Variable Speed Or Direction Transmission Combined With Differential Patents (Class 475/198)
  • Patent number: 11878592
    Abstract: A control method for an electric vehicle controls braking force when the accelerator operation amount is less than a prescribed value and controls drive force when the accelerator operation amount is at least a prescribed value. The electric vehicle control method estimates disturbance torque that acts on the motor as a resistance component relating to gradient; and executes correction whereby the braking force or the drive force is increased/decreased on the basis of the disturbance torque estimated value, such that the resistance component is negated. A determination is made regarding whether or not the accelerator operation amount is a partial equivalent amount and, if at least either the accelerator operation amount on a downhill road is greater than the partial equivalent amount or the accelerator operation amount on an uphill road is less than the partial equivalent amount, the correction amount is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoteru Kujubu, Ikuma Shindo, Tatsuya Suzuki
  • Patent number: 11668272
    Abstract: An engine is disclosed having a starter clutch ring gear, and a crank case having an integral starter pinion accepting member defining a through bore, and a gear assembly having an exterior surface configured to engage a flywheel and an surface engaging the second of the shaft. A starter pinion shaft is disposed through the through bore. The integral starter pinion accepting member defines a surface coupled to an engine mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Chad A. Dale, Lawrence J. Hosaluk
  • Patent number: 11628842
    Abstract: In a vehicle drive device, a second power source is connected to a first rotating element of a differential mechanism, and the other output shaft of a first output shaft and a second output shaft is connected to a third rotating element so as to be disconnectable and connectable by a disconnection-connection mechanism. A control device places the disconnection-connection mechanism in a disconnected state. When a second traveling mode in which the third rotating element is fixed to a fixing member through engagement of an engaging element is switched to a first traveling mode in which the disconnection-connection mechanism is placed in a connected state, the control device disengages the engaging element, executes synchronous control in which rotational speeds of the other output shaft and the third rotating element are synchronized by a second power source, and switches the disconnection-connection mechanism from the disconnected state to the connected state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Atsushi Tabata, Koichi Okuda, Koji Takaira, Akinori Homan, Yosuke Akiyama, Akira Ijichi, Kunihiko Usui
  • Patent number: 11592093
    Abstract: Methods and systems for nacelle door electromechanical actuation may include a power distribution unit comprising a motor and differential gears; and a plurality of electromechanical actuators, each coupled to an output of a corresponding one of the differential gears. Each of the electromechanical actuators may include a configurable brake and a mechanical output, where the power distribution unit may provide mechanical torque to one of the electromechanical actuators via the motor and the differential gears based on configuration of the configurable brakes in each of the electromechanical actuators. At least one of the configurable brakes may be an electrically configurable brake. At least one of the configurable brakes may be a mechanically configurable brake. The differential gears may include two or more differential gears for receiving an input torque and supplying an output torque to one of a plurality of outputs of the differential gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Woodward, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Lagger, Paul Smith, Mariusz Kuczaj, Roy Romana
  • Patent number: 11384823
    Abstract: A motive power transmission device for a vehicle includes a transmission that outputs motive power input from a drive source while performing gear-shifting for the motive power and a drive shaft that is coupled with the transmission and transmits the motive power from the drive source, which is output from the transmission, to a drive wheel. The transmission has a transmission mechanism unit that is arranged in a transmission casing such that an axis line extends in a vehicle front-rear direction and that performs gear-shifting for the motive power from the drive source. The drive shaft extends in a vehicle width direction on a central side of the transmission mechanism unit in the vehicle front-rear direction and is provided such that the drive shaft passes through the transmission casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Tanaka, Tatsuhiko Iwasaki, Shinsuke Yoshiura
  • Patent number: 11085511
    Abstract: A positively-engaged infinitely-variable transmission (PE-IVT) system employs a gear assembly including a first helical gear and a second helical gear meshed with the first helical gear. The first helical gear is divided into a plurality of gear segments that can individually move axially along a spline shaft. The PE-IVT system further includes a swashplate configured to constrain the axial motion of the plurality of gear segments. In some embodiments, the system further includes one or more thread-aligners configured to axially align a gear segment with one or more additional gear segments. In some embodiments, the second helical gear is also divided into a plurality of gear segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Inventor: Ethan Brush
