlling the relative rotation of a pair of axles extended from the differential to a front or rear pair of wheels. An indicator shaft is coupled to the axles, e.g., through a planetary gear arrangement (the indicator shaft being the sun gear) whereby when the axles rotate in unison the ring gear and planet gear set of the planetary gear arrangement are synchronized to not drive the sun gear/indicator shaft. When one axle rotates at a rate different than the other, the sun gear is rotated. A brake mechanism is coupled to the sun gear. A sensor senses the rotational rate as well as the acceleration of the sun gear. A controller is provided to control the braking of the sun gear. Braking of the sun gear will force the axles to rotate in unison.

Abstract: A limited slip differential including a rotatable casing, a pair of axle shafts including respective ends, a pair of side gears rotatably fixed to the ends of the axle shafts, at least one pinion gear attached to the casing and meshingly engaged with the pair of side gears, a brake assembly defining a brake chamber and including first and second brake elements disposed within the brake chamber, the first brake element superposed with the second brake element, the first brake element rotatably fixed relative to the casing, a quantity of magnetorheological fluid disposed within the brake chamber, the first and second brake elements in contact with the magnetorheological fluid, and a selectively energized source of magnetic flux, the magnetorheological fluid being exposed to the flux when the source is energized.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) chain has three chain portions, or chain assemblies, that are phased or off-set by one-half pitch length with respect to each other. Struts that contact the pulleys of the CVT have upper portions that extend through passageways formed by depending toes in the inner links. The upward portions of the struts are provided at portions that correspond to the offset portions of the chain.

Abstract: A power transfer apparatus is provided with a rack/pinion type electric shift actuator for changing a traveling mode of a vehicle between high speed mode and low speed mode, and among full-time 4WD mode, 2WD mode, high direct-coupling 4WD mode and low direct-coupling mode. The apparatus further has a hydraulic multiple disc clutch for restricting a differential motion of a center differential gear when the traveling mode is in full-time 4WD mode and the traveling mode is changed over, and a hydraulic pump connected to a counter shaft, for supplying hydraulic pressure to the hydraulic multiple disc clutch.

Abstract: A differential drive with a differential housing (13) supported in a housing (12) has driving bevel gears (16, 17) and differential bevel gears (22, 23) which engage one another. The differential housing (13) includes a bearing projection (41) with a cylindrical bearing face (39). Furthermore, the differential housing (13) includes a radially extending connecting face (40) with bores (42) to receive coupling pins. A viscous coupling (26) is supported on bearings (55, 57) in a flange housing (47) flanged to the housing (12). The viscous coupling (26) includes a bearing bore (46) which associates the viscous coupling with the differential drive, receives a bearing projection (41) of the differential housing (13), with the flange housing (47) supporting the bearing carrier. Furthermore, a plug-in shaft (58) is provided which, for connecting the hub (32), includes teeth and which itself may be plugged into a toothed bore (60) of the driving bevel gear (17).

Abstract: In a drive-slip control system (ASR) for a motor vehicle with rear-axle drive, operating on the principle of retarding again a driven vehicle wheel having a tendency to spin by activating its wheel brake, the rear-axle differential is provided with a locking device which, as the difference in the propulsive torques which can be transmitted via the driven vehicle wheels, between the latter and the roadway increases, develops an increasing degree of locking. The locking device is constructed using multi-plate clutches, which provide a frictional, limited-slip coupling between the driving ring gears and the cage of the differential on which the differential bevel gears of the differential are also mounted. In addition, the multi-plate clutches can be applied hydraulically, controlled being exercised via a solenoid valve.

Abstract: According to the invention, an output element of a differential is made in two parts (14a, 14b), one (14b) of these two parts being axially mobile under the effect of a torque transmitted through this output element. This axial displacement is used to act either on a friction clutch or preferably on a coupling of the viscocoupler type in order to modify its characteristics.Application particularly to motor vehicles.

Abstract: A differential unit has axially aligned helically toothed output gears of different diameters to provide an unequal division of the input torque, in meshing relationship with two sets of intermediate gears which mesh together and are rotatable on axes parallel to the output gear axis. The gears of one set of intermediate gears mesh with concentric internally and externally toothed output gears to provide alternative outputs at different torque division rates. Slip within the unit can be opposed by frictional coating on the gears and/or on the housing by which they are carried and/or by a damping fluid which may be an electro-rheological fluid.

Abstract: A power delivering apparatus employs a viscous coupling for limiting differential action performed by a front differential of an engine-powered vehicle. In the power delivering apparatus, since at least one of rotary members of the viscous coupling is directly supported by a stationary support member of the body of the vehicle, it is possible to support the viscous coupling of the power delivering apparatus in a firmer manner than in the prior art, thereby permitting the power delivering apparatus to remarkably reduce both of vibration and noise.

Abstract: A driving power transmission system for transmitting a driving power to front tires and rear tires, wherein a torque transmission device is disposed within a drive line for controlling transmissive torque transmitted to the tires. The torque transmission device is provided with a rotational housing to which a driving power from an engine is applied, a cylindrical shaft which is drivingly connected to the tires. The housing receives a clutch mechanism for transmitting a rotational torque from the housing to the cylindrical shaft, a piston located adjacent to the clutch mechanism and a pressure generating mechanism having an input rotational shaft for generating a pressure so as to actuate the clutch mechanism through the piston.

Abstract: A differential gear unit includes a viscous coupling for restricting the differential rotation of output gears (27, 29), with the conneciton of one of the parts (31) of the viscous coupling to one output gear being by way of a releasable connecting device so that the viscous coupling can be brought out of operation when required, e.g. under vehicle braking. The connecting device comprises a sleeve (1), coupling members (11) movable radially in the sleeve (1) to engage, when in radially outermost positions, groove (35) for torque transmission, and an actuating member (2) movable axially within the sleeve and operable on the coupling members. The actuating member (2) is movable by an axially displaceable positioning member (87, 49) through the intermediary of latching balls (68, 48) which are themselves radially displaceable to hold the actuating member in position without continuous application of a high force. The positioning member may be movable mechanically, electro-magnetically, or by fluid pressure.

Abstract: A viscous shear coupling comprises a housing and a hub rotatable within the housing. Plates are splined to the housing and plates to the hub, there is a pair of plates splined to the hub between each two adjacent plates splined to the housing. The plates in pairs splined to the hub have convergent apertures therein, each aperture converging in a direction away from that radial face of the plate which is adjacent to the other plate of the pair.

Abstract: In a differential gear apparatus provided with a differential limitation mechanism, to prevent a washer interposed between the differential case and the coupling case from being seized by heat when viscous fluid is sheared into high temperature and pressure, the coupling case is formed integral with a first output shaft to increase rigidity of the coupling case. Further, it is preferable to form an inner hub integral with a second output shaft to increase rigidity of the inner hub.