Patents Examined by Stacey A Fluhart
  • Patent number: 11578768
    Abstract: A friction clutch having an electromagnet assembly including a coil and a magnet connected to the coil. When the coil is energised, a magnetic field is generated and passes through the magnet and a magnetisable conductive body adjacent to the magnet, such that a displaceable magnetisable armature portion can be brought from one position into another position. The coil has a plurality of outer portions each having an associated outer dimension of the outer portion. The magnet completely covers an outer portion of the coil by a magnet side. Two further outer portions of the coil are not covered by the magnet or are not covered by more than 20% of an outer dimension of the further outer portion, or wherein, in the case a single further outer portion covered by the magnet, the outer portion is not covered by more than 70%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: LICOS Trucktec GmbH
    Inventor: Joschua Morgenroth
  • Patent number: 11565702
    Abstract: A method for operating a hybrid drive train of a motor vehicle includes: starting the motor vehicle solely with the aid of an electric machine; engaging a torque converter lockup clutch for rotationally fixing an impeller of a torque converter to a turbine wheel of the torque converter, wherein the turbine wheel is rotationally fixed to the electric machine; and engaging a clutch in order to drivingly connect the impeller to a motor vehicle drive unit, in order to start the motor vehicle drive unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Florian Petrich, Robert Reiser, Oliver Angele
  • Patent number: 11543006
    Abstract: A driven sheave and variable torque limiting clutch assembly for a CVT that includes a drive sheave, a driven sheave, a VTL clutch and a hydraulic system is provided. The driven sheave is operationally coupled to a drive sheave via belt of the CVT. The driven sheave includes a fixed sheave member and a movable sheave member. The driven sheave is operationally coupled to a drivetrain. The VTL clutch is coupled between the driven sheave and the drivetrain to selectively couple torque between the driven sheave and the drivetrain. The hydraulic system is configured to manipulate both the movable sheave member of the driven sheave and the VTL clutch with shared hydraulic pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2023
    Assignee: TEAM Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander C. Yudell, Bruce H. Younggren, Jordan E. Fisk
  • Patent number: 11536322
    Abstract: An automatic transmission has a one-side clutch and an other-side clutch in an axial direction, the one-side clutch and the other-side clutch being aligned in the axial direction on an axis of a power transmission shaft. These clutches respectively include: drum sections; hub sections; friction plates that are engaged in an axially slidable manner between the drum sections and the hub sections; and pistons that press the friction plates. The friction plates in the one-side and other-side clutches are arranged in parallel in the axial direction. The pistons in the one-side clutch and the other-side clutch are arranged on one sides in the axial direction of the friction plates and are arranged such that axial positions thereof overlap. The piston in the other-side clutch penetrates the friction plate in the one-side clutch in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Tatsuhiko Iwasaki, Tatsutoshi Mizobe, Yoshihiko Fujita, Keiichi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 11536326
    Abstract: This clutch control device includes an engine (13), a transmission (21), a clutch device (26) configured to connect and disconnect motive power transmission between the engine (13) and the transmission (21), a clutch actuator (50) configured to drive the clutch device (26) and change a clutch capacity, a hydraulic circuit (63) provided between the clutch device (26) and the clutch actuator (50), an air bleeding device (64) configured to perform air bleeding of the hydraulic circuit (63), a control unit (60) configured to calculate a control target value of the clutch capacity, a control mode changeover switch (59) configured to enable a control mode of the control unit (60) to be switched to an air bleeding mode, and an air bleeding switch (65) configured to enable a hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic circuit (63) to increase in the air bleeding mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ryohei Tsuzuki, Junya Ono, Tatsuya Ryuzaki, Hiroaki Uchisasai
  • Patent number: 11536325
    Abstract: A clutch unit for a drive unit, comprising: at least one outer ring and one inner ring, wherein the rings are mounted rotatably relative to each other, the outer ring being configured to be in operative engagement with a first component of a drive unit of a vehicle and the inner ring being configured to be in operative engagement with a second component of a drive unit of a vehicle; at least one first locking element; at least one first displacement element; the at least one first locking element being movably mounted on one of the rings and being movable by the displacement element in order to engage in a corresponding recess of the other ring a rotationally fixed connection of the two rings in at least a first direction of rotation being provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: VOLVO CAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mathias Jörgensson, Emil Åberg
  • Patent number: 11525488
