Having Common Clutch-element Support Patents (Class 192/48.91)
  • Patent number: 11931839
    Abstract: A transfer machine: includes a frame, a table which is supported on the frame and can rotate with respect to the frame about a main vertical axis, and work holding assemblies mounted on the table. Each work holding assembly has at least one collet assembly for retaining a workpiece being machined. The collet assembly is able to rotate with respect to the table about a vertical workpiece rotation axis. The transfer machine includes at least one actuation motor in order to actuate rotationally the collet assembly and is provided with a driving shaft which can rotate about a respective driving axis. At least one transmission assembly can be activated selectively and is configured to transmit motion from the driving shaft to the collet assembly. At least one actuation motor is integral with the frame of the machine, with the respective driving shaft arranged horizontally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: MIKRON SA AGNO
    Inventors: Luciano Lagger, Luca Giacobazzi
  • Patent number: 11892067
    Abstract: According to various embodiments, a mechanical differential assembly for a wheeled vehicle is disclosed including a housing, a pinion gear operable to both rotate relative to the interior surface of the housing and be fixed relative to the interior surface of the housing, and a clutch portion fixed to the pinion gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey I. Peterman
  • Patent number: 11807100
    Abstract: A counter gear mechanism includes: a fifth gear in mesh with a third gear; a sixth gear in mesh with a fourth gear; and a seventh gear in mesh with a differential input gear. The seventh gear is disposed between the fifth gear and the sixth gear in an axial direction. A switching mechanism is disposed between the third gear and the fourth gear in the axial direction. The switching mechanism makes switching among: a state in which the third gear is coupled to a second input member; a state in which the fourth gear is coupled to the second input member; and a state in which the third gear and the fourth gear are decoupled from the second input member. This structure is able to make an entirety of an apparatus compact in size in the axial direction when the apparatus includes the switching mechanism to change the speed ratio between the second input member, which is drivingly coupled to an internal combustion engine, and output members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: AISIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masaki Kawamoto, Mitsuhiro Ichioka, Tomoka Yamamoto, Akira Inoue, Hiroshi Kato
  • Patent number: 11796052
    Abstract: A gear shifting apparatus in a new energy vehicle includes a primary power transmission unit, a secondary power transmission unit, an intermediate shaft, an intermediate shaft gear, a first clutch unit, a second clutch unit, and a third clutch unit. The intermediate shaft gear is fixedly sleeved on the intermediate shaft, and the first clutch unit is disposed between the intermediate shaft and the primary power transmission unit. The second clutch unit is disposed between the intermediate shaft and the secondary power transmission unit. The third clutch unit is disposed between the primary power transmission unit and the intermediate shaft gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: HUAWEI DIGITAL POWER TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Zhengyi Tang, Hai Guo, Huan Wang
  • Patent number: 11708655
    Abstract: A washing machine includes a dewatering shaft for rotating a washing tub, a drive shaft for rotating a pulsator in the washing tub, a coupler that is configured to move up and down along the dewatering shaft, a solenoid module that moves the coupler upward, a coupler guide configured to be rotated by contact with the coupler when the coupler moves upward, and to maintain a position of the coupler or guide the coupler to another position when the coupler moves downward, and a controller that controls operation of the solenoid module based on applying one or more pulse signals to the solenoid module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jeonguk Lee, Manho Chun, Joonho Pyo, Taehee Lee
  • Patent number: 11566705
    Abstract: A shift mechanism having a biasing member that operatively connects a detent linkage to a linkage. The biasing member permits an actuator shaft of an actuator and the detent linkage to rotate about an actuator axis with respect to the linkage when a shift collar is inhibited from moving along the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Supreeth Chandrashekar, David Zueski
  • Patent number: 11498418
    Abstract: A power take-off shaft system includes an output shaft with a socket for a power take-off shaft stub located at one end of the output shaft. A control valve is arranged in the output shaft and includes a valve bore extending axially from the socket into the output shaft. A first piston is adjustably arranged inside the valve bore in the output shaft, and a shifting element is adjustably controlled by the first piston. A first gearwheel and a second gearwheel are disposed in engagement with the output shaft via the shifting element such that the first piston moves between a first position and a second position. The control valve includes a second piston arranged on the first piston, and the second piston is adjustable such that movement of the first piston into the second position is blocked by the second piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Bhupinder Singh Sanjotra, Christoph Eisenhardt
