Patents Examined by Timothy Hannon
  • Patent number: 11796014
    Abstract: In at least some implementations, a clutch member includes a main body having a central axis, a radially inner surface, a radially outer surface, a rear face and a front face, multiple teeth formed in the front face with adjacent teeth circumferentially spaced apart, and a rim extending axially from the main body and located radially outwardly of the teeth. The rim extends axially farther from the rear face than do the teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: GKN Automotive Limited
    Inventor: Toshiaki Komatsu
  • Patent number: 11788584
    Abstract: A torque transmitting device for transmitting torque between a first drive element and an output element, having a torque transmitting unit with a housing delimiting a first fluid chamber filled with a liquid, and a separating clutch arranged outside of the torque transmitting unit and the first fluid chamber in a second fluid chamber separated from the first chamber and which selectively transmits torque between the first drive element and the torque transmitting unit. The separating clutch has a clutch output that is connectable to a clutch input via a friction device and a clutch actuator that comprises a pressing element and an actuation element to which fluid pressure can be applied to move the actuation element. The pressing element is arranged within the second fluid chamber, and the actuation element is at least partly arranged within the first fluid chamber so that pressure is applied thereto by fluid pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Stephan Maienschein, René Daikeler, Christian Hügel
  • Patent number: 11781608
    Abstract: A roller cage assembly for an overrunning clutch is provided. The roller cage assembly includes a roller cage, a plurality of rollers and a plurality of roller spring assemblies. The roller cage includes a plurality of spaced support members axially extending between disk shaped first and second end portions. The plurality of rollers are positioned within the roller cage. The plurality of roller spring assemblies engage the roller cage. The plurality of spring roller assemblies are configured to provide a bias force on each roller away from the roller cage. Each roller cage assembly extends between the first and second end portions of the roller cage. Each roller spring assembly further includes at least one pair of attachment members configured to engage a support member of the roller cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: TEAM Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Jordan Murphy, John Edward Hamrin
  • Patent number: 11773927
    Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a driveline disconnect clutch of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, torque capacity of a driveline disconnect is adjusted in response to a change in commanded line pressure. The torque capacity of the driveline disconnect clutch may be adjusted in according to a maximum transmission line pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Akshay Bichkar, Corey James Blue, Samuel Melville Glauber, Jason Meyer, Bradley Dean Riedle
  • Patent number: 11773926
    Abstract: An intelligent clutch lubrication system includes a first dynamically-lubricated clutch pack, a supply pump, a first lubricant control (LC) valve, and a lubricant flow circuit having a clutch lubrication loop in which the first clutch pack is positioned. When active, the supply pump urges lubricant flow about the lubricant flow circuit and through the clutch lubrication loop. The first LC valve is positioned in the clutch lubrication loop at a location upstream of the first clutch pack, while a controller architecture is operably coupled to the first LC valve. the controller architecture is configured to control the first LC valve to temporarily boost lubricant flow to the first DL clutch pack when moving into an engaged position during operation of the intelligent clutch lubrication system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventor: Danny G. Voth
  • Patent number: 11773925
    Abstract: A kit for modifying an OE vehicle transmission includes a replacement forward piston housing, forward clutch hub and a forward clutch and a replacement direct piston housing, direct clutch hub and a direct clutch. A drum extends between and operably connects the replacement forward piston housing and direct piston housing. The kit includes a replacement sprag shaft. The forward clutch hub and forward clutch and the direct clutch hub and direct clutch are positioned between the forward piston housing and the direct piston housing. At least a portion of the forward clutch and at least a portion of the direct clutch are operably mounted to the drum. The forward piston housing and direct piston housing do not counter rotate relative to one another. A power flow module for an OE vehicle automatic transmission is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: Sonnax Transmission Company
    Inventors: Brian G. Rowell, Gregg A. Nader
  • Patent number: 11766928
    Abstract: A vehicle driving apparatus includes: an engine; a fluid transmission device; first and second rotary electric machines; an output shaft for receiving a power transmitted through a first power transmission path and outputting the power to one of a pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels; and a control device for controlling an engine operation point by adjusting an electrical path amount between the first and second rotary electric machines. The second rotary electric machine outputs the power to the other of the pair of front wheels and the pair of rear wheels, through a second power transmission path. The control device obtains a target electrical path amount enabling the engine operation point to become a target operation point, and causes a speed change device provided in the second power transmission path to establish a gear ratio enabling the target electrical path amount to be attainable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Koji Takaira, Yohei Habata, Atsushi Tabata, Koichi Okuda, Masato Nakano
