Plural Outputs Patents (Class 477/36)
  • Patent number: 11623511
    Abstract: A longitudinal multi-shift electrically driving power assembly, wherein the longitudinal multi-shift electrically driving power assembly includes an electric motor and a plurality of sets of gearboxes, each of the gearboxes is a single-shift reduction gearbox or a multi-shift reduction gearbox, the gearboxes are connected in series to form a gearbox assembly, and an output shaft of the electric motor and an input shaft of the gearbox assembly are integrally manufactured. The power assembly employs the plurality of sets of gearboxes that are connected in series, which improves the performance of the power assembly without adding a power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: Jing-Jin Electric Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ping Yu, Jianwen Li, Defeng Hou, Jiaqi Li
  • Patent number: 10150367
    Abstract: A power take-off (PTO) arrangement is provided for transferring power between a work vehicle and an implement. The PTO arrangement includes a PTO shaft having a PTO flange; and a PTO transmission unit having an input shaft coupled to the work vehicle, an output shaft coupled to the PTO shaft, and a gear set coupling the input shaft to the output shaft such that the power is transferred at a speed ratio selected from at least two speed ratios. A PTO speed control system has a sensor arrangement proximate to the PTO shaft and configured to sense data associated with the PTO flange and generate a PTO flange output signal based on the PTO flange data and a control unit and configured to selectively enable and disable operation of the PTO arrangement based on the PTO flange output signal and the selected speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Eric T. Lammers, Joel R. Brummer
  • Patent number: 9991720
    Abstract: A load control apparatus and a load control system capable of more efficiently using power generated from a private power generator, in which a load control apparatus includes a memory, a selector, and a load controller. The memory is configured to store a plurality of patterns having a plurality of control operations that are prioritized for a plurality of loads operated by consuming electric power. The selector is configured to select one of the patterns stored in the memory. The load controller is configured to operate the loads in order of priority on the basis of the control operation of the selected pattern while a total sum of power consumed by the loads does not exceed a target power value representing a value based on power suppliable by the electric generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Nagako Hisada, Koichi Shimozato, Takao Nosaka, Kenichi Yamazaki, Saori Machida, Koji Kimura, Ikuro Komamura, Tomohiro Asazuma
  • Patent number: 9381906
    Abstract: A vehicle driving device includes: a rotating electrical machine; a first shaft and a second shaft respectively connected to a drive shaft; and a differential mechanism including a rotation component connected to the rotating electrical machine, a rotation component connected to the first shaft, and a rotation component connected to the second shaft. The vehicle driving device includes a predetermined mode in which a transmission of a power through the second shaft is disconnected, a differential operation of the differential mechanism is regulated, and the rotating electrical machine and the drive shaft are connected to each other through the first shaft. Each of the first shaft and the second shaft may include a transmission mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Haruo Isomura, Hiroaki Ebuchi, Hiroyuki Shibata
  • Patent number: 8996263
    Abstract: An electronic controller for a variable ratio transmission and an electronically controllable variable ratio transmission including a variator or other CVT are described herein. The electronic controller can be configured to receive input signals indicative of parameters associated with an engine coupled to the transmission. The electronic controller can also receive one or more control inputs. The electronic controller can determine an active range and an active variator mode based on the input signals and control inputs. The electronic controller can control a final drive ratio of the variable ratio transmission by controlling one or more electronic solenoids that control the ratios of one or more portions of the variable ratio transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLC
    Inventors: Stanley B. Quinn, Jr., Alan L. Miller, Scott R. Anderson
  • Patent number: 8938339
    Abstract: A method of actuating an assembly of a transmission, with which are associated a plurality of actuators with whose help the assembly can in principle be actuated, such that out of the actuators available in principle for actuation, a control unit selects at least one actuator for the actual actuation and activates the selected actuator with an output signal in such manner that a status parameter of the actuated assembly corresponds to or follows a control-side nominal value, such that out of the actuators available in principle for actuating the assembly, the control unit selects at least one actuator for the actual actuation of the assembly in such manner that, for all the actuators available in principle for actuating the assembly over the operating life of the transmission, the extent of their utilization is approximately uniform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Peter Herter, Rupert Kramer
