Patents Assigned to MAGNA POWERTRAIN
  • Patent number: 8920250
    Abstract: A mass balancing unit having a hollow balancing shaft, at least one balancing weight which is provided on the balancing shaft and at least one roller bearing which has an outer bearing ring and a plurality of roller members. A longitudinal portion of the balancing shaft forms an inner bearing ring, the roller members being received between the outer bearing ring and the longitudinal portion of the balancing shaft. Adjacent to the longitudinal portion, the balancing shaft has at least one recess in order to reduce the rigidity of the longitudinal portion of the balancing shaft in a radial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: MAGNA Powertrain AG & Co KG
    Inventor: Michael Schober
  • Patent number: 8910766
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a multi-disc clutch for the transfer of torque between a first clutch part and a second clutch part, having at least one first and at least one second disc that engage on another and that are movable parallel to a rotational axis of the multi-disc clutch, and having a reset device for the receiprocal ventilation of adjacent discs. The first clutch part is connected in a rotationally secure fashion to the first disc and the second clutch part is connected in a rotationally secure fashion to the second disc. The reset device has at least two reset elements that are disposed eccentrically relative to the rotational axis and distributed in the circumferential direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain AG & Co AG
    Inventors: August Kriebernegg, Alois Lafer, Robert Luef, Johannes Quenhenberger, Helmuth Sachsenmaier
  • Patent number: 8899201
    Abstract: A starting system for a hybrid vehicle includes an internal combustion engine having a crankshaft rotatably supported within an engine block. The starting system includes a pinion gear driven by a starter motor, a drive plate having a set of teeth in constant meshed engagement with the pinion gear, and a one-way clutch. The one-way clutch is adapted to selectively drivingly interconnect the drive plate and the crankshaft. The clutch includes an inner race adapted to be fixed for rotation with the crankshaft, an outer race coupled for rotation with the drive plate, and a plurality of roller elements positioned radially therebetween. A fastener couples the drive plate to the outer race and compresses an elastomeric damper between the drive plate and the outer race.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean Steele, Adrian Cioc
  • Patent number: 8896166
    Abstract: An electric drive unit includes an electric motor, which has a stator and a rotor, a gearbox, an electric circuit and a housing. The housing forms a motor compartment in which the electric motor is arranged and a gearbox chamber in which at least a part of the gearbox is arranged. The electric drive unit also includes a lubricating circuit in which a lubricating fluid is conveyed in order to lubricate and cool the gearbox and the rotor of the electric motor, the lubricating fluid circulating between the motor compartment and the gearbox chamber. The drive unit further includes a cooling circuit in which a cooling fluid is conveyed in order to cool the electric circuit and also the stator of the electric motor. The cooling fluid of the cooling circuit is connected to the lubricating fluid of the lubricating circuit in such a manner as to be able to exchange heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: MAGNA Powertrain AG
    Inventors: Rainer Hofkirchner, Daniel Prix
  • Patent number: 8888638
    Abstract: A hybrid transfer case can include first and second output shafts adapted for connection to respective rear and front drivelines, a first input shaft adapted for connection to a transmission and for selective connection to the first output shaft, and a second input shaft that can be rotatably supported on the first input shaft and selectively connected to the first output shaft. The transfer case can further include a planetary gearset, a transfer system and an electric motor/generator. The planetary gearset can include a first member fixed for rotation with the first input shaft, a second member fixed for rotation with the second input shaft, and a third member. The transfer system can couple the second input shaft to the second output shaft, and the electric motor can selectively drive the third member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph G. Mueller, Carl F. Stephens
  • Patent number: 8888647
    Abstract: A two-speed power take-off unit adapted for installation in an all-wheel drive vehicle having a transversely mounted engine/transaxle powertrain. The two-speed power take-off unit includes a planetary gear reduction unit capable of establishing a high-range and a low-range drive connection between the powertrain and a transfer assembly. The transfer assembly provides drive torque to a front differential assembly driving the front wheels and a PTU gearset driving the rear wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain of America Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Ekonen, Douglas Bradley
  • Publication number: 20140335984
    Abstract: A distribution gearbox for distributing a drive torque of a drive unit of a motor vehicle to a first axle and a second axle of the motor vehicle, and including a housing, an input shaft, a clutch unit which is seated coaxially with respect to the input shaft, and a chain sprocket which can be driven by the clutch unit and by way of which a drive moment of the input shaft can be transmitted to an output shaft, wherein the chain sprocket is mounted on a neck-shaped reduced portion of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: MAGNA Powertrain AG & Co KG