  • Patent number: 10926632
    Abstract: A freewheeling system for tandem axles, the system including a wheel hub, a wheel hub cover attached to an end of the wheel hub, the wheel hub cover having tines predicted thereon, an actuator chamber, a piston, a sleeve, an axle shaft, and at least one air input. The at least one air input feeding the actuator chamber in which is accommodated the piston that is engaged in the sleeve concentrically mounted in an end of the axle shaft having axial mobility, wherein the sleeve has a flange endowed with tines that mechanically cooperate with the tines predicted on the wheel hub cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventor: José Francivaldo Pereira De Lemos
  • Patent number: 10913351
    Abstract: An axle drive system for a motor vehicle, in particular a commercial vehicle, has a drive unit. The axle drive apparatus also has a first drive axle for drive-connecting to the drive unit. The first drive axle has a first intermediate gear stage and a first bevel gear stage. The axle drive system also has a second drive axle which is drive-connected to the first drive axle. A transmission ratio of the first intermediate gear stage is not equal to 1. A transmission ratio of the first drive axle, in particular a common transmission ratio of the first intermediate gear stage and the first bevel gear stage, corresponds to a transmission ratio of the second drive axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: MAN Truck & Bus AG
    Inventors: Christo Braykoff, Hansjörg Schultheiss
  • Patent number: 10843564
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a first axle temporary driven by a motor, a second axle permanently connected to the motor via a propeller shaft, and a sub-shaft that connects the propeller shaft and the first axle. A control system for a connection between the motor and the first axle includes a first clutch between the propeller shaft and the sub-shaft, a second clutch between the sub-shaft and the first axle. The first clutch is controlled to continue applying a synchronous torque until the second clutch is determined to be connected. The second clutch is controlled to be connected in response to a determination that the second clutch is connectable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: GKN Automotive Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuu Yaguchi, Takahiro Nagaoka, Yasumasa Narita
  • Patent number: 10794462
    Abstract: A variable speed transmission disposed in a housing includes a transmission input shaft and a transmission output shaft. A power take off is disposed in the housing and includes a power take off output shaft and a clutch/brake mechanism having a clutch input hub engaged to and driven by the transmission input shaft, a cage engaged to the clutch input hub, a brake stator and a brake rotor and carrier being selectively engageable with the cage and alternately selectively engageable with the brake stator. An output hub is rotatably driven by the brake rotor; and a biasing member is disposed between the cage and the brake rotor to bias the brake rotor to engagement with the brake stator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Michael L. Bennett
  • Patent number: 10780773
    Abstract: A driveline comprising an electrical machine, a chain drive, a first planetary gear set, a second planetary gear set, a range selector, a differential, and an axle assembly, wherein the electrical machine is constructed and arranged to selectively transmit power to the differential through the chain drive, the first planetary gear set, the range selector, and the second planetary gear set or to selectively receive power through the chain drive, the first planetary gear set, the range selector, the second planetary gear set, and the differential, and wherein the range selector is configured to selectively shift the driveline into a high range, a low range, and a neutral mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Larry A. Pritchard, Philip John Francis
  • Patent number: 10641371
    Abstract: A continuously variable powertrain for vehicles may include an input shaft, a planetary gear train connected to the input shaft, a first clutch disposed to selectively connect rotation elements of the planetary gear set, a drive pulley disposed to receive power from the input shaft through the planetary gear set, a driven pulley connected to the drive pulley by a belt, an output shaft disposed concentrically with an axis of rotation of the driven pulley, a gear train connected between the input shaft and the output shaft in an external gear form, a second clutch disposed to transmit power from the input shaft through the gear train to the output shaft, and a third clutch disposed to transmit power from the driven pulley to the output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Il Dae Cho, Hyu Tae Shim, Tae Seok Seo, In Chan Kim
  • Patent number: 10438511