  • Patent number: 11472322
    Abstract: A lumbar adjuster for use in a vehicle seat including a lumbar mat, a frame member, and a support member. The lumbar mat is configured to face towards a backrest cushion when the lumbar adjuster is assembled to the vehicle seat. The frame member is configured to carry the lumbar mat. The support member is operatively coupled to the frame member and provided with a finger configured deflect from an extended position to a compressed position to bias portions of the lumbar mat towards backrest cushion to minimize a gap between the lumbar mat and the backrest cushion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile SE & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft, Coburg
    Inventors: Matthew Baibak, Philip Bartko, Anil Bhat
  • Patent number: 11441657
    Abstract: An adjuster mechanism and an axle assembly that includes an adjuster mechanism. The adjuster mechanism may include a collar assembly that has a collar that may receive a shift collar, a follower, and an adjustment screw. Rotating the adjustment screw may move the collar assembly and the shift collar along an axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Supreeth Chandrashekar, David Zueski
  • Patent number: 11441669
    Abstract: A hydraulic controlling system including: a cooling and lubricating oil line and a main controlling oil line; an oil-liquid storage; a first pump, wherein an inlet of the first pump is connected to the oil-liquid storage and an outlet of the first pump is connected to the main controlling oil line; a second pump, wherein an inlet of the second pump is connected to the oil-liquid storage and an outlet of the second pump selectively communicates with the cooling and lubricating oil line or the main controlling oil line; and a gearbox-gear-shifting oil line including a gear-shifting-pressure regulating valve, a plurality of gear-shifting-flow-rate controlling valves and a plurality of gear-shifting selector valves. The gear-shifting-flow-rate controlling valves are connected to the main controlling oil line via the gear-shifting-pressure regulating valve. At least some of the gear-shifting-flow-rate controlling valves are connected to a gear-shifting executing piston via the gear-shifting selector valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: GREAT WALL MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED
    Inventors: Ralf Trutschel, Huaxue Liu, Guangqing Tang, Wei Zhang, Lin Zhou
  • Patent number: 11433754
    Abstract: A hybrid module for a drive train of a motor vehicle comprises a housing, a disconnect clutch, and a hydraulic actuating unit cooperating with the disconnect clutch and received on the housing. The module includes an electric motor, wherein a rotor of the electric motor is rotationally coupled to a clutch component of the disconnect clutch. The actuating unit has a piston element, which is received such that it is displaceable relative to the housing and which, via an actuating bearing, is connected to a pressure element such that it is fixed against displacement in an axial direction of the disconnect clutch yet rotatable relative to the pressure element. The pressure element is configured for engagement and disengagement of the disconnect clutch, and the actuating bearing is formed as an axial needle bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Jonathan Laigo, Steffen Lehmann
  • Patent number: 10883547
    Abstract: A dog clutch includes a gear (40) mounted on a power transmission shaft (30), first and second dog rings (10, 20), a fork (60), springs (65), and cam grooves (31). The cam grooves (31) each include a first slope surface (36) inclined from the axial direction toward the positive rotation direction as the first slope surface (36) approaches the gear (40) and a second parallel surface (37) parallel to the axial direction. The first dog ring (10) includes first cam protrusions (16) to be engaged with the respective first slope surfaces (36), and the second dog ring (20) includes second cam protrusions (26) to be engaged with the respective second parallel surfaces (37). This structure prevents the dog rings and the fork from coming into contact with each other, thereby avoiding generation of abrasion and increasing the transmission efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA CHUO KENKYUSHO
    Inventors: Isamu Shiotsu, Shinichi Takeuchi, Akihiko Ichikawa, Junichi Muraoka, Tomohiro Yoshimura, Jun Yabuta, Yuuki Masui
  • Patent number: 10857919
    Abstract: A lumbar mat for a backrest structure for use in a vehicle seat, the lumbar mat adapted to be arranged between a lumbar support structure and a backrest cushion of the backrest structure, including a front surface adapted to face towards a backrest cushion of a backrest structure, when the lumbar mat is arranged in the backrest structure, a plurality of first spring elements arranged at the front surface of the lumbar mat, each of the first spring elements adapted to apply a first elastic force towards the backrest cushion via a first contact area of the first spring element, respectively, and a plurality of second spring elements, each of the second spring elements associated with a respective one of the plurality of first spring elements and adapted to apply a second elastic force towards the backrest cushion via a second contact area of the second spring element, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft, Coburg
    Inventors: Leo Ioppolo, Matthew Sinke, Benjamin Brinch
  • Patent number: 10697501
