Including Means To Selectively Apply Rotational Power To Only One Output Patents (Class 475/223)
  • Patent number: 11766943
    Abstract: A drive system includes a first drive train and a second drive train coupled by a differential assembly. Each drive train include a motor, an output gear, and a clutch assembly that engages and disengages the output gear from respective halfshafts. The differential assembly is configured to couple the first and second halfshafts, and connect/disconnect the first output gear and the first halfshaft. The differential assembly includes, for example, side gears, a spider gearset, and an actuator for engaging and disengaging the differential casing from the first output gear. A control system is configured to actuate actuators of clutch assemblies and/or a differential assembly to achieve one or more drive modes for each drive axis. The control system determines the first drive mode, controls the clutch assemblies and differential assemblies, and controls one or more motors. The drive modes include, for example, torque vectoring, fully locked, single motor, and neutral.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: RIVIAN IP HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventors: Mason Verbridge, Cameron P. Williams, Khwaja Rahman, Henry Huang, Vinaey Kalyanaraman
  • Patent number: 11353098
    Abstract: A vehicle driveline component includes a case defining lever apertures, a coupling having a movable member that is movable along a movement axis between a first and a second position, a linear having a motor output member movable along the movement axis, and a plurality of levers. Each lever is disposed in an associated lever aperture and coupled to the case for pivoting motion about a respective lever pivot axis. The levers urge the movable member in a first direction along the movement axis from one of the first and second positions to the other one of the first and second positions in response to pivoting motion of the levers about the lever pivot axes caused by contact between the levers and the motor output member when the motor output member is driven in a second direction along the movement axis that is opposite the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas J. Chemelli, Joseph S. Balenda, II, Peter Barta
  • Patent number: 11287022
    Abstract: A differential locking system that can rotationally lock a shift fork and a sliding clutch assembly to ensure correct engagement of an axle shaft with a sliding clutch assembly during reassembly of an axle shaft. The differential locking system includes a first portion of a push rod is selectively engaged with a portion of the shift fork and a second portion of the push rod is selectively engaged with a portion of a carrier housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Prashant L. Chaudhari, Akash A. Aware, Virendra V. Kumbhar, Pravin V. Karande
  • Patent number: 11072238
    Abstract: A four-wheel drive vehicle in which, when a switching request is made for switching from a non-meshing state to a meshing state, the control device calculates a first rotation speed difference between the drive-power-source-side meshing teeth and the sub-drive-wheel-side meshing teeth, and a second rotation speed difference between the drive-power-source-side meshing teeth and the sub-drive-wheel-side meshing teeth. If at least one of the calculated first and second rotation speed differences is within a predetermined range set in advance, the control device couples the sub-drive wheel corresponding to the rotation speed difference within the predetermined range, to the central axle by the control coupling to switch the dog clutch from the non-meshing state to the meshing state. And, if neither the calculated first nor second rotation speed difference is within the predetermined range, the control device prohibits switching of the dog clutch from the non-meshing state to the meshing state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Ryohei Yuasa, Satoshi Ishida, Shota Murai, Taito Goto
  • Patent number: 10843563
    Abstract: A disconnect assembly, including: a selector; a first clutch including a first sleeve; and a second clutch including a second sleeve. In a drive mode, the first sleeve non-rotatably connects a first drive gear and a first axle of a first drive train, and the second sleeve is non-rotatably connects a second drive gear to a second axle of a second drive train. In a disconnect mode, relative rotation between the first drive gear and the first axle is enabled and relative rotation between the second drive gear and the second axle is enabled. To transition from the drive mode to the disconnect mode, the selector is displaced by an actuator, the selector is arranged to disconnect the first annular sleeve from the first drive gear or the first axle, and the selector is arranged to disconnect the second annular sleeve from the second drive gear or the second axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Brian Lee
  • Patent number: 10525829
