Electric Patents (Class 192/40)
  • Patent number: 9505296
    Abstract: A clutch device having an actuating device, especially for a drive train of a motor vehicle which includes an internal combustion engine, an electrical machine with a stator and a rotor, and a transmission device. The clutch device can be arranged in the drive train between the internal combustion engine on the one side and the electrical machine and the transmission device on the other side. The clutch device and the actuating device are integrated into the rotor of the electrical machine and the actuating device includes an electrical eddy-current brake with a brake stator and a brake rotor, the brake rotor having at least one electromagnet with a coil and a core, the coil and the core being arranged concentrically in relation to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Florian Vogel, Daniel Helmer
  • Publication number: 20140284162
    Abstract: A seed meter drive system includes a clutch having a toolless fastener configured to selectively couple the clutch to a downstream component. The clutch is configured to receive a rotational input via a flexible drive shaft, and to drive the downstream component in rotation while the clutch is engaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: CNH INDUSTRIAL AMERICA LLC
    Inventors: Monte Weller, David Flamme, Scott Long, Marvin Prickel
  • Patent number: 8556596
    Abstract: A water pump for a vehicle includes a power transmission member driven and rotated by an external power, a driven shaft driven to be rotatable independently from the power transmission member, an impeller, an arm member which includes a pressing portion pressing the power transmission member and which is contactable to the power transmission member for transmitting a rotation of the power transmission member to the driven shaft, a control member controlling the arm member so that the arm member and the power transmission member come in contact with each other or come out of contact from each other and so that a contact state between the arm member and the power transmission member is variable, and a biasing member biasing the arm member toward the power transmission member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Atsutoshi Ikegawa
  • Patent number: 8545191
    Abstract: A water pump for a vehicle includes a power transmitting member, a driven shaft rotated independently from the power transmitting member, an impeller, a biasing member for pressing an inner circumferential surface of the power transmitting member and for rotating in order to transmit a rotation of the power transmitting member to the driven shaft when the biasing member contacts the inner circumferential surface, and a control member for allowing the power transmitting member and the biasing member to come in contact with each other or to come out of contact from each other and for controlling a contacting state between the power transmitting member and the biasing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsutoshi Ikegawa, Masanobu Matsusaka
  • Patent number: 8448764
    Abstract: A rotation transmission device includes an outer ring having an inner periphery and an inner ring mounted inside the outer ring and having an outer periphery. A control retainer and a rotary retainer are disposed between opposed surfaces of the outer ring and the inner ring, and each of the retainers has a flange and bridges provided at the radially outer side of the respective flange and arranged circumferentially alternately with the bridges of the other retainer thereby defining pockets between the adjacent bridges. The control retainer is axially slidably and rotatably supported and the rotary retainer is axially immovably and rotatably supported. An electromagnetic clutch is mounted on a torque transmission shaft and includes an electromagnet having an electromagnetic coil, the electromagnetic clutch being configured to axially move the control retainer when the electromagnetic coil is energized and deenergized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Akiyoshi, Takanobu Sato, Takahide Saito
  • Patent number: 7874413
    Abstract: A rotation transmission device which can quickly change the direction of rotation includes an inner ring having cam surfaces on its outer periphery, an outer ring having a cylindrical surface on its inner periphery, and pairs of circumferentially opposed rollers, the rollers of each pair being disposed between one of the cam surfaces and the cylindrical surface to be circumferentially opposed to each other. A roller separation spring is disposed between the rollers of each pair of rollers to bias the rollers away from each other so that the rollers are wedged between the cam surface and the cylindrical surface. The rollers are retained by a roller retainer which can change the distance between the rollers of each pair of rollers. By reducing the distance between the rollers of each pair of rollers with the roller retainer, the rollers can be disengaged from the cam surfaces and the cylindrical surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Takahide Saito, Koji Akiyoshi, Takanobu Sato, Masako Ashimori
