Patents Examined by Ernesto A Suarez
  • Patent number: 11692615
    Abstract: Methods and systems for an electric drive axle of a vehicle are provided. An electric drive axle system includes, in one example, a gear train configured to rotationally attach to an electric motor-generator. The gear train includes an output shaft rotationally coupled to a first planetary gear assembly axially offset from an input shaft rotationally coupled to the electric motor-generator, the first planetary gear assembly configured to removably couple to a differential arranged co-axial with an axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Dana Automotive Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Eric M. Engerman, Mitchell R. Lawson
  • Patent number: 11692594
    Abstract: Provided are a wet friction plate and a wet multiplate clutch device including the wet friction plates capable of improving the performance for discharging lubricant oil adhering to surfaces of friction members. A wet friction plate includes oil grooves and friction members on a flat plate annular core metal. At a surface of a porous layer of the friction member, a friction slide surface and lubricant oil recessed portions are formed. The lubricant oil recessed portion has no sharp portion in a pointed shape, such as a corner portion, and is formed with a smooth continuous surface. The multiple lubricant oil recessed portions depressed in a recessed shape with respect to the friction slide surface are formed. In the porous layer, hollow portions are formed to have the same formation rate between a portion forming the friction slide surface and a portion forming the lubricant oil recessed portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha F.C.C.
    Inventors: Kazuya Uehara, Masatoshi Miyagawa, Nobuyuki Katayama
  • Patent number: 11686373
    Abstract: A multiple speed transmission includes an input member, an output member, first, second, third and fourth planetary gearsets each having first, second and third members, and a plurality of interconnecting members each connected between at least one of the first, second, third, and fourth planetary gearsets and at least another of the first, second, third, and fourth planetary gearsets. The transmission includes a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms between the input and output members, wherein the torque transmitting mechanisms are selectively engageable in combinations of at least four to establish at least ten forward speed ratios between the input member and the output member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: ALLISON TRANSMISSION, INC.
    Inventor: Rayman E. Bazilio
  • Patent number: 11686380
    Abstract: A differential system includes a differential and a differential disconnect mechanism. The differential includes an outer differential housing and an inner differential housing. The differential disconnect mechanism includes a disconnect clutch, first end face teeth and second end face teeth. The first end face teeth are disposed between the outer differential housing and the inner differential housing and are movably connected with the outer differential housing so that the first end face teeth can move axially and rotate synchronously relative to the outer differential housing. The second end face teeth are fixedly connected with the inner differential housing. The disconnect clutch is connected with the first end face teeth, and is configured to drive the first end face teeth to move axially relative to the second end face teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: JING-JIN ELECTRIC TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yang Cao, Ping Yu, Jianwen Li, Guoshan Liu, Fei Wang
  • Patent number: 11686376
    Abstract: Connecting section for a two-part hub that support a driven shaft of a hybrid drive module having a first hub section and a second hub section. The connecting section can be arranged coaxially with the first hub section and the second hub section and can be arranged between the first hub section and the second hub section. The connecting section is designed as a sliding bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Monika Rößner, Gerald Viernekes
  • Patent number: 11685245
    Abstract: A power transmission device including: a motor to drive a rotary shaft; a first reducer connected to the rotary shaft to reduce rotational angular velocity of the rotary shaft; a second reducer connected to the rotary shaft to reduce rotational angular velocity of the rotary shaft; a first clutch disposed between the rotary shaft and the first reducer to connect and disconnect the rotary shaft and the first reducer; a second clutch disposed between the rotary shaft and the second reducer to connect and disconnect the rotary shaft and the second reducer; and a third clutch disposed outside the second reducer to connect and disconnect the second reducer and an external component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOBIS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kyung Won Han
