Including One Clutch-assemblage Having Interdigitated Clutch-elements Patents (Class 192/48.5)
  • Patent number: 11701966
    Abstract: A driveline component includes a first plate and a second plate. A motor is engaged with the first plate. The first plate and the second plate include ramped grooves that ramp toward the other of the first plate and the second plate. Balls are disposed between the first plate and the second plate and are engaged with the ramped grooves. A shifter is engaged with the second plate. Relative rotation of the first plate and the second plate causes the balls in the ramped grooves to move the first plate and the second plate axially relative to each other. This relative rotation may be used to make one type of mode selection, and operation of the shifter by the second plate may be used to make another type of mode selection. This allows the single motor to make both selections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2023
    Assignee: GKN Automotive Limited
    Inventors: Brent M. Peura, Matthew R. Schmalenberg
  • Patent number: 11248663
    Abstract: A clutch unit for a powertrain of a motor vehicle is disclosed, comprising a torque input component acting as a drive element and a torque output component acting as an output element, which can be connected to transmit a torque to the torque input component through a clutch which can be switched through friction elements, the clutch having two partial clutches by which the torque input component and the torque output component can be connected so as to transmit a torque, in which one of the two partial clutches is configured as a positive-fit clutch and the other of the two partial clutches is configured as a friction clutch. In addition, the disclosure relates to a hybrid module with a first drive machine the output shaft of which can be connected through such a clutch unit to an output shaft of a second drive machine or a transmission input shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Marco Grethel, Loyal George MacMillian, Carsten Mayer, Markus Baehr
  • Patent number: 11085322
    Abstract: A borescope plug system includes a housing, a driver, and a spring. The housing includes a first housing end and a second housing end. The housing further includes a longitudinally extending centerline extending between the first housing end and the second housing end. The driver is disposed at least partially within the housing along the longitudinally extending centerline and includes a first driver end and a second driver end. The spring is disposed within the housing and couples the housing to the driver. The driver is configured to move within the housing, along the longitudinally extending centerline, to engage the first driver end with a borescope plug of a borescope plug port, and to install or remove the borescope plug from the borescope plug port based on a rotation of the driver about the longitudinally extending centerline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Raytheon Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Joon Ha, Konstantinos P. Giannakopoulos
  • Patent number: 10794432
    Abstract: A wedge clutch includes an inner race and an outer race circumscribing the inner race. A wedge element is radially disposed between the inner and outer races and actuatable to couple and decouple the inner and outer races. An actuator is operably coupled with the wedge element and is configured to actuate the wedge element to decouple the inner and outer races.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & CO. KG
    Inventor: Brian Lee
  • Patent number: 10563704
    Abstract: A transfer case includes a primary output shaft, and a secondary output selectively coupleable to the primary output shaft with a secondary torque transfer mechanism. The secondary torque transfer mechanism comprises a plate clutch and a locking sleeve. The plate clutch includes a housing coupled to the secondary output shaft, a plurality of interleaved plates alternatingly coupled to the primary output shaft and the housing, and an apply plate coupled to the primary output shaft and being configured to compress the interleaved plates to selectively form a friction coupling between the primary output shaft and the secondary output shaft. The locking sleeve is non-selectively coupled to one of the housing or the apply plate to rotate therewith, and is selectively coupleable to the other of the housing or the apply plate to form a positive coupling between the primary output shaft and the secondary output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Larry A. Pritchard, Thaddeus R. Kopp, Jr., Branden L. Reeves
  • Patent number: 10378634
    Abstract: An axle assembly having a clutch collar actuator mechanism. The clutch collar actuator mechanism may have a piston housing and a yoke that may move with respect to the piston housing. The piston housing may extend around the input shaft and may receive at least one piston. The yoke may connect the piston to the clutch collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Robert D. Kluck, Nicholas S. Lakin, Kristen G. Byrd, Larry Wagle, Dale Kwasniewski
  • Patent number: 10184529
