Differential Drive Or Control Patents (Class 475/150)
-
Patent number: 7553252Abstract: The differential unit with a limited slip differential mechanism of the present invention comprises a planetary gear mechanism for torque distribution of drive torque inputted to an input shaft from an engine between a front drive shaft and a rear drive shaft, and a multiple disc clutch for limiting differential rotation of the planetary gear mechanism, wherein, when a clutch plate receiving clutch engaging force applied to the multiple disc clutch is fixed to a side surface of a planetary carrier of the planetary gear mechanism, pins are formed on the ends of bolts for fixing the planetary carrier, and positioning and fixing is carried out by fitting the pins into check holes formed in the clutch plate.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2006Date of Patent: June 30, 2009Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Mamoru Murakami, Norio Owada
-
Publication number: 20090163313Abstract: A differential assembly 2 for variable torque distribution in the drive line of a motor vehicle. A differential gear 21 with a rotationally drivable differential cage 4 and two output shafts 3, 3?, which are drivingly connected to the differential cage 4 by means of a differential gear set 7, 9, 9?, wherein a first drive train is formed. A gear stage 14, 14? per output shaft 3, 3?, which gear stage is drivingly connected on one side to the differential cage 4 and on the other side to one of the output shafts 3, 3? is part of a second drive train which is functionally parallel to the first drive train. Friction clutch 15, 15? are provided for each gear stage 14, 14? and ball ramp assemblies are provided for actuating the friction clutches, the ball ramp assembly having a plurality of ball grooves 44, 45; 44?, 45? of variable depth. A single electric motor 52 is drivingly connected to rotatably driveable discs 43; 43? of axial setting devices 16, 16?.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2006Publication date: June 25, 2009Applicant: GKN DRIVELINE INTERNATIONAL GMBHInventors: Theodor Gassmann, Mark Schmidt, Kai Sorge, Kurt Muller, Ralph Mertens
-
Publication number: 20090156346Abstract: A locking differential assembly with a differential case, a gearset, a first dog, a second dog and a thrust member. The differential case has a mounting hub. The gearset is disposed in the differential case and has a side gear. The first dog is coupled to the side gear. The thrust member is slidably supported on the mounting hub and has projections that extend through apertures in the differential case and engage the second dog.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2009Publication date: June 18, 2009Inventors: Gregory M. Donofrio, Larry Glenn Haske, Todd Michael York, Paul J. Valente, Brian Anthony Calomeni
-
Patent number: 7544143Abstract: In a drive unit (10) of an adjuster (80) in a vehicle, having at least one particularly electronically commutated motor (12) and at least one gear stage (14) provided on the output side of the motor (12), the gear stage (14) is designed as a differential gear, which by making use of two different speeds and/or directions of rotation causes a movement of an output (54) around an axis (A).Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2006Date of Patent: June 9, 2009Assignee: Keiper GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Rolf Schüler, Michael Berres, Bernd Bossmanns, Karsten Kalmus, Christoph Schuhn, Heinz Voss
-
Publication number: 20090118095Abstract: To provide a control system for a power transmission system capable of speed change control in conformity of a deceleration demand. For this purpose, there is provided a control system for a power transmission system, which has at least two transmission units having different responsiveness to a speed change and capable of setting a speed change ratio individually, and in which a total speed change ratio is determined according to the speed change ratios of the transmission units, comprising: a speed change control means for changing a priority order to carry out a speed change operation of the individual transmission units to achieve a predetermined deceleration in conformity with a content of the deceleration demand, when the predetermined deceleration is demanded.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2006Publication date: May 7, 2009Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Atsushi Tabata, Ryuji Ibaraki, Tooru Matsubara, Yukihiko Ideshio, Hiroyuki Shibata
-
Publication number: 20090098969Abstract: A miniaturized vehicular drive apparatus is provided with a reduced size in an axial direction without increasing the number of parallel shafts. A first electric motor M1 and a power distributing mechanism (differential portion) 16 are disposed on a first axis CL1, forming a rotational axis of an input rotary member 14, in series starting therefrom and an automatic transmission (transmission portion) 20 is disposed on a second axis CL2 parallel to the first axis CL1. A drive linkage 23 is provided between a power transmitting member 18, acting as a rotary member placed on the first axis CL1 at an end portion thereof in opposition to the input rotary member 14, i.e., in opposition to an engine 8, and a first intermediate shaft (rotary member) 40, disposed on the second axis CL2 at an end portion thereof in opposition to the input rotary member 14, for power transmitting capability. Thus, a power transmitting path is formed in a C-shape, i.e.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2006Publication date: April 16, 2009Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Atsushi Tabata, Terufumi Miyazaki, Atsushi Kamada, Yutaka Taga
-
