Including Electrically Actuated Clutch Assemblage Patents (Class 192/48.2)
-
Patent number: 8544627Abstract: A magnet holder assembly for a clutch includes a magnet holder and first and second permanent magnets. The magnet holder includes a body portion, a first groove defined in the body portion, a second groove defined in the body portion adjacent to the first groove, and a flange extending from the body portion opposite the first groove and extending in a different direction than the first groove. The flange has a connection feature for securing the magnet holder to a rotatable component of the clutch. The first permanent magnet is radially retained by the first groove in the body portion, and the first permanent magnet has a beveled edge configured to mate with the first groove. The second permanent magnet is radially retained by the second groove, and the first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet have magnetic orientations arranged substantially opposite one another.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2009Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: Horton, Inc.Inventors: Brian T. Lawrence, Michael J. Bieber, John Philip Cinq-Mars
-
Patent number: 8534435Abstract: An actuating device for applying actuating forces in a friction clutch device for engaging and disengaging a friction clutch assembly of the friction clutch device. The torque transmission device comprises the actuating device for transmission of torque between a drive unit and a transmission which also includes the friction clutch device. A method for installing a torque transmission device of this type. Various aspects relate to setting of a pre-load on a bearing of the actuating device, setting an over-dead-point configuration for a compensation spring associated with at least one rotary member of the actuating device, setting a rotation movement range for the rotary member and/or an axial movement range for an actuating element which can be displaced axially by rotation movement imparted to the rotary member, and producing either a normally engaged or disengaged characteristic in a normally-engaged or normally-disengaged friction clutch assembly with the compensation spring.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2008Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Peter Fenn, Andreas Ratte, Klaus Reuter, Ralf Steinfeldt, Matthias Reisch, Juergen Wafzig
-
Patent number: 8515638Abstract: A dual clutch automated manual transmission includes a first clutch and a second clutch, and a clutch torque capacity command value for a plurality of clutch actuators arranged to drive the first clutch and second clutch based on operation of a by-wire type of clutch lever, wherein the clutch torque capacity of the plurality of clutches is controlled. An operator can adjust a driving force by manually operating the clutch in the transmission in which a clutch operation is controlled automatically, such as an automatic transmission system, automated manual transmission system, or dual clutch automated manual transmission system, thereby improving drivability.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2010Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Tetsushi Saitoh
-
Patent number: 8491274Abstract: The disclosure describes a system for operating an air conditioning compressor from alternative sources. The system includes primary and secondary torque supply sources, each in communication with the input shaft of an air conditioning compressor by first and second respective pulley belts.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2009Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Inventors: Richard D Taylor, Paul E Harris
-
Patent number: 8453815Abstract: A friction clutch (5) having a drive side and an output side which can be used to drive a fan impeller (2), and a selectively engageable friction disk clutch (13), which in the engaged state connects the output side to the drive side, and a first eddy current clutch (15) for providing a slip speed on the output side, the first eddy current clutch (15) having an eddy current zone formed on a cooling ring (11), wherein an eddy current zone for a second eddy current clutch (18) is provided on the same cooling ring (11) on which an eddy current zone for the first eddy current clutch (15) is formed.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2009Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: Kendrion Linnig GmbHInventor: Manfred Gebhart
-
Patent number: 8397887Abstract: An actuating system for at least first and second coaxially arranged shifting elements of a transmission, in particular, a dual-clutch transmission (1) with at least two coaxially arranged control devices for actuating the associated shifting elements. The control devices comprise at least one rotary drive (4, 5) and at least one control element (6, 7) which are coupled to one another by corresponding gearteeth such that rotational movement, of each rotary drive (4, 5), can be converted into an axial control movement of the associated control element (6, 7). The axial position of the teeth of the geartooth array, of each control element (6, 7), varies in the circumferential direction, at least over a certain range.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2008Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Matthias Reisch, Juergen Wafzig
-