  • Patent number: 8894543
    Abstract: The present invention utilizes the rotary kinetic power to drive the first transmission device (T101), and is individually installed with the output end transmission devices to the output end of the first transmission device (T101), so as to drive the loading wheel sets installed at the two sides of the common load body (L100), as well as installed with individually controlled output end clutch devices for controlling the driven wheel sets and the wheel shafts to perform engaging transmission or terminating transmission, and between the wheel shafts of the loading wheel sets at two lateral sides of the common load body (L100), a flexibility transmission device is installed, thereby through the flexibility transmission device performing the flexibility transmission with differential rotational speed from the engaging transmission side to the terminating transmission side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
  • Patent number: 8888658
    Abstract: A control system (100) for an all-wheel-drive torque transfer case (102) coupling of a motor vehicle (104) including a power unit (130) having a centrifugally governed fluid pump (132) and a flow valve (134) movable between recirculation and diverter positions (134a, 134b). A control valve (136) located between the fluid pump (132), the all-wheel-drive clutch assembly (112), and the range shift assembly (120). The control valve (136) operable between a first position (136a) allowing fluid flow between the pump (132) and the clutch assembly (112), and a second position (136b) allowing fluid flow between the pump (132) and the range shift assembly (120). At least one range shift valve (138; 152, 154) located between the control valve (136) and the range shift assembly (120).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: BorgWarner, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry A. Pritchard
  • Publication number: 20140248994
    Abstract: In a four-wheel drive vehicle, a first transaxle is disposed on one of front and rear sides of a power unit so as to be drivingly connected to one of front and rear ends of a transmission output shaft of the power unit. A second transaxle is disposed on the other of the front and rear sides of the power unit. A clutch-brake unit includes a clutch and a parking brake. An input shaft of the second transaxle is divided in the clutch-brake unit into upstream and downstream divisional shafts. The upstream divisional shaft is drivingly connected to the other of the front and rear ends of the transmission output shaft. The downstream divisional shaft is drivingly connected to right and left second drive wheels carried by the second transaxle. The clutch is interposed between the upstream and downstream divisional shafts. The parking brake is disposed on the upstream divisional shaft. When the parking brake is shifted to a braking state, the clutch having been disengaged is automatically engaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: KANZAKI KOKYUKOKI MFG. CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Kochidomari, Eiji Kashu, Tomoyuki Ebihara
  • Publication number: 20140235403
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising an engine, a power take-off to be driven by the engine, one or more load services to be driven by the engine, a PTO modulator coupled to the power-takeoff output port and operable to selectively engage the power take-off to the engine to provide output rotational power, one or more load-service modulators coupled to the one or more load services and operable to selectively engage the one or more load services to the engine to provide service outputs, and a load controller configured to selectively operate the PTO modulator and the one or more load-service modulators to change the output from the power take-off or the one or more load services based on a condition of the engine and a load priority assigned to the power take-off or the one or more load services.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: VMAC, a division of Mangonel Investments Corporation
    Inventors: Tod GILBERT, Peter Ivan DAHLE, Maciej PATER
  • Publication number: 20140135168
    Abstract: In a 4WD vehicle that is basically an FF type, a propeller shaft 4 includes, on a front end and a rear end thereof, respective driving force transmission devices 3 and 5. The propeller shaft 4 includes an electric motor 41, and when the electric motor 41 is rotated in a backward direction of the vehicle during a 2WD state, a hypoid ring gear 36 of a transfer mechanism 32 of the driving force transmission device 3 is moved so as to engage a clutch mechanism 31. By such an engagement, engine torque is transmitted to the driving force transmission device 5 via the propeller shaft 4. Thus, a hypoid ring gear 56 of a transfer mechanism 52 of the driving force transmission device 5 is moved so as to engage a clutch mechanism 51. Accordingly, a drive state is switched to a 4WD state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Takami Yokoo
