Electric Release Patents (Class 192/90)
  • Patent number: 11248666
    Abstract: A system is configured to control a clutch that connects a first rotating body and a second rotating body. The system includes a biasing portion, an actuator, an energization device, and a control unit. The biasing portion permanently biases the clutch in a connecting direction. The actuator drives the clutch in a disconnecting direction. The energization device energizes the actuator. The control unit controls the energization device. The energization device outputs a first current value to the actuator when a connection of the clutch is detected even if a condition for permitting a disconnection is satisfied. The energization device outputs a second current value lower than the first current value when the condition for permitting the disconnection is satisfied and a disconnection of the clutch is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: GKN Automotive Limited
    Inventor: Takahiro Nagaoka
  • Patent number: 10995856
    Abstract: In a parking lock for an automatic transmission, an electrical parking lock actuator has an electric motor, a spur gear stage driveable by the electric motor, and a worm gear stage driveable by the spur gear stage. A worm shaft of the worm gear stage is connected rotationally conjointly to an output gear of the spur gear stage, and a worm gear of the worm gear stage is connected rotationally conjointly to a transmission-side parking lock shaft. The worm shaft is fixed in an axially displaceable manner in the output gear. A stop limits the pivoting movement of the worm gear when a parking lock position of the parking lock shaft is reached. A spring braces the worm shaft in an axial direction of the worm shaft against a holding mechanism which is situated in a stop position, in which the holding mechanism is fixed by an electrically energized electromagnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Inventors: Klaus Gausrab, Arne Krüger
  • Patent number: 10955013
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for an electromagnetic pulse disconnect assembly. In one example, an electromagnetic disconnect assembly includes an electromagnetic coil assembly including an electromagnetic coil, an armature cam including an annular ring and a plurality of bidirectional cam ramps extending in an axial direction from the annular ring, where the annular ring is adapted to have face-sharing contact with the electromagnetic coil assembly when the electromagnetic coil is energized and be spaced apart from the electromagnetic coil assembly when the electromagnetic coil is de-energized, and a cam follower a plurality of radially extending guides arranged around a circumference of the cam follower and spaced apart from one another via a plurality of elongate apertures, each of the plurality of elongate apertures adapted to receive one of the plurality of bidirectional ramps of the armature cam. The assembly may further include a latching system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Warn Automotive, LLC
    Inventors: Bryan Yoder, Evan Placek, Adam Reiner, Christopher James Boudreau, Adrian Simula, Blake Randall
  • Patent number: 10933952
    Abstract: A electric swivel, LVES, in a swivel stack, includes an annular outer element defining a cylindrical chamber around an axis S and an cylindrical inner element coaxial with the outer element. The cylindrical chamber is sealed at an upper side with an annular cover and is configured for rotation relative to the inner and outer element around the axis S. The inner element includes at an inner radial side first and second bearing parts defining an inner bearing. The outer element includes at an outer radial side first and second bearing parts defining an outer bearing. The inner bearing includes an inner annular interface between the first and second bearing parts, the outer bearing includes an outer annular interface between the first and second bearing parts. Each of the annular interfaces is coaxial with the inner and outer element, and each annular interface is configured as a flame conducting path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Single Buoy Moorings Inc.