    Abstract: A wedge clutch assembly for transferring torque from an engine to an output shaft, comprising a clutch carrier comprising an axial friction surface and a radially inwardly facing surface, a hub comprising a first radially outwardly facing surface having grooves positioned circumferentially thereon and detents positioned within the grooves, a wedge plate comprising an axial friction surface, a second radially outwardly facing surface, and a second radially inwardly facing surface having recesses, a pressure plate concentrically arranged within the first radially inwardly facing surface and displaceable such that in an engaged mode, an axial force is applied to the pressure plate, in a first axial direction, to engage the wedge plate with the clutch carrier such that torque is transferred from the engine to the output shaft, and in a disengaged mode, the wedge plate is independently rotatable from the clutch carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventor: Brian Lee
  • Patent number: 10066675
    Abstract: A transmission having an input shaft, piston, dog clutch, sensor sleeve and control system is provided. The dog clutch includes male and female members, where one of the members is coupled to the piston for common movement therewith. The sleeve includes a through channel and a reduced diameter sensor portion terminating at a shoulder. The control system is configured to: command a supply of hydraulic fluid against an engagement side of the piston, determine when a terminal end of the sensor portion contacts a control, and determine that the dog clutch members are in a predetermined partially engaged state less than a fully engaged state of the dog clutch members. A length of the reduced diameter sensor portion directly corresponds to the predetermined partially engaged state of the dog clutch that is less than a fully engaged state of the male and female members of the dog clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventors: Daniel H Black, Dustin B Skavang
  • Patent number: 10060485
    Abstract: A composite clutch (110) is adapted to transmit an operational range of torques (60) from a driving member (118) to a driven member (122). The composite clutch (110) incorporates both of a friction clutch assembly (124) and a dog clutch assembly (126), each assembly adapted to address one of two segments (62, 68) of the operational range of torques (60). The clutch (110) further includes a spring-loaded detent system (180) configured to control transition (66) between the two segments (62, 68) of operational ranges of torques (60). The friction clutch assembly (124) includes first friction clutch elements (128) coupled to the driving member (118) and second friction clutch elements (132) coupled to the driven member (122) for providing torque control within the lower operational range of torques (64).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: David T. Vierk, Steven J. Kowal
  • Patent number: 9915300
    Abstract: A wedge clutch, including: an outer carrier; a first clutch plate non-rotatably connected to the outer carrier; a wedge clutch plate; a hub radially inward of the outer carrier; an engagement assembly including a pin partially disposed within the hub and in contact with the wedge clutch plate; and an actuator. For a first synchronization stage for closing the wedge clutch: the actuator is arranged to clamp the first clutch plate and the wedge clutch plate; and a first portion of the pin extending radially outward beyond an outer circumference of the hub is arranged to transmit torque between the hub and the carrier. For a second synchronization stage for closing the wedge clutch: the hub or the wedge clutch plate are arranged to circumferentially displace with respect to each other; and the wedge clutch plate is arranged to displace the pin radially inward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Schaffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jan Guettinger, Brian Lee
  • Patent number: 9651131
    Abstract: A locking differential can include first and second locking dogs and an actuator system. The first dog can include a set of first teeth fixed to a side gear of the differential. The second dog can be axially movable between first and second positions and can include an annular body coupled to a differential case for common rotation and a set of second teeth. In the first position, the first and second teeth can be disengaged. In the second position, the first and second teeth can be engaged, inhibiting relative rotation between the side gear and the differential case. At least one sensor can detect the angular position and angular velocity of the second teeth relative to the first teeth. An actuator can move the second dog from the first position to the second position based on the detected relative angular positions and velocities of the first and second teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Satyanarayanan Raghavan, William Wang, David Crecelius
  • Patent number: 9429199
    Abstract: A wedge clutch, including: an inner hub; an outer race including an axially extending portion; and a plurality of wedge plates radially located between the inner hub and the axially extending portion. In a closed position for the clutch, the plurality of wedges is non-rotatably connected to the inner hub and the axially extending portion. In an open position for the clutch: the plurality of wedge plates is rotatable with respect to the outer race; each wedge plate is separated, in a radial direction, from the axially extending portion by a respective first radial distance; and the respective first radial distance for said each wedge plate is different from the respective first radial distance for each remaining wedge plate in the plurality of wedge plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Carsten Ohr, Brian Lee