  • Patent number: 11767911
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for operating a multi-speed vehicle transmission having a plurality of shift elements (A, B, C, D, E) for engaging the gears of the vehicle transmission. The method includes decoupling between an input (AN) and an output (AB) of the vehicle transmission in a neutral gear, and coupling the input (AN) and the output (AB) of the vehicle transmission in a drive gear for propelling the vehicle by closing at least one shift element (B). At least one transmission state is determined when the neutral gear is engaged, where a shift element (D) for a reverse gear of the vehicle transmission is closed at least partially if the transmission is in a state with increased drag losses when the neutral gear is engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Fabian Ley, Jürgen Blaser, Sascha Fiesel, Wolfgang Rapp
  • Patent number: 11767893
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for sensing a clutch position. In one example, a method may include generating a single output signal by combining at least an output of a first sensor and an output of a second sensor output, the first sensor and second sensor connected in parallel, and the first sensor and the second sensor sensing a common moving element of a clutch. In one example, the method may further include a first sensor output and a second sensor output provided on a common sensor bus. As another example, the first sensor output may be a master pulse width modulation output, and the second sensor output follows a modulation frequency of the first sensor output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: Dana Automotive Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Perry M. Paielli, Justin S. Davis, Terry W. McGraner, Sagar B. Bangar, Michael Z. Creech
  • Patent number: 11767890
    Abstract: A prime mover includes a stator fixed to a housing and a rotor relatively rotatable relative to the stator. The prime mover outputs torque from the rotor by being supplied with electric power. A speed reducer reduces the torque of the prime mover and outputs the reduced torque. One bearing portion rotatably supports the rotor. The speed reducer includes an input portion that is coaxial and integrally rotatable with the rotor and receives the torque from the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takumi Sugiura, Akikazu Uchida
  • Patent number: 11746834
    Abstract: A position detection device includes a magnetic detection element that is positioned radially outside a first clutch component portion and a second clutch component portion of a dog clutch around an axis. The magnetic detection element is provided between a first magnetic flux path portion and a second magnetic flux path portion. The magnetic detection element outputs a sensor signal indicating the direction of a magnetic flux passing between the first magnetic flux path portion and the second magnetic flux path portion. The magnetic detection element outputs a sensor signal indicating a position relationship between the first clutch component portion concerning a first hole portion as well as a first tooth portion and the second clutch component portion concerning the second hole portion as well as the second tooth portion, based on changes in magnetic flux directions depending on the position relationship in a rotation direction around the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hitomi Honda, Yoshinori Inuzuka, Yusuke Kimura, Shinji Komatsu
  • Patent number: 11739833
    Abstract: A control method for a work vehicle, includes: acquiring a signal for changing a state of a traveling device, to which power is transmitted via a transmission and a clutch, between forward, neutral, and reverse states; outputting a command for reducing a torque of an output shaft connected to the traveling device in a state where a first clutch is engaged, before a specified time elapses from a time point at which the signal for changing to the neutral state is acquired in a state where the first clutch is engaged; outputting a command for releasing the first clutch after the specified time elapses; and outputting a command for controlling the transmission so that a rotation speed of an input-side element of a second clutch to be engaged next coincides with that of an output-side element of the second clutch in a state where the first clutch is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Ikeda, Shinya Kawakita
  • Patent number: 11738639
    Abstract: A propulsion system for an electric vehicle includes a first electric propulsion motor including a stator and a rotor that has a first and second output shafts that are axially opposed and define first and second torque outputs of the first electric motor. The system also includes a second electric propulsion motor including a stator and a rotor having a second output shaft with a torque output. Further, the system includes a first reduction gearbox to receive the torque supplied on the first torque output of the first electric motor where appropriate via a first selective or non-selective coupling system, a second reduction gearbox to receive the torque supplied by the second electric motor where appropriate via a second selective or non-selective coupling system, and a third coupling system for coupling the second torque output of the first electric motor to the torque output of the second electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: VALEO EMBRAYAGES
    Inventors: Olivier Marechal, Benoit Couturier
  • Patent number: 11732766