Publication number: 20130047772Abstract: Systems and methods relating to a clutch system for use in controllably transmitting torque from an input shaft to an output shaft. The clutch system has a torque transmission fluid that has a viscosity that changes based on the strength of an electromagnetic field passing through the fluid. A number of sensors are placed at different radial locations on the torque transmission disks to detect the strength of the electromagnetic field. Based on the strength of the electromagnetic field, the amount of torque being transmitted from the input shaft to the output shaft can be adjusted. Also disclosed is a distributed actuation architecture that uses this clutch system. The distributed actuation architecture allows for the use of a single drive motor in conjunction with multiple instances of the clutch system to actuate a mechanical linkage, such as a robotic arm.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2010Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: THE UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN ONTARIOInventors: Alex Shafer, Mehrdad R. Kermani
-
Patent number: 8344565Abstract: An actuator arrangement for the axial displacement of an actuation member by means of a drive force which is generated by an electric machine, in particular for a shift-clutch arrangement of a multi-step gear change transmission. The actuation member is mounted axially displaceably on a rotary shaft. The electric machine has a stator fixed to a housing and a rotor which is coupled to the actuation member and is arranged coaxially with respect to the actuation member. The rotor is coupled to the actuation member with a form fit in the axial direction. Here, the rotor or the actuation member has a radial projection which engages into a radial groove of the other part.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2008Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: GETRAG Getriebe- und Zahnradfabrik Hermann Hagenmeyer GmbH & Cie KGInventors: Mark Schweiher, Uli Christian Blessing, Thorsten Gatzka, Ulrich Knoedel
-
Publication number: 20120312654Abstract: The present invention relates to a double clutch for a vehicle compressor for driving a compressor using the power of an engine when a vehicle is being driven, and using the power of a motor when the vehicle is stopped. More specifically, the double clutch for a vehicle compressor, comprises: a rotation shaft axially coupled with the compressor; a plate spring coupled on the rotation shaft; first and second rotation discs coupled in front of and behind the plate spring; a first electromagnet fixed to the compressor; a first pulley positioned between the first rotation disc and the first electromagnet; a fixed disc mounted on the rotation shaft at the side of the second rotation disc; a second electromagnet coupled with the fixed disc; and a second pulley positioned between the second rotation disc and the second electromagnet.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2011Publication date: December 13, 2012Inventor: Hyeoungpal Kim
-
Patent number: 8292054Abstract: A double clutch may include an input shaft, a first output shaft disposed coaxially with the input shaft, a second output shaft enclosing the first output shaft and disposed coaxially with the first output shaft, a first clutch pack disposed between the first output shaft and the input shaft, a second clutch pack disposed between the second output shaft and the input shaft, an electromagnet disposed between the first clutch pack and the second clutch pack, a first permanent magnet and a second permanent magnet disposed such that the same poles of the first and second permanent magnets face the electromagnet at both sides of the electromagnet, a first ball ramp operating to press the first clutch pack, as the first permanent magnet moves toward the electromagnet, and a second ball ramp operating to press the second clutch pack, as the second permanent magnet moves toward the electromagnet.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2009Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Sangsuk Yang
-
Patent number: 8276726Abstract: A gearbox shifting point for producing a rotationally fixed connection between at least one gearwheel and one shaft. The gearbox shifting point comprises a shaft, a shifting sleeve and two gearwheels. The two gearwheels are each rotatably mounted in relation to the shaft. The shifting sleeve is mounted in a rotationally secured fashion on the shaft. The shifting sleeve and the gearwheels are embodied in such a way that a positively locking, rotationally fixed connection can be produced between the shifting sleeve and in each case one gearwheel. In order to improve problems with respect to a gearshifting hole or blockage of the gearbox, the shifting sleeve interacts with the two gearwheels in such a way that at least one positively locking, rotationally fixed connection is always produced between the shifting sleeve and one of the gearwheels.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2011Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventor: Nicolai Tarasinski
-
Patent number: 8267232Abstract: A clutch arrangement (10) for a motor vehicle transmission (80) is proposed for connecting a shaft (12) to a rotational element (14), in particular to a freely moving wheel (14), which is mounted thereon, wherein the clutch arrangement (10) has: a sliding sleeve (22) which is connected in a rotationally fixed fashion to the shaft (12) and is mounted in an axially displaceable fashion on the shaft (12) between a closed position and an open position and has a first sliding toothing (24); a clutch element (26) which is connected in a rotationally fixed fashion to the rotational element (14) and has a second sliding toothing (28) into which the first sliding toothing (24) can be inserted axially in the closing direction (30) in order to connect the rotational element (14) to the shaft (12) in the closed position; and an actuator arrangement (40) for axially sliding the sliding sleeve (22).Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2007Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: GETRAG Getriebe- und Zahnradfabrik Hermann Hagenmeyer GmbH & Cie KGInventor: Daniel Knoblauch
