Differential Drive Or Control Patents (Class 475/150)
  • Publication number: 20120295750
    Abstract: A device for driving a vehicle includes a housing, an electric motor; a differential gear unit, and a planetary gear unit. The planetary gear unit includes a sun gear connected to the electric motor, a ring gear coupleable via a first coupling to the housing, a plurality of planetary gears disposed between the ring gear and the sun gear and mounted on a planet carrier coupled to the differential gear unit, the planet carrier coupleable to the ring gear by a second coupling, the second coupling being disposed in a plane with the first coupling parallel to the electric motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: IAV GMBH INGENIEURGESELLSCHAFT AUTO UND VERKEHR
    Inventors: Frank Fickel, Jens Liebold, Erik Schneider
  • Patent number: 8308600
    Abstract: A transmission device with at least two output shafts and at least two multi-shaft planetary gearsets being actively connected. A shaft of each gearset can be actively connected with an output shaft. A shifting mechanism is provided, between the two output shafts, for shifting between a first power path and a second power path. In the area of a further shaft of one of the planetary gearsets, torque from an electric machine flows along the first or the second power path. When the first power path is engaged, the torque from the electric machine flows in equal parts and with the same sign to the two output shafts, and when the second power path is engaged, the torque flows to the two output shafts in equal parts but with opposite signs. A motor output shaft of the electric machine is arranged perpendicularly to one of the two output shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Thomas Rosemeier, Bernd-Robert Hohn, Christoph Pelchen
  • Patent number: 8308603
    Abstract: A linear actuator comprising a spindle (5) with a spindle nut (6), where the spindle (5) is driven by an electric motor (2) via a transmission (3,4), comprising a planetary gear (4). The construction is constructed in such a way that the spindle (5) is lead through the transmission (3,4) and is embedded by means of a ball bearing (20) in connection with a rear mounting (10), causing the axial forces to be lead through the transmission (3,4) via the spindle (5) and the ball bearing (20) to the rear mounting (10). This means that the construction is simpler and less voluminous and that the axial forces, moreover, are not transferred to the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Linak A/S
    Inventors: Martin Kahr Knudsen, René Sørensen, Anders B. Lorenzen
  • Patent number: 8308598
    Abstract: A controlled differential actuator particularly adapted for differential applications for motor vehicle powertrains. The differential operator incorporates an electromagnetically applied first or primary clutch coupled to a second multi-disc clutch pack through a ball ramp operator. Energization of the solenoid coil selectively applies the main clutch pack which is coupled to a differential carrier and one of the axle half shafts connected with the differential assembly. Modulation of current applied to the solenoid coil allows a selective frictional coupling between the differential axle half shafts which provides desirable traction features for the associated motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Borgwarner, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry A. Pritchard, John Barlage
  • Publication number: 20120283061
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric drive system comprising an electric motor (10) arranged to rotate a drive shaft (16); a drive planetary gear configuration (70) being in driving engagement with said drive shaft (16) and an output shaft (50) rotatable relative to said drive shaft (16); and means for providing change in rotational speed of said output shaft (50), wherein said rotational speed changing means (80, 82) are disposed on opposite sides of the motor (10) respectively. The present invention also relates to a motor driven unit, for example a motor vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: BAE SYSTEMS HÄGGLUNDS AKTIEBOLAG
    Inventors: Pontus Karlsson, Henrik Kjellman, Viktor Lassila
  • Patent number: 8292776
    Abstract: A drive system with drive and freewheel modes comprises a final transfer element for receiving and rotating with a drive axle, and a final drive assembly in rotational communication with a motor. The final drive assembly is selectively engageable with the final transfer element to drive an axle received by the final transfer element. The final drive assembly has an engaged condition in which power is transferred through the final drive assembly to the drive axle and a disengaged condition in which power is not transferred through the final drive assembly. The final drive assembly comprises a gear set selectively engagable with the final transfer element in the engaged condition such that rotation of the gear set is transferred to the final transfer element. The gear set is selectively disengageable from the final transfer element in the disengaged condition such that rotation of the final transfer element is not transferred to the gear set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Masaba Mining Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerad Higman, Aaron Sudbeck, Harold Dojan
  • Patent number: 8292774