    Abstract: A transmission synchronizer includes a lower key that is installed to be slidable with respect to a hub in a radial direction of the hub and an upper key that is installed on an exterior of the lower key, the upper key being slidable in an axial direction of the hub. Additionally, a sleeve is installed at an exterior of the hub to slide the upper key in the axial direction while the sleeve slides in the axial direction, to pressurize the upper key toward a synchro ring. A key spring installed between the lower key and the hub to pressurize the lower key and the upper key toward an inner surface of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Jae Young Choi, Sung Wha Hong, Jong Yun Park
  • Patent number: 10648516
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a double clutch device (2) with a first clutch (18) for selective torque transmission between a clutch input side (26) and a first clutch output side (28) and a second clutch (20) for selective torque transmission between the clutch input side (26) and a second clutch output side (30), wherein an actuating force (78) counter to the reset force (102) of a first spring device (100) may be applied to the first clutch (18) via a first force transmission element (76) and an actuating force (82) counter to the reset force (116) of a second spring device (114) may be applied to second clutch (20) via a second force transmission element (80). The first spring device (100) extends through at least one recess (104) in the second force transmission element (80).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventor: Matthias Werner
  • Patent number: 10619708
    Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a gearbox including first and second rotational members, the first rotational member having a shaft portion extending away from the gearbox, the first rotational member carrying one or more projections, the second rotational member carrying one or more complementary projections, the projections carried by the first rotational member being configured to be drivingly engaged with the complementary projections carried by the second rotational member to transmit torque in a first torque connection but not in a torque connection that is opposed to the first torque connection. The gearbox further includes a one way clutch adapted such that the first and second rotational members can be drivingly engaged to transmit torque in a second torque connection, wherein the second torque connection is opposed to the first torque connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: QINETIQ LIMITED
    Inventor: Robert William Thompson
  • Patent number: 10293909
    Abstract: An outboard motor includes a shift rod including a first rod, a second rod, and a joint. The first rod extends in a vertical direction. The second rod extends in the vertical direction and is located below the first rod. The second rod is disposed eccentrically with respect to the first rod. When viewed in a plan view, the second rod overlaps with at least a portion of the first rod or is in contact with the first rod. The joint connects the first rod to the second rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yukio Takeda
  • Patent number: 10195972
    Abstract: A lumbar support device comprises a carrier, a pair of arching elements molded to the carrier, and a support basket supported by the pair of arching elements. To produce the lumbar support device, the pair of arching elements may be molded to the carrier in a molding tool and the support basket may be formed in the same molding tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Inventors: Maxime Samain, Christoph Kiesewetter, Andreas Weinmüller, Robert Kremen, Freddy Vallant
  • Patent number: 10190678
    Abstract: A twin-clutch transmission that can always effectively reduce gear shift shock and a collision sound even under the existence of variation attributed to component tolerance and change over the ages attributed to wear. A twin-clutch transmission calculates a rotational speed difference (|Na?Nb|) between an odd-stage main shaft rotational speed (Na) and an even-stage main shaft rotational speed (Nb) and learns synchronization start gear shift drive displacement (?s) detected by a gear shift drive displacement detecting unit at the timing at which the rotational speed difference (|Na?Nb|) reaches a predetermined synchronization start determination rotational speed difference (Ds) from gear shift start. The twin-clutch transmission controls an actuator on the basis of the learned synchronization start gear shift drive displacement (?s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Nakamura, Hiroyuki Kojima, Yoshihisa Kanno, Hiroshi Takamoto, Yoshiaki Tsukada, Takashi Ozeki
  • Patent number: 10183403
    Abstract: A robot head rotating structure includes a housing, a fixing frame, a connection assembly, and a rotary driving apparatus. The housing defines an internal space. The fixing frame is disposed in the internal space. The connection assembly is disposed between the housing and the fixing frame. The rotary driving apparatus is disposed in the internal space. In comparison with the prior art, the robot head rotating structure has the connection assembly disposed between the housing and the fixing frame as well as the rotary driving apparatus, which are capable of enabling the housing to rotate with respect to the fixing frame. As a result, the head of the robot is capable of swinging back and forth as the head of a human stably, and the raising and bowing of the head of the robot can be realized, which improves the automation of the robot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: UBTECH ROBOTICS CORP.