Publication number: 20090093331Abstract: A hybrid drive device includes an input member connected to an engine; an output member connected to a wheel; a first rotating electrical machine; a second rotating electrical machine connected to the output member; and a differential gear device including at least four rotational elements. The input member, the output member, and the first rotating electrical machine are respectively connected to different rotational elements of the differential gear device. The output member is capable of selectively connecting to one of two rotational elements of the differential gear device to which neither the input member nor the first rotating electrical machine is connected.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2008Publication date: April 9, 2009Applicants: AISIN AW CO., LTD., TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Makoto Iwanaka, Shigeki Takami, Nobukazu Ike, Hiroaki Sanji, Miyoshi Kawaguchi, Yukihiko Ideshio, Shigeru Okuwaki
-
Publication number: 20090091199Abstract: A handheld electric mixer has a variable speed motor and a two-speed gearbox for transmitting driving torque of the motor to a pair of work pieces that mix, blend, beat or otherwise act upon a food item or recipe constituents. The gear box has a first gear ratio for providing a first range of output speeds and a second gear ratio for providing a second range of output speeds. The first ratio transmits at least twice as much torque to the rotational work pieces as does the second ratio. There is an electronic speed controller for controlling rotational speed the motor and a separate ratio selector for selecting between the first and second ratios of the gearbox.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2007Publication date: April 9, 2009Applicant: MAIN POWER ELECTRICAL FACTORY LTD.Inventor: William Kwok Kay Lee
-
Publication number: 20090088290Abstract: A vehicle drive apparatus is disclosed having a differential mechanism and an electric motor provided in the differential mechanism for miniaturizing the drive apparatus or improving fuel consumption while suppressing the occurrence of shifting shocks. A switching clutch C0 or switching brake B0 is provided for placing a shifting mechanism 10 in a continuously variable shifting state and a step variable shifting state, enabling the drive apparatus to have combined advantages including a fuel economy improving effect of a transmission, enabled to electrically change a speed ratio, and a high transmitting efficiency of a gear type transmitting device enabled to mechanically transmit drive power.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2006Publication date: April 2, 2009Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Atsushi Tabata, Yuji Inoue, Atsushi Kamada
-
Publication number: 20090082152Abstract: A driving power distribution device includes a propeller shaft that transmits the driving power generated by an engine, a differential device having a planetary gear device that is provided concentrically with the axial center of rotation of the propeller shaft, and a hydraulic motor fixed to the propeller shaft. The ring gear of the planetary gear device is coupled to the propeller shaft. The carrier is connected to a right rear wheel. The sun gear is connected to a left rear wheel. Inner pinions of the planetary gear device are driven by the hydraulic motor. Therefore, while the driving power generated by the engine is being distributed to the right and left rear wheels, a control of generating a desired torque difference or restricting the differential motion can be performed. Also, the actuator torque capacity can be reduced, so that size reduction of the device is made possible.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 1, 2006Publication date: March 26, 2009Inventor: Yoshihiro Ikushima
-
Publication number: 20090082154Abstract: A control apparatus for a vehicular drive system including (a) an electrically controlled differential portion having a differential mechanism and operable to control a differential state between its input and output speeds by controlling an operating state of an electric motor connected to a rotary element of the differential mechanism, and (b) a transmission portion which constitutes a part of a power transmitting path between the electrically controlled differential portion and a drive wheel of a vehicle, the control apparatus including a non-iso-power shifting control portion configured to implement a non-iso-power shifting control of the vehicular drive system (differential portion) when a required special shifting action of the transmission portion not according to a shifting boundary line map should be restricted.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2008Publication date: March 26, 2009Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Yuji Iwase, Tooru Matsubara, Hiroyuki Shibata, Atsushi Tabata
-
Publication number: 20090082151Abstract: A vehicular drive system including a first electric motor, a power distributing mechanism, and a second electric motor disposed on a first axis, and an automatic transmission portion disposed on a second axis parallel to the first axis, and a power transmitting member at an end of the first axis remote from an input rotary member and a rotary member at an end of the second axis remote from the input rotary member are connected to each other through a drive linkage, thereby a total axial dimension of the first electric motor, power distributing mechanism, and second electric motor and an axial dimension of the automatic transmission portion are substantially equal to each other, whereby the axial dimension of the drive system is reduced. A housing of the vehicular drive system includes mutually separate first, second, third, and fourth casing portions, so the drive system can be easily assembled.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2006Publication date: March 26, 2009Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Atsushi Tabata, Terufumi Miyazaki, Atsushi Kamada, Yutaka Taga