  • Publication number: 20140018208
    Abstract: A drive force distributing apparatus includes a first roller that is rotatable with a main drive wheel system and a second roller that is rotatable with a subordinate drive wheel system. Control of the drive force distribution between the main drive wheel system and the subordinate drive wheel system is carried out by turning the second roller by the rotation of a crankshaft to thereby adjust a radial pressing force of the second roller against the first roller by an adjustment mechanism. The adjustment mechanism includes a pinion shaft in meshed engagement with the crankshaft, a first output gear fitted to the pinion shaft, and a second output gear meshed with the first output gear and driven to rotate by a motor. A rotation angle sensor is provided to detect a variation in teeth of the first output gear to detect a rotation angle of the first output gear, whereby control of the drive force distribution is performed based on the detected rotation angle of the first output gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tetsu TAKAISHI, Atsuhiro MORI, Shunichi MITSUISHI, Eigo SAKAGAMI, Katsuyoshi OGAWA
  • Publication number: 20130260959
    Abstract: The invention relates to a powertrain for a motor vehicle having a permanently driven primary axle, comprising: a drive unit for the generation of a drive torque; a first clutch for the transfer of a variable portion of the drive torque to a secondary axle of the motor vehicle; a second clutch for the deactuation of a torque transfer section of the powertrain arranged between the first clutch and the second clutch when the first clutch is opened; and a control unit for the automatic control of the first clutch, with the control unit being connected to at least one sensor for the detection of a wheel slip at the primary axle; with the control unit being made, starting from a deactuated state of the torque transfer section, to close the second clutch in dependence on a detected wheel slip at the primary axle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: MAGNA Powertrain AG & Co KG
    Inventors: Johannes Quehenberger, Simon Kaimer, Martin Parigger
  • Publication number: 20130244830
    Abstract: A transfer case arrangement may include a first output shaft, a second output shaft, a clutch, a shutdown device, a lubrication device, and a control. The clutch may distribute a torque between the output shafts. The shutdown device may shut down the second output shaft when the clutch is disengaged. The lubrication device may lubricate the clutch and/or another component of the transfer case arrangement. The lubrication device may include an oil conveying device for conveying lubrication oil. The control may activate the oil conveying device periodically when the second output shaft is shut down.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Inventors: Johannes Quehenberger, Walter Hamal
  • Patent number: 8523738
    Abstract: A method of shifting a power distribution unit for a vehicle from a first operating state to a second operating state is provided. The method includes the step of adjusting a rotational speed of a portion of a second axle assembly using a clutching device to impart energy to a lubricant within the second axle assembly. A controller in communication with a power source of the vehicle adjusts an operating condition of the power source to facilitate moving the clutching device. The power distribution unit includes an inter-axle differential capable being placed in a locked condition by the clutching device and of accommodating a rotational difference between a first output gear and a second output gear with the inter-axle differential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy J. Morscheck, Kenneth E. Cooper, James F. Ziech, Richard A. Nellums, Steven J. Wesolowski, Donald J. Remboski
  • Publication number: 20130090209
    Abstract: A method of operating a drive-train comprising an auxiliary output on the engine side that can be coupled to the combustion engine via a continuously variable transmission and a generator such that when the engine is running, the generator can be driven at a constant rotational speed regardless of the speed of the engine, such that a condition parameter of the auxiliary output is regulated between a pair of limit values. The condition parameter is regulated as a function of its current actual value, the limit values of the condition parameter and also as a function of a current and/or anticipated driving situation such that parameters are determined, in the regulator, for the energy input into the auxiliary output as a function of these input data, and hence for a corresponding energy uptake from the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Alexander Banerjee, Bernard Hunold
  • Patent number: 8296034