    Inventors: Youjun Xiong, Wenquan Shu, Wenhua Yu, Qi Zhao, Youpeng Li
  • Patent number: 10156291
    Abstract: In order to control the disengagement limit position of a movable dog relative to a fixed dog of a motor vehicle transmission, the following steps are implemented: acquiring position values of the movable dog; detecting an abutment position of the movable dog against the fixed dog for a predefined period; and calculating the limit position from the position value of the movable dog in abutment against the fixed dog.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: RENAULT s.a.s.
    Inventors: Cedric Chantrel, Marco Marsilia
  • Patent number: 10151391
    Abstract: An actuation device for a motor vehicle having a transmission with gear steps and a friction clutch for automated actuation of both the transmission and the friction clutch, where the actuation device has an actuator device with whose help both a rotational movement and a translational movement is executable, in order to improve the actuation device in terms of construction and/or function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dominik Herkommer, Dirk Reimnitz, Peter Greb
  • Patent number: 10118683
    Abstract: An outboard motor is for propelling a marine vessel in water. The outboard motor has an upper cowling that covers an internal combustion engine, a driveshaft housing located below the internal combustion engine, and a lower gearcase located below the driveshaft housing. The lower gearcase encloses a transmission gearset configured to transmit power from the internal combustion engine to a propulsor. A shift actuator is covered by the upper cowling and a shift mechanism is located at least partially in the lower gearcase and configured to shift the transmission gearset into and between forward, neutral and reverse gears. A flexible connector assembly operatively couples the shift actuator to the shift mechanism so that actuation of the shift actuator causes the shift mechanism to shift the transmission gearset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Brunswick Corporation
    Inventor: Wayne M. Jaszewski
  • Patent number: 10066747
    Abstract: A transmission includes a gear shift set including a shift gear and a switching mechanism, and another gear shift set including a shift gear and a switching mechanism. At a side face of the lower shift gear, dogs are provided to protrude. The switching mechanism includes a first ring configured to rotate integrally with a shaft, a second ring configured to rotate integrally with the first ring, and an elastic member connecting the first ring and the second ring. The first ring includes first projection portions, and a first abutment portion allowing a shift member to abut thereon. The second ring includes second projection portions, and a second abutment portion allowing the shift member to abut thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, TOYOTA MOTORSPORT GMBH
    Inventors: Shinichi Takeuchi, Lars Van Leeuwen, Takushi Takamura
  • Patent number: 10047812
    Abstract: An actuator for an electric parking brake system includes a motor, an output member, and a speed reduction device. The speed reduction device includes a transmission mechanism and a self-locking mechanism. The self-locking mechanism includes a fixed member, first and second rotating bodies, and a spring. The second rotating body transmits torque to the output member via a planetary gear mechanism. The spring prevents the brake from driving the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Johnson Electric S.A.