-
Patent number: 7507176Abstract: An axle assembly includes a housing, a first shaft rotatably positioned in the housing, and a second shaft rotatably positioned in the housing. A power transfer mechanism is also positioned in the housing and operable to selectively transmit rotary power between the first and second shafts. An actuator having a linearly moveable member is operable to drivingly engage the moveable member with the power transfer mechanism to cause power transmission between the first and second shafts. A sensor circuit is positioned within the housing and operable to output a signal indicative of the linear position of the moveable member. The sensor circuit includes first and second Hall effect devices electrically connected such that only two electrical terminals extend through the housing.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2006Date of Patent: March 24, 2009Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.Inventor: Andrew F. Pinkos
-
Patent number: 7507177Abstract: Transmission method and arrangement for distributing tractive force in a vehicle between a first transmission branch (28a) and a second transmission branch (30). The transmission branches are connected to one another by way of a fork (28b) and one transmission branch (28a) is directly connectable to at least one wheel contact surface. The second transmission branch (30) is connected to the fork (28b) by way of a control unit (19), which is provided with control means (27) for varying the transmission ratio in this branch (30). The invention furthermore relates to a vehicle having at least two driving wheels (16, 16b, 17, 17b, 18, 18b) and the transmission arrangement specified above.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2006Date of Patent: March 24, 2009Assignee: Volvo Articulated Haulers ABInventor: Karl-Erik Olsson
-
Publication number: 20090074511Abstract: A planetary grinding machine having a simple design with a minimal number of parts, which are all easily accessible for maintenance and repair is disclosed. The machine has a rotating planetary disk with rotating screeding disks attached. The planetary disk is driven by a shaft extending through a top housing cover plate, which supports a transmission driven by a motor. As the planetary disk rotates, a single belt engages a stationary gear on the cover plate and pulleys on screeding disk shafts to turn the screeding disks as the planetary disk is turned. The belts and pulleys for the drive mechanism are sandwiched between the planetary disk and the top cover to protect the mechanisms from dust and debris. The bearings are sealed to prevent dust and debris from entering and oil from escaping. The bearings, being on the inside of the planetary disk, keep oil from landing on the floor.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2007Publication date: March 19, 2009Inventor: Martin L. Anderson
-
Publication number: 20090076694Abstract: 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, which 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2006Publication date: March 19, 2009Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Atsushi Tabata, Yutaka Taga, Yuji Inoue, Atsushi Kamada
-
Publication number: 20090075774Abstract: Vehicular drive system which is small-sized and/or improved in its fuel economy. A power distributing mechanism 16, which is provided with a differential-state switching device in the form of a switching clutch C0 and a switching brake B0, is switchable by the switching device between a differential state (continuously-variable shifting state) in which the mechanism is operable as an electrically controlled continuously variable transmission, and a fixed-speed-ratio shifting state in which the mechanism is operable as a transmission having a fixed speed ratio or ratios. The power distributing mechanism 16 is placed in the fixed-speed-ratio shifting state during a high-speed running of the vehicle or a high-speed operation of engine 8, so that the output of the engine 8 is transmitted to drive wheels 38 primarily through a mechanical power transmitting path, whereby fuel economy of the vehicle is improved owing to reduction of a loss of conversion of a mechanical energy into an electric energy.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2008Publication date: March 19, 2009Inventors: Atsushi TABATA, Yutaka Taga
-
Patent number: 7500933Abstract: A transmission for distributing a drive torque to two drive output shafts, with two planetary gearsets each having at least three shafts. A respective shaft of a planetary gearset is connected to a drive input shaft. Furthermore, one shaft of each planetary gearset constitutes one of the output shafts and in each case at least one further shaft of a planetary gearset is connected with a shaft of another planetary gearset. An operation-status-dependent torque of one shaft can be supported by the connection, depending on an operating status of the other shaft connected thereto, in such manner that when there is a rotation speed difference between the output shafts, a speed-difference-changing torque is applied to the planetary gearsets. Furthermore, a drive train is proposed, in which a drive torque from a drive-power-source is distributed variably in the longitudinal and transverse direction of the vehicle in an operation-status-dependent manner.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2004Date of Patent: March 10, 2009Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Detlef Baasch, Gerhard Gumpoltsberger, Christoph Pelchen, Barbara Schmohl, Ulrich Mair, Thomas Rosemeier