  • Patent number: 7876084
    Abstract: A method for the determination of a motor voltage limit, wherein a clutch actuator of an automated shift transmission remains motionless, including the steps of (a) raising or lowering a withstand voltage by an increment ?U, starting from a current withstand voltage (Ucurr), and (b) determining whether the clutch actuator moves under the changed withstand voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Markus Baehr, Juergen Gerhart, Michael Schuhen
  • Publication number: 20100122882
    Abstract: A driven accessory having a clutch that permits selective operation of an accessory portion. The clutch employs rotational inertia to control driving engagement of a wrap spring to an interior clutch surface on a drive member and/or driving disengagement of the wrap spring from the interior clutch surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Publication date: May 20, 2010
    Inventors: JACEK S. KOMOROWSKI, SCOTT PARSONS, JOHN R. ANTCHAK, ZBYSLAW STANIEWICZ, JOHN DANCIU, WARREN WILLIAMS, PIERRE A. MEVISSEN
  • Publication number: 20100072016
    Abstract: A mechanical clutch for use in a belt driven system requiring belt tensioning. The clutch includes a central shaft to be coupled to a rotating shaft, a first pulley rotationally and axially coupled to the central shaft, and a second pulley rotationally coupled to the central shaft configured to move axially relative to the first pulley along the central shaft. The clutch further includes an actuating mechanism configured to impart linear axial movement to the first pulley based on rotational input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventors: Brian Aschenbrenner, Guy R. Campbell
  • Publication number: 20100032257
    Abstract: An electrically controlled brake or clutch includes a rotatable first mechanical system (101, 108) and a second mechanical system that is stationary for the case of a brake but rotatable for the clutch case. In the second system windings are wound around two soft magnetic parts (102, 103) so that electric current flowing in the windings affects magnetic fluxes through the soft magnetic parts to move them in a direction that affects the effective length of an air gap in the closed main magnetic path. A spring (401) creates a force acting in a direction opposite that of the attraction force. The soft magnetic parts are arranged so that the main magnetic flux path passes along a closed loop about the rotational axis of the first mechanical system, this giving a compact design of the brake or clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: Stridsberg Innovation AB
    Inventor: Lennart Stridsberg
  • Patent number: 7654375
    Abstract: A rotation transmission device includes a roller clutch unit for selectively engaging an inner member mounted on a rotary shaft with an outer ring through rollers, and an electromagnetic clutch unit for electromagnetically controlling the selective engagement by the rollers. The current until the clutch engages is set so as to correspond to a state in which a maximum current according to the revolving speed is required and is varied according to the revolving speed of the rotary shaft to reduce power consumption and the size of the electromagnetic coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Koichi Okada, Takahide Saito, Hiroshi Bunko, Tetsuya Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20100018823
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for producing a frictional and/or form-fitting connection between first and second components which are linearly or rotationally movable relative to one another for transmitting forces and/or force moments that act between the first and second components in a linear and/or rotational manner. The first component surrounds the second component at least sectionally with at least one inner wall that faces the second component, and wherein the second component features at least one active-face element that can be transferred in a force-loaded manner from a first position, in which the active-face element is spaced apart from the inner wall, into a second position, in which the active-face element produces the frictional and/or form-fitting connection with the inner wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventors: Tobias Melz, Sven Herold, Björn Seipel, Joachim Bös
  • Patent number: 7604105
    Abstract: A rotation transmission device includes inner and outer rings and a two-way clutch therebetween. An electromagnetic clutch is provided to selectively engage and disengage the two-way clutch, and includes an electromagnet having a core to which a flange is secured. The flange is received in a recess formed in a stationary member. A snap ring is engaged in a groove formed in the recess to prevent the flange from coming out of the recess. An elastic member is disposed between the flange and the end wall of the recess. The elastic member presses the flange against the snap ring, thereby axially positioning the electromagnet. The elastic member is free of load resulting from magnetic attraction of the electromagnet when energized. This makes it possible to reduce the spring force of the elastic member and thus its diameter and cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Sato, Yoshihiro Demura