    Abstract: An AWD drivetrain is configured to primarily direct drive torque from a transversely-aligned powertrain assembly through an auxiliary power transfer unit to a rear driveline and selectively transmit drive torque to a front driveline via actuation of at least one power-operated clutch. The auxiliary power transfer unit includes an input component drivingly connected to the powertrain assembly, and an output component connected to the input component by a hypoid gearset The output component is operatively connected to the rear driveline and is configured to normally transfer the drive torque to the rear driveline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: MAGNA POWERTRAIN OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew G. Girlando, John D. Zalewski
  • Patent number: 10364877
    Abstract: A driving force distributing apparatus is configured to distribute a driving force from an engine to right and left wheels in a manner that the driving force is differentially transmittable to the wheels and the transmission of the driving force is interruptible. The apparatus includes: a differential case; a differential gear mechanism including a pair of side gears and a plurality of pinion gears; an intermediate shaft coupled to one of the side gears such that the intermediate shaft is not rotatable relative to this side gear; and a clutch mechanism to transmit a driving force from the intermediate shaft to one of the wheels in a manner that the transmission of the driving force is interruptible. The clutch mechanism includes: coaxial relatively rotatable first and second rotational members; and a plurality of clutch plates disposed between the rotational members. The first rotational member is spline-fitted to the intermediate shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takashi Hosokawa, Shun Ohno, Hiroshi Takuno
  • Patent number: 10364876
    Abstract: A four-wheel driving apparatus for a vehicle may include a planetary gear set including a sun gear, a carrier, and a ring gear, and provided so that the sun gear is coupled to a transmission output shaft; a counter shaft provided in parallel to the transmission output shaft; a sleeve included in the counter shaft, receiving operating force of a shift fork to slide along a longitudinal direction of the counter shaft, and provided to be selectively coupled to any one of the sun gear and the carrier of the planetary gear set according to a sliding position; a center differential connected to a front differential through a front output shaft and connected to a rear differential through a rear output shaft; and a transfer gear device disposed to connect between the counter shaft and any one of the front output shaft and the rear output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Sang Joon Lee, Euy Do Hu
  • Patent number: 9902262
    Abstract: An all-wheel drive vehicle driveline can include an input member, first intermediate member, output member, sleeve, ring gear, and pinion gear. The input member can be coupled to an input of a differential mechanism for common rotation. The output member can be coupled to an output of the differential mechanism for common rotation. The sleeve can be axially movable between a first position wherein the input, output, and first intermediate members are rotatable relative to each other, a second position wherein the sleeve couples the input member to the first intermediate member for common rotation, and a third position wherein the sleeve couples the input member to the output member for common rotation. The ring gear can receive rotary power from the first intermediate member. The pinion gear can be meshingly engaged to the ring gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Kincaid, Robert C. Gorski
  • Patent number: 9162569
    Abstract: A method of controlling a differential lock. The method may include determining a target point for disengaging the differential lock and disengaging the differential lock when the vehicle reaches the target point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Simon Dean
  • Publication number: 20150105209
    Abstract: A locking differential for a vehicle includes a rotatable housing and a differential mechanism supported in the housing. The differential mechanism includes a pair of clutch members wherein each of the clutch members presents an inwardly directed face. Each face includes a groove disposed in spacing relationship with respect to the other. A cross pin is received in each groove and is operatively connected for rotation with the housing. At least one biasing member is disposed between the clutch members and at least one wear pad is disposed at an end of the at least one biasing member to preload the at least one biasing member and to allow the at least one biasing member to be acted upon by only a single one of the clutch members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Steven J. COCHREN, Christopher W. CREAGER
  • Patent number: 9003902
    Abstract: A drive apparatus driven by a prime mover and having a variable speed transmission disposed within a housing is disclosed. A power take off is driven by an output shaft of the prime mover and selectively drives a power take off output shaft. The variable speed transmission drives a transmission output shaft, which in turn drives a first clutch mechanism and a second clutch mechanism. A first drive axle is engaged to and selectively driven by the first clutch mechanism and a second drive axle is engaged to and selectively driven by the second clutch mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Michael L. Bennett
  • Patent number: 9005069