    Abstract: To provide a vehicle speed limiting system that is capable of executing a maximum speed limiting control without influencing a driving feeling of a vehicle. A vehicle speed limiting system includes: a three-dimensional map 46a and a throttle valve driving unit 47. A first maximum speed limiter opening degree is calculated by adding a first predetermined opening degree, a second predetermined opening degree, and a current throttle valve opening degree, the first predetermined opening degree being calculated by multiplying a speed difference of the vehicle by a preset P-term coefficient, the second predetermined opening degree being calculated by multiplying an acceleration of the vehicle by a preset D-term coefficient. Once the calculated first maximum speed limiter opening degree falls below the target throttle valve opening degree ?B, the throttle valve motor 30 is driven on a basis of the first maximum speed limiter opening degree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Tetsuka, Kenichi Machida, Yukihiro Asada, Masanori Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8170762
    Abstract: A method for controlling a hydraulic flow within a powertrain comprising an electromechanical transmission mechanically-operatively coupled to an engine adapted to selectively transmit power to an output, wherein the transmission utilizes a hydraulic control system serving a number of hydraulic oil consuming functions includes monitoring minimum hydraulic pressure requirements for each of the functions, determining a requested hydraulic pressure based upon the monitoring minimum hydraulic pressure requirements and physical limits of the hydraulic control system including a maximum pressure, determining a desired flow utilizing a hydraulic control system flow model based upon the requested hydraulic pressure, and utilizing the desired flow to control an auxiliary hydraulic pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Michael D. Foster, Eric S. Tryon, Jy-Jen F. Sah, Ali K Naqvi
  • Patent number: 8159169
    Abstract: In a parking brake control device, the minimum value of a motor current is set as an idle current after a motor begins to be driven, specifically, in a period during which the idle current is being sampled. As a result, the idle current is set to a value which reflects the temperature of an electric parking brake and the dispersion of individual units of the motor. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a parking brake control device, which can set a target current value capable of coping with the dispersion of the individual units of the motor by calculating the target current value by adding a target effective current necessary to generate an actuation force to the idle current set as described above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Advics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Watanabe, Kazuma Kondo, Masaki Ninoyu
  • Patent number: 8100811
    Abstract: An automatic disengaging method for a master clutch dependent power take-off (PTO) arranged in a vehicle for preventing undesired movement or actions of the implements associated with the PTO and undesired wear of a clutch collar (release bearing). The PTO is driven by an engine via a master clutch between a crankshaft of the engine and an input shaft in a gearbox. The gear box further comprises an output shaft which is powered by the input shaft, optionally via an intermediate shaft. A power take-off is connected to the input shaft or, optionally, to the intermediate shaft. The system further includes a control unit connected to the master clutch and the gear box. When the control unit registers that the master clutch is disengaged, a gear is engaged in the gearbox and certain conditions are fulfilled (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventors: Lars Karlsson, Svante Karlsson
  • Patent number: 8073602
    Abstract: A method for controlling an electro-mechanical transmission mechanically coupled to first and second electric machines to transmit power to an output member includes determining motor torque constraints and battery power constraints. A preferred output torque to an output member is determined that is achievable within the motor torque constraints, within a range for an additional torque input and based upon the battery power constraints.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Daimler AG, Chrysler LLC, Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Tung-Ming Hsieh, Anthony H. Heap
  • Patent number: 8055415
    Abstract: The invention essentially relates to a method for blocking wheels of a vehicle when stopped in which a transmission device (1) is placed between an output (2) of a heat engine (3) and a wheel (5) axle shaft (4). This device (1) comprises an input shaft (13) connected to the output (2) of the engine (3), an output shaft (31) connected to the wheel axle shaft (4), and at least one electrical machine (6, 7). The device also comprises a mechanical assembly (12) interconnecting the input shaft (13), the output shaft (31) and the shaft (8, 9) of the machine. This assembly (12) is connected to a bridge (15) that, in turn, is connected to the wheel (5) axle shaft (4). The invention provides that, in order to block the wheels when the vehicle is stopped and to limit an observable torque on the elements of the assembly (12), the wheel axle shaft is blocked by the mechanical assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Peugeot Citroen Automobiles SA
    Inventors: Serge Belmont, Olivier Boury, Sebastien Besnard
  • Publication number: 20110077121