    Abstract: A spine surgery modeling system simulates the spine with various vertebral body or disc conditions and allows a user to make adjustments and examine the three dimensional outcome of such adjustments. The spine surgery modeling system includes a spine model and a drive mechanism. The spine model has vertebral bodies and a disc space defined between adjacent vertebral bodies. The drive mechanism includes a worm gear, a worm, a rigid shaft, and a button. The worm engages the worm gear such that rotation of the worm causes rotation of the worm gear. The rigid shaft extends through a through hole defined in the worm and is configured to rotate the worm. The button is operatively engaged with the worm gear such that rotation of the worm gear causes movement of the button between collapsed and expanded states to change a height of the disc space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: K2M, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry McClintock, Harry Paul, Robert Boyd
  • Patent number: 10385951
    Abstract: An electric axle assembly is disclosed. The electric axle assembly includes a common housing with an electric motor, a continuously variable transmission, and a planetary differential. The electric motor includes an output shaft and the continuously variable transmission is connected to the output shaft. The continuously variable transmission includes a drive shaft configured to be variably driven by the output shaft. The planetary differential is connected to the drive shaft, and the planetary differential includes a carrier configured to be driven by the drive shaft and dual sun gears configured to be driven by the carrier. Wheel axles are in independent driving engagement with a respective one of the dual sun gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventor: Daniel Linton
  • Patent number: 10350996
    Abstract: A vehicle having at least one rear driven axle. The vehicle includes a transmission, a main drive shaft, and a rear axle assembly. The rear axle assembly can selectively transmit power from the transmission to a rearmost set of wheels of the vehicle. To selectively transmit power, the rear axle assembly can include a rear axle input shaft, a neutralizer, a differential input shaft, and a differential. The neutralizer is used to mechanically connect and disconnect the rear axle input shaft from the differential input shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: Volvo Truck Corporation
    Inventors: Krishna Kanth Tavvala, Michael E. Kahl
  • Patent number: 10293686
    Abstract: A vehicle comprising a prime mover, first and second groups of wheels, and a driveline configured to connect the prime mover to the wheels. The driveline includes an auxiliary driveline comprising a driveshaft and drive means between the driveshaft and the second group of wheels, the drive means being operable to connect the second group of wheels to the driveshaft when the driveline transitions between first and second modes. The drive means has an input portion, an output and first and second releasable torque transmitting means coupled in series therebetween. The first releasable torque transmitting means is operable to allow slip between the input and output to modulate an amount of torque transmitted therebetween, The second releasable torque transmitting means is operable between a first condition in which an input portion is isolated from an output portion and a second condition in which the input and output portions are directly coupled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Inventors: Russell Osborn, Ian Beverley
  • Patent number: 9829084
    Abstract: An integrated gear assembly includes a conjoined carrier assembly coupling a reducing gear set to a differential gear set. This includes first, second and third coaxial sun gears. The first sun gear meshingly engages first gear elements of stepped pinion gears of the reducing gear set. The second sun gear meshingly engages third pinion gears of the differential gear set. The third sun gear meshingly engages fourth pinion gears of the differential gear set. The third pinion gears of the differential gear set axially overlap second gear elements of the stepped pinion gears of the reducing gear set. The fourth pinion gears of the differential gear set axially overlap the third pinion gears of the differential gear set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Shawn H. Swales, Ionel I. Zanoaga, Scott Vaubel, Gary R. Valler
  • Patent number: 9783049
    Abstract: A transmission includes an input shaft, and a primary drive gear fixed to the input shaft. The primary gear has a first set of gear teeth. An idler gear is disposed in the transmission and has a second set of gear teeth in meshing engagement with the first set of gear teeth. The transmission also includes a transmission-pump drive gear having a third set of gear teeth in meshing engagement with the second set of gear teeth. The transmission-pump drive gear is configured to transmit power from the input shaft to a transmission pump. A power take-off unit is mounted to a case of the transmission and includes a first unit drive gear having a fourth set of gear teeth in meshing engagement with the second set of teeth. The a first unit drive gear is configured to transmit power from the idler gear to the power take-off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Steven Anatole Frait, Laurence Andrew Deutsch, Gregory Daniel Goleski, Jeffrey Edward Maurer
  • Patent number: 9744851
