Patents Assigned to MAGNA POWERTRAIN
  • Method for installing an assembly
    Patent number: 8695215
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the assembly of a balance shaft unit for use in motor vehicles. The assembly includes a housing having a bearing section, a rotating component and at least one rolling element bearing for the axially fixed journaling of the rotating component in the bearing section of the housing. The rolling element bearing has a first ring section associated with the rotating component and a second ring section associated with the bearing section. First, the rolling element bearing is axially fixedly installed on the rotating component or in the bearing section. Next, the rotating component is cooled and/or the housing part is heated. Finally, the rotating component is introduced into the bearing section and is held until a temperature compensation has taken place between the rotating component and the housing such that a shrink-fit connection is established.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain AG & Co KG
    Inventor: Michael Schober
  • Integrated electrical auxiliary oil pump
    Patent number: 8696326
    Abstract: An externally mounted electric fluid pump for pumping fluid within a power transmission device is disclosed. The pump includes a housing adapted to be mounted to an external surface of the power transmission device. The pump is positioned within the housing and includes an input member. An electric motor is positioned within the housing and drives the input member. A controller is positioned within the housing to control the electric motor and vary the output of the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain Inc.
    Inventors: Gil Hadar, Andy Bennett, Liping Wang
  • AWD VEHICLE WITH DISCONNECT SYSTEM
    Publication number: 20140100077
    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 synchronizing clutch. A second driveline is adapted to transfer torque to the second set of wheels and includes a power disconnection device and a friction clutch. A hypoid gearset is positioned within the second driveline in a power path between the synchronizing clutch and the power disconnection device. The friction clutch and the power disconnection device are positioned on opposite sides of the hypoid gearset. The hypoid gearset is selectively disconnected from being driven by the first driveline, the second driveline or the wheels when the synchronizing clutch and the power disconnection device are operated in disconnected, non-torque transferring, modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: Magna Powertrain of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Ekonen, Bradley Larkin, Douglas Bradley
  • TRANSFER CASE WITH A REGULATED LUBRICATION
    Publication number: 20140094333
    Abstract: A distribution gear mechanism with a torque transmission device having a clutch, a fluid sump configured to receive a lubricating fluid, wherein a lower cog is configured to engage in the fluid sump such that the lubricating fluid is conveyed from the fluid sump in the direction of an upper cog by way of a chain drive, a fluid reservoir configured to collect the lubricating fluid and which is fluidically connected to the fluid sump, an adjustment mechanism configured to open and close an outlet opening of the fluid reservoir to the fluid sump, and an actuating mechanism configured to simultaneously activate the adjustment mechanism and the clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: MAGNA Powertrain AG & Co KG
    Inventors: Philipp EBNER, Johannes QUEHENBERGER
  • ELECTRICAL MACHINE WITH COOLING
    Publication number: 20140091651
    Abstract: A stator for an electric machine having electrical windings surrounded by a casting compound, and fluid channels for cooling the electrical windings formed in the casting compound in close spatial proximity to the electrical windings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: MAGNA Powertrain AG & Co KG
    Inventors: Pirmin Dorfstätter, Gerhard PICHLER, Gereon Johannes PUSCH, Dominik SCHOBER
  • Continuously variable torque transfer mechanism
    Patent number: 8684874
    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: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain, Inc.