  • Patent number: 9416850
    Abstract: A drive transmission mechanism includes an electromagnetic clutch and a drive output gear. The electromagnetic clutch includes a clutch shaft, a clutch input gear, a clutch idler gear, and a clutch output gear. The drive transmission mechanism transmits driving power using a first drive transmission path or a second drive transmission path. The first drive transmission path includes the clutch idler gear, a first idler gear, and a first output gear unit to transmit driving power to a rotated member connected to a first output gear unit irrespective of the energizing or the non-energizing an electromagnetic clutch. The second drive transmission path includes the clutch output gear, a second idler gear, and a second output gear unit to transmit driving power to a rotated member connected to the second output gear unit only when the electromagnetic clutch is energized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: KYOCERA Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Yuki Tamura, Masahiko Mizuno
  • Patent number: 9404569
    Abstract: A method for operating a 9-speed transmission which changes operating states by actuating shift elements. At least one of the shift elements is a form-locking shift element, which disengages to implement a defined transmission operating state during which the power flow, between transmission input and output shafts, is present or interrupted. A sensor is associated with the locking shift element. An operating state of the locking shift element can be determined by the sensor. Upon a request to disengage the locking shift element, a disengagement control signal is generated and the locking shift element is actuated in the disengagement direction, depending on the disengagement control signal. The transmission is shifted to a safe operating state, in which at least the transmission output shaft can rotate, when an engaged operating state of the locking shift element is determined by the sensor even though a disengagement control signal was generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Jorg Arnold, Georg Mihatsch
  • Patent number: 9404484
    Abstract: A diaphragm pump having an improved wobble plate and cam/bearing assembly for increased pump life and improved inlet and outlet valve design for increased effective sealing area. A cam/bearing assembly includes a cam injection molded directly into an inner race of a bearing to prevent the cam from pulling away from the bearing. The wobble plate is injection molded directly onto an outer race of the bearing to prevent the wobble plate from pulling away from the cam and bearing. Inlet and outlet check valves include rounded peripheral relief zones that form a band, as opposed to a line, of effective sealing area when in the sealed position within a valve seat that eliminate or reduce sealing inconsistencies and increase sealing efficiencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: Northern Tool & Equipment Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Robert Pilcher, Nicholas Allen Rancourt, Jim Hu
  • Patent number: 9073427
    Abstract: In a series mode, a clutch rotational speed difference ?N is calculated, and when the clutch rotational speed difference ?N is within a first predetermined range R1 it is determined whether a sticking determination timer t1 indicates a first predetermined time t1 or longer. When a closed sticking timer t indicates the first predetermined time t1 or longer, fuel cut is performed, and the clutch rotational speed difference ?N is re-calculated. When the closed sticking timer t indicates a second predetermined time t2 or longer, and the clutch rotational speed difference ?N is within a second predetermined range R2, it is determined that there is closed sticking of a clutch. When the closed sticking timer t indicates less than the time t2, and the clutch rotational speed difference ?N is out of the second predetermined range R2, it is determined that there is no closed sticking of the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI JIDOSHA KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Katsunori Ueda, Shigetoshi Hirano, Yusuke Sasaki
  • Patent number: 8997964
    Abstract: A load sensitive magnetic clutch device includes: a magnetic pole rotating body having magnetic poles arranged on the circumference thereof and provided with a clutch projection of a claw clutch at an end thereof; a yoke rotating body configured to rotate about an axial center of rotation identical to that of the magnetic pole rotating body; and a high-torque input member configured to rotate about the identical axial center of rotation and having a clutch engaging portion engaging the clutch projection. The clutch projection is formed of a magnetic body. The clutch engaging portion includes a clutch retaining magnetic body configured to attract the clutch projection by a magnetic force. The clutch projection is attracted by the clutch retaining magnetic body by an application of a load torque exceeding a torque which is transferrable between the magnetic pole rotating body and the yoke rotating body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: KITO Corporation