    Abstract: A differential assembly includes an axle, a differential, a differential lock assembly, a selector, and a coupler. The differential is coupled with the axle and is configured to facilitate operation of the axle at an axle speed. The differential lock assembly is associated with the differential and is movable between locked and unlocked positions. The selector is movable between lock-initiate and unlock-initiate positions. The coupler is configured to selectively couple the differential lock assembly and the selector. The coupler is configured for operation in deactivated and activated modes. When the coupler is in the deactivated mode, the differential lock assembly and the selector are decoupled from each other. When the coupler is in the activated mode, the differential lock assembly and the selector are coupled together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Ian Neal Haggerty
  • Patent number: 8292770
    Abstract: An electric machine including a housing, a first rotor and stator carried within the housing and a rotatable shaft carried by the housing and extending from the housing. A first continuously variable transmission can be provided and includes a first rotatable element, a second rotatable element and a mechanism for controlling the ratio of the rotation of the second element to the rotation of the first element. The first element can be connected to the first rotor and the second element can be connected to the rotatable shaft. A second rotor and stator can be carried within the housing and a second continuously variable transmission provided. A hybrid engine having an internal combustion engine and utilizing the electric machine can be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Aram Novikov
    Inventor: Aram Novikov
  • Publication number: 20120258833
    Abstract: An asynchronous boost assist system for a motor vehicle includes a first electric motor, a second electric motor positioned opposite the first electric motor and a differential gear system operatively connected to the first and second electric motors. The differential gear system includes a first differential gear set and a second differential gear set. The first differential gear set is operatively connected to the first and second electric motors and the second differential gear set is configured and disposed to operatively connect to first and second vehicle wheels. A controller is operatively connected to each of the first and second electric motors. The controller selectively independently controls an operational speed of each of the first and second electric motors to selectively provide an acceleration boost through the second differential gear set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: REMY TECHNOLOGIES, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Balazs Palfai, Alex Creviston, Attila Nagy, Gurkamal Singh
  • Publication number: 20120252621
    Abstract: A differential assembly is disclosed, and more particularly a differential assembly for a motor vehicle driving axle drivable by an electric motor. The differential assembly comprises a driving gear; a differential drive with an input part and two output parts, wherein the output parts are drivingly connected to the input part and, relative to one another, have a differential effect; a coupling which is arranged effectively between the driving gear and the differential drive, wherein, in a closed condition of the coupling, torque is transmitted from the driving gear to the differential drive and, in an open condition of the coupling, a transmission of torque is interrupted; a controllable actuator for actuating the coupling and a sensor for determining at least three switched positions of the coupling. Furthermore, a driving assembly with such a differential assembly is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventors: Holger Seidl, Jiri Marks
  • Patent number: 8272989
    Abstract: A variable-ratio transmission for distributing a drive torque to at least two drive output shafts (8, 9), comprising a conventional differential (1) is proposed, which comprises an electric motor (5) for distributing the drive torque directly between the drive output shafts (8, 9) and a plus planetary gearset (2) that serves as a variable-ratio unit, such that the plus planetary gearset (2) is arranged coaxially with a drive input shaft (8), the outer sun gear (3) of the plus planetary gearset (2) is connected to the output (8), on the side of the differential (1) facing toward the planetary gearset (2), and the web (4) of the planetary gearset (2) is connected to the electric motor (5), and such that the inner sun gear (6) of the planetary gearset (2) is connected by a countershaft (7) to the other drive output shaft (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Detlef Baasch, Christoph Pelchen, Thomas Rosemeier
  • Publication number: 20120238387
    Abstract: An axle assembly comprises a power transmission device including a housing having a cylindrically shaped sidewall. The power transmission device selectively communicates rotatable motion from an input member to an output member. A frictional clutch is disposed in the housing and includes a drum. A first and a second axle shaft selectively drive a first and a second drive wheel, respectively. A differential selectively transfers drive torque from the output member to at least one of the first and second axle shafts. An electric motor comprising a coil and a plurality of magnets is provided on the axle assembly. In one example, the coil is disposed on the housing and the magnets are disposed on the drum. The coil is configured to selectively energize to provide one of a positive or negative torque input to the output member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Gerald Stuart
  • Publication number: 20120238388
    Abstract: A power interrupting apparatus is provided with: a first rotating member, a second rotating member, a clutch device adapted to interrupt a coupling between the first rotating member and the second rotating member, and an actuator adapted to actuate the clutch device. The actuator is disposed on a radially outer periphery of a part of one of the first rotating member and the second rotating member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: GKN Driveline Japan LTD.