    Inventors: Michael Watzek, Yuan Chun Zhang, Jin An Nie, Fa Yun Qi, Ya Jie Chen, Rui Feng Qin, Michael Kaeser
  • Patent number: 9527375
    Abstract: A powertrain is provided that has an engine with a rotatable crankshaft. The powertrain has a transmission with a transmission input member and a transmission output member. A final drive is operatively connected to the transmission output member and includes a drive axle. An engine clutch has an engaged state that operatively connects the engine crankshaft with the transmission input member, and has a disengaged state that operatively disconnects the engine crankshaft from the transmission input member. A motor/generator is provided and a first torque-transmitting device has a selectively engaged state in which the first torque-transmitting device transmits torque between the motor/generator and the transmission output member independent of the engine, the crankshaft, and the engine clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technoogy Operations LLC
    Inventors: Roger A. Clark, Alan G. Holmes
  • Patent number: 9523396
    Abstract: A torque transmitting mechanism for a transmission includes a first and a second rotating member, a rotating piston, a stationary piston, and a first bearing. The rotating piston is rotatably connected to the first rotating member and includes a splined end. The stationary piston is disposed in a stationary housing of the transmission. The stationary piston and the stationary housing form a hydraulic fluid piston apply chamber. The first bearing is disposed between the rotating piston and the stationary piston. The splined end of the second rotating member is axially aligned and configured to engage with the splined end of the rotating piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventor: Elizabeth I. Wooden
  • Patent number: 9261186
    Abstract: A transmission having a rotating clutch pack assembly is provided, the rotating clutch pack having an interconnecting member, a plurality of friction discs, a rotating member, a first and a second axial bearing, and a biasing member. The interconnecting member is connected for common rotation with a member of the planetary gear set. The rotating member is connected to the second set of friction discs for common rotation. The first axial bearing is disposed between the clutch piston and the plurality of friction discs and the second axial bearing is disposed between the plurality of friction discs and the transmission housing. The biasing member is disposed between the interconnecting member and the rotating member. A clutch piston selectively applies an axial force through the first axial bearing, the plurality of friction discs, and the second axial bearing to the transmission housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, LLC
    Inventors: Tejinder Singh, Boris Burgman, John A. Diemer
  • Patent number: 9239109
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for shifting at least one freewheel (1, 2, 3) on an associated shaft of a gear mechanism, comprising at least one shifting device which comprises an actuation device and a non-positive and/or positive shifting device. Said shifting device can be axially displaced by the actuation device that is arranged at least partially in the shaft and the shifting device is arranged coaxially to the shaft. According to the invention, an axial extension can be disposed between the actuation device and the shifting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Matthias Reisch
  • Patent number: 9033126
    Abstract: A switchable clutch, including: a first clutch including a first outer race with first and second race plates; a second clutch including a second outer race with third and fourth race plates; an inner hub; and a selector system axially disposed between the first and second clutches, in contact with the first and second outer races, and including a selector plate. For a first operational mode, the selector plate rotates to a first circumferential position to non-rotatably connect the first outer race and the inner hub. For a second operational mode, the selector plate rotates to a second circumferential position to non-rotatably connect the second outer race and the inner hub. For a third operational mode: the selector plate rotates to a third circumferential position and the inner hub is rotatable with respect to the first and second outer races. The first and third plates are axially displaceable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Scott Strong
  • Patent number: 9010510
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Oliver Gerundt, Uwe Bauer, Bernhard Schlagmueller, Ulrich Kappenstein, Stefan Tumback, Yang Shen, Carolin Scholler
  • Patent number: 8979695
    Abstract: A drive device (1, 20) including an electric machine (3), a first planetary gear (4), a differential (5) and an operative connection between a drive shaft (3a) of the electric machine (3) and a first planetary pinion (4a) of the first planetary gear (4), said first planetary pinion (4) engaging with the first planet wheels (4b) which engage with a stationary first ring gear (4) and which are rotationally mounted on a first planet carrier (4c) which is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to a differential cage (5a) of the differential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Thomas Smetana, Thorsten Biermann