    Abstract: An automatic transmission includes a clutch device having a clutch hub, a clutch drum, a friction plate, a piston, and a hydraulic chamber. The clutch drum includes an outer-side cylindrical portion, a disc-shaped first radial portion extending radially inwardly, an axial portion extending axially from the first radial portion, and a disc-shaped second radial portion extending radially inwardly from the axial portion. The piston includes a pressing portion disposed between the first radial portion and the friction plate side, and a disc-shaped piston radial portion extending radially inwardly from the pressing portion. The hydraulic chamber is provided radially inwardly from the axial portion and on the non-friction-plate side of the piston radial portion. A comb-teeth portion is provided at a radially intermediate portion of the piston radial portion. The axial portion and the piston radial portion intersect with each other in a comb-teeth shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Tatsuhiko Iwasaki, Keiichi Nakamura, Yoshihiko Fujita, Tetsuo Yamada
  • Patent number: 11524575
    Abstract: A power take-off shaft system for an agricultural vehicle includes an output shaft with a socket for a power take-off shaft stub located at one end of the output shaft, wherein the power take-off shaft stub is arranged in the socket. A control valve is arranged in the output shaft and includes a valve bore extending axially from the socket into the output shaft. A first piston is adjustably arranged inside the valve bore in the output shaft, and a shifting element is adjustably controlled by the first piston. A first gearwheel and a second gearwheel are disposed in engagement with the output shaft via the shifting element such that the first piston is adjustable between a first position and a second position. The control valve includes a second piston arranged on the first piston, where the first piston is adjustable into a neutral position by the second piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Bhupinder Singh Sanjotra, Christoph Eisenhardt
  • Patent number: 11519481
    Abstract: Methods and systems for a vehicle are provided. A transmission system includes, in one example, a first planetary gear set including a first ring gear and a first sun gear, a second planetary gear set that includes a second ring gear and a second sun gear, and a third planetary gear set that includes a third ring gear and a third sun gear. The transmission system further includes a first brake device configured to selectively ground the first ring gear, a second brake device configured to selectively ground the second ring gear, and a first lock-up clutch configured to selectively ground the first ring gear, wherein the first sun gear, the second sun gear, and the third sun gear are coupled in series.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC
    Inventor: Marc-Antoine Beaudoin
  • Patent number: 11518230
    Abstract: A clutch device includes a main clutch, a pilot clutch, and an inner cage. The main clutch has a friction pack, a pressure device for pressing the friction pack, and a ramp system for moving the pressure device. The pilot clutch is for transmitting torque to the ramp system and can be opened and closed by moving the counter-plate. The pressure device can be moved by the counter-plate. The friction pack is mechanically connected to the inner cage and an outer cage. The ramp system includes a first ramp element arranged on the inner cage, a freewheel, and a second ramp element. The freewheel blocks rotary movement of the first ramp element in a first rotational direction and allows rotary movement in an opposite rotational direction. The first and second ramp elements, and the pilot clutch, are mechanically connected to the inner cage when the pilot clutch is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Marc Finkenzeller
  • Patent number: 11518228
    Abstract: A powertrain for a hybrid vehicle includes: a complex planetary gear set including a first rotary element, a second rotary element, a third rotary element, and a fourth rotary element; an input shaft connected with an engine and installed to be able to be selectively connected to each of the first rotary element and the second rotary element of the complex planetary gear set; a motor generator connected to the first rotary element of the complex planetary gear set; a first brake installed to be able to fixedly connect the second rotary element of the complex planetary gear set to a transmission case; a second brake installed to be able to fixedly connect the third rotary element of the complex planetary gear set to the transmission case; and an output shaft connected to the fourth rotary element of the complex planetary gear set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hyu Tae Shim, Bong Hyun Cho, Jae Young Jeon, Byung Dae Choi, Hyung Min Kim, Jin Yong Kim, Gwang Soo Hwang, Jun Seong Kang
  • Patent number: 11518231
    Abstract: A hybrid module for a drive train of a motor vehicle includes a housing, an electric machine disposed within the housing. The electric machine having a stator and a rotor arranged radially within the stator. The hybrid module having at least one hydraulically cooled friction clutch arranged radially within the rotor. A cooling device is provided that is configured to cool a plurality of friction surfaces of the at least one friction clutch and which has an annular collecting region coupled to the rotor for conjoint rotation therewith and entraining a hydraulic medium during operation, as well as a scoop section, which is secured to the housing and projects into the collecting region and via which the hydraulic medium is fed to a retaining chamber during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Steffen Lehmann, Andreas Trinkenschuh
  • Patent number: 11511614
    Abstract: A rotor for a hybrid drivetrain includes a rotor carrier, at least one rotor segment, and a torque converter. The rotor carrier has a first tubular portion with an outer surface, and an annular portion with a first through hole. The at least one rotor segment is installed on the outer surface. The torque converter has an impeller with a first shell and a plurality of first blades fixed to the first shell, a cover with a second shell fixed to the first shell to form a hydraulic chamber and a fastener fixed to the second shell and extending through the first through hole, and a turbine disposed in the hydraulic chamber and including a third shell and a plurality of second blades fixed to the second shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Mohammad Moasher, John Ramsey, Thomas Heck, Carl Adler