    Inventor: David W. Wenthen
  • Torque transmission arrangement
    Patent number: 8678158
    Abstract: A torque transmission arrangement including a primary shaft, a friction clutch, a housing in which the primary shaft is rotatably supported by a roller element bearing including an inner ring and an outer ring. An actuator is disposed in the housing between the friction clutch and the roller element bearing for actuating the friction clutch. The actuator comprises a fixed support element, an adjusting element axially offset from the support element and displaceable for engaging the friction clutch, and an actuating mechanism designed for displacing the adjusting element relative to the support element in an axial adjusting direction away from the roller element bearing. The roller element bearing is designed as a tapered roller bearing, and the support element is operationally connected to the tapered roller bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain AG & Co KG
    Inventors: Helmuth Sachsenmaier, Hannes Sperker, Robert Luef
  • Transmission with lubrication device
    Patent number: 8672094
    Abstract: The invention relates to a transmission for a motor vehicle having a rotatable transmission element arranged in a first section of the transmission; a store of liquid arranged in a second section of the transmission separate from the first section; a collection device for liquid thrown off by the transmission element having a return passage through which a first portion of the thrown off liquid can be returned to the first transmission section and an outlet to supply a second portion of the thrown off liquid back to the liquid store; and a passage for the liquid which connects the liquid store to the first transmission section and which has a temperature-controlled restrictor element functioning to inhibit the inflow of liquid from the liquid store into the first transmission section when a fluid temperature in the first transmission section falls below a temperature threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: MAGNA Powertrain AG & Co KG
    Inventor: Johannes Quehenberger
  • SHIFT SYSTEM FOR POWER TRANSMITTING DEVICE
    Publication number: 20140060227
    Abstract: A mechanism with an inner race, which has cams, an outer race and rollers between the cams and the outer race. The inner race has a first notch while the outer race has a second notch with a narrow portion and a wider portion. A member is disposed in the first and second notches. Positioning of the member in the first notch and the narrow portion of the second notch inhibits relative rotation between the inner and outer races and power is not transmitted between the outer race and a power transmitting member, such as a gear. Positioning of the member in the first notch and the wider portion of the second notch permits some relative rotation between the inner and outer races to cause the cams to urge the rollers outwardly so that the outer race frictionally engages the power transmitting member to facilitate transmission of rotary power therebetween.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Fleishman, Duane Golden
  • ACTUATOR
    Publication number: 20140062237
    Abstract: An actuator has a drive element and an output element each rotateable about a rotation axis, and a coupling device which couples the drive element to the output element to form a torsion backlash.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: MAGNA Powertrain AG & Co., KG
    Inventor: Ernst Riegler
  • HYBRID VARIABLE EXTERNAL GEAR PUMP
    Publication number: 20140056732
    Abstract: A pump comprising a housing having a first cavity and a second cavity, where the first cavity has a first motor and a pump element located therein. The first cavity is also connected to an external gear connected to the outside of the housing for receiving rotation power from a vehicle engine. The second cavity has a second motor that selectively connects to the pump element in the first cavity to provide toque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: MAGNA POWERTRAIN
    Inventors: Liping Wang, Matthew Williamson
  • Method for computational determination of the oil temperature in a clutch unit
    Patent number: 8660766
    Abstract: A clutch unit (47) comprises a wet friction clutch for controllable transmission of a torque from an input element (41) to an output element (45), housing that contains the friction clutch and oil for cooling the friction clutch, and an actuator (51) for actuating the friction clutch. The actuator is attached to the housing in a thermally conductive way and has a temperature sensor (108) for sensing a temperature of the actuator. In order to computationally determine the oil temperature (TÖl) in the clutch unit (47), a thermal input power to the clutch unit is determined as a function of at least a speed of the input element and/or of the output element. The difference between the thermal input power and the thermal output power is determined, and the oil temperature is determined as a function of the difference that was determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain AG & Co KG
    Inventors: Ender Ergun, Manfred Gollner, Martin Parigger
  • MULTI-SPEED TRANSAXLE FOR ELECTRIC AND HYBRID VEHICLE APPLICATION
    Publication number: 20140051538
    Abstract: An electric drive module for transferring torque to wheels of a motor vehicle a planetary gearset having a first member driven by the rotor and a second member. A synchronizer restricts a third member of the planetary gearset from rotation when the electric drive module operates at a first drive ratio. The synchronizer transfers energy from the rotating rotor to the third member during a shift between the first drive ratio and a second drive ratio to match the rotational speeds of the rotor and the second member. A reduction unit includes an input member being driven by the second member and also 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: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: Magna Powertrain Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Wenthen, John R. Forsyth