  • Patent number: 11674582
    Abstract: A differential device includes a differential case (10) that has a flange portion (11) and a differential ring gear (40) that has a tooth portion, a fixed and supported portion (45), and a coupling portion. The differential case (10) has a first abutting surface (10a) and a restricting portion (10b). The differential ring gear (40) has a second abutting surface (40a) and an abutting portion (40b). A welding portion that is formed by welding the flange portion (11) of the differential case (10) and the fixed and supported portion (45) of the differential ring gear (40) is disposed at a position that is different from an abutting part between the first abutting surface (10a) and the second abutting surface (40a) and an abutting part between the restricting portion (10b) and the abutting portion (40b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: AISIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Ono, Yusuke Suzuki
  • Patent number: 11674566
    Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for a multi-speed electric axle assembly with three gear ratios. The multi-speed electric axle assembly includes one or more power supplies, one or more shafts operatively coupled to the one or more power supplies and a differential, and one or more Ravigneaux gear assemblies integrated with the one or more shafts. The one or more Ravigneaux gear assemblies of the multi-speed electric axle assembly providing the three gear ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew T. Brammer, Michael D. Cook, Jordan M. Houser
  • Patent number: 11673463
    Abstract: Methods and systems for an electric motor system are provided. In one example, a motor system is provided which comprises a first electric machine rotationally coupled to a second electric machine by a planetary gear set that has three components: a ring gear, a sun gear, and a carrier with a plurality of planet gears. In the system, the first electric machine varies in size from the second electric machine and one of the planetary assembly components is permanently grounded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Langston H. Corn, Mark A. Davis, Jordan M. Houser, Darren J. Ziskovsky
  • Patent number: 11674581
    Abstract: Methods and systems for a locking differential are provided. The locking differential system includes an electromagnetic solenoid actuator configured to induce locking and unlocking of the differential and a circuit board assembly designed to programmatically control the locking and unlocking functionality. The circuit board assembly includes a multi-sensor sub-assembly having two or more sensor configured to monitor a position of the electromagnetic solenoid actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Dana Automotive Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Justin S. Davis, Michael Z. Creech, Sagar B. Bangar
  • Patent number: 11674577
    Abstract: Differential arrangement, e.g., for a drive axle of a motor vehicle. The differential arrangement comprises a drive wheel; a differential gear having an input part; a shift clutch operatively arranged between the drive wheel and the differential gear, wherein in the closed state of the shift clutch torque is transmitted from the drive wheel to the differential gear and in the open state of the shift clutch a torque transmission is interrupted. A first clutch part of the shift clutch is fixedly connected to the input part or to a differential housing of the differential gear, and a second clutch part of the shift clutch is fixedly connected to the respective other one of the input part and the differential housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: GKN Automotive Limited
    Inventors: Matthias Zingerle, Nikolaus Mayr, Sigmund Senoner, Hanspeter Putzer
  • Patent number: 11668353
    Abstract: Provided are a method for manufacturing a wet friction plate, whereby efficiency of the work of forming a fine groove on a friction material can be improved, the wet friction plate, and a wet multiple-plate clutch device having the wet friction plate. In the method for manufacturing a wet friction plate 200, a core metal 201 and a friction material 210 are prepared, a resin layer 203 is formed on the core metal, the friction material is attached onto the resin layer, and a fine groove 211 is formed in the friction material. Specifically, irradiation of a laser beam L is started on an exposed portion 205 of the core metal. A laser head 301 is displaced in an annular shape while continuously emitting the laser beam. Thus, annular fine grooves 204 and 211 are formed in the exposed portion of the core metal and the friction material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha F.C.C.