    Abstract: An oil-pressure output device (electric pump unit) is arranged on an outer wall face of an automatic transmission which is positioned on an opposite side to an engine (left side of a vehicle). An arrangement position of the oil-pressure output device is out of a movable range of one of the steered driving wheels which is located on the opposite side to the engine (left front wheel). Accordingly, a simpler layout change between a case of attaching the oil-pressure output device to the automatic transmission and another case of not attaching the one can be provided, so that commonality of components or layout of the automatic transmission and its surrounding devices and structures can be provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Koshiro SAJI, Shinsuke YOSHIURA, Masako SHINOHARA
  • Patent number: 7753173
    Abstract: A power divider for motor vehicles includes a housing, a primary shaft and a secondary shaft, wherein a friction clutch having an outer part that is rigidly connected to the primary shaft, and an inner part, derives torque from the primary shaft and delivers the torque to the secondary shaft by means of the inner part and a displacement drive. To ensure a sufficient supply of lubrication oil under all conditions, an oil reservoir, which at least partially surrounds the ramp ring, is fixed in the housing between the coupling and the displacement drive. The base of the oil reservoir comprises at least one opening, which is adjacent to the upper part of the periphery of the ramp ring, and the oil reservoir has at least one guiding device that extends into the centrifugal area of the displacement drive, through which the centrifuged lubrication oil is received in the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Magna Drivetrain AG & Co KG
    Inventors: Franz Gratzer, Markus Kraxner, Mario Vockenhuber
  • Publication number: 20100173746
    Abstract: A power transmission unit, which includes: an engine; a plurality of speed change gear pairs, each of which has a different gear ratio, and to which a power outputted from the engine is transmitted; an output member outputting the power transmitted from any of the selected speed change gear pair; a differential mechanism, which has three rotary elements to perform a differential action, and in which a first rotary element of the three rotary elements is connected with the engine; and an electric motor, connected with a second rotary element of the three rotary elements; and wherein the plurality of speed change gear pairs include a first gear pair adapted to be connected with the first rotary element and the output member, and a second gear pair adapted to be connected with a third rotary element of the three rotary elements and the output member. The power transmission unit can reduce a power loss, and is downsized to be mounted on a vehicle easily.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yukihiko Ideshio, Hideaki Komada, Takashi Ohta
  • Publication number: 20100048350
    Abstract: A differential gear for a wind power plant, comprises a gearbox (7) with three inputs and outputs, wherein one input is connected to the rotor (3) of the wind power plant, the first output is connected to a generator (11) and the second output is connected to the input shaft of a continuously variable gearbox (12), the output shaft of which is connected to the generator side output of the gearbox (7). The input shaft of the continuously variable gearbox (12) is connected to the output shaft of the gearbox (7) by means of a variable gearbox (15).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: AMSC Windtec GmbH
    Inventor: Gerald Hehenberger
  • Publication number: 20080300102
    Abstract: A controller for switching the driving status of a car comprising a motor for driving a shift rail of a transfer case, a gear mechanism for transferring the rotation of the motor to the shift rail, a magnet rotating together with the shift rail, and a magnetic sensor element for proving output according to the rotational angle of the magnet, wherein the distance between the magnet and the magnetic sensor element is longer than the position variance of the magnetic sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masashi SAITO, Shigeki Yamada, Yasuro Kameshiro, Mikine Kume, Youichi Nakano
  • Publication number: 20080280728
    Abstract: A power transmitting apparatus for performing switching between 2-wheel and 4-wheel drive modes and locking and unlocking of differential mechanism by an operational shaft can include a driving device comprising a reversible motor, a rotational member rotationally driven by the motor and provided with a contacting member. A spring can be arranged on the rotational member, a connecting member can be arranged to be abutted by one end of the spring so as to be rotated by the rotational member via the coil spring, and a driving shaft can be rotatably arranged relative to the rotational member and engaged by the operational shaft in its rotational direction and adapted to be rotated by the rotational member via the connecting member. A stay can be engaged by the driving shaft in its rotational direction and provided with a contacting member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA F.C.C.