  • Publication number: 20090255773
    Abstract: An actuator arrangement for a clutch of a drive train for motor vehicles. The clutch is prestressed into an opened position and can be activated electromechanically. An electric motor can be coupled to the clutch in order to activate it. A control unit actuates the electric motor. The actuator arrangement has a safety device which is connected to the electric motor parallel to the control unit. The safety device is configured, in the case of a fault state, to supply electrical power to the electric motor independently of the control unit in order to open the clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Applicant: GETRAG Getriebe- und Zahnradfabrik Hermann Hagenmeyer GmbH & Cie KG
    Inventors: Martin Seufert, Tobias Kalisch, Ralf Hettich
  • Publication number: 20090224728
    Abstract: A disengagement assembly for disengaging a generator from an engine or gear box may include an inner ball screw having helical threading on an outer surface thereof and surrounding and operatively engaged to a rotating generator drive shaft to cause rotation of the inner ball screw, the inner ball screw may have interlockable teeth engaged to corresponding teeth of the gear box drive shaft. An outer ball screw may surround and may normally rotate with the inner ball screw. A helical ball track may be formed between the inner and outer ball screws. An eddy current brake may slow or stop rotation of the outer ball screw so that the inner ball screw may rotate relative to the outer ball screw and slide axially toward a lock thereby disengaging the generator from the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventors: DAVID W. BURKE, Miguel A. Guzman Lopez, Arturo Maceda
  • Publication number: 20090211862
    Abstract: The present invention provides a clutch having two pistons, a first piston defining a first, smaller area and a second piston, defining a second, larger area. The separate pistons are independently provided with flows of pressurized hydraulic fluid from first and second independent modulatable control valves. Engagement of the clutch may be rapid by providing hydraulic fluid to the smaller area piston, provide greater engagement force by providing hydraulic fluid to the larger area piston or a combination of speed and force by utilizing modulated or unmodulated flows of hydraulic fluid to both pistons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Steven P. Moorman, Andrew W. Philllips
  • Publication number: 20080060896
    Abstract: A rotation transmission device which can quickly change the direction of rotation. It includes a inner ring formed with cam surfaces on its outer periphery, a outer ring formed with a cylindrical surface on its inner periphery, and a plurality of pairs of rollers, each pair being disposed between one of the cam surfaces and the cylindrical surface so as to be circumferentially opposed to each other. A roller separation spring is disposed between each pair of rollers to bias the rollers away from each other so that the rollers are wedged between the cam surface and the cylindrical surface. The rollers are retained by a roller retainer which can change the distance between each pair of circumferentially opposed rollers. By reducing the distance between each pair of rollers with the roller retainer, it is possible to disengage the rollers from the cam surfaces and the cylindrical surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Applicant: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takahide Saito, Koji Akiyoshi, Takanobu Sato, Masako Ashimori
  • Publication number: 20070251793
    Abstract: An electric clutch actuator capable of operating in two power loss conditions. For a condition where a normally engaged clutch is disengaged during a system power loss and the desired action is for the clutch to remain in the disengaged positional state, a holding device moves to a power off activated position to prevent movement of an actuator for the clutch. For a condition where the clutch is disengaged during a system power loss and the desired action is for the clutch to move to an engaged positional state, a motor in the electric clutch actuator is used as a generator to convert the potential energy of a clutch pressure spring into electrical energy to provide energy for powering the holding device to remain deactivated, permitting movement of the clutch actuator to the engaged position. Maintaining the holding device deactivated permits the clutch to move to the engaged position and thereby allows vehicle engine braking to be used during a power loss of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Publication date: November 1, 2007
    Applicant: GLOBE MOTORS, INC.