    Inventors: Shintaro Yagi, Katsumasa Kiuchi
  • Patent number: 11655887
    Abstract: A differential including a case (5), a side gear (100,200), a first lock plate (1000) having a first side and a toothed side, and a second lock plate (2000) having a first side facing the case and a toothed second side facing the toothed side of the first lock plate (1000). The differential further includes a cam plate (300) between the side gear (100,200) and the first lock plate (1000) and a clutch pack (40) between the cam plate (300) and the first lock plate (1000). The cam plate (300) includes a splined neck (330) extending towards the first lock plate (1000), and the clutch pack (40) includes at least one active clutch disc (20) internally splined to the splined neck (330).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: Sagar Pratap Tawade, Rupesh Madhukar Surve
  • Patent number: 11649885
    Abstract: A differential apparatus includes a differential unit and a multi-plate clutch. The differential unit includes a differential case, a differential gear and a pair of output gears. The differential case includes a case main body and a cover body to close an opening of the case main body. The opening of the case main body is formed on a side of one of the pair of output gears. The multi-plate clutch is provided only on a side of the opening of the case main body. Outer clutch plates of the multi-plate clutch are engaged with the differential case. Inner clutch plates of the multi-plate clutch are engaged with the one of the pair of the output gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: GKN Automotive Limited
    Inventors: Isao Hirota, Noboru Higano, Yousuke Kawai
  • Patent number: 11635129
    Abstract: A torque converter disposed between a prime mover and an output shaft is disclosed. The torque converter includes a cover, an impeller, a turbine, and a first clutch. The impeller is unitarily rotated with the cover. The turbine is disposed opposite to the impeller. The first clutch is configured to allow and block transmitting power outputted from the prime mover to the cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: EXEDY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yoshihiro Matsuoka
  • Patent number: 11635128
    Abstract: A torque converter, including: a cover arranged to receive torque; an impeller; a turbine; a stator; and a lock-up clutch including a piston plate, a first plate, a second plate axially disposed between the cover and the first plate, and a rivet non-rotatably connecting the first plate to the second plate, the rivet being a component distinct from the first plate and the second plate. The cover and the piston plate define at least a portion of a first pressure chamber. The first plate and the second plate define at least a portion of a second pressure chamber. The first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber are arranged to receive and expel a fluid to axially displace the piston plate to open and close the lock-up clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Long Souers
  • Patent number: 11628715
    Abstract: A shift control method for an automated manual transmission (AMT) of a vehicle includes: when a shift operation is started, a torque of the second motor is increased so that a change in an output torque of the output shaft due to a change in a torque of the first motor is minimized while the torque of the first motor is being decreased. According to the shift control method, the increased torque of the second motor is maintained to be constant while controlling transmission release, speed synchronization, and transmission coupling. After the control over the transmission coupling is completed, the torque of the second motor is controlled so that the output torque of the output shaft follows a predetermined target torque while the torque of the first motor is controlled to be increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ah Ram Lee, Kwon Su Shin, Jae Joon Lee, Jong Sool Park, Jin Young Hwang
  • Patent number: 11619291
    Abstract: A differential device is provided with: a ring gear having a tooth row arranged around an axis to mesh with an input gear; an outer case combined with the ring gear and rotatable about the axis; an inner case rotatable about the axis relative to the outer case and having a toothed end with axially projecting dog teeth; a differential gear set supported by the inner case and to be coupled with a pair of axles to allow differential motion between the axles; a clutch member engaging with the outer case and disconnectably connecting with the dog teeth so as to prevent the inner case from rotating relative to the outer case; and perforations penetrating the outer case and opened on an outer face of the outer case, the perforations being so disposed as to expose the dog teeth radially outwardly from the outer case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: GKN Automotive Limited
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Ohashi, Hideki Nonaka, Koji Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 11619288
    Abstract: A torque converter including: a cover arranged to receive torque; an impeller; a turbine in fluid communication with the impeller; a stator assembly; a lock-up clutch including an axially displaceable piston plate; a vibration damper including an output flange, a retainer plate, and a spring directly engaged with the output flange and retainer plate; a first combination component having a first single unified structure including a first section forming a pilot hub located radially inward of the cover and non-rotatably connected to the cover, and a second section forming a seal plate of the lock-up clutch; and a second combination component having a second single unified structure including a third section forming a shell of the turbine, and a fourth section forming a cover plate of the vibration damper, the fourth section directly engaged with the spring and non-rotatably connected to the retainer plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Craig McBurney
  • Patent number: 11607954
    Abstract: A hybrid power transmission mechanism includes an engine; a motor/generator having a rotor and a stator; a driven machine; a planetary gear mechanism having a sun gear, an internal gear drivingly connected to the rotor, a planetary gear, and a planetary carrier shaft including first and second extension shaft parts extending from the planetary gear in opposite directions; a first clutch switchable between a state of allowing transmission of power between the first shaft and the internal gear and a state of not allowing transmission of power therebetween; and a second clutch switchable between a state of allowing rotation of the sun gear and a state of not allowing rotation thereof. A first shaft that outputs power of the engine and a second shaft that inputs power to the driven machine are drivingly connected to the first and second extension shaft parts of the planetary carrier shaft, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Sumio Yagyu