    Inventors: Georges Dixneuf, Sami Barhoumi, Frederic Sagot, Samir Boutahar, Terrence Lallouette
  • Patent number: 9458897
    Abstract: An ON-OFF vehicle accessory for driving vehicle cooling pump or cooling fan. The accessory having a friction clutch assembly with a friction plate member connected to a central rotatable shaft member. A biased armature member is adapted to force a friction plate member with friction linings thereon against a housing or cover which is rotating at input speed. A solenoid assembly is used to overcome the spring bias and pull the armature and friction plate member away from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventor: Shiwei Qin
  • Patent number: 9456941
    Abstract: A trolley for transporting individuals of limited capacity in a sedentary position on a chair is disclosed. The aforesaid trolley comprises (a) a carrying structure and (b) at least three wheels rotatably secured to the structure within a perimeter thereof. The carrying structure is configured for releasably fixating legs of the chair such that the chair is reversibly mountable on the carrying structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Inventor: David Mizrachi
  • Patent number: 9157528
    Abstract: A brake mechanism includes a clutch unit and a disc. The clutch unit includes a first and second engagement mechanism. Each engagement mechanism presents at least one tooth. The disc defines at least one slot. Each engagement mechanism is movable relative to the disc between a disengaged position and an engaged position. The tooth of the first engagement mechanism is configured to engage the slot of the disc when in the engaged position to cease rotation of the disc in a first direction of rotation. The tooth of the second engagement mechanism is configured to engage the slot of the disc when in the engaged position to cease rotation of the disc in a second direction of rotation, opposite the first direction of rotation. The disc is configured to rotate about an axis of rotation, relative to the clutch unit, when each engagement mechanism is in the disengaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Anthony J. Corsetti, Goro Tamai
  • Patent number: 9074646
    Abstract: A clutch assembly includes an inner race, an outer race and a plurality of roller elements positioned radially therebetween. The clutch assembly also includes a cage assembly, a seal and a retaining ring. The cage assembly includes a skeleton coupled to a spring ring having a plurality of radially extending guides arranged to circumferentially space apart each roller element in alignment with cam surfaces formed on the outer race. The guides are resiliently deformable to allow concurrent engagement of each roller element with both the inner and outer races. The seal engages an inner surface of the outer race and an outer surface of the inner race, and is positioned axially outboard of the roller elements. The retaining ring is positioned within ring grooves formed on each of the inner and outer races to restrict movement of the cage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain Inc.
    Inventors: Sean Steele, Jianwen Li, John Sabo, Richard D. Muizelaar
  • Patent number: 9057411
    Abstract: In a clutch which is impelled by an actuator into the closed position and which automatically moves into the open position by an opening spring, the movement of the clutch into the open position is monitored and any malfunction is displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Matthias Ehrlich, Frank Stengel, Martin Fuss, Alexander Schweizer, Martin Zimmermann, Jens Martin, Joachim Hirt
  • Patent number: 9038799
    Abstract: A component, such as an engine accessory for an automotive engine, that has clutch with a helical clutch coil and an axially movable armature. The helical clutch coil is normally engaged so as to transmit rotary power between a driving member and a driven member. The armature can be moved to apply a force to a tang of the helical clutch coil that causes the helical clutch coil to disengage to an extent where full rotary power is not passed through the clutch to drive the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: Litens Automotive Partnership
    Inventors: Pierre A. Mevissen, Jacek Stepniak, Roman Tracz, John Danciu, Scott Parsons
  • Patent number: 9027727
    Abstract: A coupling system and method for a powered component on a vehicle includes a powered component, a rotating member mechanically driven by an engine on the vehicle and a radial coupling between the powered component and the rotating member for mechanically powering the powered component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kevin Danford
  • Patent number: 9004251
    Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch includes a wrap spring being wound around to be in a pressure bonding state relative to an outer peripheral surface of a tubular portion of a driving-side rotation member. A first end of the wrap spring connects to a driving arm of a driving member, which connects to a driven-side rotation member. A second end of the wrap spring connects to a rim portion of an operating member formed in a disc form. The operating member is rotatable relative to the driven-side rotation member about the rotation axis as the center and movable along the rotation axis. After a rotation of the operating member is restrained, the driving member is restrained from rotation, which operates the wrap spring to twist and cancels the pressure boding state of the wrap spring relative to the driving-side rotation member, which in turn provides a power cutoff state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kaubushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Atsutoshi Ikegawa
  • Patent number: 8997957
    Abstract: A coupling arrangement for a drive train of a motor vehicle includes at least one clutch which is arranged on a rotating shaft in order to couple the rotating shaft optionally with a drive element of the drive train, in which to couple the rotating shaft with the drive element, a first clutch part and a second clutch part can be brought into a form-fit engagement with each other by moving one of the clutch parts along the axis of the rotating shaft. To prevent jerks and vibrations in the drive train, a hydraulic damping device is provided which acts between the first clutch part and the second clutch part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: MAGNA Powertrain AG
    Inventors: Klaus Eder, Markus Kohlböck, Johannes Quehenberger, Reinhard Weingartshofer
  • Patent number: 8973547
    Abstract: An engine starter that employs a clutch between a flywheel or flex plate and a plate structure that is configured to receive rotary power from a starter motor through a transmission. The transmission may include ring and pinion gears or a belt that transmits rotary power between pulleys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Litens Automotive Partnership
    Inventors: John R. Antchak, James W. Dell, Warren Williams, Jun Xu
  • Patent number: 8887885
    Abstract: A clutch actuator for a vehicle includes a movable member connected to a power generating unit and configured to be linearly moved by power provided by the power generating unit, and a lever having a pivoting point at one end thereof and to which a release fork is connected at an opposite end thereof to provide a point of application, the lever being configured such that a location of the point of application is varied such that the lever is rotated about the pivoting point when a force point is pushed by the movable member and a length between the point of application and the force point is shortened when the lever is rotated about the pivoting point and a rotating force of the lever is improved as the release fork is moved toward the pivoting point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Jin Woo Lee, Eui Hee Jeong, Jeong Heon Kam
  • Patent number: 8733527
    Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch includes a rotatable input member and a rotatable output member. A clutch plate is fixed for rotation with one of the input member and the output member. An armature plate is axially moveable relative to the other of the input member and the output member. A self-energizing actuator converts rotary motion of the input member to linear movement of the armature plate. The actuator includes a biasing member urging relative rotation between the one of the input member and the output member and the armature plate to initially engage the armature plate and the clutch plate. The self-energizing actuator provides an additional clutch engagement force once the input member is driven and also includes an electromagnet to axially translate the armature plate and disengage the armature plate and the clutch plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain Inc.