    Inventors: Brett E. Swensgard, Syed A. Hossain
  • Patent number: 6942081
    Abstract: An electrorheological clutch comprises drive and driven members that selectively engage by the application of a voltage to an electroheological fluid (ER) provided between the driven and driven members. The drive and driven members are formed with axially-oriented surfaces that define between then axially-oriented spaces for the ER fluid so as to minimize problems with settlement of the ER particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: China Patent Investment Limited
    Inventors: Weijia Wen, Ping Sheng, Kin Lun Chan, Chau Kwan Nam
  • Patent number: 6935476
    Abstract: A clutch having a multiple pole electromagnetic actuator is useful in motor vehicle powertrain components such as transaxles, transfer cases, transmissions, differentials and the like. The electromagnetic actuator includes a stationary coil, a rotating, multiple pole stator and a rotating, multiple pole armature which is linked to the stator. Both the stator and the armature include multiple coils which are electrically connected in pairs. A cam or ball ramp assembly is disposed between the armature and a friction clutch pack. Energization of the stationary coil induces current in the coils of the stator and the respective coils of the armature. The magnetic flux and force generated rotates the armature relative to the stator, thereby actuating the cam or ball ramp assembly, which in turn, compresses the friction clutch pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: BorgWarner, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher V. Kurmaniak
  • Patent number: 6892867
    Abstract: A device for transmitting torque between two rotatable, coaxial shaft members (2, 4) has a number of alternate clutch discs (5, 6), connected to the two shaft members and engageable to counteract differential rotational speed between the shaft members. The rotational movement may be braked by braking means (26-28), whose rotational velocity is proportional to the rotational speed differential. Means for transmitting the rotational speed differential to the braking means comprises a roller arrangement (20-25).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Haldex Traction AB
    Inventor: Lars Severinsson
  • Publication number: 20040182670
    Abstract: A rotation transmission device is provided in which the two-way clutch is prevented from engaging while the inner member is rotating not engaged with the outer member. The two-way roller clutch includes an outer member, a cam ring mounted in the outer member, a plurality of rollers each mounted between the cylindrical surface of the outer member and one of the cam surfaces on the cam ring, and a retainer for retaining the rollers. The device further comprises a rotor mounted between the solenoid and the retainer so as to be nonrotatable relative to the outer ring, an armature mounted so as to be nonrotatable relative to the retainer and axially movable, and a spring for axially biasing the armature away from the rotor, and an engaging plate mounted so as to be nonrotatable relative to the inner member and axially immovable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventors: Hiromi Nojiri, Isao Hori, Tatsuya Yamasaki, Koichi Okada, Yoshitaka Nagano
  • Patent number: 6790153
    Abstract: An over-running clutch assembly comprises an outer race having a cylindrical inner surface and an inner race having a cammed outer surface coaxial with the cylindrical inner surface and defining a gap therebetween and a roller clutch disposed within the gap; a biasing element biases the roller clutch to a disengaged position; and an actuator selectively overcomes the biasing element to engage the roller clutch and lock the inner and outer races to prevent relative rotation therebetween. The actuation disk and the case end includes a first portion adapted to provide initial axial surface to surface contact between the actuation disk and the case end when the actuation disk contacts the case end and a second portion adapted to provide an surface to surface contact only after deflection of the actuation disk under the force of the actuator, thereby providing a spring back response when the actuator is de-energized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventor: Shiro Goto
  • Publication number: 20040159517
    Abstract: A bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly (10, 110, 210) including a drive member (12, 112, 212) that is rotatable about an axis (A) and a pair of driven members (14, 16; 114, 116; 214, 216) that is similarly rotatable about the axis of rotation. The pair of driven members (14, 16; 114, 116; 214, 216) are disposed on either side of the drive member (12, 112, 212) such that each one of the pair of driven members is in side-by-side confronting relationship with the drive member. In addition, the clutch assembly includes first and second engagement mechanisms (26, 28; 126, 128; 226, 228). The first engagement mechanism (26, 126, 226) is supported between the confronting surfaces of the drive member (12, 112, 212) and one of the driven members (14, 114, 214). The second engagement mechanism (28, 128, 228) is supported between the confronting surfaces of the drive member (12, 112, 212) and the other driven member (16, 116, 216).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: Matthew Thomas