  • Patent number: 8893362
    Abstract: A turret tool holder, having structure capable of easily avoiding unnecessary free rotation of a turret, is provided. When a linearly movable shaft is moved toward a turret head section by driving a servomotor, an annular movable coupling element arranged in the turret begins to disengage from an annular fixed coupling element fixed to a support. While the movable coupling member is still engaged with the fixed coupling member, clutch teeth of a clutch member are engaged with other clutch teeth. Therefore, even when the annular movable coupling element is disengaged from the annular fixed coupling element, the turret is prevented from freely rotating by the engaged clutch teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Citizen Machinery Miyano Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Atsushi Aoyagi
  • Patent number: 8887886
    Abstract: Pressures of left and right clutch pistons (55, 63) applied to left and right disk portions (42b, 42d) of a common clutch outer (42) of left and right clutches (29, 30) distributing drive force of an input shaft (20) to left and right output shafts (23, 24) are, finally, transmitted to and supported by a side housing (12) through a boss portion (42a) of the clutch outer (42) and a thrust bearing (53, 52, 48; 41, 27). Accordingly, the left and right clutches (29, 30) can be engaged with no problem. Even when the pressures of the clutch pistons (55, 63) deform the left and right disk portions (42b, 42d) of the clutch outer (42), the gap (?) formed therebetween prevents the transmission of the pressure of one of the clutches (29, 30) to the other clutch (29, 30). Accordingly, the interference between the operations of the left and right clutches (29, 30) is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Yoshio Akiba, Takeshi Yoshida, Masahiro Imamura, Takabumi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 8881880
    Abstract: A hydraulic pressure clutch includes a first connecting hub including first, second, and third oil holes, a transmission case having first, second, and third oil supply portions, an inner sleeve having first, second, and third oil passages, a boss having fourth, fifth, and sixth oil passages, an outer sleeve having seventh and eighth oil passages, a clutch drum, a second connecting hub, a first piston forming a first piston chamber, a plurality of first clutch plates, a plurality of first friction disks disposed alternately with the first clutch plates, a first balance wall forming a first balance chamber, a second piston forming a second piston chamber, a plurality of second clutch plates, a plurality of second friction disks disposed alternately with the second clutch plates, and a second balance wall forming a second balance chamber, wherein the first and second balance chambers are supplied simultaneously through one oil line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Kangsoo Seo, Jaeyoung Jeon, Wonseok Oh, Seongwook Ji
  • Patent number: 8844695
    Abstract: A hydraulic servo assembly includes a clutch support formed with first and second cylinders, spaced mutually and spaced from a longitudinal axis, first and second balance volumes, and a passage formed in the support for carrying fluid from a fluid source into the balance volumes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David A. Janson, Jeffrey E. Maurer, Steven A. Frait
  • Patent number: 8840523
    Abstract: A power transmission device for hybrid vehicle 10, which is provided with an engine 1, a first motor 21 and a second motor 22, includes a flywheel 13 intervening between the crankshaft 11 of the engine 1 and the driven shaft 12 driven by the crankshaft 11, the first clutch 31 disposed at the engine 1 side of the flywheel 13 for disconnecting and connecting power transmission between the engine 1 and the first motor 21, the second clutch 32 disposed at the driven shaft 12 side of the flywheel 13 for disconnecting and connecting power transmission between the engine 1 and the driven shaft 12, and a shifter 73 for disconnecting and connecting power transmission between the second motor 22 and the driven shaft 12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Shigeru Tajima
  • Patent number: 8834217
    Abstract: A dog clutch mechanism incorporated in an outboard motor includes a sliding clutch dog member splined to a propeller shaft and having recesses on each end face thereof, and a row of gear teeth formed on an end face of each of a pair of driven gears rotatably mounted on the propeller shaft. Each of the recesses has a bottom surface stepped to provide a corner edge at a stepped portion thereof. Each of the gear teeth has a beveled surface formed at a rear edge as viewed from a rotating direction of the driven gear. When the gear teeth are in mesh with the recesses of the clutch dog member, the corner edge of the stepped bottom surface of each recess is in contact with the beveled surface of the mating gear tooth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hajime Yoshimura, Ryo Ogasawara, Nobuchika Katagiri