    Inventor: Darrell F. Greene
  • Patent number: 8720659
    Abstract: An overrunning coupling or clutch and control assembly including first and second coupling members and an electromechanical actuator subassembly having an electromagnetically inductive coil which creates a magnetic flux when the coil is energized is provided. A control force caused by the magnetic flux is applied to an armature member of the subassembly to move the armature member and cause the coupling members to be either coupled to or uncoupled from each other by means of struts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Brice A. Pawley
  • Patent number: 8657091
    Abstract: A clutch device which transmits torque by causing multiple friction engagement elements to engage with each other by use of a clutch connection/disconnection member caused to operate by an electric actuator includes: an elastic member disposed between the clutch connection/disconnection member and the multiple friction engagement elements; position detector for detecting a position of the clutch connection/disconnection member; and controller for controlling an operation of the electric actuator on the basis of the position of the clutch connection/disconnection member detected by the position detector. Thus, the position of the clutch connection/disconnection member (i.e. a stroke amount of the elastic member) and a torque transmission capacity of the clutch device have a linear relationship with each other. Hence, the torque transmission capacity of the clutch device can be accurately controlled by the electric actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Nedachi, Yoshiaki Tsukada, Takashi Ozeki
  • Patent number: 8657095
    Abstract: The invention relates to a control device and to a method for controlling an automated clutch, which includes a hydraulic clutch actuating system, which has a hydrostatic actuator, which is driven by and electric-motor actuating drive having an incremental displacement sensor in such a way that the actuator moves in a translatable manner. The invention includes an absolute displacement sensor, which detects the actuator position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Juergen Eich
  • Patent number: 8522947
    Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch includes a base portion, a driving member, a driven unit including an output shaft, and an electromagnetic solenoid. The driving member, the driven unit, and the electromagnetic solenoid are assembled on the base portion. The driven unit includes an intermediate member that engages with the output shaft to transmit a torque while being relatively moved towards a rotational axis, the intermediate member being magnetically attracted to the base portion. The driven unit also includes a rotation member that is biased towards the driving member and that is pivotally supported to transmit a rotation of the driving member to the output shaft, a guide mechanism that causes the rotation member to be separated from the driving member while the intermediate member is restrained from moving by being magnetically attracted, and a holding mechanism holding a position of the rotation member that is separated from the driving member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kenichi Komai, Atsutoshi Ikegawa
  • Patent number: 8517156
    Abstract: A clutch actuating apparatus for a double clutch transmission, may include an electric unit that generates rotational force, a decelerating unit coupled to the electric unit and reducing the rotational force of the electric unit, a straight-converting unit that converts the rotational force reduced by the decelerating unit into a straight motion force, a push rod that is moved straight by the straight motion force of the straight-converting unit and makes an operational stroke to selectively engage a clutch, a supplement force supplying unit engaging with the push rod to increase the straight movement force to the push rod or to remove the increased straight movement force from the push rod when the push rod engages or disengages the clutch, and a rod locating unit coupled to the push rod and changing a relative position of the push rod to the straight-converting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Jongyop Kim, Sungyong Cho, Hyunduk Chang
  • Patent number: 8505704
    Abstract: An apparatus for operating a clutch which may be mounted at a vehicle structure and controls an operation of the clutch may include a motor provided with a motor shaft and receiving electrical energy so as to selectively rotate the motor shaft, a cam mounted at the motor shaft and rotating together with the motor shaft, and a push rod assembly coupled to a clutch fork of the clutch, wherein the push rod assembly may be elastically biased toward and slidably contacted to the cam such that the push rod assembly moves forward or rearward according to a rotating angle of the cam so as to operate the clutch fork.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Youngho Kim
  • Patent number: 8459429
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a power transmission device for a water pump, including a pulley, a magnetic flux generator, a disk assembly, and a hub assembly, wherein the disk assembly has a disk, a friction ring for providing a frictional contact with the hub assembly, and a resilient ring adapted to pressurize the friction ring toward the hub assembly, so that when the attracting magnetic flux of the magnetic flux generator is not applied, the friction ring makes a frictional contact with the hub assembly through the resilient pressurization of the resilient ring, whereas, when it is applied, the disk moves toward the pulley to allow the frictional contact between the friction ring and the hub assembly to be released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Halla Climate Control Corp.