  • Publication number: 20040110594
    Abstract: An over-running clutch assembly comprises an outer race having a cylindrical inner surface and an inner race having a cammed outer surface coaxial with the cylindrical inner surface and defining a gap therebetween and a roller clutch disposed within the gap; a biasing element biases the roller clutch to a disengaged position; and an actuator selectively overcomes the biasing element to engage the roller clutch and lock the inner and outer races to prevent relative rotation therebetween. The actuation disk and the case end includes a first portion adapted to provide initial axial surface to surface contact between the actuation disk and the case end when the actuation disk contacts the case end and a second portion adapted to provide an surface to surface contact only after deflection of the actuation disk under the force of the actuator, thereby providing a spring back response when the actuator is de-energized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Applicant: NTN Corporation
    Inventor: Shiro Goto
  • Patent number: 6619454
    Abstract: A disconnect device is provided in which input and output elements 2 and 4 axially overlap and are drivingly interconnected by balls 14 which extend from a recess the radially innermost element into a channel in the radially outermost element. The balls are held in position by a keeper 16 which is axially movable to release the balls and disconnect the drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Goodrich Control Systems Limited
    Inventor: Dennis Richard Hayward
  • Patent number: 6595337
    Abstract: An over-running clutch assembly comprises an outer race having a cylindrical inner surface and an inner race having a cammed outer surface coaxial with the cylindrical inner surface and defining a gap therebetween and a roller clutch disposed within the gap; a biasing element to bias the roller clutch to a disengaged position; and an actuator to selectively overcome the biasing element to engage the roller clutch and lock the outer race and inner race and prevent relative rotation between the outer race and inner race.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Shiro Goto, Russell E. Monahan
  • Publication number: 20030106766
    Abstract: A power operator for opening and closing a panel including a power module that has a motor and a gear train to transfer torque from the motor to allow for movement of the panel. The power operator includes a clutch assembly that is interconnected with the gear train. The clutch assembly includes sensors for detecting an angular speed of the clutch disks. A control module is interconnected with the clutch assembly and includes a microcontroller for adjusting an engagement force of the clutch disks using pulse width modulation such that the clutch disks are maintained in a limited slip condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Inventors: Joseph M. Johnson, Sothy Chhe
  • Patent number: 6557680
    Abstract: A controllable, multi-mode, bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly and a shift system adapted for transferring drive torque from a primary shaft to a secondary shaft. The clutch assembly includes a first ring journalled on a first rotary member, a second ring fixed to a second rotary member, and a plurality of rollers disposed in opposed cam tracks formed between the first and second rotary members. The first ring is split to define an actuation channel between its end segments. A first spring-biased pin is moveable between positions engaged with and released from one end segment of the split first ring. A second spring-biased pin is moveable between positions engaged with and released from the opposite end segment of the split first ring. A moveable pin actuator controls movement of the first and second pins for establishing distinct operational modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: New Venture Gear, Inc.
    Inventor: Randolph C. Williams
  • Patent number: 6460671
    Abstract: A clutch control for shifting a vehicle drive system as between automatic four-wheel drive, locked four-wheel drive and two-wheel drive. An engagement system for engaging drive and driven components of the drive system may include roller clutch engagement or pawl clutch engagement. The clutch system is provided with a coupling mechanism for coupling the engagement member to ground or to the driven member to thereby achieve automatic four-wheel drive and locked four-wheel drive, respectively. The engagement member is decoupled from both ground and the driven member to achieve two-wheel drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Warn Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy C. Karambelas, Bryan M. Averill, Oliver Heravi, Peter A. Lines
  • Publication number: 20020104728
    Abstract: A disconnect device is provided in which input and output elements 2 and 4 axially overlap and are drivingly interconnected by balls 14 which extend from a recess the radially innermost element into a channel in the radially outermost element. The balls are held in position by a keeper 16 which is axially movable to release the balls and disconnect the drive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Inventor: Dennis Richard Hayward
