Patents Assigned to MAGNA POWERTRAIN
  • Patent number: 8459432
    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: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard D. Muizelaar, Sean Steele, Jianwen Li, Andrew Kowalski
  • Patent number: 8444395
    Abstract: A variable displacement variable pressure vane pump system provides lubrication oil to a mechanical system. The pump system includes a first control mechanism to apply a force to a control slider to counter a biasing force of a biasing spring and urge the control slider away from a position corresponding to a maximum displacement position of the pump. A second control mechanism applies a force to the control slider to alter the displacement of the pump. A control varies the supply of lubrication oil to the second control mechanism to alter the output of the pump to closely correspond to the lubrication requirements of the mechanical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain, Inc.
    Inventors: Cezar Tanasuca, David R. Shulver
  • Patent number: 8443954
    Abstract: The invention relates to a clutch having two clutch parts which can be brought into engagement in form fitted manner for the torque transfer; and a shift member which is movable in a first direction to bring the clutch parts out of engagement and is movable in a second direction to bring the clutch parts into engagement. A motor is provided for the movement of the shift member in the first direction and a spring element is provided for the movement of the shift member in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain AG & Co KG
    Inventors: Johannes Quehenberger, Simon Kaimer, Klaus Eder, Todd Ekonen
  • Publication number: 20130119793
    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: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: MAGNA Powertrain AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Rainer Hofkirchner, Daniel Prix
  • Patent number: 8419578
    Abstract: A transmission for a vehicle including a hydrostatic regenerative braking system includes a first rotatable shaft having a first end adapted to be driven by a first prime mover and a second end adapted to be coupled to a vehicle driveline. A second shaft selectively drives the first shaft and is adapted to drive a hydraulic pump of a second prime mover. A planetary gearset includes a first member restricted from rotation, a second member and a third member. A transfer mechanism includes a first sprocket fixed for rotation with the second member, a second sprocket fixed for rotation with the input shaft and a flexible member interconnecting the first and second sprockets. A clutch transfers torque between the third member and the first shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl F. Stephens, Joseph G. Mueller
  • Publication number: 20130090829
    Abstract: A system and method using a vehicle drive shaft torque coupled to a driven wheel and a non-driven wheel speed for a vehicle throttle control system includes reading first and second torque values generated by the torque sensor. The method identifies when a sustained drop occurs between the first and second torque values. Another step determines if a change occurred between the first and second torque value readings in any of: a throttle position; a gear setting; and a brake pressure. A detected traction loss is signaled when the sustained drop occurred with no change between the first and second torque value readings in the throttle position, gear setting, and brake pressure. A desired throttle value is calculated using an engine torque and a target engine speed to prevent driven wheel slip. A throttle command signal changes an existing throttle value to the desired throttle value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: MAGNA POWERTRAIN OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Magna Powertrain of America, Inc.
  • Patent number: 8414438
    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 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain, Inc.
    Inventor: David W. Wenthen
  • Publication number: 20130062154
    Abstract: A torque transfer device (34) for a motor vehicle includes a clutch (50) for transferring torque between first and second shafts (76, 78). An electromagnetic actuator (98, 102) includes an axially moveable armature (102) for applying an application force to the clutch (50). An actuator control system includes a position sensor (118c) operable to output a signal indicative of a position of the armature (102). The control system determines a target torque to be transferred by the clutch (50) and a target armature position based on a previously determined clutch torque vs. armature position relationship. The control system varies an electrical input to the electromagnetic actuator (98, 102) to perform closed loop control of the armature position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: MAGNA POWERTRAIN OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Timothy M. Burns, Hsing-Hua Fan
  • Patent number: 8393247
    Abstract: A dual mass flywheel for a drivetrain of a motor vehicle includes a primary flywheel mass, a secondary flywheel mass and a coupling device. The coupling device includes at least two pivot levers associated with the secondary flywheel mass that interact with a control profile formed on the primary flywheel mass. The pivot levers are pretensioned against the control profile in a radial direction by an elastic element. A control segment of the elastic element is disposed radially inside the control profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain AG & Co KG
    Inventor: Rudolf Glassner
  • Patent number: 8387759
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a blocking mechanism for a parking lock of a shaft in a motor vehicle. The blocking mechanism includes a pawl pivotable about a pivot axis and which, in a blocked position, engages into at least one latch cut-out of a ratchet wheel connected to the shaft. The blocking mechanism includes an actuating mechanism having an actuating device for moving an actuation slider. The pawl is pivotable by a movement of the actuation slider. The actuation slider includes a first U-shaped component and a second U-shaped component which each have two side sections and a transverse section connecting the side sections. The first component and the second component are plugged into one another in opposite directions such that the transverse section of the one component at least partly closes the open end of the U shape of the component and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain AG & Co KG
    Inventor: Daniel Prix
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8365894