    Inventors: Johannes Quehenberger, Herbert Steinwender
  • Patent number: 8881701
    Abstract: An adjusting device for adjusting a camshaft relative to a drive sprocket, which drives the camshaft coaxially. The adjusting device includes an actuating gear which acts between the drive sprocket and the camshaft and is driven via an electric motor to adjust the camshaft. The actuating gear has internally- and externally-toothed gearwheels in engagement with each other, in which the internally toothed gearwheel is rotated about a central axis of the adjusting device. The externally toothed gearwheel is arranged eccentrically with respect to the central axis and is driven to perform a circular motion about the central axis. The externally toothed gearwheel is supported eccentrically on at least two eccentric shafts, each eccentric shaft being driven to perform a rotary motion about a respective eccentric axis. The eccentric axes are arranged eccentrically with respect to the central axis and can be rotated about the central axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: MAGNA Powertrain AG & Co KG
    Inventor: Michael Schober
  • Publication number: 20140329629
    Abstract: A harmonic damper for use in vehicular accessory drive systems. The harmonic damper includes a one-piece inertia ring manufactured from a sheet metal blank using a cold forming process to define a series of interconnected folded ring sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: MAGNA Powertrain, Inc.
    Inventor: Dejan Vukojicic
  • Patent number: 8870698
    Abstract: An electric drive module for a motor vehicle includes an electric motor assembly having a cartridge housing containing a stator, a rotor, and a rotor shaft. The rotor shaft is supported by the cartridge housing. The electric motor assembly is positioned within an axle housing. A reduction unit includes an input member being driven by the rotor shaft and includes an output member driven at a reduced speed relative to the input member. A differential assembly includes an input driven by the output member, a first differential output driving a first output shaft, and a second differential output driving a second output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Noel R. Mack, Harminder Mann
  • Patent number: 8850909
    Abstract: A hybrid vehicle starting system includes a pinion gear driven by a starter motor, and a drive plate having a set of teeth in constant meshed engagement with the pinion gear. A one-way clutch drivingly interconnects the drive plate and an engine crankshaft and includes an inner race fixed for rotation with the crankshaft, an outer race fixed for rotation with the drive plate, and a plurality of rollers positioned radially therebetween. A cage positions the rollers in circumferentially spaced apart alignment with outer cam surfaces. A split ring is positioned within grooves on each of the inner race and the outer race. The split ring is fitted within one of the grooves at a first clearance and fitted within the other of the grooves at a predetermined second clearance at least ten times the first clearance to isolate the outer race from vibrations of the inner race.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain Inc.
    Inventors: Sean Steele, Adrian Cioc
  • Publication number: 20140294647
    Abstract: A variable capacity vane pump (20) is provided having a pump control ring (44) that is moveable to alter the capacity of the pump (20). A control chamber (60) is formed between the pump casing (22) and the control ring (44). The control chamber (60) is operable to receive pressurized fluid to create a force to move the control ring (44) to reduce the volumetric capacity of the pump (20). A primary return spring (56) acts between the control ring (44) and the casing (22) to bias the control ring (44) towards a position of maximum volumetric capacity. A shaft is coupled at one end to the control ring and a second end of the shaft is positioned a predetermined distance from the casing (22). A secondary return spring (62) is mounted about the shaft and is configured to engage the control ring (44) after the control ring (44) has moved a predetermined amount. The secondary return spring (62) biases the control ring (44) towards a position of maximum volumetric capacity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: MAGNA POWERTRAIN INC.
    Inventors: Matthew Williamson, Manmohan Sehmby, Cezar Tanasuca, Karthikeyan Ganesan
  • Publication number: 20140251082
    Abstract: A power transfer mechanism for a four-wheel drive vehicle includes a first shaft for transferring torque to a first driveline, a second shaft for transferring torque to a second driveline, and a transfer mechanism driving the second shaft. A mode clutch drivingly connects the first shaft to the transfer mechanism and includes a clutch gear-driven by the transfer mechanism and a mode sleeve. A sprocket associated with the transfer mechanism has internal spline teeth meshed with external spline teeth on the second shaft with a predetermined amount of backlash therebetween. A ball cam mechanism centers the backlash and permits relative rotation of the transfer mechanism and the mode sleeve to circumvent a blocked mode shift.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Magna Powertrain of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Randolph E. Beasock, Thomas E. Bradford, JR.