  • Patent number: 6409000
    Abstract: A two-way clutch is provided which comprises an inner member formed with a plurality of pockets opening toward its outer peripheral surface, an outer member mounted on the inner member and formed with a plurality of pockets opening toward its inner peripheral surface, a cam ring formed with a cam surface on its inner peripheral surface, a plurality of block members received in the pockets of the inner member so as to protrude in a diametric direction, a plurality of resilient members received in the pockets of the inner member for biasing the block members radially outwardly, and a switch spring mounted to the inner member for maintaining a predetermined phase of the cam ring relative to the inner ring. With this construction, the inner and outer members can be engaged through the block members to transmit power by aligning the pockets of the inner and outer members with each other and by controlling the phase of the cam ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Kenichiro Itoh, Isao Hori
  • Publication number: 20020023816
    Abstract: A ball ramp mechanism is used to apply a clamping load to a clutch pack to rotationally couple an input shaft to an output shaft. The ball ramp mechanism is comprised of a control plate having a control extension radially extending therefrom and an activation plate having an activation extension radially extending therefrom and an intermediate plate disposed between the control extension and the activation extension where the control extension and the activation extension and the intermediate plate are frictionally rotationally coupled upon application of an electromagnetic field generated by a stationary coil acting through a rotating coil armature to activate the ball ramp mechanism. A gap sleeve contacts the control plate and the activation extension to limit the separation between the control extension, the intermediate plate and the activation extension.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Applicant: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory Joseph Organek, David Michael Preston
  • Publication number: 20020019286
    Abstract: An over-running clutch assembly comprises an outer race having a cylindrical inner surface and an inner race having a cammed outer surface coaxial with the cylindrical inner surface and defining a gap therebetween and a roller clutch disposed within the gap; a biasing element to bias the roller clutch to a disengaged position; and an actuator to selectively overcome the biasing element to engage the roller clutch and lock the outer race and inner race and prevent relative rotation between the outer race and inner race.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2001
    Publication date: February 14, 2002
    Inventors: Shiro Goto, Russell E. Monahan
  • Publication number: 20010027905
    Abstract: An axial setting device especially for loading the friction plates of a friction coupling or for fixing the viscous plates of a viscous coupling having two coupling parts which are co-axially supported on a fixed housing and which are rotatable relative to one another. A pump assembly has housing parts that are connected to the one of the coupling parts and whose conveying elements are connected to the other one of the coupling parts in such a way that, when the parts rotate relative to one another, fluid is conveyed in the pump assembly. A reservoir provided for fluid with a variable volume and a pressure chamber is delimited by an axial piston. A fluid connection is made from the reservoir to the pressure chamber via the pump assembly and a pressure line and a fluid connection is made from the pressure chamber to the reservoir via a bypass line with a solenoid valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventor: Herbert Taureg
  • Patent number: 6167997
    Abstract: Clutches are provided with electrically controlled actuation elements for selectively moving a sleeve between engaged and non-engaged positions. The electrically controlled elements may include rotary motors driving a sleeve through a ball screw connection. An actuator having a distance amplification element for driving the sleeve is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: ZF Meritor
    Inventor: Christopher S. Keeney
  • Patent number: 6095310
    Abstract: Apparatus (102) for locking a gear assembly (11) of a vehicle (10), the apparatus for locking including apparatus for lockably engaging a predetermined portion of the gear assembly (102), and apparatus for selectably operating the apparatus for lockably engaging so as to lockably engage the predetermined portion of the gear assembly (24), characterized by the apparatus for lockably engaging including a shaft receiving portion formed with an aperture which engages a shaft of the gear assembly, wherein the shaft receiving portion is provided with a ratchet wheel (114) lockingly engageable by a pawl (116), the pawl being actuable by the apparatus for selectably operating, such that when the pawl is in a predetermined orientation with the ratchet wheel, the shaft cannot be rotated to operate the gear assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Gear Protection Ltd.