-
Patent number: 8220606Abstract: The invention relates to a dual clutch transmission with two friction clutches and a method for controlling it, where the two friction clutches are actuated utilizing electromechanical disengaging units. To counteract lockup of the dual clutch transmission in the event of a failure of an electric motor, the functional capability of the electric motors is monitored. If the function of an electric motor is deficient, a signal is generated in the control device that brings about in the program sequence of the transmission control system a disengagement of all of the gears that are situated in a sub-drivetrain whose friction clutch is actuated by the affected electric motor. In this way it is possible to prevent lockup of the dual clutch transmission during a malfunction of an electric motor during a state in which torque is being transmitted to the sub-drivetrain.Type: GrantFiled: November 10, 2008Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventor: Alexander Dreher
-
Publication number: 20120165146Abstract: A powertrain for a vehicle includes an engine, a transmission with an input member driven by the engine, and an output member. An electric motor is operable to drive the input member. The transmission has an electrically-actuated one-way clutch with a neutral mode in which the clutch freewheels in both directions of rotation, and a locked mode in which the clutch is locked in one direction of rotation. The transmission also has a hydraulically-actuated dual-piston clutch with a spring that biases the dual-piston clutch to an engaged state. The one-way clutch is in the neutral mode and the spring biases the dual-piston clutch to the engaged state prior to a key start of the engine. The one-way clutch is actuated to the locked state following ignition of the engine after a key start, and remains in the locked state during an autostop of the engine.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2010Publication date: June 28, 2012Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Farzad Samie, Chunhao J. Lee, Chi-Kuan Kao, Kumaraswamy V. Hebbale, Robert K. Saley
-
Patent number: 8196725Abstract: A device for connecting, in a rotationally fixed manner, a shaft to at least one component which is rotationally supported on the shaft, such as a gear wheel of a gear in a transmission. The device includes an actuating element that is rotationally fixed, but axially slides on the shaft, such that when the element is actuated by an actor, the element actively, frictionally communicates with the component to at least approximately equalize a rotational speed difference, between the component and the shaft. The actuating element can be actuated by the actor with a force to frictionally connect the component to the shaft in a rotationally fixed manner. The device further includes a holding device, which retains the actuating element in a shift condition essentially equivalent to the rotationally fixed condition of the component without further actuation of the actor.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2007Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Mark Mohr, Matthias Reisch
-
Patent number: 8191695Abstract: The invention relates to an actuating mechanism for engaging and disengaging a separating clutch of a single-clutch or multiple-clutch transmission, which has a housing, for a motor vehicle, having: an actuating drive; a cam segment which has a curved recess and which is rotatable about a first bearing, said first bearing being fixed with respect to the housing, and which can be rotated by the actuating drive in an engagement rotational direction or a disengagement rotational direction; and an engagement fork which is rotatable about a second bearing, said second bearing being fixed with respect to the housing, and which is coupled at one side of the fork to the cam segment by means of a cam follower and which can be coupled on an opposite side of the fork to the separating clutch in such a way that the separating clutch is closed in the event of a rotation of the cam segment in the engagement rotational direction and the separating clutch is opened in the event of a rotation of the cam segment in the disengaType: GrantFiled: March 6, 2009Date of Patent: June 5, 2012Assignee: GETRAG Getriebe- und Zahnradfabrik Hermann Hagenmeyer GmbH & Cie KGInventors: Jan Hasenkamp, Kuno Fronius
-
Patent number: 8172057Abstract: A drive train is used at least including an input shaft and an output shaft. A clutch member is rotatable by a clutch shaft about an axis of rotation. The clutch shaft is supported for lateral movement along the axis of rotation to move the clutch member to cooperate with the drive train at a first lateral position to cause the output shaft to turn and to move the clutch member to a second lateral position to disengage the output shaft from rotation of the input shaft. A permanent magnet is supported by one end of the clutch shaft and arranged for receiving an external magnetic biasing force along the axis of rotation to selectively move the clutch member between the first and second lateral positions. A traveling shaft can be used to support a selected gear for movement by the permanent magnet to implement transmission and reversing configurations.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2011Date of Patent: May 8, 2012Assignee: Merlin Technology, Inc.Inventor: John E. Mercer