  • Patent number: 8813929
    Abstract: A controllable coupling assembly includes first, second and third coupling members supported for rotation relative to one another about a common rotational axis. A face of the first coupling member has pockets spaced about the axis. A face of the second coupling member has locking formations that are engaged by struts upon projecting outwardly from the pockets to prevent relative rotation of the first and second coupling members with respect to each other in at least one direction about the axis. A face of the third coupling member has pockets spaced about the axis. A different face of the second coupling member has locking formations that are engaged by struts from the third member to prevent relative rotation of the second and third coupling members with respect to each other in at least one direction about the axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: John W. Kimes
  • Patent number: 8790212
    Abstract: A planetary clutch assembly, including: a first input shaft; an output shaft; a planetary gear set connected to the first input shaft and including a ring gear and a planet carrier; first and second clutches; and an actuator. The planet carrier is connected to the first clutch so that the planet carrier and a portion of the first clutch rotate in unison. The ring gear is grounded to a case for the transmission. The first and second clutches are connected to the output shaft so that the output shaft and a portion of the first and second clutches rotate in unison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Michael C. Davis, Todd J. Sturgin
  • Patent number: 8770366
    Abstract: A clutch unit which has a friction clutch, that includes a pressure plate, which is rotationally fixed to the housing, yet displaceable to a limited extent in the axial direction. The housing can be connected to a counter-pressure disk, and lever elements which are positioned in an annular arrangement and which are disposed between the housing and the pressure plate. The elements are supported on a rolling support carried by the housing and to which pressure can be applied at the radially inner lever tips thereof in order to close the friction clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Klaus Dussel, Goetz Rathke, Dirk Reimnitz
  • Patent number: 8764597
    Abstract: A coupling comprises a pair of clutch end members, a clutch centre member disposed between the clutch end members, and an actuator coupled to one of the end members. Each end member includes concentric V-grooves disposed on a respective face thereof. The centre member is axially movable between the end members, and includes a pair of opposing surfaces. One of the opposing surfaces includes concentric V-grooves configured to mesh with the V-grooves of one of the end members. Another of the opposing surfaces includes concentric V-grooves configured to mesh with the V-grooves of another of the end members. The actuator is configured to couple the end members and the centre member together by urging the V-grooves of the end members into engagement with the V-grooves of the centre member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Ker-Train Holdings, Ltd.
    Inventor: John Hugh Kerr
  • Patent number: 8757237
    Abstract: In a blind with two shields, it is possible to perform different operations by operating one operating means and reduce the dimension of an operating device by reducing the number of parts. The operating device comprises an operating shaft rotated upon receiving an operation force, a clutch rotating integrally with the operating shaft and axially sliding on the operating shaft, and a first transmission member 50 and a second transmission member disposed at both axial sides of the clutch to transmit driving force to a first driving shaft and a second driving shaft, respectively. The sliding direction of the clutch is determined by the rotational direction of the operating shaft, such that as the clutch sliding on the operating shaft is engaged with one of the transmission members and, the rotation of the operating shaft is transmitted to any one of the driving shafts and through one of the transmission members and.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Nichibei Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takaaki Aoki
  • Patent number: 8733522
    Abstract: A dual clutch and a method for controlling the same in a drive train of a motor vehicle which has two friction clutches that transmit a torque from an internal combustion engine to respective transmission input shafts of a dual clutch transmission and which have a common counterpressure plate firmly connected to a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine and two contact plates that are fixed in terms of rotation relative to the counterpressure plate and can be moved axially by respective lever springs supported on a housing part firmly connected to the counterpressure plate. To limit the axial installation space for the dual clutch, the lever springs for actuating the friction clutches are actuated radially on the inside in the same direction by respective actuating systems in the case of a change from one friction clutch to the other of a torque to be transmitted via the friction clutches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Marcus Hoppe