    Inventors: Takayuki Kasai, Kazumitsu Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 8851256
    Abstract: A transmission between a driving primary shaft and an outlet shaft of a self-propelled machine, includes a housing within which there are housed, at least in part: a stepdown mechanism; two clutch mechanisms, one being progressive and the other being non-progressive with a movable dog; and a clutch control device including first and second clutch control elements. The second clutch control elements include at least one spring blade extending along the outlet shaft, the spring blade being mounted to move axially on the outlet shaft during axial movement of the dog from the unclutched extreme position towards a clutched position as a result of the movable dog bearing thereagainst, the spring blade being drivable axially on the shaft and being elastically deformable between an active position in which the dog comes into abutment against the spring blade, and an inactive position in which the dog slides along the spring blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: France Reducteurs
    Inventor: Robert Blanchard
  • Publication number: 20140231208
    Abstract: A disconnect clutch includes a hub, a carrier, a wedge plate, a friction plate, a pressure plate, and a pin. The hub has a radially outer surface with a ramp and the carrier has a radially inner surface. The wedge plate is disposed radially between the hub and the carrier. It has a radially inner surface with a ramp, proximate and complementary to the hub outer surface, a radially outer surface proximate the carrier inner surface, and a split extending from the radially inner surface to the radially outer surface. The friction plate is drivingly connected to the carrier. The pressure plate is arranged for frictionally engaging the wedge plate with the at least one friction plate. The pin is rotationally fixed and radially or axially displaceable with respect to the hub, and arranged for limiting rotation of the at least one wedge plate relative to the hub.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Brian Lee, Carsten Ohr, Philip George
  • Publication number: 20140221157
    Abstract: In a motor vehicle drive train arrangement with at least one main drive train for driving a main drive axle, and at least one auxiliary drive train which is driven via the main drive train and connected to a secondary drive axle which can be driven via the auxiliary drive train, the secondary drive axle is linked to the auxiliary drive train without an axle differential and the secondary drive axle includes controllable couplers for selectively coupling the secondary drive axle wheels to the auxiliary drive train.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Inventor: Christian Krajewski
  • Publication number: 20140166422
    Abstract: A clutch assembly is disclosed that combines a positively engaging dog clutch and one way clutch. The two devices are design such that the one way clutch never interferes with the engagement or disengagement of the dog clutch. In one embodiment, the one way clutch transmits torque in particular rotational positions and the dog teeth are circumferentially placed such that they do not engage in any of these positions. In another embodiment, the dog clutch piston, to which the teeth are secured, is permitted to rotate enough to accommodate any interference between dog teeth during engagement. In either embodiment, the teeth faces that transmit torque in the same direction as the one way clutch may be angled such that torque in that direction tends to disengage the dog clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Daniel Goleski, Bradley Ronald Heuver
  • Publication number: 20140151178
    Abstract: A positive clutch actuating device of a motor vehicle transmission for shifting a positive clutch that is situated in series with a friction clutch includes at least one actuating unit having at least one gate track, which is provided for mechanically converting a rotary movement into a linear movement in order to actuate the positive clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Peter Appeltauer, Gerhard Spengler
  • Publication number: 20140131158
    Abstract: A machine assembly having a drive comprising an output shaft, a working machine which has a driveshaft, a coupling unit connected between the drive and the working machine. The coupling unit including a non-positive coupling and a positive coupling, where the positive coupling comprises at least two coupling elements, at least one of the coupling elements being rotatable relative to at least one of the remaining coupling elements of the non-positive and/or positive coupling by a specified angular range, and a switch which switches from the non-positive coupling to the positive coupling when a target rotational speed or a specified transmitted torque is achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventor: Martin Schabasser
  • Patent number: 8689957