-
Patent number: 8167104Abstract: The invention relates to a gear shifting point (10) for producing a rotationally fixed connection between a toothed wheel (16, 18) and a shaft (12). Said gear shifting point (10) comprises a shaft (12), a sliding sleeve (24) and at least one toothed wheel (16, 18). The toothed wheel (16, 18) is mounted rotationally with respect to the shaft (12). The sliding sleeve (24) is mounted on the shaft (12) in such a way that it is not rotatable therewith. The toothed wheel (16, 18) and the sliding sleeve (24) are embodied in such a way that a rotationally fixed connection can be produced therebetween in the coupled state of the gear shifting point (10) and no connection can be produced between the toothed wheel (16, 18) and the sliding sleeve (24) in the neutral state of the gear shifting point (10).Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2006Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Nicolai Tarasinski, Rainer Gugel
-
Patent number: 8162115Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 27, 2009Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: GETRAG Getriebe- und Zahnradfabrik Hermann Hagenmeyer GmbH & Cie KGInventors: Martin Seufert, Tobias Kalisch, Ralf Hettich
-
Patent number: 8151961Abstract: A double clutch for a double-clutch transmission includes a first clutch, a second clutch, a first electric actuator, and a second electric actuator. The first electric actuator acts on a cam that activates both clutches and controls a clutch shift operation between the first and the second clutch. The first electric actuator additionally acts on a cam activating one of the two clutches.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2007Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Stefan Tumback
-
Patent number: 8127907Abstract: A marine transmission provides first and second drive gears that have first and second driving surfaces in contact with first and second quantities of rheological fluid. First and second driven surfaces of a propeller shaft are also in contact with the rheological fluids within first and second cavities. Torque is transmitted between the drive gears and the propeller shaft through the increase in viscosity of the rheological fluid. A dog clutch can also be provided in order to lock the propeller shaft to the driving one of the first and second drive gears after the rheological fluid is used to spin up the propeller shaft to the appropriate speed.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2009Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Inventors: Brian R. White, Keith S. Ducotey, Brian S. Ritthaler
-
Patent number: 8109375Abstract: Some embodiments of a clutch system may an output member and an input member can be biased to engage one another along opposing clutch surfaces. When input member drives rotation of the output member and a fan blade device secured thereto, the resulting fan thrust provides supplemental engagement to the opposing clutch surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2009Date of Patent: February 7, 2012Assignee: Kit Masters Inc.Inventors: Craig M. Swanson, Darrin Swanson
-
Patent number: 8100239Abstract: Some embodiments of a clutch system may drive an output member to rotate at a first speed when the opposing clutch surfaces are engaged and to rotate at a second speed when the clutch surfaces are shifted to a disengaged position. In particular embodiments, the multi-speed clutch system may employ an eddy current drive system that causes the output portion to rotate even when the opposing clutch surfaces are disengaged.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2008Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignee: Kit Masters Inc.Inventors: Craig M. Swanson, Thomas M. Jagger
-
Patent number: 8100240Abstract: A first clutch assembly has an active state for transmitting rotational energy and an inactive state for not transmitting rotational energy. A generator has a generator shaft associated with the first clutch assembly. A second clutch assembly has an active state for transmitting rotational energy and an inactive state for not transmitting rotational energy. A transmission has a transmission shaft directly or indirectly associated with the second clutch assembly. A third clutch assembly has an active state for transmitting rotational energy and an inactive state for not transmitting rotational energy. An engine has an engine shaft associated with the third clutch assembly. A controller establishes an operational mode of the vehicle by controlling the states of the first clutch assembly, the second clutch assembly, and the third clutch assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2009Date of Patent: January 24, 2012Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Chris Alan DeRoo, Larry Dean Swanson
-