    Inventors: Suk-Jae Chung, Eun-Young Seo, Sung-Taeg Oh, Seong-Gyu Gong
  • Patent number: 8443954
    Abstract: The invention relates to a clutch having two clutch parts which can be brought into engagement in form fitted manner for the torque transfer; and a shift member which is movable in a first direction to bring the clutch parts out of engagement and is movable in a second direction to bring the clutch parts into engagement. A motor is provided for the movement of the shift member in the first direction and a spring element is provided for the movement of the shift member in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain AG & Co KG
    Inventors: Johannes Quehenberger, Simon Kaimer, Klaus Eder, Todd Ekonen
  • Patent number: 8403123
    Abstract: A one-way clutch includes a first race secured against rotation and fitted with a coil, a second race supported for rotation, a coil carried by one of the races, and struts supported by one of the races, each strut driveably connecting and disconnecting the races in response to a magnetic field induced by current in the coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Norman J. Bird, Gregory D. Gardner, David A. Janson, Matthew T. Trent
  • Patent number: 8387767
    Abstract: A driven accessory having a clutch that permits selective operation of an accessory portion. The clutch employs rotational inertia to control driving engagement of a wrap spring to an interior clutch surface on a drive member and/or driving disengagement of the wrap spring from the interior clutch surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Litens Automotive Partnership
    Inventors: Jacek S. Komorowski, Scott Parsons, John R. Antchak, Zbyslaw Staniewicz, John Danciu, Warren Williams, Pierre A. Mevissen
  • Patent number: 8281728
    Abstract: A case of a helm device is provided with a steering shaft. A rotation of the steering shaft is detected by a helm sensor. A friction generating mechanism is disposed in the case. The friction generating mechanism includes a rotor disposed on the steering shaft, an inner disk configured to rotate together with the rotor, an outer disk opposed to the inner disk, an electromagnetic actuator, and an armature configured to be driven by the electromagnetic actuator. An assist spring is disposed in the case. The assist spring urges the armature in such a direction as to press the disks against each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: NHK MEC Corporation
    Inventors: Keishi Washino, Yoshihiro Makita
  • Patent number: 8271171
    Abstract: A method for clutch characteristic curve adaptation of an automatic dual-clutch transmission which comprises two sub-gearboxes each with an input shaft connected, via a friction clutch, to the drive shaft of a motor and several gears that are shifted via a friction-synchronized gear clutch. A value of the current touch point of the friction clutch can be determined with the motor running and the gears disengaged in a load-free sub-gearbox. The method includes the steps of starting synchronization of a gear clutch with a defined force of a regulator. Waiting until the gear clutch is synchronized. Engaging the friction clutch of the until the gear clutch is synchronizes. Determination the current touch point from the current synchronous torque of the gear clutch and the current regulating parameter of the associated clutch regulator. Then, adapting the clutch characteristic curve of the friction clutch in view of the current touch point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Markus Terwart, Mario Bühner, Karl Locher, Martin-Joachim Bader, Dietmar Zuber, Olaf Moseler
  • Patent number: 8267237
    Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch includes an electromagnetic coil positioned within a coil housing. A pulley rotates relative to the housing and the coil. A shaft is rotatably supported by the housing. A hub plate is fixed for rotation with the shaft. A floating element is positioned between the pulley and the hub plate. An elastomeric ring is mounted between the pulley and the floating element and provides a driving connection therebetween. The elastomeric ring is sized to urge the floating element into frictional driving engagement with the hub plate and is compressible during energization of the coil to decouple the floating element from the hub plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain Inc.