  • COMBINED ELECTRONIC WATER AND OIL PUMP
    Publication number: 20140050602
    Abstract: A combination pump comprising: a water pump having: a rotor including a stationary shaft, a stator, and an. isolation jacket, an oil pump having: a rotor that surrounds the isolation jacket of the water pump, an eccentric shaft attached to the rotor, a rotary pump in communication with the eccentric shall so that as the eccentric rotates the rotary pump is rotated and pumps a fluid; wherein the water pump rotor and the oil pump rotor are driven by a common magnet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: MAGNA POWERTRAIN OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Richard Muizelaar, Liping Wang
  • Transmission
    Patent number: 8650980
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a transmission having a housing, having a first drive output shaft, having a second drive output shaft and having a clutch system for distributing a torque between the drive output shafts. At least two transmission components are operatively connected between the drive output shafts and generate lubricating oil pressure. A separate tube extends within the housing from the at least two transmission components to the clutch system in order to supply lubricating oil to the clutch system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: MAGNA Powertrain AG & Co KG
    Inventors: Alois Lafer, Mario Vockenhuber, Jürgen Schranz
  • Variable capacity vane pump with dual control chambers
    Patent number: 8651825
    Abstract: A variable capacity vane includes a pump control ring which is moveable to alter the capacity of the pump and the pump can be operated at either of at least two selected equilibrium pressures. The pump ring is moved by at least first and second control chambers, the control chambers abutting the control ring such that pressurized fluid supplied to them acts on the pump control ring to move the pump control ring to reduce the volumetric capacity of the pump. When pressurized fluid is supplied to only one control chamber, the pump operates at a first equilibrium pressure and when pressurized fluid is also supplied to the second chamber, the pump operates at a second equilibrium pressure. Pressurized fluid can also be supplied only to the second control chamber to operate the pump at a third equilibrium pressure and/or additional control chambers can be provided if required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Williamson, David R. Shulver
  • Method of operating a drive train of a motor vehicle and corresponding drive train
    Patent number: 8647237
    Abstract: A method for selectively coupling a motor to a drive train of a motor vehicle using a clutch having a first clutch part driven by the motor, a second clutch part associated with the drive train and an actuator, the method includes the steps of: accelerating the first clutch part while simultaneously activating the actuator during a first actuation phase without engaging the first and second clutch parts; suspending activation of the actuator until a predefined rotational speed difference is reached between the first and second clutch parts; and engaging the first and second clutch parts during a second actuation phase upon reaching the predefined speed difference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: MAGNA Powertrain AG & Co KG
    Inventors: Daniel Prix, Rene Scheucher
  • Friction clutch and method to reduce drag loss in friction clutch
    Patent number: 8640846
    Abstract: A wet clutch includes a rotatable hub and a rotatable drum having an aperture extending therethrough. A plurality of outer clutch plates are fixed for rotation with the drum. A plurality of inner clutch plates are fixed for rotation with the hub and interleaved with the outer clutch plates. A piston is moveable to apply a force to the inner and outer clutch plates to transfer torque between the hub and the drum. A cover is moveable relative to the drum between first and second positions. The cover selectively restricts a flow of fluid through the aperture in the drum when in the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain Inc.
    Inventors: Richard D. Muizelaar, Sean Steele, Jianwen Li, Andrew Kowalski
  • Method for controlling a clutch unit
    Patent number: 8645036
    Abstract: A method for controlling a clutch unit for a drive train of a motor vehicle wherein the temperature in the friction clutch is ascertained and a characteristic curve of the friction clutch is adapted as a function of the ascertained temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain AG & Co KG
    Inventor: Martin Kiessner-Haiden
  • TWO-SPEED TRANSMISSION FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE
    Publication number: 20140031161
    Abstract: A transmission to transfer power from an electric motor to first and second axles of a vehicle includes an input shaft adapted to be driven by the electric motor and a first planetary gear set. A second planetary gear set has a first member driven by the first planetary gear set, a second member restricted from rotation and a third member. A differential assembly has a first side gear adapted to drive the first axle, a second side gear adapted to drive the second axle and a pair of pinion gears meshed with the first and second side gears. A first clutch is operable to drivingly interconnect the first member and the differential assembly. A second clutch is operable to drivingly interconnect the third member and the differential assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.
    Inventor: David W. Wenthen