    Inventors: Masaaki FUSEGI, Hiroyasu FURUKAWA
  • Patent number: 8231494
    Abstract: A coupling device (16) for use in a motor vehicle has an input member (45), a first and a second output member (46, 47), and a planetary gear set (54, 56, 58, 62) having gears (56, 58, 62) and a planetary gear carrier (54). Each of the input member (45) and the first and second output members (46, 47) are coupled to one of the planetary gear carrier (54) and a gear (56, 58, 62) of the planetary gear set (54, 56, 58, 62). A modulating biasing clutch assembly (70) selectively applies a biasing force to two of the three members. The modulating biasing clutch assembly (70) has an electrical clutch operator (72, 78, 84), a first clutch plate (92) coupled to one of the three members and a second clutch plate (94) coupled to another of the three members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Borg Warner, Inc.
    Inventor: Dan J. Showalter
  • Publication number: 20120178575
    Abstract: A multi-speed power transmission device includes an input shaft, first and second output shafts and a planetary gearset. An axially moveable sleeve fixes the first output shaft and the input shaft for rotation when in a first position and the sleeve fixes the sun gear and the input shaft for rotation when in a second position. A hub is axially moveable and free to rotate relative to the first output shaft when in the first position. The hub is fixed for rotation with the first output shaft when in the second position. A cam plate is continuously fixed for rotation with the carrier and urges the hub toward its second position when in a second axial position. The input shaft drives the first output shaft at a reduced speed via the planetary gearset when the sleeve, hub and cam plate are at their second positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: MAGNA POWERTRAIN OF AMERICA INC.
    Inventors: Joseph G. Mueller, Douglas O. Bradley, Bradley R. Larkin
  • Publication number: 20120157255
    Abstract: An integrated powertrain assembly, comprising, in combination: an electric motor having a hollow motor shaft extending along the axis of the motor; a continuously variable transmission disposed adjacent to the motor and having a hollow CVT shaft; a differential, and a pair of output shafts extending from the differential through the hollow motor shaft and the hollow CVT shaft; wherein the electric motor, the continuously variable transmission, and the differential are axially aligned along a common axis, is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventor: Steven Trindade
  • Publication number: 20120158233
    Abstract: A motor drive apparatus for a vehicle is provided which can prevent its transmission and motor from being rotated by vehicle wheels, and which allows quick gear change. This apparatus includes an electric motor (10), a first shaft (21) driven by the electric motor (10), a second shaft (22), first and second reduction gear trains (23 and 24) disposed between the first and second shafts (21 and 22). Two-way roller clutches (30A and 30B) are mounted between a first output gear (23b) of the first reduction gear train (23) and the second shaft (22) and between a second output gear (24b) of the second reduction gear train (24) and the second shaft (22), respectively. Gear changes are made by selectively engaging and disengaging the two-way roller clutches (30A and 30B) with a speed changing mechanism (50).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventor: Tomoaki Makino
  • Publication number: 20120129644
    Abstract: A transmission member including a housing, a stator assembly arranged within the housing, and a rotor assembly rotatably mounted relative to the stator assembly within the housing. The rotor assembly includes a hub portion that defines, at least in part, a carrier. A differential gear assembly is arranged within the carrier. The differential gear assembly includes first and second planet gears driven by the carrier, and first and second side gears driven by the first and second planet gears.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: REMY TECHNOLOGIES, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Balazs Palfai, Andrew Meyer, Attila Nagy
  • Publication number: 20120129645
    Abstract: A differential gear set including a gear housing and a first planet gear rotatably mounted to the gear housing and includes a first end portion having a plurality of planet gear teeth. A second planet gear is rotatably mounted to the gear housing and includes a first end portion having a plurality of planet gear teeth. A side gear is rotatably mounted in the gear housing and includes a plurality of side gear teeth that mechanically engage with the plurality of planet gear teeth of the first planet gear and the plurality of planet gear teeth of the second planet gear. A gear lash control member is interposed between the first and second planet gears and the side gear. The gear lash control member maintains a desired gear lash of the plurality of planet gear teeth and to the plurality of side gear teeth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: REMY TECHNOLOGIES, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Balazs Palfai, Attila Nagy, Andrew Meyer
  • Patent number: 8182385