Publication number: 20110253077Abstract: A double-acting electromagnetic device for transmitting movement to/from a driven/driving member in a vehicle and including a shaft that rotates about a longitudinal axis of rotation and that has, mounted relative thereto a first rotor of a first coupling including a pair of concentric annular electromagnets mounted on a fixed support, a coaxial bell member, a coaxial cup member, a first bearing, a first armature connected to the coaxial bell member, a second armature concentric with the first armature and connected to the coaxial cup member which is mounted idle with respect to the shaft via the first bearing and which has a first pulley formed on a side surface, wherein the support for the electromagnets is attached to a fixed structure part which has a load-bearing function, and wherein the bell member includes an outer annular edge extending in an axial direction towards the electromagnets and mounted axially over the first rotor.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2011Publication date: October 20, 2011Applicant: Baruffaldi S.p.a.Inventors: Piercarlo Boffelli, Fabio Natale, Erminio Depoli, Claudio Bellotti
-
Patent number: 8025137Abstract: A power transfer/transmission apparatus includes clutch adjusting mechanisms that are easy to assemble and are stably supported, the power transfer/transmission apparatus has a clutch housing, the clutch housing includes a vertical wall (a flange and a vertical wall) connected to a joint shaft and a peripheral wall connected to the vertical wall and enclosing a main clutch, the flange has an output unit support that rotatably supports a first end of a clutch output unit at a position that is axially different from the position of the joint shaft, a second end of the clutch output unit includes a centering part that forms a hollow axle joint having inner splines engaged with an axle so that the axle joint and axle may rotate together.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2008Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Inventors: Susumu Sasaki, Atsushi Tamura, Isao Hirota
-
Patent number: 8016092Abstract: Magneto-rheological clutch and wheel transmission apparatuses and methods are provided. According to one aspect, a magneto-rheological clutch system can include first and second drive members and first and second driven members. A first gap can be present between the first drive and first driven members. A second gap can be present between the second drive and second driven members. A drive wheel and a snow blower impeller can be connected to the first and second driven member, respectively. First and second MR fluids can be disposed in the first and second gaps, respectively. A first magnetic field can be applied to the first MR fluid for engaging the drive wheel. A second magnetic field can be applied to the second MR fluid for engaging the snow blower impeller. The provided apparatuses and methods can also be applied to mower blades and wheels.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2008Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Andrew Joseph McDaniel
-
Patent number: 8011486Abstract: An electromagnetically actuatable clutch for a water pump in a cooling water circuit of an internal combustion engine, having a drive wheel rotatably mounted relative to the water pump, and an armature disk, which interacts with a coil. The armature disk and a functional component of an eddy current clutch are connected to the drive wheel so that the drive wheel, armature disk and first functional component run synchronously when they rotate. The armature disk can be moved axially with the first functional component by energizing the coil. A second functional component of the eddy current clutch is provided arranged in a fixed fashion on a shaft coupled to the water pump. A friction mechanism is provided between the first and second functional components to provide a frictional locking engagement between the two functional components that is released by energizing the coil.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2009Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Licos Trucktec GmbHInventors: Jan Juergensmeyer, Rainer Krafft, Sigmund Geiger
-
Patent number: 7954614Abstract: A drive train is used at least including an input shaft and an output shaft. A clutch member is rotatable by a clutch shaft about an axis of rotation. The clutch shaft is supported for lateral movement along the axis of rotation to move the clutch member to cooperate with the drive train at a first lateral position to cause the output shaft to turn and to move the clutch member to a second lateral position to disengage the output shaft from rotation of the input shaft. A permanent magnet is supported by one end of the clutch shaft and arranged for receiving an external magnetic biasing force along the axis of rotation to selectively move the clutch member between the first and second lateral positions. A traveling shaft can be used to support a selected gear for movement by the permanent magnet to implement transmission and reversing configurations.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2007Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: Merlin Technology, Inc.Inventor: John E. Mercer
-
Publication number: 20110094844Abstract: An actuator system for a clutch includes, but is not limited to a threaded hollow cylinder connected to the clutch bell in a rotationally fixed manner, which on its outside and on its inside comprises a thread and furthermore a first hollow cylinder for actuating a first release bearing, wherein the first hollow cylinder comprises an internal thread which is in engagement with the external thread of the threaded hollow cylinder and a second hollow cylinder for actuating a second release bearing. The second hollow cylinder comprises an external thread which is in engagement with the internal thread of the threaded hollow cylinder Furthermore, the actuator system comprises at least one electric motor by means of which the first hollow cylinder and the second hollow cylinder via a transmission each can be displaced along their longitudinal axis on the threaded hollow cylinder.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2010Publication date: April 28, 2011Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventor: Sascha Schlieker