    Inventors: Fritz Winkler, Ryszard Ostrowski, Zoran Ivovic, Dejan Vukojicic
  • Publication number: 20120175215
    Abstract: An electromechanical actuating assembly for at least one actuator element of a vehicle transmission. The assembly comprising a drive device which is coupled with an actuating device for actuating an actuator element. The actuating device has a spring system which is in an operative connection with a ball ramp, and an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the effective actuator force, of the ball ramp, for actuating the actuator element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Benjamin Schneider, Gerhard Gumpoltsberger
  • Patent number: 8182382
    Abstract: Described herein is a pulley assembly for a start-stop belt drive, comprising a hub having an axis and designed to be connected to a crankshaft of an internal-combustion engine, a pulley, which is designed to co-operate with a belt of a belt drive and is connected in a rotatable way on the hub, and a seismic mass, which is connected to the hub so as to rotate with respect to the hub so as to define a damping device for damping torsional vibrations. The pulley assembly comprises a band clutch co-operating selectively between the hub and the pulley and comprising a coil element and electromagnetic actuation means for governing clutching and de-clutching of the coil element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Dayco Europe S.r.l.
    Inventor: Hervé Riu
  • Patent number: 8167106
    Abstract: A clutch drive apparatus includes a clutch actuator and a drive force transmission mechanism that transmits the drive force of the clutch actuator to the clutch. The drive force transmission mechanism includes a case body and a case cover that is closed on the case body and supports the clutch actuator and a worm shaft. An opening is formed in the case cover to expose a marker member that determines a reference position of an auxiliary elastic body. A maintenance lid for covering the opening is mounted in a vehicle head pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yousuke Ishida
  • Patent number: 8127906
    Abstract: A clutch drive device includes an actuator for generating a drive force for driving a clutch, a first solid of revolution, a mechanism for transmitting the drive force of the actuator to the clutch, and an assist spring unit having one end pivotally supported and another end abutting on the solid of revolution. An abutment structure in which the first solid of revolution abuts on the assist spring unit is configured so that an urging force of the assist spring does not act in a direction of rotating the first solid of revolution at least at one position in a play area in which the clutch is not disengaged even if the first solid of revolution rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yousuke Ishida
  • Patent number: 8087505
    Abstract: A compact power unit for a vehicle having a clutch actuator is provided. The power unit includes a clutch actuator and a drive force transmission mechanism for transmitting the drive force of the clutch actuator to the clutch. The clutch actuator and the drive force transmission mechanism are arranged within a casing of the power unit. A drive shaft of the clutch actuator extends in the vertical direction. The drive force transmission mechanism includes a worm shaft coupled to the drive shaft of the clutch actuator, a first solid of revolution including a worm wheel portion which engages the worm shaft, a second solid of revolution which engages a gear portion of the first solid of revolution, and a ball cam. The ball cam converts torque from the second solid of revolution into a force which acts in the axial direction of a slide shaft of the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yousuke Ishida
  • Patent number: 8074777
    Abstract: A disengagement/disconnect assembly for disengaging a generator from a gear box includes an inner ball screw having an angled threading on an outer surface thereof and surrounding and operatively engaged to a rotating generator drive shaft to cause rotation of the inner ball screw, the inner ball screw having axial dog teeth engaged to corresponding teeth of the gear box drive shaft, an outer ball screw surrounding and normally rotating with the inner ball screw and having a spherical ball and an angled ball track between the inner and outer ball screws, a lock, and a brake for slowing or stopping rotation of the outer ball screw so that the inner ball screw rotates relative to the outer ball screw along the ball track and slides axially toward the lock thereby disengaging the generator from the gear box drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Balwinder S. Birdi, Michael W. Duddeck, William M. Scherzinger, Miguel A. Guzman
  • Patent number: 8047349
    Abstract: An electromotive actuator for deflecting a motor vehicle part includes a rotatable component and a non-rotatable component. The rotatable component can be driven by an electric motor in such a way that it can be moved linearly relative to the non-rotatable component between a first position and a second position. In order to create a compact adjustment device, the two components of the actuator are configured respectively as a threaded spindle and a threaded nut, whereby the rotatable component (threaded spindle or threaded nut) is non-rotatably connected to the rotor of the electric motor and can act directly or indirectly on the vehicle part that is to be deflected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Jan Weule
