Patents Assigned to MAGNA POWERTRAIN
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Patent number: 8118575Abstract: A variable displacement vane pump which includes an enhanced discharge port. The enhanced discharge port reduces areas of high pressure in the discharge port which would otherwise occur as the pressurized working fluid reverses its direction of flow to enter the discharge port. By reducing the areas of high pressure, the back torque on the pump rotor is reduced and the energy efficiency of the pump is enhanced. In one embodiment, the pivot for the pump control ring is located radially outwardly from a conventional location, to allow for a discharge recess to be formed in the control ring, adjacent the discharge port, and extending past the pivot to the pump outlet. In a second embodiment, the discharge recess is formed in the control ring around the pivot and a seal is provided on the control ring to inhibit leakage of pressurized working fluid past the control ring.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2009Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: Magna Powertrain Inc.Inventors: Matthew Williamson, David R. Shulver, Cezar Tanasuca
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Patent number: 8113981Abstract: A multi-speed transmission includes a first power transmission module driven by an input shaft. A second power transmission module is driven by the first power transmission module. A third power transmission module is driven by the second power transmission module and drives an output shaft. Each power transmission module includes an actuation mechanism and a planetary gearset. Each actuation mechanism controls the output of its respective planetary gearset to one of a first gear ratio and a second gear ratio. One of the actuation mechanisms includes a clutch and a spring biasing a member to rotate and cause a corresponding actuation of the clutch. The clutch causes two members of the respective planetary gearset to rotate at substantially the same speed and provide the first gear ratio. The actuation mechanism selectively restricts the member from rotating and prevent actuation of the clutch to provide the second gear ratio.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2008Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: MAGNA Powertrain USA, Inc.Inventors: Malcolm E. Kirkwood, Dumitru Puiu
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Publication number: 20120031215Abstract: A transmission for a motor vehicle including a transmission housing for receiving a transmission and an actuator for actuating the transmission. The actuator comprises an electric motor having a stator, a rotor, and a drive shaft protruding into an interior of the transmission housing. The actuator further comprises a control circuit for controlling the electric motor, and a heat sink device thermally conductively coupled to the control circuit. The stator of the electric motor is directly attached to the transmission housing. The heat sink device is attached to the transmission housing independently of the mounting of the stator.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2009Publication date: February 9, 2012Applicant: MAGNA Powertrain AG & Co KGInventor: Bernhard Feier
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Publication number: 20120031725Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2011Publication date: February 9, 2012Applicant: MAGNA POWERTRAIN AG & CO KGInventor: Johannes Quehenberger
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Publication number: 20120018274Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of operating a drive train of a motor vehicle having a motor which can be selectively coupled to the drive train by means of a clutch actuable by an actuator. The clutch has a first clutch part associated with a drive shaft of the motor and a second clutch part associated with the drive train.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2011Publication date: January 26, 2012Applicant: MAGNA POWERTRAIN AG & CO KGInventors: Daniel Prix, Rene Scheucher
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Publication number: 20120018259Abstract: The present invention relates to a blocking mechanism for the rotationally fixed locking of a shaft, in particular to a parking lock for a shaft of a motor vehicle. The blocking mechanism includes a pawl which is 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 furthermore includes an actuating mechanism which has 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: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2011Publication date: January 26, 2012Applicant: MAGNA POWERTRAIN AG & CO KGInventor: Daniel Prix
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Patent number: 8100238Abstract: A magnetorheological clutch includes a primary part, a secondary part and a magnet for the generation of a magnetic field. The primary part and the secondary part are rotatable relative to one another around an axis of rotation of the clutch, with the primary part being rotationally fixedly connected to at least one disk. The disk is surrounded by coupling gaps in which a magnetorheological medium is arranged. The thickness of the at least one disk along the coupling gap has a value of approximately 0.4 mm to approximately 1 mm, with the at least one disk being formed along the coupling gaps without material interruptions.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2008Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignee: MAGNA Powertrain AG & Co KGInventor: Herbert Steinwender
