Abstract: An axle module for use in an automotive vehicle. The axle module includes axle shaft electronic torque management. The axle module includes a housing having a differential carrier rotatably supported therein. The axle module also includes a differential gear set rotatably supported within the differential carrier. A clutch pack contacts the differential gear set and the differential carrier. The axle module also includes a shaft connected to the clutch pack wherein the shaft is axial moveable within the differential carrier and housing.

Abstract: A differential gear mechanism includes a rotatable case driven by torque from an engine, a differential gear set housed in the case for differential distribution of the torque to a pair of output axes, comprising a first clutch, an annular plunger movable in a direction of the rotation axis and an annular electromagnetic actuator for actuation of the plunger in the direction of the rotation axis. The case further comprises a second clutch being slidable in the direction of the rotation axis and the second clutch is actuated by the plunger so as to be engaged with the first clutch.

Abstract: An auxiliary transmission (31) with controllable clutch (2) is described for the optional distribution of a drive output torque to one or more drive output shafts with a reduction gear stage (3) and with a hydraulic pump (14). The hydraulic pump (14) is arranged on a transmission input shaft (4) and the reduction gear stage (3) is connected in series in such manner that the drive input power to the hydraulic pump (14) remains at least approximately the same when a range change takes place in the reduction gear stage (3).

Abstract: A three transmission position shift control includes a forward position, a neutral position and a reverse position, and a switch or button operable for engaging a park brake or park lock when in the neutral position. The control can include a shift lever shiftable or between the forward, neutral and reverse positions. The park switch or button which can be a momentary switch on the lever or a hand grip of the lever is operable for controlling a solenoid that activates the park brake or park lock. Park is deactivated or released by shifting into forward or reverse.

Abstract: A transmission mechanism with a differential mechanism of an automotive vehicle comprises a driving power input shaft, a propeller shaft, a core shaft, two rear wheel output shafts, two front wheel output shafts, and a caseless differential mechanism including a left side bevel gear, a planetary gear bracket and a right side bevel gear. The performance of the automotive vehicle equipped with the transmission mechanism of the invention can be improved.

Abstract: When a hybrid vehicle picks up speed, the torque of a first motor is gradually reduced based on a vehicle speed before the vehicle speed reaches a vehicle speed threshold. When the vehicle speed is equal to or greater than the vehicle speed threshold, the torque of the first motor is reduced to zero. If the vehicle speed is equal to or greater than the vehicle speed threshold, then a third clutch connected to the first motor is disengaged.

Abstract: A transfer case includes a two-speed range unit, a friction clutch, an actuation mechanism, and a control system. The actuation mechanism includes an electric motor, a geartrain driven by the motor, a range actuator assembly and a mode actuator assembly. The range actuator assembly includes a driveshaft driven by the geartrain, a cam driven by the driveshaft, and a shift fork having a follower retained in a groove formed in the cam and a fork engaging a shift collar associated with the range unit. The mode actuator assembly has a cam member with ramp surfaces and a control gear with rollers engaging the ramp surfaces. The control gear is rotatively driven by the geartrain. The cam member is axially moveable for controlling engagement of the friction clutch. An anti-rotation mechanism limits rotation of the cam member in response to continued rotation of the control gear.

Abstract: A power transfer apparatus including a clutch having a biasing device for biasing the clutch piston in a direction in which the clutch discs engage with the clutch plates, a transmission brake disposed in line in an axial direction of the clutch, an actuator disposed in line in an axial direction of the transmission brake for disengaging the clutch at the same time of applying the transmission brake, and a planetary carrier sub-assembly disposed in line in the axial direction of the clutch, wherein the power transfer apparatus provided between an input shaft and an output shaft which are accommodated within a casing for selectively changing the speed of the output shaft.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and systems for improving the operation of transmissions for automotive vehicles, and in particular the “factory installed” automotive transmissions installed by the original automobile manufacturer. The methods and systems in accordance with the present invention modify both the structural components and the hydraulic circuitry of the original automotive transmissions to enhance the operation of the modified transmissions. The improvements to the operation of the “factory installed” transmissions, and in particular the Allison transmission, include modification of the flow control valve to increase line pressure during lockup; modifications to the rotating clutch module to increase the torque held by the clutch and prevent clutch slippage, and modifications to the trim valves to adjust the pressure applied to the clutches for more efficient operation of the transmission.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for lubricating an internal-combustion engine includes a shaft extending through a gearbox, a gear and a sliding sleeve coupled to rotate with the shaft and adapted to move axially along the shaft, a gearshift fork in mating engagement with the sliding sleeve and moveable parallel to the shaft, a rib in the gearbox adjacent the shaft, and a duct extending into the gearbox. The duct preferably directs a lubricant onto the gearshift fork and the sliding sleeve. Preferably, the rib directs the lubricant from the duct onto the gearshift fork and the sliding sleeve. In an alternative embodiment, at least some of the lubricant flung from the shaft, gear, and sliding sleeve contacts the rib and is directed onto the sliding sleeve and the gearshift fork. Further preferably, a projection extends from the rib to direct the lubricant onto the sliding sleeve and the gearshift fork.