    Abstract: A power interrupting apparatus is provided with: a first rotating member, a second rotating member, a clutch device adapted to interrupt a coupling between the first rotating member and the second rotating member, and an actuator adapted to actuate the clutch device. The actuator is disposed on a radially outer periphery of a part of one of the first rotating member and the second rotating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: GKN Driveline Japan Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaaki Fusegi, Hiroyasu Furukawa
  • Patent number: 8961367
    Abstract: A driving force transmission apparatus includes a linkage mechanism that is able to carry out switchover between a connected state where first and second intermediate shafts are connected to each other so as to be non-rotatable relative to each other to transmit torque output from an electric motor to a rear wheel, and a disconnected state where the first and second intermediate shafts are disconnected from each other. When switching the driving force transmission apparatus from the connected state to the disconnected state, a control unit reduces the torque that is generated by the motor during a drive state where the torque output from the motor is transmitted from the first intermediate shaft to the second intermediate shaft, and switches the driving force transmission apparatus from the connected state to the disconnected state by controlling the linkage mechanism while the torque that is generated by the motor has been reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventors: Kunihiko Suzuki, Keita Nomura
  • 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: 8795126
    Abstract: A disconnectable driveline arrangement for an all-wheel drive vehicle includes a power take-off unit having a disconnect mechanism, a rear drive module having a torque transfer device providing a disconnect function, a speed synchronization function and a torque biasing function, and a control system for controlling actuation of the disconnect mechanism and the torque transfer device. The power take-off unit and the rear drive module can each be equipped with a two-speed range shift unit which, under the control of the control system, permits establishment of high and low speed drive connections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: James Preston Downs, Paul Joseph Valente
  • Patent number: 8771128
    Abstract: A vehicle drive train includes a first power disconnection device and a first driveline for transferring torque to a first set of wheels. A second driveline for transferring torque to a second set of wheels includes a differential gearset having an output coupled to a second power disconnection device. A hypoid gearset is positioned within the second driveline in a power path between the first and second power disconnection devices. The second power disconnection device includes a clutch having a first set of clutch plates fixed for rotation with the differential gearset output. The clutch further includes a second set of clutch plates fixed for rotation with a shaft adapted to transfer torque to one of the wheels of the second set of wheels. A valve limits a flow of coolant to the clutch when the second power disconnection device operates in a disconnected mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Ekonen, Johannes Quehenberger
  • Patent number: 8764599
    Abstract: A vehicle drive train includes a first power disconnection device and a first driveline for transferring torque to a first set of wheels. A second driveline for transferring torque to a second set of wheels includes a differential gearset having an output coupled to a second power disconnection device. A hypoid gearset is positioned within the second driveline in a power path between the first and second power disconnection devices. The second power disconnection device includes a clutch having a first set of clutch plates fixed for rotation with the differential gearset output. The clutch further includes a second set of clutch plates fixed for rotation with a shaft adapted to transfer torque to one of the wheels of the second set of wheels. A valve limits a flow of coolant to the clutch when the second power disconnection device operates in a disconnected mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: MAGNA Powertrain of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Ekonen, Johannes Quehenberger
  • Publication number: 20140171252
    Abstract: A locking differential for a vehicle includes a rotatable housing and a differential mechanism supported in the housing. The differential mechanism includes a pair of clutch members wherein each of the clutch members presents an inwardly directed face. Each face includes a groove disposed in spacing relationship with respect to the other. A cross pin is received in the groove and is operatively connected for rotation with the housing. The clutch members are axially moveable within the housing so that they may engage respective clutch members coupled to a pair of axle half shafts. A plurality of springs apply a pre-load to only the clutch members, wherein contact is maintained between the clutch members and the cross pin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Christopher W. Creager
  • Publication number: 20140162828