    Abstract: A differential lock assembly includes a shift collar (36) that is moved in response to an electronic input signal between locked and unlocked positions. A coil housing (40) is supported on the shift collar and includes a recess (42) that receives a coil. A drag plate (60) is connected to the shift collar and coil housing to enclose the coil within the recess. When the coil is energized, the shift collar (36) is moved to the locked position. A resilient member (74) returns the shift collar (36) to the unlocked position when the coil is not energized. The shift collar (36), coil housing (40), drag plate (60), and resilient member (74) are pre-assembled together to form an assembled unit, which is installed within an axle differential as an adjusting nut to apply preload to an associated differential bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Roberto Gianone
  • Patent number: 8182386
    Abstract: A transmission device with at least two output shafts and at least two multi-shaft planetary gearsets that are actively connected with one another. A shaft of a planetary gearset can be actively connected with an output shaft. In addition, a shifting mechanism, located between the two output shafts, shifts between a first power path or a second power path. In one of the planetary gearsets, torque from an electric machine can be transmitted along either the first or the second power path. In the first power path, torque from the electric machine is transmitted to the two output shafts in equal parts and with the same sign. In the second power path, torque is transmitted to the two output shafts in equal parts but with opposite signs. The planetary gearset, in the area of which the torque from the electric machine can be transmitted, is a simple negative planetary gearset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Thomas Rosemeier, Bernd-Robert Hohn, Christoph Pelchen
  • Publication number: 20120115665
    Abstract: A parking lock assembly for a motor vehicle is described that has at least one electrically drivable driving axle. The parking lock comprises an electric drive, a shaft which is arranged in the driveline of a motor vehicle and which is drivable by the electric drive, as well as a locking mechanism which is controllable in the locking sense in order to prevent a rotational movement of the shaft and which is controllable in the opening sense in order to release the shaft. The electric drive is controllable in order to transmit torque to the shaft if, in spite of the locking mechanism being controlled in the opening sense, the shaft is prevented from carrying out a rotational movement. Furthermore, a method of actuating such a parking lock assembly is described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: Michael Schwekutsch, Theodor Gassmann, Mark Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20120083378
    Abstract: A device for torque vectoring in a wheeled vehicle is presented. The device includes a differential mechanism arranged on an axle having a first drive shaft and a second drive shaft, an electrical power source connected to an electrical motor, the electrical motor being connectable to the axle for torque vectoring between the first drive shaft and the second drive shaft, and control means connected to the power source and configured to receive a plurality of variables representing the current vehicle state and to determine drive currents being dependent on the variables, wherein the drive currents are supplied to the electrical motor from the power source for introducing a torque increase to either one of the first or second drive shafts and a corresponding torque decrease to the other one of the first or second drive shafts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Inventors: Lars Severinsson, Kristoffer Nilsson
  • Publication number: 20120049675
    Abstract: A differential comprises a differential case and electrical generator. The electrical generator comprises a first portion that is supported by the differential case and a second portion that is disposed in the differential case. The electrical generator is responsive to rotation of the differential case for generating electrical power. In another embodiment, the differential may further comprise a differential gear set, and the electrical generator comprises a first portion that is supported by the differential gear set and a second portion that is disposed in the differential case in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The electrical generator is responsive to movement of the differential gear set for generating electrical power. In another embodiment, an axle assembly includes a differential case and axle housing that together function as an electrical generator. The rotation of the differential case generates electrical power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: FRANK JAMES VARGO, Gregory L. Heatwole
  • Patent number: 8123643
    Abstract: A control device for a vehicular drive system including a differential portion having a differential mechanism operable to distribute an output of an engine to a first electric motor and a power transmitting member, and a second electric motor disposed in a power transmitting path between the power transmitting member and a drive wheel of a vehicle, the control device including a differential limiting device provided in the differential mechanism and operable to limit a differential function of the differential mechanism for thereby limiting a differential function of the differential portion, and a torque-response control portion for controlling a response of a change of an input torque of the differential portion to an operation of a manually operable vehicle accelerating member, depending upon whether the differential function of the differential mechanism is limited or not.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Tabata, Atsushi Kamada
  • Patent number: 8109853