    Abstract: A transfer for a four-wheel drive vehicle, the vehicle including a driving source, main/auxiliary drive wheels, and a power transmission member, the transfer includes: a ring gear being supported so as to rotate around a rotation axis, and configured to drive the power transmission member; an input shaft extending through an inside of the ring gear, being supported so as to rotate concentrically with the ring gear, and being configured to receive part of the driving force; a disconnect mechanism; and an actuator configured to change the disconnect mechanism between a connection position and a disconnection position, the connection position being a position at which the ring gear and the input shaft are coupled to each other so as not to relatively rotate, the disconnection position being a position at which relative rotation between the ring gear and the input shaft is allowed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Takahiro Yoshimura
  • Patent number: 9695844
    Abstract: A hydraulic pump assembly having a main pump, a charge pump and an auxiliary pump driven by a single shaft is provided. A pair of hydraulic porting members cooperates to feed and distribute hydraulic fluid between the three pump units, and a single inlet may be used to provide hydraulic fluid to the charge pump and the auxiliary pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Hydro-Gear Limited Partnership
    Inventor: Nathan W. Bonny
  • Patent number: 9587707
    Abstract: A coupling unit includes an output gear, a coupling and a rubber cushion. A second rotatable shaft portion of the coupling includes a resilient projection that projects outwardly in a radial direction from an outer peripheral surface of the second rotatable shaft portion. The resilient projection is resiliently inwardly deformed in the radial direction during movement of the resilient projection along a deep side of a recessed groove of a through-hole formed in a first rotatable shaft portion of the output gear at a time of fitting the second rotatable shaft portion into the through-hole. When the resilient projection projects from the through-hole, the resilient projection is resiliently outwardly restored and is engaged to an engaging portion of the first rotatable shaft portion to limit removal of the second rotatable shaft portion from the through-hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tetsuma Takeda
  • Patent number: 9464493
    Abstract: A system is provided for injecting coiled tubing (CT) into and out of a wellbore. In embodiments, separate injector and reel units are provided releasing constraints on CT size and length. The injector unit is fit with an extendible mast for handling larger bottom hole assemblies and fit with a rotating gooseneck for accepting CT from alternate arrangements of the reel unit. The mast is reinforced to resist CT loading. The capacity of the reel is maximized for the reel unit transport envelope. The reel is rotated using an offset drive engaging a bounding reel flange, such as engaging drive and bull gears. A generally radial displacement of the drive from the reel permits replacement of the entire reel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Coil Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Andreychuk, Allan Joseph Pleskie, Matthew Joseph Gotch, Gary Russell Callander
  • Patent number: 9365105
    Abstract: A multi-speed hub drive wheel (MDW) is provided. The MDW includes first and second gears; a clutch shaft having a clutch collar disposed thereon, wherein the clutch shaft drives the clutch collar between a first position in which the clutch collar engages the first gear, a second position in which the clutch collar engages the second gear, and a third position in which the clutch collar maintains the MDW in neutral; a drive shaft having a first spline disposed thereon; a clutch disk equipped with a yoke, wherein the yoke and the clutch disk slidingly engage the first spline; and a clutch motor which drives the clutch shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Inventor: Delbert Tesar
  • Patent number: 9358882
    Abstract: A vehicle is described having plural modes of operation for the front and rear differential and whereupon start-up of the vehicle, the front and rear differentials are opened to their most open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Roger J. Hapka
  • Patent number: 9352647
    Abstract: A drivetrain transmits a first drive force from a transmission including a motor to a first axle and a second axle. This drivetrain is comprised of: a first drivetrain section drivingly coupled with the first axle to steadily transmit the first drive force to the first axle; a second drivetrain section drivingly coupled with the second axle; an intermediate train section interposed between the first drivetrain section and the second drive section, the intermediate train section being capable of transmitting a part of the first drive force to the second drive section; an electric motor drivingly coupled with the intermediate train section to give a second drive force to the intermediate train section; a first clutch disconnectably connecting the first drivetrain section with the intermediate train section; and a second clutch disconnectably connecting the intermediate train section with the second drivetrain section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: GKN Driveline Japan Ltd.