    Abstract: A two-wheel drive motorcycle having a drive train that supplies power to the front wheel and includes a series of rigid shafts or other internalized drive systems. The front wheel drive consists of components located on the axis of steering within the head tube and positioned symmetrically in a counterbalancing fashion within the front fork in order to counteract the torque reactions from the rotating front wheel drive while providing a full range of steering. The front wheel drive lengthens and shortens in parallel with the shock-absorbing front fork. An engagement clutch, a one-way hub, and torque limiting clutch operatively engaged with the front wheel drive are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Christini Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Christini, Michael J. Dunn
  • Publication number: 20140001003
    Abstract: A friction device assembly structure for an automatic transmission includes a first friction device and an end play adjustment element. The first friction device includes a plurality of discs and a plurality of plates which are alternately arranged and configured such that a frictional force is created between the discs and the plates by the pressing force of a piston. The end play adjustment element is provided on an end of the first friction device to adjust an end play defined between the first friction device and the piston. The end play adjustment element is hollow such that an inner diameter thereof is greater than an outermost diameter of a second friction device which is provided inside the first friction device. Thereby, the end play adjustment element is able to be assembled without any interference from the second friction device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicants: Kia Motors Corp., Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Jae Young Jeon, Seong Wook Ji
  • Patent number: 8596436
    Abstract: A power transfer unit for a motive device comprises an outer housing, an inner housing, and a torque transferring clutch. A piston housing is located between the outer housing and the torque transferring clutch. A piston is located in the piston housing. The piston is configured to provide actuation forces to the torque transferring clutch. And, when the torque transferring clutch receives the actuation forces, the torque transferring clutch causes the inner housing to rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: John Allen Grogg, Mark James Shewchuck
  • Patent number: 8584823
    Abstract: A torque transmitting assembly for selectively transmitting torque between a first member and a second member includes a plate clutch interconnected between the first member and the second member, the plate clutch having a maximum torque capacity limited to enabling full throttle single-transition up-shifts in the transmission when the plate clutch is fully engaged. A dog clutch is connected to the first member and selectively connected to the second member. The dog clutch is in frictional engagement with the plate clutch when the plate clutch is engaged, and the dog clutch is connected to the second member prior to the transmitted torque exceeding the maximum torque capacity of the plate clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Andrew W. Phillips, James M. Hart, Daryl A. Wilton
  • Patent number: 8474349
    Abstract: A power transfer unit (PTU) for a motive device includes an outer housing and a torque transferring clutch. The PTU also includes a piston housing located between the outer housing and the torque transferring clutch, and a piston in the piston housing. The piston is arranged to provide actuation forces to the torque transferring clutch, and to restrict reaction forces back to the piston housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: John Allen Grogg, Mark James Shewchuck
  • Patent number: 8460140
    Abstract: A belt tensioner includes a support housing at least in part defining a spring cavity and an arm pivotally attached to the support housing. A spring is located in the spring cavity and is operatively connected to the arm and the support housing to bias the arm about a pivot axis toward an unloaded position relative to the support housing. A damping member includes a hub and deflectable, force-applying elements that are connected to and spaced apart about a periphery of the hub. The force-applying elements are biased toward a contact surface of the arm to apply a frictional force between the contact surface and the force-applying elements to impede rotation of the arm relative to the support housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Dayco IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Robert C. Joslyn, James G. Quintus, Randy C. Foster
  • Patent number: 8366097
    Abstract: A clutch transmission mechanism of a printing device includes a power input shaft, a power input gear, a gear-shifting arm, a first gear-shifting module and a second gear-shifting module. In the cooperation of these components and modules, the printing device can be operated in a first gear-shifting mode or a second first gear-shifting mode. When the printing device can be operated in a first gear-shifting mode or a second first gear-shifting mode, the clutch transmission mechanism coaxially transmits the driving force. As such, the stability of transmitting the driving force is enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Primax Electronics Ltd.