    Abstract: A locking differential for a vehicle includes a rotatable housing and a differential mechanism supported in the housing. The differential mechanism includes a pair of clutch members wherein each of the clutch members presents an inwardly directed face. Each face includes a groove disposed in spacing relationship with respect to the other. A cross pin is received in the groove and is operatively connected for rotation with the housing. A dampening communication spring is disposed over an outer circumference of the clutch members and cooperates with the cross pin to control interaction of the clutch members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: EATON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Christopher W. Creager
  • Patent number: 8739905
    Abstract: A drive apparatus driven by a prime mover that has a prime mover output shaft is disclosed. The drive apparatus has a housing and a power take off. The power take off is driven by the prime mover output shaft and selectively drives a power take off output shaft. The drive apparatus further has a variable speed transmission disposed within the housing. The variable speed transmission drives a transmission output shaft, which in turn drives a first clutch mechanism and a second clutch mechanism. A first drive axle is engaged to and selectively driven by the first clutch mechanism and a second drive axle is engaged to and selectively driven by the second clutch mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Michael L. Bennett
  • Patent number: 8721493
    Abstract: A drive train system comprising a power transfer unit configured to selectively transfer power from a front driveshaft of a vehicle by providing an output torque through a ring gear, wherein the power transfer unit includes an input shaft that receives torque from a first device, and a first clutch configured to selectively couple the input shaft to the ring gear when activated; a cardan shaft in rotational communication with the ring gear and configured to transfer the output torque; and a rear drive unit coupled to the cardan shaft and configured to selectively transfer the output torque received from the cardan shaft to a rear driveshaft of the vehicle, wherein the rear drive unit includes a torque shaft that is driven by the output torque received from the cardan shaft, and a second clutch that is configured to selectively transfer the output torque from the torque shaft to the rear driveshaft when activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: GKN Driveline Newton, LLC
    Inventors: Martin Burgbacher, Bahman Haghshanas, Bernd Greiss, Austin R. Gerding
  • Patent number: 8651994
    Abstract: A drive axle assembly that may include an input shaft, an intermediate shaft, an output shaft, and an actuator unit. The actuator unit may move the intermediate shaft between a first position in which the intermediate shaft transmits torque to the output shaft and a second position in which the intermediate shaft does not transmit torque to the output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Marco Bassi, Arnaldo Freitas Camarão, Egidio Miguel Gomes Correia, Juscelino dos Reis, José Renan da Silva, Todd R. Ekonen
  • Patent number: 8585525
    Abstract: A left and right wheels drive system includes: first and second drive sources left and right drive wheels; and a gear mechanism interposed between the drive sources and the drive wheels, the gear mechanism including: a pinion set including a plurality of pinion gears installed on one shaft; and an element group linked with the pinion set and includes first, second, third, and fourth elements When the first element is held stationary, the second, third and fourth elements rotate in the same direction. When the first element is held stationary, the second element rotates at a higher speed than the third and fourth elements. One of the first and second drive sources is connected to the first element, and the other is connected to the second element. One of the left and right drive wheels is connected to the third element, and the other is connected to the fourth element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yuichi Ushiroda, Kaoru Sawase
  • Publication number: 20130281250
    Abstract: A torque vectoring device (4-18) for two half-axles of a vehicle drive axle, provided with a conventional differential (20-27), through which drive torque is supplied from a propulsion motor, is connected on one hand to one of the half-axles (1), on the other hand to the cage (24) of the differential (20-27). An electric motor (15) of the torque vectoring device is connected via a differential transmission in the form of a planetary gearing (10) to said one of the half-axles (1) and the cage (24). The arrangement is such that the electric motor stands still, when the rotational speed of the half-axle (1) and the cage (24) is the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Applicant: BorgWarner TorqTransfer Systems AB
    Inventors: Lars Severinsson, Kristoffer Nilsson
  • Patent number: 8388486