    Abstract: A method for controlling a locking differential for a vehicle includes using a coil to unlock the differential, if the vehicle stops for a period whose length is equal to or greater than a reference length, and using the coil to lock the differential, if the vehicle is moving or stopped for less than the reference length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jacob M. Povirk, Joseph J. Torres, Brian J. Andonian, Jihong Guo, Patrick Meloche, Kenneth G. Walega
  • Publication number: 20120021862
    Abstract: A differential mechanism includes a case, a gear rotatable about an axis, a lock ring held against rotation relative to the case, a lever contacting the lock ring, and an electromagnetic coil that is displaced axially when energized, pivoting the lever, engaging the lock ring with the side gear, and preventing the gear from rotating relative to the case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Dennis W. Isken, II, Jihong Guo, Brian J. Andonian, Jacob M. Povirk, Yasser Hindi
  • Patent number: 8100805
    Abstract: An electronically controlled locking differential includes an electromagnetic coil and a wire harness adapted to logically control operation of the differential and having a circuit. The circuit has a latching switch that is electrically connected to a first source of power and adapted to provide latching power of the differential. A double-pole, double-throw control relay is electrically connected to the latching switch and includes a first switch, a second switch, and a coil. The second switch is adapted to “jump” the latching switch. The circuit is disabled when power to the harness is turned off and in “standby” mode when power to the harness is turned on. Upon the latching switch being activated, current flows from a starting point of the circuit through the circuit to activate the relay, the first switch closes to energize the differential, the second switch closes such that the current “jumps” the latching switch, and the differential is actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Terry Andrew Dayton
  • Publication number: 20120015773
    Abstract: A power switching device includes a power transmission unit and a driving unit. The transmission unit includes a differential, an axle aligned with the differential, and a coupler sleeved movably on one of the differential and the axle. The driving unit includes a controller, a first transmission mechanism driven by the controller, and a second transmission mechanism driven by the first transmission mechanism. The controller is a solenoid or an electric actuator, and is operable to activate the second transmission mechanism. The coupler can be moved by the second transmission mechanism to interconnect the differential and the axle, so as to allow for co-rotation of the axle with the differential.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventors: Chi-Han CHANG, Chao-Chang Ho
  • Patent number: 8091660
    Abstract: A hybrid traction system for the traction of a vehicle comprises an internal combustion engine, at least a first electric machine and at least a second electric machine, first transmission means suitable for being connected mechanically to said internal combustion engine and to at least one of said electric machines, second transmission means suitable for being connected mechanically to at least one of said electric machines and to the wheels of the vehicle; the system comprises furthermore connecting or restraining means suitable for enabling mechanical power to be transmitted to the wheels of the vehicle only by the internal combustion engine through said first transmission means and said second transmission means. This allows to drive the vehicle using only the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Bordini Engineering S.R.L.
    Inventor: Giorgio Bordini
  • Publication number: 20110319213
    Abstract: A vehicle drive train for transferring torque to first and second sets of wheels includes a first driveline adapted to transfer torque to the first set of wheels and a first power disconnection device. A second driveline is adapted to transfer torque to the second set of wheels and includes a second power disconnection device. A hypoid gearset is positioned within one of the first driveline and the second driveline in a power path between the first and second power disconnection devices. The hypoid gearset is selectively disconnected from being driven by the first driveline and the second driveline when the first and second power disconnection devices are operated in a disconnected, non-torque transferring, mode. At least one of the first and second power disconnection devices includes an active dry friction clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: Magna Powertrain of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Ekonen, Johannes Quehenberger
  • Publication number: 20110320074
    Abstract: A kinetic energy recovery and electric drive system for automotive vehicles comprises an electric pancake motor-generator (11, 211) having its stator housing (14, 214) coupled, combined or integrated with the gearbox housing (18, 218) of a gearbox (216) or final drive mechanism (16) and its rotor shaft (12, 212) oriented vertically and perpendicular to the drive-shaft (21, 234) or drive axle (20) of the vehicle. In certain embodiments the pancake motor rotor (10, 110, 210) may be fitted or integral with a perpendicular peripheral stiffening flange (113A, 113B, 213) in which is located a plurality of equally spaced permanent magnets (32, 132) of alternating polarity that electromagnetically engage with electromagnets (128A, 128B) of the pancake motor-generator stator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventors: Lester J. Erlston, Michael D. Miles