-
Patent number: 7494438Abstract: A differential planetary gear apparatus has a single-pinion-type structure in which one planetary gear (3) is arranged in a radial direction and one or more planetary gears (3) are arranged in a circumferential direction in a region between a sun gear (1) and a ring gear (2), a drive source (4), a speed-change motive source (5), and a driven unit (6) are disposed at any one of an input side (I), an output side (O), and a speed-change side (T), respectively, and the speed-change motive source (5) includes an electric motor.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2007Date of Patent: February 24, 2009Assignee: Ebara CorporationInventors: Katsumi Kimura, Toshio Miwa, Michio Takashima, Takeshi Usami, Kazuhiko Sugiyama
-
Publication number: 20090048050Abstract: A drive apparatus for vehicle is disclosed having a coupling device (switching clutch B0 or switching brake C0) operative to switch a transmission mechanism 10 between a continuously variable shifting state and a step-variable shifting state with both advantages including improved fuel consumption achieved by a transmission, enabled to electrically control a speed ratio, and increased power transmitting efficiency provided by a gear-type transmitting device in which drive power is mechanically transmitted. With the transmission mechanism 10, switching control means 50 allows a differential portion 11 to be maintained in the continuously variable shifting state or the differential portion 11 is preferentially placed in the continuously variable shifting state during a start-up of an engine.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2006Publication date: February 19, 2009Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Atsushi Kamada, Atsushi Tabata, Yuji Inoue
-
Publication number: 20090029819Abstract: A transmission mechanism including a switching clutch or brake that is switchable between a continuously-variable shifting state and a step-variable shifting state, and has both an advantage of improved fuel economy provided by a transmission, the speed ratio of which is electrically variable, and an advantage of high power transmitting efficiency provided by a gear type power transmitting device constructed for mechanical transmission of power. While a clutch-to-clutch shifting action of an automatic transmission portion is in a tie-up state, a differential portion is placed in a continuously-variable shifting state by switching control, and engine speed is changed under the control of hybrid control, so as to prevent a drop of the engine speed for thereby reducing a shock of the shifting action, unlike in a non-continuously-variable shifting state of the differential portion in which the engine speed is directly influenced by the tie-up state.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2006Publication date: January 29, 2009Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Atsushi Tabata, Atsushi Kamada, Yuji Inoue
-
Publication number: 20090023530Abstract: A control apparatus for a hybrid vehicle power transmitting system including a switching portion operable to switch a power transmitting path between a power transmitting state and a power cut-off state in response to an operation of a shift lever, the control apparatus including (a) an operating-state estimating portion configured to estimate an operating speed of an electric motor which constitutes a part of the power transmitting path or a rotating speed of a coupling element of the coupling portion, which speed is established after switching of the power transmitting path from one of the power transmitting and cut-off states to the other, and (b) a switching restricting portion configured to restrict a switching operation to switch the power transmitting path between the two states, when the estimated operating or rotating speed of the electric motor or coupling device is higher than a predetermined upper limit.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2008Publication date: January 22, 2009Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Yuji Iwase, Tooru Matsubara, Hiroyuki Shibata, Atsushi Tabata
-
Publication number: 20090011889Abstract: An axle assembly with an electric locking differential that can include a one-piece differential case and a locking device. The locking device includes a dog that is nonrotatably but axially slidably received into a pocket that is formed in an end of the differential case. An actuator is mounted on the differential case. Actuation of the actuator moves the dog into engagement with a second dog that is coupled to a side gear of the differential to thereby lock the side gear to the differential case.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2008Publication date: January 8, 2009Applicant: AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC.Inventors: Gregory M. DONOFRIO, Larry G. Haske, Todd M. York, Paul J. Valente, Brian A. Calomeni
-
Publication number: 20090008206Abstract: A transfer case for selectively coupling a secondary driveline with a primary driveline comprises: a first output shaft; a second output shaft; a clutch assembly disposed at the second output shaft, the clutch assembly including inner and outer drum members, one of the inner and outer drum members rotatable in association with rotation of the first output shaft and the other one of the inner and outer drum members coupled with the second output shaft, the clutch assembly further including a plurality of frictional clutch plates, the frictional clutch plates formed of at least one frictional clutch plate coupled with the inner drum member and at least one frictional clutch plate coupled with the outer drum member; an actuator shaft rotatably coupled with an actuator; and a clutch actuator means coupled with the actuator for applying axial force to the frictional clutch plates to transmit a drive torque of the first output shaft to the second output shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2007Publication date: January 8, 2009Applicant: WIA CorporationInventor: Thomas C. Bowen