-
Patent number: 7909026Abstract: The present invention provides a servo actuated operating mechanism for a coacting lobed rotor positive displacement supercharger combining a low cost and capacity electromagnetic clutch with a small oil pump internal to the supercharger unit. The oil pump supplies on demand oil pressure from oil in a hydraulic clutch housing or the supercharger timing gear case and acts as a servomechanism to actuate an internal hydraulic clutch. The hydraulic clutch can be engaged over a much wider range of speeds and loads than is possible with an electromagnetic clutch alone. The electro-hydraulic servomechanism provides improved highway fuel economy relative to an electromagnetic clutch as the engagement speed could be moved to a higher rotational speed (rpm). The internal hydraulic system makes higher supercharger engagement speeds possible with a hydraulic system, but without the assembly and leak issues associated with externally plumbed engine oil system actuated clutches.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2008Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventor: Gregory P. Prior
-
Patent number: 7900760Abstract: A multi-position clutch allows selectively coupling at least two of at least three rotatable shafts is described herein. The clutch comprises at least three cooperation elements respectively associated to one of the at least three rotatable shafts for selective engagement therebetween; the at least three cooperation elements are mounted to the at least three rotatable shafts so as to be sequentially positioned for selective coupling of at least two adjacent cooperation elements. An actuating mechanism is provided for selectively coupling at least two adjacent cooperation elements from the at least three cooperation elements.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2009Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: TM4 Inc.Inventors: Martin Houle, Pierre Blouin, Louis-Philippe Bibeau, Jianhong Xu
-
Patent number: 7886627Abstract: A coupling device for coupling rotatable bodies together includes first and second rotatable bodies, a plurality of coupling members for selectively coupling the first and second rotatable bodies together to transfer drive between the rotatable bodies, and an electro-magnetic actuator for controlling engagement of the coupling members. The coupling device can be incorporated into a transmission system, which includes first and second drive shafts, first and second gear sets mounted on the shafts for transferring drive between the shafts, a selector for selectively transferring drive between the first shaft and either the first or second gear set, and an electro magnetic actuator for controlling engagement of the engagement members and the drive formations.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2004Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: Zeroshift LimitedInventor: William Wesley Martin
-
Publication number: 20110024252Abstract: A clutch actuating apparatus for a double clutch transmission, may include an electric unit that generates rotational force, a decelerating unit coupled to the electric unit and reducing the rotational force of the electric unit, a straight-converting unit that converts the rotational force reduced by the decelerating unit into a straight motion force, a push rod that is moved straight by the straight motion force of the straight-converting unit and makes an operational stroke to selectively engage a clutch, a supplement force supplying unit engaging with the push rod to increase the straight movement force to the push rod or to remove the increased straight movement force from the push rod when the push rod engages or disengages the clutch, and a rod locating unit coupled to the push rod and changing a relative position of the push rod to the straight-converting unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2009Publication date: February 3, 2011Applicant: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Jongyop KIM, Sungyong Cho, Hyunduk Chang
-
Publication number: 20110011694Abstract: A clutch for transmitting torque between a first member and a second member includes a locking plate having an engagement groove, a carrier disposed adjacent the locking plate, an engagement member rotatably supported in an aperture of the carrier, an apply biasing element, a release plate, a release biasing element, and an electromagnet. The engagement member is rotatable between an engagement position and a release position.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2009Publication date: January 20, 2011Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Shawn H. Swales, Scott H. Wittkopp, Norman Schoenek
-
Publication number: 20110005883Abstract: An electromagnetic friction clutch having an eddy current drive is disclosed, said clutch being used for controllably driving auxiliary units such as a coolant pump, for example, in vehicles. An advantageous, rotationally fixed connection of magnetic elements of the eddy current drive to a rotor allows a plurality of embodiments of the invention, with various design simplifications.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2010Publication date: January 13, 2011Applicant: Licos Trucktec GmbHInventor: Rainer Krafft