    Abstract: A vehicle drive train includes a first power disconnection device and a first driveline for transferring torque to a first set of wheels. A second driveline for transferring torque to a second set of wheels includes a differential gearset having an output coupled to a second power disconnection device. A hypoid gearset is positioned within the second driveline in a power path between the first and second power disconnection devices. The second power disconnection device includes a clutch having a first set of clutch plates fixed for rotation with the differential gearset output. The clutch further includes a second set of clutch plates fixed for rotation with a shaft adapted to transfer torque to one of the wheels of the second set of wheels. A valve limits a flow of coolant to the clutch when the second power disconnection device operates in a disconnected mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Ekonen, Johannes Quehenberger
  • Publication number: 20120310461
    Abstract: A hybrid drive device includes: a gear mechanism that divides and transmits rotary power of an internal-combustion engine to first motor generator and second motor generator; a first shaft to which rotary power of the first motor generator is transmitted; a rotary element; a second shaft to which rotary power of the rotary element is transmitted after deceleration; a third shaft to which rotary power of the second shaft is transmitted after deceleration; a first power-transmission switching mechanism that can switch rotary power of the second motor generator among a state of being transmitted to the rotary element, a state of being transmitted to the third shaft, and a state of not being transmitted; and a second power-transmission switching mechanism that can switch rotary power of the first shaft between a state of transmission to the second shaft and a state of not transmitted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Taketoki Maruyama, Tomohiro Sato
  • Patent number: 8313407
    Abstract: A vehicle drive train for transferring torque to first and second sets of wheels includes a first driveline adapted to transfer torque to the first set of wheels and a first power disconnection device. A second driveline is adapted to transfer torque to the second set of wheels and includes a second power disconnection device. A hypoid gearset is positioned within one of the first driveline and the second driveline in a power path between the first and second power disconnection devices. The hypoid gearset is selectively disconnected from being driven by either of the first driveline and the second driveline when the first and second power disconnection devices are operated in a disconnected, non-torque transferring, mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: MAGNA Powertrain USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Ekonen, Bradley Larkin
  • Patent number: 8292774
    Abstract: A differential assembly includes an axle, a differential, a differential lock assembly, a selector, and a coupler. The differential is coupled with the axle and is configured to facilitate operation of the axle at an axle speed. The differential lock assembly is associated with the differential and is movable between locked and unlocked positions. The selector is movable between lock-initiate and unlock-initiate positions. The coupler is configured to selectively couple the differential lock assembly and the selector. The coupler is configured for operation in deactivated and activated modes. When the coupler is in the deactivated mode, the differential lock assembly and the selector are decoupled from each other. When the coupler is in the activated mode, the differential lock assembly and the selector are coupled together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Ian Neal Haggerty
  • Publication number: 20120238395
    Abstract: A power transfer unit assembly for a vehicle. The power transfer unit includes a housing, an internal variable speed differential positioned within the housing, a first front side shaft rotatively connected to the differential, a second front side shaft rotatively connected to the differential, an input shaft interconnected to at least one of the first and second side shafts, and at least one shifting mechanism for engaging at least one of the first and second shafts with at least one mode selection gear set. Engagement of the mode selection gear set transfers torque through the input shaft to selectively engage with a second gear set interconnected to a power transfer final drive unit assembly having an internal variable speed differential.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventors: Brent Michael Peura, Robert Genway-Haden, Theodor Gassmann, Mark Schmidt, Michael Schwekutsch
  • Publication number: 20120178575
    Abstract: A multi-speed power transmission device includes an input shaft, first and second output shafts and a planetary gearset. An axially moveable sleeve fixes the first output shaft and the input shaft for rotation when in a first position and the sleeve fixes the sun gear and the input shaft for rotation when in a second position. A hub is axially moveable and free to rotate relative to the first output shaft when in the first position. The hub is fixed for rotation with the first output shaft when in the second position. A cam plate is continuously fixed for rotation with the carrier and urges the hub toward its second position when in a second axial position. The input shaft drives the first output shaft at a reduced speed via the planetary gearset when the sleeve, hub and cam plate are at their second positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: MAGNA POWERTRAIN OF AMERICA INC.