  • Patent number: 8079929
    Abstract: A differential for a model car includes a housing having a chamber, four notches recessed in a periphery of the chamber and each having a trapezoid section, four blocks received in the notches respectively, a spider having four ends connected with the blocks respectively, four first bevel gears respectively sleeved on the ends of the spider, two second bevel gears received in the chamber and engaged with the first bevel gears respectively, a main gear sleeved on the housing, and two output shafts respectively passing through the main gear and the housing to be connected with the second bevel gears. Thus, the first bevel gears and the second bevel gears can be tightly engaged with each other by means of the arrangement of the spider and the blocks to eliminate the power loss of the model car.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Topway Model Research Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chun-Min Yeh
  • Patent number: 8062160
    Abstract: A travel assembly, for example, suited for arrangement on a vehicle such as a mining dump truck, is provided with a travel motor, a planetary speed reduction mechanism for transmitting rotation of the travel motor at a lower rotational speed, a spindle forming an axle, and a wheel supported on the spindle via a tapered roller bearing and rotatable by the planetary speed reduction mechanism. The planetary speed reduction mechanism includes a sun gear rotatable by rotation of a shaft of the travel motor, planet gears for rotating the wheel in response to rotation of the sun gear, stepped pins forming rotary shafts for the planet gears, a carrier for holding the stepped pins thereon, and bolts for fixedly securing the stepped pins on the carrier. The travel assembly is provided with a spline connection connecting the spindle and the carrier with each other and a limiting member for limiting movements of the bolts in a direction toward the tapered roller bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takeshi Shibukawa
  • Patent number: 8057345
    Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator assembly with a frame, a movable element, first and second sensor targets that are coupled to the movable element for movement therewith, first and second sensors that are coupled to the frame and a controller. The first sensor is configured to sense a position of the first sensor target and to produce a first sensor signal in response thereto. The second sensor is configured to sense a position of the second sensor target and to produce a second sensor signal in response thereto. The controller that receives the first and second sensor signals and identifies three or more discrete points along a path of travel of the plunger. A differential assembly that incorporates the electromagnetic actuator assembly is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew F. Pinkos, Todd M. York, Gary A. Oliveira, Chad R. Umscheid
  • Patent number: 8036798
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a vehicular drive system arranged to electrically transmit a portion of an output force of an engine through an electric path. The control apparatus is configured to reduce loads of components associated with the electric path and to restrict a temperature rise of the components associated with the electric path, making it possible to reduce the required size of a cooling system. This is accomplished by placing a differential portion in a non-differential state or placing a switching clutch or switching brake in a partially engaged state when electrical energy through the electric path has increased to a thermal limit. As a result, the amount of generated electric energy is reduced, making it possible to restrict the temperature rise of the components associated with the electric path. Accordingly, the cooling system size can be reduced for these components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Tabata, Yutaka Taga, Yuji Inoue, Atsushi Kamada
  • Patent number: 8036801
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a vehicular drive system including a differential mechanism including an electric motor. The drive system includes a switching clutch and switching brake to switch the transmission mechanism between a continuously-variable shifting state and a step-variable shifting state. A shifting control mechanism changes a manner of controlling shifting action of the transmission mechanism during shifting action of an automatic transmission portion, for reducing a shifting shock, depending upon whether a differential portion is placed in the continuously-variable shifting state in which engine speed is variable due to differential function irrespective of rotating speed of power transmitting member, or the non-continuously-variable shifting state in which the engine speed is more difficult to be variable than in the continuously-variable shifting state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Tabata, Yuji Inoue, Atsushi Kamada
  • Publication number: 20110245007
    Abstract: A power transmission device for a front and rear wheel drive vehicle including: an electric type differential portion having a differential state between a rotation speed of a differential input member and a rotation speed of a differential output member controlled by controlling an operational sate of a first rotating machine coupled to a rotating element of a differential mechanism in a power transmittable manner; a second rotating machine disposed for at least one of front and rear wheels in a power transmittable manner; and a front and rear wheel power distribution device having three rotating elements that are an input rotating element, a first output rotating element operatively coupled to a first wheel that is one of the front and rear wheels, and a second output rotating element operatively coupled to a second wheel that is the other of the front and rear wheels, the front and rear wheel power distribution device distributing power to the first output rotating element and the second output rotating el