-
Patent number: 7867119Abstract: The invention relates to a transmission system in which the crankshaft (V) of a combustion engine (M) is coupled via a transmission device using flexible links, particularly of the belt type, to a shaft (1) of an alternator-starter (ATD), characterized in that it has a two-state coupling device, the states being a first state corresponding to a phase for starting the engine, in which the shaft (1) of the alternator-starter (ATD) drives the crankshaft (V) of the engine (M) with a first transmission ratio, and a second state in which the crankshaft (V) of the engine (M) drives the shaft (1) of the alternator-starter (ATD) with a second transmission ratio, and in that the first transmission ratio is higher than the second transmission ratio.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2003Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: HutchinsonInventor: Benoît Brunetiere
-
Patent number: 7841456Abstract: The invention concerns an adjustable hysteresis driver, with a rotor component (5) on the input side that can be driven and/or a stator component (7?, 7?), with an armature component (8) on the output side in fixed connection with a shaft (4), with a hysteresis component (9) connected to the armature component (8), the stator component (7?, 7?) comprising an electromagnet (7a) or permanent magnet (18) by means of which a magnetic flux can be induced in the rotor component (5) and/or the stator component (7?, 7?), and in which the torque that can be transmitted can be adjusted by electromagnetic or electro-mechanical means. The purpose of the invention is to propose a hysteresis driver with improved adjustability.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2005Date of Patent: November 30, 2010Assignee: 2F Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Jürgen Pescheck, Stefan Unseld, Konrad Thoma
-
Patent number: 7828130Abstract: A pump system that pressurizes a fluid includes a shaft, a first rotor and a second rotor that is selectively driven by the shaft. Relative rotation between the first rotor and the second rotor generates variable sized pockets therebetween to pressurize the fluid. A clutch regulates a degree of coupling of the rotor to the shaft between a decoupled state and a coupled state to regulate the relative rotation between the first and second rotors.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2009Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: MAGNA Powertrain USA, Inc.Inventors: Todd Ekonen, Philip J. Francis
-
Publication number: 20100263978Abstract: A torque transmitting device includes a plurality of clutch plates, a ramp member that is selectively rotatable about an axis and that defines a ramp surface, a worm gear that is operatively connected to the ramp member for rotation therewith about the axis, and a roller element contacting the ramp surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2009Publication date: October 21, 2010Applicants: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS. INC., Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityInventors: Li Chen, Chengliang Yin, Jie Shu, Jian Yao, Chunhao J. Lee, Chi-Kuan Kao, Farzad Samie, Yu Dong
-
Patent number: 7793768Abstract: An electric motor applies torque to a ball and ramp actuator element generating thrust that is transferred through a bearing from the stationary actuator to the rotating clutch pack elements of a marine transmission.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2006Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Inventor: George Reisch Aschauer
-
Patent number: 7757830Abstract: A multi-speed drive for a motor cooling fan mounted on a driveshaft has provided a first electromagnetic clutch containing one electromagnet, and first and second armatures. When no current is imposed on the electromagnet, the clutch does not engage and the fan remains stationary with respect to the rotating driveshaft. Depending on the amount of current imposed on the electromagnet, the fan will either rotate at a speed slower than the drive shaft or, when maximum current is imposed, the fan will be rotated at the same speed as the rotating driveshaft.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2006Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: Baruffaldi S.p.A.Inventor: Piercarlo Boffelli
-
Publication number: 20100122884Abstract: A power transmission device for a motor vehicle includes a clutch for transferring torque between first and second shafts. A clutch actuation system includes a drive member and a cam member in cooperation with one another. The drive member is driven by an electric motor and includes first and second rollers rotatably mounted thereon. The cam member includes first and second circumferentially extending channels, each having a continually reducing radius. The first and second channels are separate from and overlap one another. The first roller is positioned within the first channel to engage the drive member and the cam member. The second roller is positioned within the second channel to engage the drive member and the cam member such that relative rotation between the drive member and the cam member translates the cam member along an axis of relative rotation to vary the force applied to the clutch.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2010Publication date: May 20, 2010Inventors: Richard MIZON, John D. Zalewski
-