-
Publication number: 20080300084Abstract: An electric drive transmission for a skid steered vehicle has a central casing housing a pair of propulsion motors comprising respective stators and rotors, each rotor being coupled to drive a respective through shaft via a respective epicyclic gear change mechanism. The through shafts are coupled at their inboard ends to a controlled differential with an input from a steer motor, and are coupled at their outboard ends to respective epicyclic gear reduction mechanisms. The through shafts are supported in the casing by respective bearings and the propulsion motor rotors are supported on the through shafts by respective bearings. By supporting the rotors on the through shafts rather than in separate bearings to the casing the diameter and speed rating of the requisite rotor bearings can be reduced.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 10, 2005Publication date: December 4, 2008Inventor: Robert Willam Thompson
-
Patent number: 7452299Abstract: The invention can reduce a number of parts, make an assembly and a part management easy and make a setting of an interval in an axial direction easy. A coupling apparatus is constructed by a lock ring which is rotationally engaged with a side gear corresponding to one of a differential case and a side gear capable of relatively rotating with each other by a coupling portion, is movable in an axial direction and has engagement teeth capable of engaging and interrupting with engagement teeth of the differential case on the basis of the axial movement, and an electromagnet which executes a movement in an axial direction of the lock ring on the basis of a line of magnetic force passing through the engagement teeth.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2005Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Tochigi Fuji Sangyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Masao Teraoka
-
Patent number: 7448976Abstract: A transmission is provided which has a very compact system configuration and is capable of exerting high energy efficiency over all speed regions from a low speed region to a high speed region, while providing improved operability free from a torque shortage. To this end, the transmission has an input shaft, an intermediate output shaft, a planetary gear mechanism, a first pump-motor, and a second pump-motor connected to the first pump-motor, the input shaft being coupled to a first element of the planetary gear mechanism, the second pump-motor being coupled to a second element of the planetary gear mechanism, the intermediate output shaft being coupled to a third element of the planetary gear mechanism, and the transmission further comprising a switching mechanism for selectively coupling the first pump-motor to either the input shaft or the intermediate output shaft.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2007Date of Patent: November 11, 2008Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.Inventors: Hikosaburo Hiraki, Takashi Kuse, Toshikazu Okada, Shigeru Yamamoto, Naoki Ishizaki
-
Publication number: 20080274850Abstract: The present invention relates to a transmission apparatus (15) including at least one of a dividing unit (6) and a differential planetary gear unit (30), and a joint unit (20). A rotational power, which has been input to the transmission apparatus (15), is transmitted to the joint unit (20) via the dividing unit (6) or the differential planetary gear unit (30). A rotational power to be input to the joint unit (20) is smaller than the rotational power which has been input to the transmission apparatus (15), and the joint unit comprises a fluid coupling.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2007Publication date: November 6, 2008Applicant: EBARA CORPORATIONInventors: Katsumi Kimura, Toshio Miwa, Michio Takashima, Takeshi Usami, Kazuhiko Sugiyama
-
Publication number: 20080230289Abstract: A bearing lubrication device in a right angle gear reducer includes a gear housing having an interior portion and a lubricating fluid reservoir therein. An oil slinger, rotating pinion shaft, pinion shaft housing, and bearings for supporting the pinion shaft within the pinion shaft housing work together to provide a continuous supply of oil to the bearings. The pinion shaft includes two radially and longitudinally extending passageways therethrough which supply oil from a recess in one end of the pinion shaft to the bearings. Oil is slung from the reservoir into the recess of the rotating pinion shaft where it is forced outwardly and through the passageways to a chamber formed by the rotating pinion shaft, shaft housing and bearings. The roller bearings pump the oil from the chamber back to the fluid reservoir. Oil passageways in the shaft housing enable the return of oil from one bearing set.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2007Publication date: September 25, 2008Inventors: BENJAMIN WARREN SCHOON, JAMES R. DAMMON
-
Publication number: 20080207376Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electric continuously variable transmission. The transmission of the present invention includes a first rotating plate (110) which is mounted to a first shaft and provided with a sun gear (112), a second rotating plate (120) to which a planetary gear unit (121) is mounted, and a third rotating plate (130) which is mounted to a second shaft, with a ring gear (132) provided on a circumferential inner surface of the third rotating plate. The transmission further includes a field unit (140) which has a first coil (114) wound around a plurality of cores (113) provided on the first rotating plate. The transmission further includes a generation coil unit (150) which has a second coil (124) wound around a plurality of cores (123) provided on the second rotating plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2005Publication date: August 28, 2008Inventor: Chan Jae Lee