  • Patent number: 11512747
    Abstract: A clutch assembly for a transmission of an agricultural work vehicle. The clutch assembly includes a housing, a clutch pack located within the housing, a piston chamber located within the housing, and a piston located within and slidable relative to the piston chamber. The piston is operably connected to the clutch pack for engaging and disengaging the clutch pack. The clutch assembly further includes a balance chamber that is located within the housing. The lower boundary wall of the balance chamber and the lower boundary wall of the piston chamber are radially separated from one another by a substantial distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Payne, Filippo Bonacini, Stefano Iannone, Enrico Sedoni
  • Patent number: 11512748
    Abstract: This clutch control apparatus includes: a clutch device that connects and disconnects a power transmission between an engine and a drive wheel; a clutch actuator that drives the clutch device and changes a clutch capacity; a driven mechanism that is arranged between the clutch actuator and the clutch device, is operated by a drive of the clutch actuator, and operates the clutch device; a control part that calculates a control target value of the clutch capacity; and a temperature sensor that measures a temperature of the driven mechanism, wherein the control part corrects the control target value based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Junya Ono, Akira Tokito, Tatsuya Ryuzaki, Kohei Matsuura
  • Patent number: 11512746
    Abstract: A clutch locking mechanism is a clutch locking mechanism (80) mounted in a saddle type vehicle (1) and includes a clutch (26) which enters an engaged state where power can be transmitted when an actuator (28) is operated and returns to a disengaged state where power cannot be transmitted when the actuator (28) is not operated, and a locking mechanism (100) having an operator (101) which is able to bring the clutch (26) into the engaged state separately from an operation of the actuator (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Akira Tokito, Junya Ono, Masahiro Shimizu, Kunihiro Notsu, Go Morita
  • Patent number: 11515754
    Abstract: One embodiment relates to a motor comprising: a hollow first shaft; a rotor coupled to the first shaft; a stator arranged outside the rotor; a hollow second shaft arranged inside the first shaft; a first planetary gear part which comes in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the first shaft; a second planetary gear part which comes in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the second shaft; and a third shaft for connecting the first planetary gear part and the second planetary gear part, wherein the rotation of the first shaft is decelerated by the first planetary gear part and the second planetary gear part and then delivered to the second shaft. Accordingly, an RPM that is lower than the RPM generated by the output of the motor can be applied to an output shaft of a steering shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: LG INNOTEK CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Won Seo Jeong
  • Patent number: 11498418
    Abstract: A power take-off shaft system includes an output shaft with a socket for a power take-off shaft stub located at one end of the output shaft. A control valve is arranged in the output shaft and includes a valve bore extending axially from the socket into the output shaft. A first piston is adjustably arranged inside the valve bore in the output shaft, and a shifting element is adjustably controlled by the first piston. A first gearwheel and a second gearwheel are disposed in engagement with the output shaft via the shifting element such that the first piston moves between a first position and a second position. The control valve includes a second piston arranged on the first piston, and the second piston is adjustable such that movement of the first piston into the second position is blocked by the second piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Bhupinder Singh Sanjotra, Christoph Eisenhardt
  • Patent number: 11499617
    Abstract: An electronically locking differential assembly constructed in accordance to the present disclosure includes a differential casing, a first and second side gear, a lock actuation assembly and a lock detect mechanism. The lock actuation mechanism selectively moves between a locked state where the side gears are fixed for concurrent rotation and an unlocked state where the side gears rotate relative to each other. The lock detect mechanism detects whether the lock actuation mechanism is in the locked, unlocked state, and an intermediate position between the locked and unlocked state; then provides feedback to the driver on the state of the lock actuation mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power Limited
    Inventors: Rupesh Madhukar Surve, Swapnil Shivaji Kadam, Chad Robert Hillman
  • Patent number: 11486458
    Abstract: A brake-side clutch part includes an outer ring whose rotation is restricted and an output shaft from which rotation is output. The outer ring is provided with a slide gear that meshes with the output shaft when rotational torque is cut off and releases a meshing state with the output shaft when rotational torque is transmitted. The output shaft is provided with an inner gear that meshes with the slide gear so as to be slightly rotatable. An alignment part that aligns a phase of the inner gear with that of the slide gear when rotational torque is cut off, and a centering part that returns the inner gear to a neutral position with respect to the output shaft when rotational torque is transmitted are provided between the inner gear and the output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kengo Watanabe, Eiji Maeno, Yasumasa Hibi