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Patent number: 8100105Abstract: The present invention relates to a balance shaft unit for mass balancing for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle including at least one balance shaft having at least one balance weight and a housing part in which the balance shaft is journaled. A first gear is associated with the balance shaft and meshes with a second gear. An introduction passage is formed in the housing part through which, starting from an assembly opening, at least one of the two gears can be introduced into the interior of the housing part, with the introduction passage extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the balance shaft. The first gear and the second gear are arranged sequentially with respect to the direction of extent of the introduction passage.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2008Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignee: MAGNA Powertrain AG & Co KGInventors: Michael Schober, Andreas Hoelzl, Roland Marzy
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Publication number: 20120006155Abstract: The invention relates to a manual transmission having an input shaft (12), one first and one second mechanical gear branch (26, 28) that may be coupled in a driving fashion on the input side with the input shaft and on the output side via various gears (G1, . . . , G7,R) with a common output shaft (40), and one first and one second hydrostatic machine (18, 18?, 20, 20?), each comprising a primary part (16), a secondary part (22, 24), and one first and one second pressure chamber. The primary part and the secondary part of each hydrostatic machine (18, 18?, 20, 20?) are rotatable relative to one another, wherein the secondary part (22) of the first hydrostatic machine (18, 18?) is operatively connected to the first mechanical gear branch (26) and the secondary part (24) of the second hydrostatic machine (20, 20?) is operatively connected to the second mechanical gear branch (28).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2008Publication date: January 12, 2012Applicant: Magna Powertrain AG & Co KGInventor: Wolfram Hasewend
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Patent number: 8091451Abstract: The invention relates to a power divider for motor vehicles, comprising a housing (1), a primary shaft (2) having a drive connection to a first driven axis, a controlled friction coupling (4) and a displacement drive (6, 7, 8) for the drive of a second driven axis. The friction coupling (4) can be actuated by means of two ramp rings (1, 16) which can rotate counter to each other and which comprise articulated jacks (19, 20). In order to use the toothed wheels as a displacement drive and to provide a compact and economical actuator, the control curves are embodied on a control cam (25) which comprises two control sliding tracks (35, 36) which are offset in relation to each other and can be rotated about a parallel axis in relation to the axis of primary shaft (2). The control cam (25) is rotationally mounted on the second toothed wheel (7) or the shaft thereof (9).Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2006Date of Patent: January 10, 2012Assignee: MAGNA Powertrain AG & Co KGInventors: Erich Wolfsjäger, Dietmar Gall, Marcus Friedl, Markus Krogger
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Publication number: 20110319213Abstract: 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 the first driveline and the second driveline when the first and second power disconnection devices are operated in a disconnected, non-torque transferring, mode. At least one of the first and second power disconnection devices includes an active dry friction clutch.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2010Publication date: December 29, 2011Applicant: Magna Powertrain of America, Inc.Inventors: Todd Ekonen, Johannes Quehenberger
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Patent number: 8079826Abstract: A variable displacement vane pump provides a substantially constant output pressure in its regulated operation region. A longitudinal axis of the control spring is inclined, with respect to a plane through the rotational axis of a pivot and a contact point between the control ring and the control spring. The inclination reduces the length of the moment arm between the spring and the pivot when the control ring of the pump is moved from the maximum displacement position to the minimum displacement position. The reduced length moment arm offsets the increase in the moment produced by compression of the control spring is offset to achieve a substantially constant output pressure. The control spring is compressed a reduced amount during pump operation to minimize the change in output force exerted by the control spring as the control ring moves between positions.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2008Date of Patent: December 20, 2011Assignee: Magna Powertrain Inc.Inventors: David R. Shulver, Cezar Tanasuca, Matthew Williamson
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Patent number: 8079928Abstract: A transfer case includes an input shaft and first and second output shafts. An overdrive unit is driven at an increased speed relative to the input shaft. A clutch is operable in a first position to establish a drive connection between the input shaft and the first output shaft. The clutch is further operable in a second position to establish a drive connection between the overdrive unit and the first output shaft. An actuator is driven by a motor for moving the clutch between its first and second positions. The actuator includes an axially movable fixed disk fixed for rotation with an output member of the overdrive unit. The shift engages an axially movable sleeve of the clutch.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2008Date of Patent: December 20, 2011Assignee: MAGNA Powertrain USA, Inc.Inventors: Aaron Ronk, Matt Phalen, Christopher J. Decker, Nancy Mintonye, John D. Zalewski