    Abstract: A hydraulic system is presented with a hydraulic fluid, with a work element actuable by the fluid, with a fluid pump for the application of a fluid pressure to the fluid, with the fluid pump being operable to generate a reference depression in the system, and with a pressure sensor for the measurement of the fluid pressure which is in communication with a control unit which is designed to carry out a calibration of the pressure sensor with reference to the reference depression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: MAGNA Powertrain AG & Co KG
    Inventor: Markus Kohlböck
  • Publication number: 20130012350
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wheel hub drive for a motor vehicle, having a motor, in particular an electric motor, which is connected to an input element of a transmission so as to exercise a driving effect, wherein the transmission has an output element, which is connected to a shaft section, by means of which a wheel of the motor vehicle can be driven. A sensor is furthermore provided for monitoring the rotational speed of the drive, comprising a sensor element arranged in a manner fixed against rotation and a rotatable sensor element. The rotatable sensor element is connected to the output element for conjoint rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: MAGNA POWERTRAIN AG
    Inventor: Philipp Ebner
  • Publication number: 20120329566
    Abstract: A power transmission device for a four-wheel drive vehicle includes an input shaft adapted to be driven by a power source. A first output shaft is rotatable about a first axis and adapted to transmit torque to a first driveline. A second output shaft is adapted to transmit torque to a second driveline and is rotatable about a second axis. The first and second axes diverge from one another. A transfer unit includes a drive member rotatably supported on the first output shaft and a driven member coupled to the second output shaft. A joint is positioned within a cavity formed in the driven member and drivingly interconnects the driven member and the second output shaft. The driven member includes first and second portions separable from and re-mountable to each other to allow service to the joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: MAGNA POWERTRAIN OF AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Carl F. Stephens, William A. Hellinger, Dale R. Fine
  • Publication number: 20120313465
    Abstract: An electric drive unit includes a stator which is received in a metal housing, and a rotor rotates within the stator. A synthetic material housing is arranged on the metal housing in the region of the stator, the synthetic material housing forming at least one cooling channel for a cooling fluid in order to cool the stator via the metal housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: Magna Powertrain AG & CO KG
    Inventor: Daniel Prix
  • Publication number: 20120309571
    Abstract: A clutch shaft for a camshaft controller having at each of two ends (30, 31) thereof a rotating joint which equalizes the angle between the axes. An actuator for controlling a camshaft adjustment transmission includes a clutch shaft for controlling the camshaft adjustment transmission to the actuator via a first rotating joint which equalizes the angle between the axes which is coupled in a region of the actuator which faces away from the adjustment transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2012
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: MAGNA Powertrain AG & Co KG
    Inventors: Michael SCHOBER, Felix Kuffner
  • Patent number: 8316738
    Abstract: A power transmission device for a four-wheel drive vehicle having a power source and first and second drivelines includes an input shaft adapted to be driven by the power source. A first output shaft is rotatable about a first axis and adapted to transmit torque to the first driveline. A second output shaft is adapted to transmit torque to the second driveline and is rotatable about a second axis. The first and second axes do not extend parallel to each other. A transfer unit includes a first cylindrically-shaped gear rotatably supported on the first output shaft and a second conically-shaped gear fixed for rotation with the second output shaft. The first and second gears are in constant meshed engagement with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain of America, Inc.
    Inventors: William A. Hellinger, John D. Zalewski, David W. Wenthen, Brian M. Fitzgerald
  • Patent number: 8321115
    Abstract: A system and method using a vehicle drive shaft torque coupled to a driven wheel and a non-driven wheel speed for a vehicle throttle control system includes reading first and second torque values generated by the torque sensor. The method identifies when a sustained drop occurs between the first and second torque values. Another step determines if a change occurred between the first and second torque value readings in any of: a throttle position; a gear setting; and a brake pressure. A detected traction loss is signaled when the sustained drop occurred with no change between the first and second torque value readings in the throttle position, gear setting, and brake pressure. A desired throttle value is calculated using an engine torque and a target engine speed to prevent driven wheel slip. A throttle command signal changes an existing throttle value to the desired throttle value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Hamid A. Oral
  • Patent number: 8317486
    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: September 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Williamson, David R. Shulver
  • Patent number: 8315761
    Abstract: A method for the control of an assembly by a control unit, in particular in a motor vehicle, wherein the assembly includes at least one component, at least one actuator associated with the component, and an additional control unit having a first non-volatile memory section that is connected to the control unit. The control unit includes a second non-volatile memory section. Classification information associated with the assembly and stored in the first non-volatile memory section is read out and transmitted to the control unit. The transmitted classification information is stored in the second non-volatile memory section. Subsequently, the classification information stored in the second, non-volatile memory section is read out and transmitted to the additional control unit. The disclosure furthermore relates to an assembly group that comprises the assembly and the control unit, with the control unit and the additional control unit of the assembly being connected to one another by a data transmission path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: MAGNA Powertrain AG & Co KG
    Inventor: Martin Kiessner-Haiden