    Inventors: Tung-Wen Tu, Jian Zeng, Jian-Gju Yu
  • Publication number: 20120234641
    Abstract: A through-connection clutch, for transferring torque between a motor and transmission of a vehicle, which has a friction clutch and a form-locking clutch. The form-locking clutch is disposed radially within the friction clutch, and the clutches can be actuated independently of each other. To minimize the required installation space, the through-connection clutch can be activated flexibly, but is still inexpensive to produce and ensures low-wear yet safe and comfortable torque transfer in a drive train of a vehicle. A pressure plate of the friction clutch and a form-locking element of the form-locking clutch are concentric, rotationally fixed together, and movable toward one another, and can be actuated via an actuation unit, which is rotationally decoupled from the pressure plate and the form-locking element. Depending on the operating situation, the friction clutch and/or the form-locking clutch is selectively activated one or more times.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Rainer Petzold, Peter Herter, Mario Steinborn, Franz Bitzer
  • Publication number: 20120152685
    Abstract: A torque transmitting assembly for selectively transmitting torque between a first member and a second member includes a plate clutch interconnected between the first member and the second member, the plate clutch having a maximum torque capacity limited to enabling full throttle single-transition up-shifts in the transmission when the plate clutch is fully engaged. A dog clutch is connected to the first member and selectively connected to the second member. The dog clutch is in frictional engagement with the plate clutch when the plate clutch is engaged, and the dog clutch is connected to the second member prior to the transmitted torque exceeding the maximum torque capacity of the plate clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Andrew W. Phillips, James M. Hart, Daryl A. Wilton
  • Patent number: 8201674
    Abstract: A torque converter including: a turbine; a first stator; a first interlocking clutch; and a second interlocking clutch. In a first operating mode, to enable rotation of the turbine in a first direction, the first clutch is for engaging with the turbine and is engageable with an input shaft of a transmission and the second clutch is for engaging with the first stator and is engageable with a fixed shaft of the transmission. In a second operating mode, to enable rotation of the first stator in a second direction, opposite the first direction, the first clutch is for engaging with the first stator and is engageable with the input shaft and the second clutch is for engaging with the turbine and is engageable with the fixed shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Gregory Heeke, Adam Uhler
  • Publication number: 20120132497
    Abstract: The invention relates to a clutch device for connecting a driving machine part to a driven machine part, which clutch device comprises an elastomeric clutch which is arranged on a first drive-side or output-side end section of the clutch device. A tooth clutch is arranged on a second output-side or drive-side end section of the clutch device. Moreover, an intermediate shaft which connects the elastomeric clutch to the tooth clutch is provided. Moreover, the tooth clutch and the elastomeric clutch have restoring forces which are adapted to one another in such a way that, in the case of a radial displacement, the clutch device has both central running and axial offset compensation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Andre Jansen, Robert Peters
  • Patent number: 8186493
    Abstract: A clutch vehicle includes a driving wheel driven by output of an engine of a motor vehicle. An actuator plate is jointly rotatable with the driving wheel and includes a side plate having a peg. Shoes mounted on the side plate pivot outward when the side plate rotates, allowing joint rotation of the actuator plate and a clutch hub surrounding the actuator plate. A block is movably mounted to the disc. An elastic element is mounted between the block and the clutch hub. The block is located in a first position not located in a circumferential path of the peg under action of the elastic element when the clutch hub does not rotate. The block is moved to a second position in the circumferential path of the peg by centrifugal force of the clutch hub when the clutch hub exceeds a preset speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Inventor: Cheng Ming Chien
  • Patent number: 8127907
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Inventors: Brian R. White, Keith S. Ducotey, Brian S. Ritthaler
  • Patent number: 8020803
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided in which an electrical control system independently effects acceleration of both driven and driving elements of a clutch to engage each other. In preferred embodiments the clutch is not a friction clutch, but a dog clutch, and forms part of a drive drain of a rotorcraft. A second clutch can be used, along with a mechanical interlock to prevent simultaneous engagement of the clutches. Speeds of the driven and driving elements can be sensed, and altered using at least one of a rotor, a brake, a generator, an electric motor, and a combustion motor. In rotorcraft embodiments, the gearbox can have a neutral condition in which no power is transmitted from the engine to the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Karem Aircraft, Inc.
    Inventors: William Martin Waide, Abe Karem
  • Publication number: 20110155530
    Abstract: A composite clutch used to transmit an operational range of torques from a driving member to a driven member includes a friction clutch assembly and a dog clutch assembly. The friction clutch assembly includes a number of first friction clutch members coupled to the driving member and a number of second friction clutch members coupled to the driven member. The number of first friction clutch members and the number of second friction clutch members are selected to transmit torque across a first portion of the operational range of torques. An actuator assembly is operatively coupled to the friction clutch assembly and the dog clutch assembly. The composite clutch may be operated in friction clutch and dog modes to provide improved controllability in lower torque operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: BORGWARNER INC.