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Publication number: 20110301820Abstract: The invention relates to an electrically actuatable assembly of a motor vehicle having at least one component comprising a non-volatile memory. The component has base functionality characteristic for the component and required for the operation of the assembly. The memory comprises a memory region not utilized for realizing the base functionality of the component, in said memory region is stored a characteristic value that identifies the assembly with a predetermined probability. Furthermore, the characteristic value can be read out from the memory region of the component. Finally, the invention describes a method for identifying such an electrically actuatable assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2009Publication date: December 8, 2011Applicants: AUDI AG, Magna Powertrain AG & Co. KGInventors: Gerhard Müllner, Karl Reisinger, Ralf Schwarz, Tim Christopher Meissner, Maik Hofmann, Thomas Ferstl
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Publication number: 20110283827Abstract: The present invention relates to a dual mass flywheel for a drivetrain of a motor vehicle. The dual mass flywheel comprises a primary flywheel mass (12) and a secondary flywheel mass that can rotate relative to a rotary axis (r) of the dual mass flywheel, and that can be rotationally elastically coupled to each other by a coupling device (26). The coupling device (26) comprises at least two pivot levers (28) associated with one of the two flywheel masses (14, 12) and interacting with a control profile (36) associated with the other flywheel mass (12, 14). The pivot levers (28) are pretensioned by elastic elements (40) against the control profile (36) in a radial direction from the outside inward relative to the rotary axis (r). A central segment of each of the elastic elements (40) is disposed inside of the control profile (36) in the radial direction relative to the rotary axis (r).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2010Publication date: November 24, 2011Applicant: MAGNA POWERTRAIN AG & CO KGInventor: Rudolf Glassner
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Patent number: 8057201Abstract: A variable capacity vane pump has a pump control ring which is moveable to alter the volumetric displacement of the pump. The pump ring is moved by at least first and second control chambers, which acts on the pump control ring when pressurized working fluid is supplied to them to move the pump control ring to alter 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. If desired, 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: GrantFiled: May 4, 2007Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: Magna Powertrain Inc.Inventors: David R. Shulver, Adrian C. Cioc
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Publication number: 20110275470Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2010Publication date: November 10, 2011Applicant: MAGNA POWERTRAIN OF AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Todd Ekonen, Bradley Larkin, Douglas Bradley
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Patent number: 8047822Abstract: A vane pump (20) is provided which has an output pressure hat can be selected from a continuous range of pressures, independent of the operating speed of the pump. The pump has first (68) and second (72) control chambers which create opposed forces on the pump control ring (40) to selectively move the pump control ring (40) between maximum displacement and minimum displacement positions. In one embodiment, the control chamber (68) which urges the ump control ring to the minimum displacement position is continually supplied with pressurized working fluid during operation of the ump while the control chamber (72) which urges the pump control ring to the maximum displacement position can selectively be supplied with pressurized working fluid, isolated, or can be relieved of pressurized working fluid to alter the displacement of the pump.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2007Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Magna Powertrain Inc.Inventors: David R. Shulver, Adrian C. Cioc
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Patent number: 8033944Abstract: The invention relates to a differential gear having a differential housing in which two conical compensating gears are rotatably supported about a first axis of rotation and two conical output gears meshing with the compensating gears are rotatably supported about a second axis of rotation oriented at right angles to the first axis of rotation, wherein a spring device is arranged between the differential housing and at least one of the output and/or compensating gears to load it with a spring force.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2009Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Assignee: MAGNA Powertrain AG & Co KGInventors: Gunter Weber, August Kriebernegg
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Publication number: 20110218070Abstract: An electric drive module for a motor vehicle includes an electric motor, a first input member, a first output member and a two-speed module selectively drivingly interconnecting the first input member and the first output member at one of two different drive ratios. A reduction unit includes a second input member being driven by the first output member and has a second output member being driven at a reduced speed relative to the second input member. A differential assembly has an input driven by said second output member. A first differential output drives a first output shaft, and a second differential output drives a second output shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2009Publication date: September 8, 2011Applicant: MAGNA POWERTRAIN OF AMERICA, INCInventors: Noel R. Mack, John R. Forsyth, David W. Wenthen, Richard A. Bakowski, Mario C. DeSantis, Kelly Rathnaw