    Inventors: Binyamin Voda, Vladimir Dvilensky
  • Patent number: 5971123
    Abstract: A bi-directional overrunning clutch is disclosed for controlling torque transmission between a secondary drive shaft and secondary driven shafts. The overrunning clutch includes a pinion input shaft in a differential housing that engages with a clutch housing rotatably disposed within the differential housing. At least one race is located adjacent to the clutch housing and is engaged with an output shaft. A cage is located between the race and the clutch housing. The cage is movable with respect to the clutch housing. A first coil is mounted within the differential housing adjacent to the cage and is adapted to produce an electromagnetic field when energized which causes the cage to drag with respect to the clutch housing. The dragging of the cage with respect to the clutch housing positions the cage to engage the clutch housing with the race when wheels on a primary drive shaft lose traction. A second coil is mounted within the differential housing adjacent adjacent to the cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Hilliard Corporation
    Inventors: David C. Ochab, John R. Updyke
  • Patent number: 5810141
    Abstract: A ball ramp mechanism having a control ring acting with an actuation ring to apply a clamping force on a driveline clutch during both a vehicle driving mode and a vehicle coast mode using a planetary gearset acting with a one-way clutch between a sun gear and meshing planetary gears to define rotation of the control ring with respect to the actuation ring in a direction tending to further activate the ball ramp mechanism. In the vehicle drive mode the planetary gearset is locked by the one-way clutch and in a vehicle coast mode the one-way clutch releases and the planetary gearset rotates the control ring through a coil pole in a direction to further activate the ball ramp mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory J. Organek, David M. Preston
  • Patent number: 5802915
    Abstract: A transmission shifting system for axially displacing a jaw clutch having a plurality of axially and/or radially beveled teeth for engagement with a plurality of engagement cavities formed in a mainshaft gear where a ball ramp actuator or a cam ramp mechanism is used to axially displace the jaw clutch. An electrical coil is used to electromagnetically couple a control ring to the mainshaft gear using a clutch plate and an actuation ring is nonrotatably connected to the mainshaft. In an alternative embodiment, the actuation ring is formed as part of the jaw clutch and the control ring remains stationary relative to a mainshaft. A plurality of flux grooves are utilized to channel magnetic forces between the clutch plate and the mainshaft gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory J. Organek, David M. Preston
  • Patent number: 5713445
    Abstract: A ball ramp mechanism is used to load a clutch pack in a transmission inertia brake to slow a rotating shaft where an armature having an angled peripheral surface engages a mating surface formed in an inertia brake housing to form a cone clutch where the armature is magnetically pulled toward the brake housing by an electromagnetic field generated by an electrical coil thereby introducing a frictional braking force on the armature. The armature is nonrotatably connected to the control ring of the ball ramp mechanism through a plurality of tapered pins which engage a corresponding plurality of conical sections so that relative rotation between the armature and the control ring causes the armature to be forced toward the housing thereby increasing the braking force on the armature and control ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Alan R. Davis, Thomas N. Riley
  • Patent number: 5668424
    Abstract: A magnetic coupler has a magnetic disc containing permanent magnets located between two electroconductive plates and separated therefrom by air gaps. The magnetic disc and electroconductive plates are mounted on coaxial or parallel-spaced input and output shafts so that rotation of the input shaft causes rotation of the output shaft by way of magnetic friction between the permanent magnets and the electroconductive plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Assignee: Magna Force, Inc.
    Inventor: Karl Jerome Lamb
  • Patent number: 5651437
    Abstract: A ball ramp actuator having a control ring axially separated from a pressure plate by rolling members engaging matching opposed grooves having a variable depth acting to supply an axial clamping force against a clutch disc in a clutch assembly and a releasable one-way clutch having a first race attached to the control ring and a second race attached to the pressure plate acting to only allow relative rotation between the control ring and the pressure plate in a direction to increase the clamping force on the clutch disc until a release coil is energized to release the one-way clutch thereby allowing the control ring to rotate relative to the pressure plate in a direction to decrease the clamping force on the clutch disc. A control coil is used to apply an electromagnetic force on the control ring to activate the ball ramp actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory J. Organek, Jon A. Steeby, David M. Preston
  • Patent number: 5542514
    Abstract: A rotation transmission device which has a driving member, a driven member, engaging elements mounted between them, and a device for mechanically changing over the transmission and cut-off of turning effort and which restricts the operation of the changeover device as necessary. Between the outer ring as a driven member and the inner member as a driving member, a retainer holding the sprags spaced from one another is mounted. In the inner member are housed a solenoid and a coupling member engaging the outer ring. The solenoid is actuated by contact of a brush against a slip ring, so that the coupling member couples the outer ring with the inner member, thus causing the sprags to be inoperative.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Kenichiro Itoh, Kenro Adachi