    Inventors: Ryouhei Chiba, Naoyuki Miwa
  • Publication number: 20080108478
    Abstract: A control module, in particular for a transmission of a motor vehicle, has a substrate part, a control unit situated on a substrate part, which has a first housing part and a second housing part and a housing interior situated between the first housing part and the second housing part, in which an electronic circuit component attached to the first housing part is situated, and has at least one flexible printed circuit foil for electrically connecting the circuit component to electric components situated outside the housing interior on the substrate part, the first housing part of the control unit being situated flat on a contact area of the substrate part and the second housing part being situated within the contact area on the first housing part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Inventors: Gerhard Wetzel, Peter Sprafke, Martin Gerhaeusser
  • Patent number: 7343236
    Abstract: The present invention provides a universal power control module for automatic transmissions. The power control module includes a processor and at least two sensor inputs that convey engine and vehicle data to the processor. This data may include vehicle speed, engine temperature, throttle position, engine RPM, and other operational parameters. Both the type and number of data input to the processor may be changed to accommodate different engine and transmission combinations. At least two outputs convey commands from the processor to the transmission. Program circuitry defines the gear shift pattern of the transmission according to the engine and vehicle sensor data. This program circuitry can be programmed to define an optimal gear shift pattern for any combination of engine and transmission, independent of make and model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Autocraft Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Barry Wilson
  • Patent number: 7314424
    Abstract: A hybrid-electric powertrain and control method for a vehicle having forward traction wheels and rearward traction wheels in an all-wheel drive configuration. An engine and an electric motor deliver power through delivery paths to the traction wheels. The power delivery paths may have multiple ratio gearing so that more power can be delivered mechanically to improve powertrain performance and to allow the electric motor size to be reduced. The powertrain may include a controller for automatically balancing power distribution to the forward and rearward traction wheels to avoid wheel slip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Supina, Shailesh Kozarekar, Stefan P. Pototschnik
  • Patent number: 7276013
    Abstract: The invention relates to a parallel shift transmission having a drive unit and two partial transmissions, each connectable to the drive unit via a friction clutch and each having a plurality of gear ratio steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Alexander Schweizer, Frank Stengel, Martin Fuss, Matthias Ehrlich, Behzad Nazari, Jens Martin, Joachim Hirt, Martin Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 6878085
    Abstract: In a differential limiting torque control section, a target differential rotation speed between front and rear drive shafts is established according to a dial position inputted by a driver of a variable dial. Further, an actual differential rotation speed between front and rear drive shafts is calculated and a deviation between the target differential rotation speed and the actual differential rotation speed is calculated. Based on the deviation, a first differential limiting torque and based on a dial position of a variable dial a second differential limiting torque are calculated. Further, a third differential limiting torque is calculated based on the dial position and a throttle opening angle. A final differential limiting torque between front and rear drive shafts is obtained by summing up these first, second and third differential limiting torques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Koji Matsuno
  • Patent number: 6748309
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement and a method for determining the transmission ratio of a continuously variable transmission having a drive end and an output end. A signal, which represents the transmission ratio, is computed in dependence upon a primary rpm of the drive end and a secondary rpm of the output end which are transmitted to the arrangement. A fault signal is generated which is dependent upon the instantaneous primary rpm and/or the instantaneous secondary rpm and indicates whether a value for the transmission ratio is to be outputted as the signal representing the transmission ratio. This value is computed from the detected instantaneous values for the primary rpm and the secondary rpm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Joachim Luh
  • Patent number: 6616571
    Abstract: In a procedure for controlling gear shifting of a subtransmission which can be carried out only when a vehicle is substantially standing, a vehicle speed pulse is generated, a time is counted from the time each vehicle speed pulse is generated (steps 101, 102). This time is a period for which a first condition by which the vehicle can be considered, regardless of the pulse, to be running is satisfied. At the same time the first condition becomes unsatisfied from a satisfied state, the counted time is determined to be a first condition satisfied period T1, and a waiting period Tw is determined in a predetermined manner by using the first condition satisfied period (step 103). A time T2 is counted from the time the first condition becomes unsatisfied, and when the counted time T2 reaches the determined waiting period, the gear shifting of the subtransmission becomes possible (step 105).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Isuzu Motors Limited
    Inventor: Kaoru Kigoshi
  • Publication number: 20030045393