    Inventors: David Vierk, James G. Marciniak, Steven Kowal, James R. Papania
  • Patent number: 7866598
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided in which an electrical control system independently effects acceleration of both driven and driving elements of a clutch to engage each other. In preferred embodiments the clutch is not a friction clutch, but a dog clutch, and forms part of a drive drain of a rotorcraft. A second clutch can be used, along with a mechanical interlock to prevent simultaneous engagement of the clutches. Speeds of the driven and driving elements can be sensed, and altered using at least one of a rotor, a brake, a generator, an electric motor, and a combustion motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Karem Aircraft, Inc.
    Inventors: William Martin Waide, Abe Karem
  • Patent number: 7694598
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain AG & Co KG
    Inventors: August Kriebernegg, Klaus Lippitsch
  • Patent number: 7546914
    Abstract: An all-wheel transmission system includes an input shaft, a first output shaft and two mutually independently controllable friction clutches for the metering the transfer of drive torque from a powertrain to a first axle assembly and a second axle assembly. The first friction clutch includes a first clutch component rotationally connected to an input shaft and of a second clutch component rotationally connected to a first output shaft while the second friction clutch includes a first clutch component rotationally connected to the input shaft and a second clutch component rotationally connected to a second output shaft. One of the friction clutches can be selectively bridged via coordinate actuation of a bridging clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain AG & Co KG
    Inventors: Jürgen Schranz, Bernd Gsell, Klaus Lippitsch, Thomas Papst
  • Publication number: 20080128234
    Abstract: An apparatus includes an input-side rotating member 2 driven by an engine (driving source) 90, an output-side rotating member 3 for driving an input member, such as a gear part 25 of a rear differential (driving-force distributing mechanism) 97 between wheels, a friction clutch 4 arranged between the input-side rotating member 2 and the output-side rotating member 3, a carrier housing (stationary member) 5 capable of accommodating the rear differential 97 and the friction clutch 4, an oil accommodating space (lubricant accommodating space) S formed in the stationary member 5 and an oil pump 6 driven by the output-side rotating member 3 to supply the friction clutch 4 with oil 600.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: GKN Driveline Torque Technology KK
    Inventors: Naoshi Mogami, Isao Hirota, Shouji Yoshida, Tomohiko Tezuka
  • Publication number: 20080017469
    Abstract: A hub and a drum are respectively provided inside and outside a forward clutch (multiple-disc clutch) of an automatic transmission for a vehicle. A piston for pushing the forward clutch and a hydraulic servo for controlling the piston are provided inside the hub. A plurality of notched portions are formed in the piston and the hub with the positions thereof displaced from each other in the peripheral direction so that the piston and the hub are overlapped with each other in the axial direction in such a fashion that parts of one of the piston and the hub where no notched portions are formed are inserted into the notched portions of the other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Applicant: MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tatsuhiko Iwasaki, Junichi Doi, Tatsutoshi Mizobe, Naohiro Sakaue
  • Patent number: 7220200
    Abstract: An electrically variable transmission is provided including an input member to receive power from an engine; an output member connected to a transfer gear; first and second motor/generators; and first and second simple planetary gear sets each having first, second and third members. The input member is continuously connected to the first member of the first gear set, and the output member is continuously connected to the first member of the second gear set. The first motor/generator is continuously connected to the second member of the first gear set. The second motor/generator is continuously connected with the third member of the first or second gear set. The transfer gear and first and second torque transfer devices are positioned between the first and second gear sets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Henryk Sowul, Alan G. Holmes, Michael R. Schmidt, Donald Klemen, James D. Hendrickson
  • Patent number: 7108114
    Abstract: A webbing winding device in which a breadth dimension of a torque limiter is less than an axial direction dimension of an external gear. A rotation disc, the torque limiter or the like is wholly disposed, along a radial direction of the external gear, between the external gear and a peripheral wall of a baseplate. Further, members such as pawls, a rotation disc and the like are disposed, along a radial direction of the peripheral wall, between the peripheral wall and an adaptor, and these members are accommodated at an inner side of the external gear. Consequently, a thickness dimension (axial direction dimension) of a clutch is practically the same as an axial direction dimension of the external gear, and this is extremely thin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Tokai-Rika-Denki-Seisakusho