    Inventors: Joseph G. Mueller, Douglas O. Bradley, Bradley R. Larkin
  • Publication number: 20110070994
    Abstract: A differential includes a coaxial input axle and output axle assembly comprising an input axle and an output axle; a first gear mounted in the assembly; a second gear mounted in the assembly and operatively connected to the output axle; a clutch mounted in the assembly between the first gear and the second gear and operatively connected to the assembly wherein a distance between the first gear and the input axle is less than that between the second gear and the input axle; a first driven shaft comprising a third gear operatively connected thereto, the third gear being meshed with the first gear; and a second driven shaft comprising a fourth gear and a fifth gear mounted on both ends thereof wherein the fourth gear is meshed with the third gear and the fifth gear is meshed with the second gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Inventor: Jih-Kuei Cho
  • Patent number: 7878936
    Abstract: A drive train for a motor vehicle, which has a front axle and a rear axle, of which one is driven constantly and the other is driven as required, with a drive unit which is installed in the motor vehicle transversely at the front and provides drive torque via an output member, the output member being connected to the constantly driven axle, with an angular gear which is arranged in the region of the front axle and is connected to a cardan shaft which serves for transferring drive torque to the rear axle, and with a friction clutch arrangement for cutting in the axle driven as required, wherein the friction clutch arrangement is integrated with the angular gear in the region of the front axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: GETRAG Driveline Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Peter Nett, Jan Haupt
  • Publication number: 20110017540
    Abstract: A differential assembly includes an axle, a differential, a differential lock, a blocking member, and a pump. The differential is coupled with the axle and configured to facilitate operation of the axle at an axle speed. The differential lock is associated with the differential and movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The blocking member is associated with the differential lock and is movable between a blocking position and a non-blocking position. When the blocking member is in the blocking position, the differential lock is inhibited from moving to the locked position. The pump includes an outlet in fluid communication with the blocking member. The pump is operably coupled with the axle and is configured to facilitate movement of the blocking member into the blocking position when the axle speed is above a threshold speed. Vehicles including a differential assembly are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventors: Darin D. King, Daniel T. Sellars, Ryan J. Holoweiko, Jason W. Grundey
  • Publication number: 20110021304
    Abstract: A locking differential for an automotive vehicle including a housing and a differential mechanism supported in the housing. The differential mechanism includes a pair of clutch members disposed in spaced axial relationship with respect to each other wherein each clutch member includes a groove disposed in an opposed inwardly directing face that is adapted to receive a cross pin. Each of the grooves includes a working surface extending laterally relative to each other. Each of the working surfaces defines a screw involute surface such that the cross pin contacts the working surface along a line extending in the direction of the cross pin in the event of differential rotation of an axle half shaft relative to the housing. Alternatively, each of the working surfaces defines a slightly convex surface in one plane such that the cross pin contacts the working surface at a point defined thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventor: Stephen P. Radzevich
  • Patent number: 7874954
    Abstract: A locking differential includes a pair of clutch members that are biased together by a resilient disc and friction pack assembly toward a cross pin that extends diametrically across the central chamber of a cylindrical housing driven by the drive shaft of a vehicle, thereby to drive a pair of side gears and the output shafts splined thereto. The cross-pin extends within operating cam grooves contained in the adjacent faces of the clutch members, such that when the rotational velocity of one output shaft exceeds that of the other by a predetermined amount, the friction pack assembly of the faster shaft is operated to a non-compressed condition, thereby to disengage the over-running output shaft from the drive shaft. The resilient disc devices may be annular wave springs, or resilient disc springs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Walter L. Dissett, Steven J. Cochren
  • Publication number: 20100234162
    Abstract: A torque distributing drive mechanism is provided for transmitting torque to at least a first and a second output member. In addition, a motorized vehicle is provided that is equipped with such a torque distributing device. The device includes, but is not limited to a planetary gear set coupled to the first output member and coupled to the second output member, and an auxiliary drive member coupled to a carrier of the planetary gear set for inducting counter-directed offset torques to the first and second output member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Gabriel TROENNBERG
  • Publication number: 20100203999