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a driving state switching unit with a synchro-mechanism which employs a synchro-mechanism to perform switching of a driving state. The switching unit is equipped with a first gear (32) and a second gear (33) coaxially disposed, a gear connecting member (34) axially movable so that the first gear (32) and the second gear (33) can be connected, and a synchro-mechanism (35) interposed between the first gear (32) and the second gear (33). By moving the gear connecting member (34) by an electric actuator (50), the first gear (32) and the second gear (33) are connected, while they are being synchronized by the synchro-mechanism (35). When this occurs, control means (102) controls a supply current to the electric actuator (50), and judgement means (102) judges synchronization of the synchro-mechanism (35), based on a change in the supply current value to the electric actuator (50).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Applicant: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tadashi Yoshioka, Shigeyuki Yoshida, Kaoru Sawase, Takahisa Niwa, Yoshihiro Ikushima
  • Patent number: 6511397
    Abstract: A transfer case control system or apparatus 10 is provided for use on a four-wheel drive vehicle of the type having a transfer case 32, a front driveshaft 22 and a rear driveshaft 26. Transfer case control system 10 includes a conventional microcontroller or controller 40 having a memory unit 42 and operating under stored program control. Controller 40 is communicatively coupled to sensors 44, 46, 48, and to transfer case 32. Controller 40 selectively transmits a torque control or “boost torque” signal to transfer case 32, based upon the rate of change of the vehicle's throttle position and the speed of driveshafts 22, 26.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: John Glab, Ashok Rodrigues
  • Patent number: 6505139
    Abstract: The vehicle comprises a continuously variable transmission and traction control system (TCS) which controls a driving force. When the TCS is not operating, a controller computes a final target ratio based on a sensor detected vehicle speed. When the TCS is operating, the final target ratio is computed based on an estimated vehicle speed, and the final target ratio is limited by a speed ratio upper limiting value computed based on the sensor detected vehicle speed. The controller controls a speed change actuator so that a real speed ratio approaches the final target ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masato Koga, Mitsuru Watanabe, Satoshi Takizawa, Masatoshi Akanuma, Shigeki Shimanaka, Hiroyasu Tanaka, Junya Takayama
  • Publication number: 20020115528
    Abstract: In a procedure for controlling gear shifting of a subtransmission which can be carried out only when a vehicle is substantially standing, a vehicle speed pulse is generated, a time is counted from the time each vehicle speed pulse is generated (steps 101, 102). This time is a period for which a first condition by which the vehicle can be considered, regardless of the pulse, to be running is satisfied. At the same time the first condition becomes unsatisfied from a satisfied state, the counted time is determined to be a first condition satisfied period T1, and a waiting period Tw is determined in a predetermined manner by using the first condition satisfied period (step 103). A time T2 is counted from the time the first condition becomes unsatisfied, and when the counted time T2 reaches the determined waiting period, the gear shifting of the subtransmission becomes possible (step 105).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventor: Kaoru Kigoshi
  • Publication number: 20020103054
    Abstract: A transfer case control system or apparatus 10 is provided for use on a four-wheel drive vehicle of the type having a transfer case 32, a front driveshaft 22 and a rear driveshaft 26. Transfer case control system 10 includes a conventional microcontroller or controller 40 having a memory unit 42 and operating under stored program control. Controller 40 is communicatively coupled to sensors 44, 46, 48, and to transfer case 32. Controller 40 selectively transmits a torque control or “boost torque” signal to transfer case 32, based upon the rate of change of the vehicle's throttle position and the speed of driveshafts 22, 26.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Inventors: John Glab, Ashok Rodrigues
  • Patent number: 6132332
    Abstract: A four-wheel drive system according to the invention can shorten a delay in response of an electromagnetic clutch and permits shockless transition to 4WD. In a rotation transmission device having a two-way clutch including rollers mounted between an inner member and an outer ring for selective transmission and non-transmission of rotation between the inner member and the outer ring, an electromagnetic clutch for controlling the locking and freeing of the two-way clutch, and a current control mechanism for controlling the locking and freeing of the two-way clutch, a current supplied to the current control mechanism is controlled based on an input signal from a sensor for detecting the load on the engine to shorten a delay in response until the two-way clutch locks after the supply of a current to the electromagnetic coil has begun and to prevent shocks during transition to 4WD.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventor: Makoto Yasui
  • Patent number: 6067878
    Abstract: A system for automatically preventing gear shift operation in a timber harvesting tractor when the tractor is moving. The system includes a drive train powered by a transmission. The drive train includes a transfer case which is shifted by the operator of the tractor through manipulation of an electrical control circuit. The electrical control circuit is rendered ineffective to shift the transfer case when the drive train is being driven by the transmission and the tractor is moving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Blount, Inc.