    Inventors: Shinji Mori, Teruhiko Koide, Fuminori Komiya
  • Patent number: 7051855
    Abstract: A positive engagement clutch has a torque input side and a torque output side. The clutch comprises a torque input member arranged on the torque input side, a torque output member arranged on the torque output side, first engagement members, second engagement members, and an actuator. The torque input member and the torque output member are arranged concentrically to rotate on a common axis. One of the torque input member and the torque output member carries the first engagement members, and the other of the torque input member and the torque output member carries the second engagement members. The first engagement members are radially movable by the actuator between a projecting and a retracted position, and the second engagement members project radially into a gap between the torque input member and the torque output member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: SAMAR Systems Limited
    Inventor: Raul Montanana
  • Patent number: 6983835
    Abstract: In an electromagnetically actuated dual clutch-brake combination (8), a drive input shaft (2) can be optionally engaged in drive connection with a first drive output shaft (4) or with a second drive output shaft (6). The second drive output shaft (6) is associated with an electromagnetic brake (52), which is provided in order to immobilize the second drive output shaft (6), whereas the first drive output shaft (4) can still be connected to the drive input shaft (2) by an electromagnetic clutch (28, 32). The electromagnetic dual clutch-brake combination is suitable for controlling a variable longitudinal differential lock and a shiftable range gear system of an all-wheel distributor gearbox, with only a single electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Rudolf Schneider, Ünal Gazyakan, Barbara Schmohl, Dieter Beck
  • Patent number: 6951269
    Abstract: A device for guiding torque of one drive shaft (3) connected with a driving appliance (2) onto a first or a second output shaft (4, 5). A torque fed via the drive shaft (3) can be applied, respectively, to one of the two output shafts (4, 5) depending on a control of a changeover device (6). The changeover device (6) comprises one electromagnetic clutch (7) which can produce a power flow between the drive shaft (3) and the first or the second output shaft (4 or 5). The electromagnetic clutch (7) comprises a coupling element (8) which is guided and displaced in an axially and rotatable manner and is fixedly connected with the drive shaft (3) and depending on a current supply of the electromagnetic clutch (7) produces the power flow between the drive shaft (3) and the first or the second output shaft (4 or 5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Rudolf Schneider, Ünal Gazyakan, Detlef Baasch, Gerhard Gumpoltsberger, Michael Erenhoch, Barbara Schmohl
  • Patent number: 6802794
    Abstract: A shift assembly for a two-speed transfer case utilizes a single actuator to drive both the speed range selection mechanism and a modulating friction clutch pack which selectively transfers drive torque from a primary output to a secondary output. The shift assembly includes an actuator which rotates a shift rail and cam having an intermediate helical track and a dwell region at each end. A lost motion assembly operating in conjunction with the helical cam selectively engages and disengages the clutch when the cam follower is in one of the two dwell regions. Thus, the shift assembly provides sequential operation from full clutch engagement in a first speed range, clutch disengagement in the first speed range, de-selection of the first speed range, selection, and de-selection of neutral, selection of a second speed range and, up to full engagement of the clutch in the second speed range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: BorgWarner, Inc.
    Inventor: Dan Joseph Showalter
  • Publication number: 20040163916
    Abstract: A shift assembly for a two-speed transfer case utilizes a single actuator to drive both the gear or speed range selection mechanism and a modulating friction clutch pack which selectively transfers drive torque from a primary transfer case output to a secondary transfer case output. The shift assembly includes an actuator which rotates a shift rail and cam having an intermediate helical track and a dwell region at each end. A lost motion assembly operating in conjunction with the helical cam selectively engages and disengages the friction clutch pack when the cam follower is in one of the two dwell regions. Thus, the shift assembly provides sequential operation from full clutch engagement in a first speed range through clutch disengagement in the first speed range, de-selection of the first speed range and selection of neutral, de-selection of neutral and selection of the second speed range and thence increasing engagement, up to full engagement, of the friction clutch pack in the second speed range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventor: Dan Joseph Showalter