  • Patent number: 8827062
    Abstract: A torque transmission unit having a friction clutch and a hydraulic actuation system. The hydraulic actuation system includes a stepped piston unit having a stepped piston which has a first piston section movable in a first pressure space and a second piston section movable in a second pressure space. The first pressure space and a portion of the second pressure space can be brought into fluid communication by means of an overflow line based on a position of the first piston section. The hydraulic actuation system also includes an actuation piston unit having an actuation piston that cooperates with the friction clutch. A third pressure space is associated with the actuation piston and is in fluid communication with the second pressure space via a pressure line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain AG & Co KG
    Inventor: Johannes Quehenberger
  • Patent number: 8814740
    Abstract: A two-speed power take-off unit adapted for installation in an all-wheel drive vehicle having a transversely mounted engine/transaxle powertrain. The two-speed power take-off unit includes a planetary gear reduction unit capable of establishing a high-range and a low-range drive connection between the powertrain and a transfer assembly. The transfer assembly provides drive torque to a front differential assembly driving the front wheels and a PTU gearset driving the rear wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Bradley, Todd Ekonen
  • Publication number: 20140231207
    Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch includes a rotatable input member and a rotatable output member. A clutch plate is fixed for rotation with one of the input member and the output member. An armature plate is axially moveable relative to the other of the input member and the output member. A self-energizing actuator includes energizing elements for converting rotary motion of the input member to linear movement of the armature plate. The actuator includes a biasing member urging relative rotation between the one of the input member and the output member and the armature plate to initially engage the armature plate and the clutch plate. The self-energizing actuator provides an additional clutch engagement force once the input member is driven and also includes an electromagnet to axially translate the armature plate and disengage the armature plate and the clutch plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: MAGNA POWERTRAIN OF AMERICA INC.
    Inventor: Darrell F. Greene
  • Patent number: 8795117
    Abstract: A transmission for transferring torque from a prime mover includes a first input shaft adapted to be driven by the prime mover, a second input shaft, an output shaft and an epicyclic gearset. The gearset includes a ring gear being driven by the first input shaft, pinion gears being driven by the ring gear, a sun gear driven by the second input shaft and driving the pinion gears, and a carrier driving the output shaft. A reaction motor drives the second input shaft. A controller controls the reaction motor to vary the speed of the second input shaft and define a gear ratio between the first input shaft and the output shaft based on the second input shaft speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.
    Inventor: David W. Wenthen
  • Patent number: 8798849
    Abstract: A method and device for dual-channel transmission of safety-relevant sensor signals. In the method, two sensor signals to be monitored are generated parallel to one another by two sensors and the generated sensor signals are transmitted to a common evaluation unit via two separate, input-side transmission channels. Within the evaluation unit, the permissibility of the transmitted sensor signals is checked using prescribed calculation specifications that correspond to one another and an evaluation unit output signal representing permissibility or impermissibility is generated for each sensor signal. The individual processing steps of the two calculation specifications are decoupled by the evaluation unit for the two sensor signals and performed diversified within the evaluation unit. The generated output signals are output via two separate, output-side transmission channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: MAGNA Powertrain AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Eggert, Heinz Langbauer
  • Publication number: 20140205369
    Abstract: A joint site design for welding of a shaft has a tubular shape composed of a hard material with a hub having a flat shape composed of softer material. The shaft is joined by welding at a connection area located at an end face thereof to a connection area of the hub located at a radial shoulder thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: MAGNA Powertrain AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Alexander DIETRICH, Steve KEATON, Heinz Karl KLAMPFL, Aaron PHILLIPS
  • Patent number: 8784083
    Abstract: A pump, particularly a vane-type pump, including a rotor guiding at least one vane and resting against at least one pressure plate, which has at least one pressure through-hole and at least one under-vane through-hole, the holes being connected to a pressure outlet provided in a housing of the pump or in a transmission housing. In between the pressure plate and the housing a flow guide device is arranged, which delimits a fluid path from the pressure through-hole past the under-vane through-hole to the pressure outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain Bad Homburg GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Dippel