-
Publication number: 20080194371Abstract: A rotation speed of a transmitting member is controlled such that a predetermined rotation speed difference or predetermined rotation speed ratio is obtained between the rotation speed of the transmitting member and an eighth rotating element or a fourth rotating element. By detecting a change in the rotation speed of a second motor that is connected to the transmitting member when an apply device is applied, it is possible to determine the time at which a first clutch or a second clutch starts to be applied and the time at which the first clutch or the second clutch is completely applied. As a result, it is possible to control the apply pressure of the first clutch or the second clutch and thus rapidly execute a shift.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2008Publication date: August 14, 2008Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Tooru Matsubara, Hiroyuki Shibata, Atsushi Tabata, Masakazu Kaifuku
-
Patent number: 7410017Abstract: An electric drive axle, which is located between and powers the left and right drive wheels of an automotive vehicle, includes an electric motor and left and right torque couplings. Torque developed by the motor transfers through the torque couplings to axle shafts which are connected to the drive wheels. Each torque coupling includes a magnetic particle clutch and a planetary set organized such that the current flowing through the electromagnet of the clutch controls the torque delivered through the coupler. The magnetic particle clutches also accommodate slippage so that the drive wheels may rotate at different angular velocities.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2004Date of Patent: August 12, 2008Assignee: The Timken CompanyInventor: Mircea Gradu
-
Patent number: 7407458Abstract: A four wheel drive articulated mine loader is powered by a fuel cell and propelled by a single electric motor. The drivetrain has the first axle, second axle, and motor arranged in series on the work machine chassis. Torque is carried from the electric motor to the back differential via a pinion meshed with the ring gear of the back differential. A second pinion oriented in an opposite direction away from the ring gear is coupled to a drive shaft to transfer torque from the ring gear to the differential of the front axle. Thus, the ring gear of the back differential acts both to receive torque from the motor and to transfer torque to the forward axle. The in-line drive configuration includes a single electric motor and a single reduction gear to power the four wheel drive mine loader.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2005Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Brian Hoff
-
Publication number: 20080182697Abstract: The invention relates to a low-ratio reducer-multiplier transmission system, the object of which is to obtain the multiplication or reduction of speed, and the reduction or multiplication of stress between an input shaft and an output shaft with at least four different values, such that the input-output ratio can be close to one and furthermore that the four values form a geometric progression close to 1. This system comprises at least: one movement input [1]; one movement output [2]; a first ring gear [3] of a first planet gear; a first planet carrier [4] of a first planet gear; a first sun gear [5] of a first planet gear; a second sun gear [6] of a second planet gear; a second ring gear [7] of a second planet gear; a second planet carrier [8] of a second planet gear; one brake control element B1 [9]; one brake control element B2 [10]; one clutch control element C1 [11]; one clutch control element C2 [11]; one casing [0].Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2008Publication date: July 31, 2008Applicant: SAPA PLACENCIA, S.L.Inventors: Pedro Aoiz Miguel, Inigo Garcia-Eizaga Telleria
-
Patent number: 7399248Abstract: A differential mechanism for transmitting power from an input to an output includes a case containing a side gear, a locking member rotatably secured to the case and axially displaceable relative to the case. The locking member alternately engages the side gear to limit rotation of the side gear relative to the case, and disengages the side gear to permit rotation of the side gear relative to the case. An electromagnetic coil assembly is supported on the case for movement toward and away from the locking member. A first actuator including an electromagnetic coil is supported on the case for moving the locking member toward engagement with the side gear in response to energizing the coil. A second actuator urges the locking member away from engagement with the side gear.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2006Date of Patent: July 15, 2008Assignee: Ford Motor CompanyInventors: Aaron Kleinhans, Xiaohong Duan, Zhesheng Li, Clive McKenzie, Brian Andonian
-
Publication number: 20080149407Abstract: In a control apparatus of a vehicular drive system, a charging/discharging-restricted shift control apparatus makes a determination to perform a shift in a shifting portion such that less power is charged to a power storage device or discharged from a power storage device when charging or discharging of the power storage device is restricted than when charging or discharging of the power storage device is not restricted.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2007Publication date: June 26, 2008Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Hiroyuki Shibata, Tooru Matsubara, Atsushi Tabata