    Inventor: Chad K. Jorgensen
  • Patent number: 5839084
    Abstract: A driving-torque control system for a four-wheel-drive vehicle includes a transfer clutch employed in a transfer of the four-wheel-drive vehicle for varying a distribution ratio of driving torque between front and rear road wheels depending on a front-and-rear wheel revolution-speed difference. A calculation unit derives a command value of the engaging force of the transfer clutch from the front-and-rear wheel revolution-speed difference. A load-condition detection unit detects an input load condition of the transfer clutch, on the basis of the front-and-rear wheel revolution-speed difference and the command value of the engaging force. A comparing unit compares the input load condition detected by the load-condition detection unit with a predetermined threshold. A compensation unit compensates the engaging force of the transfer clutch so that the transfer clutch is held in a completely engaged state for a predetermined holding time duration, when the input load condition exceeds the predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiharu Takasaki, Tomoyuki Hara
  • Patent number: 5688202
    Abstract: A power transfer system is disclosed for a four-wheel drive vehicle operable for permitting a vehicle operator to select between various full-time and part-time four-wheel drive modes. The power transfer system includes a dual-planetary gear reduction unit that is operable for establishing high-range and low-range speed ratios, and a powershift mechanism that is adapted to permit the vehicle operator to shift on-the-fly for establishing full-time and part-time high-range and low-range four-wheel drive modes. The power transfer system includes an slip limiting/torque-biasing arrangement including an interaxle differential and a mode clutch operable for controlling the magnitude of speed differentiation and torque biasing across the interaxle differential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: New Venture Gear, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Bowen
  • Patent number: 5522778
    Abstract: An automatic transmission system provided with a power take-off unit, which is composed of a torque converter equipped with a lock-up clutch and a control unit that serves to set the lock-up clutch ON/OFF. With the power take-off unit in operation, the control unit sets the lock-up clutch ON only when an engine output is determined to be higher than a predetermined level, and a shift lever is set in either neutral or parking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshinobu Iwase, Susumu Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 5522776
    Abstract: An automatic four-wheel-drive vehicle having a multiple-ratio transmission with a torque output shaft connected drivably to a rear driving axle and a transfer gear box having a front drive shaft connected drivably to a front axle, the transfer case providing a four-wheel low-drive mode, a neutral mode and a two-wheel-drive/automatic four-wheel drive mode, an electric motor adapted to shift the transfer case from one mode to another mode and an electronic controller responsive to predetermined driving conditions for effecting an automatic shift of the transfer case from either a forward drive mode or a reverse drive mode to the neutral drive mode whereby the vehicle is conditioned for towing by interrupting the torque flow path from the rear drive wheels of the vehicle to the transmission mechanism and transfer case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventor: Raymond S. Alvey
  • Patent number: 5522777
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a four-wheel drive system for a vehicle having front and rear drive wheels driven by an engine and transmission assembly, and including a transfer case having a torque input shaft for receiving output torque from the vehicle engine and transmission assembly. A transfer gear assembly of the transfer case provides low and high speed power paths, and a shift mechanism is provided to shift between the low and high speed power paths. The system further includes an engine control module for controlling the engine fuel system and shifting of the transmission assembly between a plurality of vehicle gear ratios. A transfer case control module controls the shift mechanism for shifting between the low and high speed power paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Ralph W. Baxter, Randy L. Sommer
  • Patent number: 5448478
    Abstract: A torque split control apparatus for use with an automotive vehicle including an engine for producing a drive. The automotive vehicle is supported on a pair of primary drive wheels and a pair of secondary drive wheels. The drive is transmitted from the engine to the primary drive wheels and to the secondary drive wheels through a torque distributing clutch capable of varying a torque transmitted to the secondary drive wheels. A control torque is calculated based upon a difference between the primary and secondary drive wheel rotational speeds. The control torque is transmitted through the torque distributing clutch to provide a desired turning characteristic to the vehicle. At least one vehicle condition dependent torque, which is dependent on a specified vehicle operating condition, is calculated. Vehicle operating conditions are monitored to produce a command signal when a 4WD control is demanded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshiyuki Eto