    Abstract: Method for determining a kisspoint of a clutch. A method is provided of determining a kisspoint of a clutch in a driveline of a vehicle comprising a. increasing a target clutch pressure of a clutch piston up to a first predetermined test target pressure, b. increasing the target clutch pressure up to an upper target pressure and subsequently keeping the target clutch pressure stable for a predetermined time interval, c. monitoring a parameter indicative for the filling of the clutch piston, e.g. the rotational speed of a pump, during the predetermined time interval, d. repeating steps a., b., and c. for at least one further predetermined test target pressure, and e. determining the kisspoint based on the monitored parameter indicative for the filling of the clutch piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: PUNCH POWERTRAIN PSA E-TRANSMISSIONS NV
    Inventor: Casper Herman Jans
  • Patent number: 11732765
    Abstract: A prime mover includes a stator fixed to the housing and a rotor rotatable relative to the stator. The prime mover outputs torque by being supplied with electric power. A speed reducer reduces the torque of the prime mover and outputs the reduced torque. A rotational translation unit includes a rotation portion that rotates relative to the housing upon receiving the torque from the speed reducer, and a translation portion that moves relative to the housing in an axial direction. A clutch allows torque transmission in an engaged state, and interrupts the torque transmission in a disengaged state. A state changing unit changes the state of the clutch by receiving a force along the axial direction from the translation portion. Cogging torque generated between the rotor and the stator is set to such a magnitude that the rotor is stoppable at any rotation position relative to the stator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Akikazu Uchida, Takumi Sugiura, Akira Takagi, Masayuki Echizen
  • Patent number: 11725716
    Abstract: An actuator has an actuator housing engaged to a portion of a transaxle housing to define a space. A clutch assembly has a support shaft extending through the actuator housing and rotatably supporting gears in the space. At least one pin extends through one gear and a spring urges the pin into engagement with a second gear. An adjustment nut extends through the actuator housing and engages the support shaft to adjustably compress the spring. The actuator may further have an actuator housing forming a motor chamber and a gear chamber. A mounting plate detachably couples the actuator and pump housings, and the plate defines an opening through which a pump control shaft extends. A worm drive is disposed in the gear chamber and driven by an electric motor shaft, and drives a spur gear reduction, the pump control shaft being controlled by the spur gear reduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Ivan E. Fox, Austin J. Templin, Jesse L. Probst
  • Patent number: 11725702
    Abstract: An axle disconnect device including a shift collar slidable in an axial direction of the axle disconnect device, the shift collar switchable between a connect mode and a disconnect mode; a first solenoid including a threaded end; a second solenoid including locker arm; a return spring configured to bias a movement of the shift collar towards the connect mode; a groove on the shift collar configured to receive the locker arm when the shift collar is in the connect mode; and a lead screw on the shift collar configured to mesh with the threaded end to move the shift collar toward the disconnect mode against the bias force of the return spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: JTEKT AUTOMOTIVE NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Patrick Desing, Shun Ono
  • Patent number: 11719292
    Abstract: A clutch assembly includes a pocket plate having a pocket and a teeter-totter strut retained in the pocket. The teeter-totter strut is pivotable to an engaged position in which an engagement face of the teeter-totter strut extends out from the pocket plate. The teeter-totter strut is pivotable from the engaged position to a disengaged position in which the engagement face of the teeter-totter strut does not extend out from the pocket plate. The clutch assembly is configured so that when a shock load force acts on the teeter-totter strut, the teeter-totter strut is prevented from moving into the engaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: MEANS INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Todd Andrzejewski, David Hacker, Kelly J. Campfield
  • Patent number: 11719293
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for controlling and diagnosing one or more clutches in a transmission. In one example, a method for operation of a vehicle system is provided that includes at a diagnostic controller or processing unit independent from a driveline controller or processing unit, respectively, determining an engagement state of a clutch in a transmission of the vehicle system, wherein the engagement state is selected from a group of three or more clutch engagement states. The method further includes identifying an unauthorized clutch state based on the engagement state of the clutch and a speed of the vehicle and responsive to the identification of the unauthorized clutch state, operating the vehicle system in a fault state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Dana Automotive Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: Peter Deckmyn, Christophe De Buyser, Kris Vanstechelman
  • Patent number: 11719317
    Abstract: An electric vehicle transmission (7) has a drive input shaft (10), a drive output shaft (11), a first planetary gearset (P1), a second planetary gearset (P2), and a third planetary gearset (P3). The drive input shaft (10) is designed to be coupled to an electric machine (6). In addition, at least functionally a first shifting element (A), a second shifting element (B), a third shifting element (C), and a fourth shifting element (D) are provided. Also disclosed is a drive system (4), a vehicle drive-train (5), and an electric vehicle incorporating an electric vehicle transmission of this type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: David Rittler, Stefan Renner, Stefan Spühler, Johannes Glückler, Michael Trübenbach, Paul Lenz