Abstract: A power transfer apparatus 1 of a four-wheel drive vehicle includes, a clutch, an inversion detector, and controller. The clutch generates an engagement force that effects a driving force output from an engine to wheels of the vehicle via a transmission. The transmission includes the inversion detector 23, 27 for detecting inversion or non-inversion of a gear-shifting direction of the transmission 13. The controller 23 subjects the electromagnet to energization control such that torque to be transmitted by the clutch is decreased to a target value in accordance with an inversion signal pertaining to said gear-shifting direction detected by said inversion detector 23, 27.

Abstract: A transfer case having an input shaft driven by a powertrain, a first output shaft adapted for connection to a first driveline, a second output shaft adapted for connection to a second driveline, an interaxle differential operably disposed between the input shaft and the first and second output shafts, and a torque transfer mechanism. The torque transfer mechanism includes a friction clutch assembly operably disposed between the first output shaft and the second output shaft, and a clutch actuator assembly for generating and applying a clutch engagement force to the friction clutch assembly. The clutch actuator assembly includes an electric motor, a geared reduction unit, and a clutch apply operator. A control system including vehicle sensors and a controller are provided to control actuation of the electric motor.

Abstract: A first planetary gear unit is arranged to convert an input rotation from an input shaft to an output rotation whose speed is lower than that of the input rotation. A first unit including second and third planetary gear units is arranged between the first planetary gear unit and the output shaft. The first unit manages the first planetary gear unit's output rotation and provides the output shaft with seven types of rotation which correspond to 6-forward speed and one reverse positions. A second unit is arranged between the first planetary gear unit and the first unit to manage a power transmission therebetween. One of the second and third planetary gear units is of a double ring type, each being meshed with the sun gear and inside and outside ring gears, and a pinion carrier carrying the pinions. The pinion carrier is connected to the output shaft to rotate therewith.

Abstract: The technique of the invention sets a relationship between the throttle opening (corresponding to the accelerator opening), the vehicle speed, and the target torque of a drive shaft, so as to enable a greater braking torque to be output in a working status of a cruise control system than a braking torque, which is output to the drive shaft in a full closed position of the accelerator opening in a non-working status of the cruise control system. This arrangement ensures output of a sufficient braking force to the drive shaft even under the condition of a relatively large drive load applied to the drive shaft, for example, during a downslope run, thus enabling the vehicle speed to be certainly kept at a preset level under the control of the cruise control system.

Abstract: A method of and an arrangement for preventing a shift of the reference position of a clutch which is operated by an actuator and is installed in the power train of a motor vehicle. Such shift of reference position can be caused in response to axial displacements between the input and output shafts of the clutch. The method includes the steps of routinely ascertaining the reference position, memorizing and thus actualizing the information pertaining to the ascertained reference position, ascertaining an operational parameter which is the cause of axial displacements between the input and output shafts of the clutch, and altering the routine determination and the memorizing of the reference position when the operational parameter exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for improving the performance attainable in a motor-driven system of the type characterized by a single motor driving an output shaft operatively coupled to a motor-driven device, the single motor characterized by a first power and a first peak rate of acceleration, the method comprising: Providing at least two motors in place of the single motor, each of the at least two motors being characterized by a second peak rate of acceleration significantly greater than the first peak rate of acceleration, and the at least two motors further characterized by a combined power that is at least equivalent to the first power of the single motor; and operatively coupling the at least two motors in parallel to a common output shaft driving the motor-driven device such that the second peak rate of acceleration is efficiently translated to the common output shaft.

Abstract: A vehicular transmission system is disclosed that includes a prime mover, a transmission having at least one mode of operation where the transmission is selectively shifted into a lower gear ratio as vehicle speed decreases, a master friction clutch for drivingly connecting the prime mover to the transmission, and at least one control unit. The control unit includes logic rules that selectively prohibit the transmission from being shifted into a lower gear ratio in response to a system operating condition during the at least one mode of operation. The system also includes at least one input corresponding to a system operating condition and at least one output corresponding to a command to prohibit the transmission from being shifted into a lower gear ratio in response to the sensed system operating condition. A control system and method for operating the vehicular transmission system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A transmission for a vehicle includes a main transmission (M) and a differential gear mechanism (20). The main transmission has at least two rotating elements (11, 12; 13, 14) each set to a different gear ratio, and the differential gear mechanism has at least three elements (21, 22, 23). There are provided first input means (C-1, C-2) which selectively inputs an input rotation to two rotating elements of the main transmission, and second input means (1, 2, C-3; 1, 2, 4) which connects the two rotating elements to two elements (21, 22) of the differential gear mechanism and inputs the input rotation to the other at least one element (23). Since an intermediate gear ratio with respect to an individual gear ratio is generated by two rotating elements at a time of simultaneously transmitting power to two rotating elements, it is possible to increase the number of shift speeds.

Abstract: Within the scope of a load reduction method of automatic transmissions or clutches of a motor vehicle during emergency program shifting operations, an engine torque reduction is carried out during the emergency program shifting operation from a normal shifting program to an emergency program (NP).

Abstract: An automatic transmission includes a first rotating element provided by coupling a sun gear of a second planetary gear set and a carrier of a third planetary gear set to each other, a second rotating element provided by coupling a carrier of the second planetary gear set and a ring gear of the third planetary gear set to each other, a third rotating element provided by a ring gear of the second planetary gear set, and a fourth rotating element provided by a sun gear of the third planetary gear set.