-
Patent number: 7390278Abstract: A front-wheel-drive transaxle unit for a motor vehicle comprises a differential assembly having a differential mechanism disposed in a differential case and two opposite output shafts outwardly extending from the differential case and a torque-coupling device for selectively restricting differential rotation of the differential mechanism. The torque-coupling device includes a friction clutch assembly for selectively frictionally engaging and disengaging the differential case and one of the output shafts, and a selectively controllable clutch actuator assembly for selectively frictionally loading the friction clutch assembly. The clutch assembly includes at least one first member non-rotatably coupled to the differential case and at least one second member non-rotatably coupled to one of said output shafts. The torque-coupling device provides the differential assembly of the front-wheel-drive transaxle unit with both limited-slip and open differential capabilities.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2005Date of Patent: June 24, 2008Assignee: Dana Automotive Systems Group, LLC.Inventor: James A. Krisher
-
Patent number: 7384359Abstract: An axle assembly includes a housing having first and second shafts rotatably positioned in the housing. A power transfer mechanism is also positioned in the housing and selectively operable to transmit rotary power between the first and second shafts. An actuator is operable to move a linearly moveable member of the power transfer mechanism. A sensor circuit is positioned within the housing and operable to output a signal having a frequency that varies in accordance with the position of the linearly moveable member, thereby indicating an operating state of the power transfer mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2006Date of Patent: June 10, 2008Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.Inventor: Andrew F. Pinkos
-
Patent number: 7384357Abstract: An electric drive unit for a vehicle includes an electric motor, two output shafts, a first speed reduction planetary gearset driven by the motor, a second speed reduction gearset driven by an output of the first gearset, and a compound planetary differential gearset including an input driveably connected to the output of the second gearset, a first differential output driveably connected to the first output shaft, and a second differential output driveably connected to the second output shaft.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2006Date of Patent: June 10, 2008Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Steven G. Thomas, David A. Janson, Matthew D. Hammond
-
Publication number: 20080106163Abstract: A transaxle includes a case having an opening, a second rotating electric machine stored in the opening of the case and having a stators, a rear planetary gear stored in the transaxle case and connected to the second rotating electric machine, a transaxle rear cover sealing the opening and a bolt fixing the second rotating electric machine to the transaxle case. The stator has first and second thrust end faces defining an axial length thereof. The first thrust end face is pressed against an inner surface of the case.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2005Publication date: May 8, 2008Inventors: Yota Mizuno, Yuji Shimada, Hiroshi Hata, Akito Okawa, Kinji Tange, Kinya Yoshii, Masatoshi Adachi
-
Patent number: 7364524Abstract: A module with an axle assembly, which has a housing, a differential, an input shaft, a pair of shafts and a pair of wheel hubs, and an auxiliary drive unit that includes an electric motor and an overrunning clutch. The differential and the input shaft are disposed in the housing for rotation therein. The differential includes a case and a ring gear that is coupled to the case. The input shaft has a pinion that is meshingly engaged to the ring gear. Each shaft couples the differential to one of the wheel hubs. The overrunning clutch includes an input portion, which is coupled to the output shaft of the electric motor, and an output portion, which is coupled to the input shaft. The output portion is de-coupled from the input portion when a rotational speed of the input portion is not greater than a rotational speed of the output portion.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2006Date of Patent: April 29, 2008Assignee: American Axel & Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Gregory A. Marsh, Robert J. Degowske, Zugang Huang
-
Patent number: 7357748Abstract: A limited slip differential comprises a housing having an input, a first output, and a second output rotatably mounted in the housing. A friction clutch in the housing limits slip between the first output and the second output, and a mechanism in the housing applies an axial force to the friction clutch. The mechanism includes a rotatable actuating plate and a non-rotatable, back-up plate. A motor that rotates the actuating plate is controlled by an electronic motor control which has a feed back that is responsive to the force applied by the mechanism to the friction clutch. In one embodiment, the feed back measures the angular position of the rotatable actuating plate which is mounted on an angular contact bearing. The stain or slight axial movement of the outer race of the angular contact bearing is measured to provide the feed back to the electronic motor control.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2005Date of Patent: April 15, 2008Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.Inventor: William R. Kelley, Jr.