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Takahiro Yoshimura
  • Patent number: 8029399
    Abstract: A drive configuration for a skid steered vehicle incorporates a controlled differential for use in exercising steering control of the vehicle, comprising a compound planetary gear set (8) coupling two shafts (7a, 7b). Respective sun gears (10a) and (10b) turn with the shafts and mesh with compound planet gears (12) in a common planet carrier (13), the ratios of the number of gear teeth between each sun gear and the respective gears (14a) or (14b) of the compound planets being unequal so that when the planet carrier is stationary the two shafts are coupled through the differential to turn together in the same sense but with a speed difference, and controlled rotation of the planet carrier varies the speed difference between the shafts in accordance with the sense and speed of rotation of the planet carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Qinetiq Limited
    Inventor: Robert William Thompson
  • Publication number: 20110230294
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a drive system employing single drive power through the differential wheel group to drive two differential output shafts thereof, in which a normal closed brake is individually installed at each of two differential output ends, to prevent the shortcoming of the ineffective parking function caused by single side sliding when single side being suspended or parking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
  • Patent number: 8016893
    Abstract: A gear bearing drive provides a compact mechanism that operates as an actuator providing torque and as a joint providing support. The drive includes a gear arrangement integrating an external rotor DC motor within a sun gear. Locking surfaces maintain the components of the drive in alignment and provide support for axial loads and moments. The gear bearing drive has a variety of applications, including as a joint in robotic arms and prosthetic limbs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignees: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Northeastern University
    Inventors: Brian Weinberg, Constantinos Mavroidis, John M. Vranish
  • Publication number: 20110218070
    Abstract: An electric drive module for a motor vehicle includes an electric motor, a first input member, a first output member and a two-speed module selectively drivingly interconnecting the first input member and the first output member at one of two different drive ratios. A reduction unit includes a second input member being driven by the first output member and has a second output member being driven at a reduced speed relative to the second input member. A differential assembly has an input driven by said second output member. A first differential output drives a first output shaft, and a second differential output drives a second output shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: MAGNA POWERTRAIN OF AMERICA, INC
    Inventors: Noel R. Mack, John R. Forsyth, David W. Wenthen, Richard A. Bakowski, Mario C. DeSantis, Kelly Rathnaw
  • Patent number: 8012057
    Abstract: A drive assembly for a motor vehicle generally consisting of a first planetary gear set including a rim gear drivingly connected to an input shaft, a planetary gear carrier mounted on a first output shaft and a sun gear mounted on a second output shaft; a second planetary gear set including a planetary gear carrier mounted on the second output shaft and a planetary gear set drivingly connected to the planetary gear carrier of the first planetary gear set; and a selectively engergizabe electric motor including a rotor mounted on the sun gear of the second planetary gear set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventor: Christian Meixner
  • Publication number: 20110212804
    Abstract: A control device for a vehicle power transmission device includes: an electric differential portion having a differential mechanism that includes a first rotating element, a second rotating element that functions as an input rotating member coupled to an engine, and a third rotating element that functions as an output rotating member, a first electric motor coupled to the first rotating element, and a second electric motor connected to a power transmission path from the third rotating element to drive wheels in a manner enabling power transmission, the electric differential portion controlling a differential state between a rotation speed of the second rotating element and a rotation speed of the third rotating element by controlling an operation state of the first electric motor, the control device executing inertia torque compensation control that drives the first electrode motor to generate a compensation torque for reducing an inertia torque generated in the first electric motor in association with a chan
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tatsuya Imamura, Atsushi Tabata, Keita Imai, Tooru Matsubara, Kenta Kumazaki
  • Publication number: 20110212803