    Abstract: A driving force distribution device for distributing driving force from an engine to left and right rear wheels has: a differential case which accommodates a differential mechanism therein; an intermediate shaft which is provided parallel to an output shaft extending leftward or rightward from the differential mechanism; a speed-up mechanism which is provided to the left or right of the differential case and changes and transmits driving force input to the differential case to the output shaft via the intermediate shaft; and a clutch mechanism capable of switching between a transmitting state in which the speed-up mechanism transmits the driving force to the output shaft and a blocking state in which the transmission of the driving force is blocked. According to the driving force distribution device, cost reduction and downsizing of the driving force distribution mechanism and a housing thereof can be realized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takami Yokoo, Shin Kurosaki
  • Publication number: 20100062891
    Abstract: A vehicle drive train for transferring torque to first and second sets of wheels includes a first driveline adapted to transfer torque to the first set of wheels and a first power disconnection device. A second driveline is adapted to transfer torque to the second set of wheels and includes a second power disconnection device. A hypoid gearset is positioned within one of the first driveline and the second driveline in a power path between the first and second power disconnection devices. The hypoid gearset is selectively disconnected from being driven by either of the first driveline and the second driveline when the first and second power disconnection devices are operated in a disconnected, non-torque transferring, mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventors: Todd EKONEN, Bradley LARKIN
  • Publication number: 20100041506
    Abstract: A drive axle assembly comprises a carrier member having a trunnion outwardly extending from the carrier member, an output shaft axially outwardly extending from the carrier member, a differential assembly including a differential case supported for rotation within the carrier member and a side gear rotatably mounted about the output shaft, a clutch collar non-rotatably coupled thereto and configured to selectively drivingly engage the side gear, and an annular clutch actuator for axially moving the clutch collar between a first position and a second position. The clutch collar drivingly engages the side gear in power transmitting relationship in the first position, while the clutch collar is disengaged from the side gear in the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventors: Kenneth COOPER, James KRISHER
  • Publication number: 20090186738
    Abstract: The rotation of a first rotating element is shifted in speed by a speed shift device, and is transmitted to a second rotating element or a third rotating element of a differential device via a first clutch or a second clutch. In this manner, the torque of right and left driving wheels can be controlled. Furthermore, in conjunction with limitation of the differential motion, the amount of torque transmitted to a fourth rotating element is eliminated by allowing the speed shift device to freely rotate, and the accumulated amount of sliding of friction engagement elements at the time of differential motion limitation can be reduced by completely engaging the first clutch and the second clutch without allowing them to slide. Thus, the differential motion limitation control can be realized without a need to increase the size of the first clutch and the second clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Ikushima, Kazuhiko Yuasa, Hideki Tamoto, Hirokazu Suzuki, Akifumi Miyazaki, Koji Ando
  • Patent number: 7559390
    Abstract: A drive train module with an electric motor, a clutch differential, a pair of wheel hubs and a pair of shafts, which rotatably couple the wheel hubs to the clutch differential. The clutch differential can have an input member, which can be coupled to an output shaft of the motor, and first and second overrunning clutches. The overrunning clutches permit the electric motor to drive the wheel hubs when the drive train module is activated to provide supplemental drive power, and to prevent the electric motor from being back-driven by the wheel hubs when supplemental drive power is not desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory A. Marsh, Robert J. Degowske
  • Publication number: 20090170651
    Abstract: (57)The invention proposes technical means for use of torsion reactions under torsional loadings of driving shafts in the control of all vehicles devices, which are functionally related to the interaction “wheels—road”. The driving torque to permanently connected driving wheels is transferred through an unit for formation of relative mobility (3). The unit detects changes in the cohesion of the permanently connected driving wheels with the road depending on the deformation of its sensitive to torsional loadings elastic elements (4). The unit (3) actuates a unit for conversion of the relative mobility into physical control actions (5). The unit (5) acts upon devices for control of torque distribution directly or by means of driving lines, which can be adjusted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventor: Stiliyan Tsonev Ganchev
  • Patent number: 7553250