-
Patent number: 7329200Abstract: In a drive unit (10) of an adjuster (80) of a vehicle seat, in particular of a motor vehicle seat, having at least one particularly electronically commutated motor (12) and at least one gear stage (14) provided on the output side of the motor (12), the gear stage (14) is designed as a differential gear, which by making use of two different speeds and/or directions of rotation causes a movement of an output (54) around an axis (A).Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2006Date of Patent: February 12, 2008Assignee: KEIPER GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Rolf Schüler, Michael Berres, Bernd Bossmanns, Karsten Kalmus, Christoph Schuhn, Heinz Voss
-
Patent number: 7326141Abstract: A transmission drive system (TDS) has two AC induction traction motors, each operatively coupled to two semi-independent coaxial traction shafts, and two AC induction steer motors coaxially mounted on a common steer axis parallel to the coaxial traction shafts. A steering gear assembly, preferably between the traction and steering motors, has a common steer input shaft operatively connected to the two AC induction steering motors. Two planetary gear sets have the two traction shafts being operatively connected with one of a two planet gear carriers, or two ring gears, respectively. The other of the planet gear carriers or the ring gears are operatively connected with each other. Two offset gears mounted to the steer input shaft and meshing with two sun gears, respectively, including a reversing idler gear interposed between one of the two offset gears and one of the two sun gears.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2006Date of Patent: February 5, 2008Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.Inventors: Arthur P. Lyons, Bart Winter Mancini
-
Patent number: 7325664Abstract: The electromagnetic actuator includes an electromagnetic coil configured to provide actuation force in accordance with a solenoid current to be supplied, to a clutch and configured to actuate the clutch to control relative rotation between first and second members. The electromagnetic actuator includes a detector configured to detect the clutch actuated to produce a detection signal. The electromagnetic actuator includes a controller configured to respond to the detection signal from the detector to control the solenoid current.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2005Date of Patent: February 5, 2008Assignee: Tochigi Fuji Sangyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Masaaki Fusegi
-
Patent number: 7294081Abstract: In a drive unit (10) for vehicle seat, in particular for a motor vehicle seat, having at least one motor (12) and at least one gear stage (14) provided on the output side of the motor (12), the gear stage (14) is designed as a switch gear, so that two different directions of rotation of the output (54) can be provided/selected between, while retaining one sole permanent direction of rotation of the motor (12).Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2006Date of Patent: November 13, 2007Assignee: Keiper GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Rolf Schüler, Michael Berres, Bernd Bossmanns, Karsten Kalmus, Christoph Schuhn, Heinz Voss
-
Patent number: 7278945Abstract: A differential (100) includes a clutch pack that is activated by rotational movement of a ball ramp (31) that results in a linear force applied to the reaction plates (41) and friction plates (42). The ball ramp (31) is controlled by a DC motor (114) that has a high efficiency of a gear train to allow the use of the DC motor to control the activation of the clutch pack.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2005Date of Patent: October 9, 2007Assignee: TEAM Industries, Inc.Inventors: John Edward Hamrin, Matthew Douglas Cann, Joel Dunlap, Gregory L. Maki
-
Patent number: 7264568Abstract: A differential gear mechanism, of either the locking Cr limited slip type, including a gear case rotatably disposed within an outer housing and a mechanism to limit rotation of side gears relative to the gear case; this rotation limiting mechanism including a member which is axially moveable between a first position and a second position. The mechanism includes a sensor assembly and a sensor element disposed adjacent the gear case. The axially moveable member includes a sensed portion surrounding an annular surface of the gear case, and disposed between the annular surface and the sensor element, in one embodiment. Movement of the sensed portion corresponding to changes within the mechanism between unlocked and locked conditions results in the sensor assembly transmitting an electrical output. The vehicle control logic can know the condition of the differential mechanism and control certain other parts or functions of the vehicle accordingly.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2005Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Allan S. Ludwig, Matthew G. Fox
-
Publication number: 20070197336Abstract: When a vehicle condition is in a region where limitation of the differential action of a differential portion should be stopped, for example in a CVT control region or a motor-driven region, a cutoff device prohibits the limitation of the differential action. Therefore, if the differential action may be limited due to a failure when the vehicle condition is in the region where the limitation of the differential action should be stopped, the fail-safe function is performed to prohibit the limitation of the differential action. This avoids the situation where fuel efficiency is decreased, driveability is deteriorated, and a shock is caused by limiting the differential action.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 19, 2007Publication date: August 23, 2007Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Atsushi Tabata, Takuma Kakinami
-
Patent number: 7258213Abstract: A torque transfer mechanism is provided for controlling the magnitude of a clutch engagement force exerted on a multi-plate clutch assembly that is operably disposed between a first rotary and a second rotary member. The torque transfer mechanism includes a power-operated face gear clutch actuator for generating and applying a clutch engagement force on the clutch assembly.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2006Date of Patent: August 21, 2007Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.Inventors: Todd Ekonen, Douglas Bradley