    Abstract: A drive for a vehicle includes a first electric motor, a second electric motor, and a planetary gear train to couple the first and second electric motors. The planetary gear train has a sun wheel mounted on a drive shaft, and a ring gear mounted on a drive shaft. The drive shaft of the sun wheel is hereby coupled with the first electric motor, and the drive shaft of the ring gear is coupled with the second electric motor. An axle drive unit is operably connected with wheels of the vehicle and coupled with planet wheels of the planetary gear train. Sun wheel and ring gear are rotatable in opposite directions in a startup phase. As a result, the electric motors are operated in a characteristic mapping range with higher torque before the start, thereby positively affecting the acceleration of the chassis when changing the relative rotation speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: Benteler Automobiltechnik GmbH
    Inventor: THIEU MAAS
  • Publication number: 20110203898
    Abstract: A vehicle power transmission device includes: a first power transmission member including a cylindrical shaft end portion rotatably supported via a first bearing on an inner circumferential side of a non-rotating support wall; and a second power transmission member supported on the inside of the cylindrical shaft end portion via a second bearing radially overlapping with the first bearing by the cylindrical shaft end portion to be rotatable concentrically and relatively to the first power transmission member, the second power transmission member including a circular disc gear portion protruded to an outer circumferential side at a predetermined distance from the second bearing in a shaft center direction of the second power transmission member, at a portion facing the first bearing, the gear portion having an annular inner circumferential guide protruding portion for guiding to the first bearing a lubricant oil that passes through the second bearing for lubrication, that enters into a gap between the second b
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventors: Terasu Harashima, Koichi Tanaka, Atsushi Teshima, Yoshihiko Sasaki, Hiroshi Hamaguchi
  • Publication number: 20110207570
    Abstract: A vehicle power transmission device includes: an input shaft; a planetary gear type speed reducer disposed concentrically to the input shaft to reduce and output rotation input to the input shaft; and a differential gear device disposed adjacently to the input shaft in a shaft center direction, the differential gear device being rotationally driven by the speed reducer to transmit a drive force to a pair of axles disposed on the shaft center while allowing a rotational difference between the axles, the speed reducer including a sun gear that is fit with a shaft end portion of the input shaft in a relatively non-rotatable manner, the sun gear being prevented from relatively moving toward the differential gear device by an annular snap ring fit and attached to an annular snap ring groove formed on an outer circumferential surface of the shaft end portion of the input shaft on the differential gear device side of the sun gear, the differential gear device including a differential case having a cylindrical end po
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventors: Koichi Tanaka, Rikiya Kubo, Yoshihiko Sasaki, Hiroshi Hamaguchi
  • Publication number: 20110206517
    Abstract: Two identical differential mechanisms are mounted in parallel between the input shaft connected to the rotor 1 of the wind generator by a speed step-up device, and the output shaft connected to a synchronous generator. The two planet gears are secured to the output shaft. The two planet carriers are secured to the input shaft. The two annulus gears therefore rotate at the same speed. They are connected by slightly differing transmission ratios, of which one is also reversing with respect to the other, to the two input elements of a comparator differential. The cage of this differential rotates at a speed equal to half the difference between the absolute values of the rotational speeds of the elements. After multiplication by gearing, this low speed is applied to the rotor of a regulating apparatus such as an electric generator. The transmission ratio is adjusted or regulated by altering the torque applied by the regulating generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: S4 ENERGY B.V.
    Inventors: Roumen Antonov, Bernard Pontet, Carl M. De Vries
  • Patent number: 7985162
    Abstract: A signal torque module assembly (STMA) is provided for use within a control moment gyroscope of the type that includes a rotor assembly. The STMA comprises a torque module assembly (TMA), which includes: (i) a TMA housing, (ii) a torque motor coupled to the TMA housing, and (iii) a gear train coupled to the TMA housing and mechanically coupling the torque motor to the rotor assembly. A signal module assembly is coupled to the TMA housing, and an elongated connector electrically couples the signal module assembly and the rotor assembly. The elongated connector extends through the gear train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Buchele, Torey Davis
  • Patent number: 7980980
    Abstract: A hybrid powertrain is provided that includes an engine operatively connected with an input member. The powertrain includes a transmission with first and second electric motor/generators, a differential gear set having multiple members, and selectively engagable torque-transmitting mechanisms. The input member, the output member, the engine and the motor/generators are selectively interconnected through the differential gear set by engagement of the torque-transmitting mechanisms in different combinations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Eric M. Rask, Peter J. Savagian, Alan G. Holmes, Larry T. Nitz