  • Patent number: 8011486
    Abstract: An electromagnetically actuatable clutch for a water pump in a cooling water circuit of an internal combustion engine, having a drive wheel rotatably mounted relative to the water pump, and an armature disk, which interacts with a coil. The armature disk and a functional component of an eddy current clutch are connected to the drive wheel so that the drive wheel, armature disk and first functional component run synchronously when they rotate. The armature disk can be moved axially with the first functional component by energizing the coil. A second functional component of the eddy current clutch is provided arranged in a fixed fashion on a shaft coupled to the water pump. A friction mechanism is provided between the first and second functional components to provide a frictional locking engagement between the two functional components that is released by energizing the coil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Licos Trucktec GmbH
    Inventors: Jan Juergensmeyer, Rainer Krafft, Sigmund Geiger
  • Patent number: 7946403
    Abstract: A disengagement/disconnect assembly for disengaging a generator from a gear box may include an inner ball screw having an angled threading on an outer surface thereof and surrounding and operatively engaged to a rotating generator drive shaft to cause rotation of the inner ball screw. The inner ball screw may be attached to an engagement member having undercut and interlockable teeth engaged to corresponding teeth of an engagement member of the gear box. An outer ball screw may surround and normally rotate with the inner ball screw. A helical ball track may be formed between the inner and outer ball screws. A brake may be provided for slowing or stopping rotation of the outer ball screw so that the inner ball screw rotates relative to the outer ball screw along the ball track and slides axially away from the gear box thereby disengaging the generator from the gear box drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Burke, Balwinder S. Birdi, Arturo Maceda
  • Patent number: 7896147
    Abstract: A disengagement assembly for disengaging a generator from an engine or gear box may include an inner ball screw having helical threading on an outer surface thereof and surrounding and operatively engaged to a rotating generator drive shaft to cause rotation of the inner ball screw, the inner ball screw may have interlockable teeth engaged to corresponding teeth of the gear box drive shaft. An outer ball screw may surround and may normally rotate with the inner ball screw. A helical ball track may be formed between the inner and outer ball screws. An eddy current brake may slow or stop rotation of the outer ball screw so that the inner ball screw may rotate relative to the outer ball screw and slide axially toward a lock thereby disengaging the generator from the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Burke, Miguel A. Guzman Lopez, Arturo Maceda
  • Patent number: 7735617
    Abstract: A lever system for actuating a clutch in the power train of a motor vehicle or of a disc brake, including: a lever (7) with a first side (7.1) rotatably supported on a pivot (8) and with a side (7.2) in functional connection with a pressing means (6). The lever (7) rests on a movable fulcrum (12) provided by a moveable support unit (10) that is displaceable in radial direction relative to the rotation axis of the clutch or the disc brake and which is displaceable using a motor-driven (15) spindle (14. The moveable support unit (10) rests on a raceway (11) and includes two roller sets (20.1, 20.2) each with rollers (21, 22, 22.1, 22.2). Each of the roller set (20.1, 20.2) includes at least three rollers (21, 22, 22.1, 22.2) and at least two of the rollers (22.1, 22.2) include approximately equal first diameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Matthias Ehrlich, Norbert Esly
  • Patent number: 7726456
    Abstract: A linear electromotive actuator mounted on an input shaft of a manual transmission clutch system and a clutch operation is controlled by a current signal applied in response to an operating stroke of a clutch pedal. In addition, according to the clutch system and a method for controlling the same, a vehicle weight is reduced and a clutch vibration or an impact can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Donghyun Ha
  • Publication number: 20100126822
    Abstract: An electromagnetic clutch includes an electromagnetic coil positioned within a coil housing. A pulley rotates relative to the housing and the coil. A shaft is rotatably supported by the housing. A hub plate is fixed for rotation with the shaft. A floating element is positioned between the pulley and the hub plate. An elastomeric ring is mounted between the pulley and the floating element and provides a driving connection therebetween. The elastomeric ring is sized to urge the floating element into frictional driving engagement with the hub plate and is compressible during energization of the coil to decouple the floating element from the hub plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventors: FRITZ WINKLER, RYSZARD OSTROWSKI, ZORAN IVOVIC, DEJAN VUKOJICIC
  • Patent number: 7717249