  • Patent number: 8714327
    Abstract: A gear shifting system is described that includes an first shaft that is connected to a motor to be rotated thereby, a synchronizing gear, a first insert unit and a second insert unit protrude at both sides thereof, a first gear and a second gear configured to rotate around the first shaft, a first plate and a second plate, a first engagement aperture and a second engagement aperture, and a second shaft. The second shaft is configured to move the synchronizing gear in an axial direction so that the first insert unit is inserted into the first engagement aperture or the second insert unit is inserted into the second engagement aperture to transfer a torque of the synchronizing gear to the first gear or the second gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Kyungha Kim, Min Sung Kim, Baekyu Kim, Jinsook Lee, Yeonho Kim, Wan Soo Kim
  • Patent number: 8567583
    Abstract: A shift device includes a shaft, a hub, a sleeve, a pair of speed gears sandwiching the hub, a first synchronizer ring, a second synchronizer ring, a plurality of thrust pieces disposed in cut-off portions of the hub and a pair of springs pushing the thrust pieces outwardly in a radial direction toward the sleeve. The thrust pieces move together with the sleeve when the sleeve is moved toward the one of the speed gears, while the thrust pieces moves inwardly in the radial direction against the first and second springs when the sleeve is moved halfway toward the other of the speed gears so that the thrust pieces move in an axial direction and swing to provide different self-servo functions according to the above shift directions when they contact with the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Kyowa Metal Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuyoshi Hiraiwa
  • Patent number: 8567581
    Abstract: One embodiment includes an annular end plate for a plate assembly of a frictionally operating device, having a friction section, extending in the radial direction, to form a flat front side, which can be turned toward the plate assembly in a first axial direction, and having a rotary driving section, which integrally adjoins the friction section in the first radial direction. The end plate may have a reinforcing section, which integrally adjoins the friction section in the opposite, second, radial direction, the reinforcing section or the first section of the reinforcing section, that adjoining the friction section, being at least partially and preferably completely bent through more than 90° in the opposite, second, axial direction relative to the friction section. The present invention furthermore relates to a frictionally operating device having an end plate of this kind and to a method for the production of an end plate of this kind.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Hans Juergen Hauck, Thomas Scharmacher
  • Patent number: 8556053
    Abstract: A twin-clutch for a twin-clutch variable speed transmission in motor vehicles includes two wet running multi-disk-clutches which are arranged axially in succession in a transmission housing, wherein end walls of the transmission housing are provided on respective sides of the multi disk clutches, a driving clutch housing; two transmission hubs outputting to transmission input shafts, and alternately drivingly connectable with the clutch housing via clutch disks; ring pistons shiftably supported in the end walls of the transmission housing and hydraulically pressurizeable with pressure oil via ducts arranged in the end walls to thereby cause a shifting of the ring pistons, wherein the ring pistons alternately act on the clutch disks via pressure disks, and wherein the pressure disks are actuatable from outside the clutch housing by the ring pistons; and axial rolling bearings respectively arranged between the ring pistons and the pressure disks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventors: Mathias Jakob-Bodenhagen, Hans-Peter Fleischmann, Tassilo Scholle
  • Patent number: 8534436
    Abstract: A dual clutch which has two friction clutches, a central pressure-exerting plate and two pressure plates which are axially movable relative to the pressure-exerting plate with the interposition of the friction linings of two clutch disks, which each mesh with one gearbox input shaft, of actuating devices. The dual clutch is held at the drive-input side and is supported at the gearbox side by an actuating system, which is rotatably held on the clutch housing, for actuating the pressure plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Oliver Noehl, Ivo Agner
  • Patent number: 8499914
    Abstract: An arrangement for coupling at least two freewheels independent of an associated shaft of a gear mechanism comprises at least one shifting device that comprises an actuation device and a shifting device. The shifting device can be axially displaced with the actuation device that is arranged at least partially in the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Matthias Reisch, Wolfgang Rieger