  • Patent number: 5505285
    Abstract: A ball ramp actuator for applying a driveline clutch clamping force to a clutch disc using an axial movement created when a control ring is rotated relative to an adjacent activation ring where rolling elements are disposed in opposed variable depth grooves formed in the control ring and likewise in the activation ring and where the rolling elements establish a variable axial separation distance, the ball ramp actuator also having a primary control clutch and a secondary control clutch where upon energizing an electromagnetic coil the primary control clutch energizes the ball ramp actuator and where the secondary control clutch frictionally couples a transmission input shaft to a pressure plate and also frictionally couples the control ring to the activation ring thereby establishing a relatively constant clutch clamping force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Gregory J. Organek
  • Patent number: 5485904
    Abstract: A first ball ramp actuator having a control ring acting with an activation ring to supply an axial clutch clamping force in a vehicle driving mode and a second ball ramp actuator using the control ring acting with a clutch pressure plate to supply an axial clutch clamping force in a vehicle coast mode where one side of a one-way clutch is attached to the control ring and another side is attached to a support bracket that is frictionally coupled to a transmission input shaft to maintain an energized rotational relationship with the activation ring when in the coast mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory J. Organek, David M. Preston, David A. Janson
  • Patent number: 5465819
    Abstract: A power transmitting assembly includes a first rotatable assembly, a second rotatable assembly having an axially movable rotating member, a camming assembly for moving the rotating member and an electromagnetic clutch for activating the camming assembly. The rotating member is moved between a first position where the first rotatable assembly operatively engages the second rotatable assembly and a second position where the first rotatable assembly is disengaged from the second rotatable assembly. The power transmitting assembly is shown in three forms--a locking hub assembly, a lockable differential assembly and axle assembly having an axle disconnect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Assignee: Borg-Warner Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Weilant, Craig Fowler
  • Patent number: 5413200
    Abstract: A power assist system for imparting an driving force to an operation cable operating a vehicle clutch mechanism is connected to the operation cable to define driving and driven portions of the operating cable. The power assist system comprises an outer casing, a motor having a drive shaft extending into the outer casing, a rotor stably mounted to the drive shaft, and a reel member mounted to the rotor for winding the drive and driven portions of the operation cable. The driving portion of the operation cable is connected to a clutch operation member of the vehicle. An ON-OFF switch is connected to the clutch operation member to control starting and stopping of the driving of the motor. When an operation force is applied to the drive portion of the operation cable through the clutch operation member, the ON-OFF switch activates the motor to cause the rotor to frictionally engage the reel member to impart a driving force to the operation cable to perform a clutching operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: Suzuki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Chiaki Hirata
  • Patent number: RE38012
    Abstract: A bi-directional overrunning clutch is disclosed for controlling torque transmission between a secondary drive shaft and secondary driven shafts. The overrunning clutch includes a pinion input shaft in a differential housing that engages with a clutch housing rotatably disposed within the differential housing. At least one race is located adjacent to the clutch housing and is engaged with an output shaft. A cage is located between the race and the clutch housing. The cage is movable with respect to the clutch housing. A first coil is mounted within the differential housing adjacent to the cage and is adapted to produce an electromagnetic field when energized which causes the cage to drag with respect to the clutch housing. The dragging of the cage with respect to the clutch housing positions rolls within the cage to engage the clutch housing with the race when wheels on a primary drive shaft lose traction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Hilliard Corporation
    Inventors: David C. Ochab, John R. Updyke
  • Patent number: RE36502
    Abstract: A first ball ramp actuator having a control ring acting with an activation ring to supply an axial clutch clamping force in a vehicle driving mode and a second ball ramp actuator using the control ring acting with a clutch pressure plate to supply an axial clutch clamping force in a vehicle coast mode where one side of a one-way clutch is attached to the control ring and another side is attached to a support bracket that is frictionally coupled to a transmission input shaft to maintain an energized rotational relationship with the activation ring when in the coast mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2000
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory J. Organek, David M. Preston, David A. Janson