Publication number: 20100108456Abstract: The invention relates to a dual clutch for a dual clutch transmission for transmitting a torque from a drive shaft to at least one drive shaft, which comprises a first clutch, a second clutch, and an electrical actuating device. The actuating device comprises a coupling slide, wherein a first slide of the coupling slide acts on the first clutch, and a second slide of the coupling slide acts on the second clutch, and the two slides are movable in such a way that by displacing the slides a recoupling process is controlled.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 1, 2007Publication date: May 6, 2010Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Oliver Gerundt, Uwe Bauer, Bernhard Schlagmueller, Ulrich Kappenstein, Stefan Tumback, Yang Shen, Carolin Scholler
-
Publication number: 20100089715Abstract: A double clutch may include an input shaft, a first output shaft disposed coaxially with the input shaft, a second output shaft enclosing the first output shaft and disposed coaxially with the first output shaft, a first clutch pack disposed between the first output shaft and the input shaft, a second clutch pack disposed between the second output shaft and the input shaft, an electromagnet disposed between the first clutch pack and the second clutch pack, a first permanent magnet and a second permanent magnet disposed such that the same poles of the first and second permanent magnets face the electromagnet at both sides of the electromagnet, a first ball ramp operating to press the first clutch pack, as the first permanent magnet moves toward the electromagnet, and a second ball ramp operating to press the second clutch pack, as the second permanent magnet moves toward the electromagnet.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2009Publication date: April 15, 2010Applicant: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Sangsuk YANG
-
Patent number: 7694598Abstract: A transfer case includes a two-speed range unit, a friction clutch, a power-operated actuation mechanism and a control system. The actuation mechanism includes an electric motor, a geartrain driven by the motor for controlling rotation of an actuator shaft, a range actuator assembly and a mode actuator assembly. The range actuator assembly functions to move a shift collar associated with the range unit in response to rotation of the actuator shaft. The mode actuator assembly includes a mode cam and a ballramp unit. The mode cam is rotatively driven by the actuator shaft for controlling the clutch engagement force exerted on the friction clutch by the ballramp unit.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2007Date of Patent: April 13, 2010Assignee: Magna Powertrain AG & Co KGInventors: August Kriebernegg, Klaus Lippitsch
-
Patent number: 7690487Abstract: A vehicle differential assembly is provided that includes a differential driven by an input and adapted to allow differing rotational speed between a pair of outputs. The differential includes a gear assembly connected to the outputs and a hydraulically-actuated clutch for selectively and variably coupling the outputs. A hydraulic pump is adapted to generate hydraulic fluid pressure for engagement of the hydraulically-actuated clutch. A variable-engagement clutch is operatively connected to the input and the hydraulic pump such that the input selectively drives the hydraulic pump during engagement of the clutch to provide hydraulic fluid pressure to the hydraulically-actuated clutch. A torque coupling including a variable-engagement clutch is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2008Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: Douglas E. Boddy
-
Patent number: 7641583Abstract: A first aspect of the present invention is concerned with a series hybrid drive train for a vehicle comprising a traction motor, an electric generator, a three-position clutch (20) and a controller. The three-position clutch allows the generator to be connected to an internal combustion engine (12) of the vehicle, to the traction motor or to remain freewheeling. In a second aspect of the present invention, a four-position clutch is used to further allow the internal combustion engine to be connected directly to the wheels to thereby yield a series/parallel drive train. A third aspect of the present invention is concerned with a method of operating such a hybrid drive train.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2004Date of Patent: January 5, 2010Assignee: TM4 Inc.Inventors: Martin Houle, Pierre Blouin, Louis-Philippe Bibeau, Jianhong Xu, Ghislain Lambert, Philippe Noël
-
Patent number: 7635055Abstract: A torque coupling having an actuation system operable to control actuation of a transfer clutch in coordination with actuation of a pump clutch. The transfer clutch is disposed between a pair of rotary members to transfer drive torque therebetween. The pump clutch is operable for selectively coupling a fluid pump to the first rotary member when lubricant is required to cool the transfer clutch.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2006Date of Patent: December 22, 2009Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.Inventors: Todd Ekonen, Philip J. Francis
-
Publication number: 20090301835Abstract: A double clutch for a double-clutch transmission includes a first clutch, a second clutch, a first electric actuator, and a second electric actuator. The first electric actuator acts on a cam that activates both clutches and controls a clutch shift operation between the first and the second clutch. The first electric actuator additionally acts on a cam activating one of the two clutches.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2007Publication date: December 10, 2009Inventor: Stefan Tumback