    Abstract: An electromagnetic gear-clutch assembly (1) is disclosed. The device comprises a gear (10) having grooves (10c) that open inwardly toward the axis and extend axially. A hub (12) is located within the gear (10) where it is capable of rotating within the gear (10). The hub (12) has grooves (12k) that open outwardly away from the axis and extend axially. Keys (17) are located within the grooves (12k) of the hub (12) and are capable of moving radially toward and away from the axis, the arrangement being such that when the keys (17) are permitted to move away from the axis, at least one will enter one of the grooves (10c) in the gear (10) to couple the gear (10) and huh (12) so that they will rotate in unison. The device also comprises an actuator assembly (3) for effecting radial displacement of the keys (17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: The Timken Company
    Inventor: Xiaolan Ai
  • Patent number: 7717437
    Abstract: A vehicle stabilizer bar assembly having a pair of stabilizer bar members that are selectively uncoupled via a clutch. The clutch includes a plurality of engagement pins that can be selectively moved via an actuator to effect the uncoupling of the stabilizer bar members. The actuator is configured to apply a force to the moving element concentrically about the axis along which the moving element translates. A method for operating a vehicle stabilizer bar assembly is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Herbert L. Adams, III, Larry G. Haske
  • Patent number: 7699151
    Abstract: A clutch actuator comprises a clutch motor comprising motor shaft. The clutch actuator also comprises a worm shaft that is spline connected to the motor shaft. The rotary motion of the worm shaft 103 is transferred to a worm wheel 105, which is engaged with the worm shaft 103. The worm shaft 103 has a threaded portion 103c. The threaded portion 103c comprises multiple threads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Makoto Kosugi
  • Patent number: 7635054
    Abstract: A clutch actuator comprises a worm shaft that rotates along with a clutch motor. The worm shaft is meshed with a worm wheel. The worm wheel is fixed to one end of a crank shaft member of a crank shaft separately from a crank arm of the crank shaft. A bearing that supports the crank shaft is provided between the worm wheel and the crank arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha Kabushiki Kaisha Moric
    Inventors: Makoto Kosugi, Hisashi Kazuta
  • Patent number: 7581617
    Abstract: A method for triggering an electromechanical coupling unit having at least two coupling windings, and a steering system for implementing the method, are provided. The coupling unit selectively closes, and in this manner provides a mechanical coupling, only if both coupling windings are no longer supplied with electrical energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Pfeiffer, Werner Mayer, Werner Harter, Jochen Koepernik
  • Patent number: 7451864
    Abstract: A clutch actuator is provided to stabilize a state of clutch engagement. A rotating member is rotationally driven on a rotating shaft by a motor. A clutch operating member includes two ends. One end of the clutch operating member is pushed by a push force of a clutch spring and the other end is pivotally supported on the rotating member by a shaft. The clutch operating member disengages the clutch when moved in a direction against the force of the clutch spring. An auxiliary biasing mechanism also acts on the rotating member. One end of the auxiliary biasing member is supported on a vehicle side and the other end is pivotally supported on the rotating member by a shaft. The auxiliary biasing member can include a compressible coil spring. The rotating member rotates in a first direction to move the clutch operating member in a direction of clutch engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Makoto Kosugi
  • Patent number: 7418800
    Abstract: An automatic door opener (10) for opening or closing a door (28) includes a motor (14) driving a drive shaft (50) and an opener arm (18) connected to the door (28) and being responsive to rotation of the drive shaft (50) for moving the door (28) to an open or closed position. A clutch (46) operable to disengage the drive shaft (50) from the opener arm (18) is provided in the event of the door (28) engaging an obstacle, electric power being unavailable, or the door being fully open or fully closed. The door opener (10) may also include a brake (48) for selectively preventing movement of the door (28). Various embodiments of the invention are provided, including an electromagnet (80) and an electromagnetic brake (114).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Inventor: Nils D. Sellman
  • Patent number: 7310911
    Abstract: An automatic door opener (10) for opening or closing a door (28) includes a motor (14) driving a drive shaft (50) and an opener arm (18) connected to the door (28) and being responsive to rotation of the drive shaft (50) for moving the door (28) to an open or closed position. A clutch (46) operable to disengage the drive shaft (50) from the opener arm (18) is provided in the event of the door (28) engaging an obstacle, electric power being unavailable, or the door being fully open or fully closed. The door opener (10) may also include a brake (48) for selectively preventing movement of the door (28). Various embodiments of the invention are provided, including an electromagnet (80) and an electromagnetic brake (114).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Power Access Corporation
    Inventor: Nils D. Sellman