    Abstract: The drive train of an all-wheel drive vehicle comprises a transfer case that is connected to the motor block, a driven front axle, a driven rear axle, drive shafts and a control device. To vary the torque distribution between the axles from 0 to 100% the transfer case has a drive-through shaft that has a drive connection both with the motor block and the drive shaft that leads to the rear axle. The drive-through shaft includes a drive connection with the drive shaft that leads to the front axle by a first friction clutch that determines the torque applied to the front axle. The rear axle is equipped with an additional adjustable drive unit comprising a second friction clutch, which is used to control the torque applied to the rear axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Magna Drivetrain AG & Co KG
    Inventor: Helmuth Sachsenmaier
  • Publication number: 20090159359
    Abstract: An independently suspended, driven axle shaft set in which the axle shafts are asymmetric with respect to each other, wherein the asymmetry provides mitigation of powerhop. The asymmetric axle shafts are asymmetrically selected such that the relative torsional stiffness therebetween is different by a ratio substantially between about 1.4 to 1 and about 2.0 to 1. The asymmetry may be provided by any known modality that alters torsional stiffness and is compliant with operational load demands of the axle shafts, as for example the axle shafts having the same length, but differing cross-sectional diameters; or by the axle shafts having the same cross-sectional diameters, but differing lengths; or a combination thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: David W. Mikels, Young-Jin Seo
  • Publication number: 20090118053
    Abstract: A coupling device (16, 116) for use in a motor vehicle has an input member (45, 145), a first output member (46, 146), a second output member (47, 147), and a planetary gear set (54, 56, 58, 62, 154, 155, 156, 161, 162) having gears (56, 58, 62, 155, 156, 161, 162) and a planetary gear carrier (54, 154). Each of the input member (45, 145), the first output member (46, 146), and the second output member (47, 147) are coupled to one of the planetary gear carrier (54, 154) and a gear (56, 58, 62, 155, 156, 161, 162) of the planetary gear set (54, 56, 58, 62, 154, 155, 156, 161, 162). Of the input member (45, 145), the first output member (46, 146), and the second output member (47, 147), a modulating biasing clutch assembly (70, 170) selectively applies a biasing force to two of the three.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventor: Dan J. Showalter
  • Publication number: 20090105030
    Abstract: A transmission includes a transmission case accommodating a planetary gear mechanism, a traveling speed change mechanism, a differential gear mechanism and a PTO clutch mechanism, and supporting an HST. The HST is connected to a first end wall of the transmission case positioned on one side in a vehicle longitudinal direction in a state that its HST output shaft is positioned its HST input shaft. A plurality of traveling rotational shafts forming a traveling transmission path are positioned coaxially with the HST output shaft, or on a first side of the HST output shaft in a vehicle width direction and below the HST output shaft. A plurality of PTO rotational shafts forming the PTO transmission path are positioned coaxially with or below the HST input shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventor: Kenji Shiba
  • Patent number: 7485063
    Abstract: A drive train for a motor vehicle, which has a front axle and a rear axle, of which one is driven constantly and the other is driven as required, with a drive unit which is installed in the motor vehicle transversely at the front and provides drive torque via an output member, the output member being connected to the constantly driven axle, with an angular gear which is arranged in the region of the front axle and is connected to a cardan shaft which serves for transferring drive torque to the rear axle, and with a friction clutch arrangement for cutting in the axle driven as required, wherein the friction clutch arrangement is integrated with the angular gear in the region of the front axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: GETRAG Driveline Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Peter Nett, Jan Haupt
  • Patent number: 7464626
    Abstract: A torque transmission coupling includes a rotating shaft and a drive pinion shaft for carrying out input and output transmission of a torque. A torque control part is arranged between the rotating shaft and the drive pinion shaft for controlling torque transmission between the rotating shaft and the drive pinion shaft on the basis of a frictional engagement caused by an electromagnetic force of an electromagnet. At least a portion of the torque control part is arranged in an outer periphery of a taper roller bearing rotatably supporting the drive pinion shaft, thereby allowing a shortening of an entire length of the torque transmission coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Tochigi Fuji Sangyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Nobushi Yamazaki, Masao Teraoka, Isao Hirota, Naoshi Mogami
  • Publication number: 20080287246
    Abstract: Disclosed is a differential transmission unit featuring active controlling of the moment distribution. Said differential transmission unit comprises a differential transmission (4) with two output shafts (6, 7), the cage (5) of said differential transmission (4) forming the input member, and one respective controlled frictional clutch (22, 26) that is associated with an output shaft. The primary part (22) of the clutch is drivingly connected to the input member (5) while the secondary part (26) of the clutch is drivingly connected to the associated output shaft (6, 7), at least one of the driving connections being provided with an increased or reduced transmission ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventors: Walter Sackl, Manfred Rahm, Jurgen Schranz