    Inventor: Akira Ibusuki
  • Patent number: 9272619
    Abstract: The invention relates to a powertrain for a motor vehicle having a permanently driven primary axle, comprising: a drive unit for the generation of a drive torque; a first clutch for the transfer of a variable portion of the drive torque to a secondary axle of the motor vehicle; a second clutch for the deactuation of a torque transfer section of the powertrain arranged between the first clutch and the second clutch when the first clutch is opened; and a control unit for the automatic control of the first clutch, with the control unit being connected to at least one sensor for the detection of a wheel slip at the primary axle; with the control unit being made, starting from a deactuated state of the torque transfer section, to close the second clutch in dependence on a detected wheel slip at the primary axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain AG & Co KG
    Inventors: Johannes Quehenberger, Simon Kaimer, Martin Parigger
  • Patent number: 9193263
    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 synchronizing clutch. A second driveline is adapted to transfer torque to the second set of wheels and includes a power disconnection device and a friction clutch. A hypoid gearset is positioned within the second driveline in a power path between the synchronizing clutch and the power disconnection device. The friction clutch and the power disconnection device are positioned on opposite sides of the hypoid gearset. The hypoid gearset is selectively disconnected from being driven by the first driveline, the second driveline or the wheels when the synchronizing clutch and the power disconnection device are operated in disconnected, non-torque transferring, modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2015
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Ekonen, Bradley Larkin, Douglas Bradley
  • Patent number: 9145963
    Abstract: A planetary gearbox (1, 101) having a differential gear (2, 102), having a planet carrier (3, 103) to which planet wheels (5, 6, 105) that are in meshed engagement with at least one sun gear (9, 10, 11, 106, 107) are rotatably connected, wherein the planet carrier (3, 103) can be connected to a drive wheel (15), wherein in addition a bearing (19, 108) having an inner bearing ring (29) and an outer bearing ring (28, 117) rotatably mounts the planet carrier (3, 103) in a stationary housing determining the axial and/or radial position of said carrier, wherein the outer bearing ring (28, 117) is rotatably fixedly connected to the planet carrier (3, 103) and the inner bearing ring (29) is connected to the stationary housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Thorsten Biermann, Harald Martini, Inaki Fernandez
  • Patent number: 9033842
    Abstract: A transfer case (10) includes an input shaft (12), first and second output shafts (14, 16) and a planetary gearset (18) having a sun gear (74), a ring gear (70), a carrier (84, 90) and a pinion gear (78) meshingly engaged with the sun and ring gears. A range actuator (20) includes first, second and third range sleeves (22, 24, 26) abutted in series being axially translatable between a first position (H) to provide a drive connection between the input shaft (12) and the first output shaft (14), a second position (HL) providing a direct drive ratio connection between the input shaft (12) and the first output shaft (14) as well as the input shaft (12) and a second output shaft (16), and a third position (L) to provide a reduced speed drive ratio connection between the input shaft (12) and the first output shaft (14) as well as the input shaft (12) and the second output shaft (16). The gears of the planetary gearset (18) are not driven when the range sleeves are at the first and second positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley R. Larkin, Douglas O. Bradley
  • Patent number: 9033851
    Abstract: A motor drive assembly can prevent a two-way roller clutch of the current speed ratio and a two-way roller clutch of the next speed ratio from engaging simultaneously, and includes a first-speed friction plate formed with engaging protrusions on the first-speed side, and a shift ring formed with engaging recesses. While the shift ring is in a first-speed shift position SP1f, the engaging protrusions are adapted to be engaged in the engaging recesses, thereby preventing rotation of the shift ring relative to the first-speed friction plate. The shift ring is provided with projections on its inner periphery. The drive assembly further includes an annular protrusion formed with cutouts. When the projections are axially and circumferentially displaced from the respective cutouts, the projections are adapted to interfere with the annular protrusion, thereby preventing axial movement of the shift ring between the first-speed shift position SP1f and a second-speed shift position SP2f.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshinori Itakura, Guodong Li
  • Patent number: 8972123
    Abstract: A combination tractor and baler is provided to automate tractor stopping and baler wrapping while incorporating operator interaction to improve the efficiency of the tractor and baler combination in operation. Automated control systems and manual operator devices are utilized to improve the timing of the tractor stop and baler wrapping time sequences. Various methods to improve efficiency, including methods to synchronize tractor stop with wrapping activation are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Kevin M. Smith, Riccardo Morselli, Mark Wilenieo, James W. Henry, Gianluca Conti, Christopher A. Foster, Mark K. Chow
  • Publication number: 20150011349
    Abstract: A disconnectable driveline arrangement for an all-wheel drive vehicle includes a power take-off unit having a disconnect mechanism, a rear drive module having a torque transfer device providing a disconnect function, a speed synchronization function and a torque biasing function, and a control system for controlling actuation of the disconnect mechanism and the torque transfer device. The power take-off unit and the rear drive module can each be equipped with a two-speed range shift unit which, under the control of the control system, permits establishment of high and low speed drive connections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: James Preston Downs, Paul Joseph Valente
  • Patent number: 8905888
    Abstract: A simpler configuration for a power transmission element for realizing gear shift functionality and center differential functionality is achieved in a transfer mechanism (3) for a four-wheel drive vehicle by which rotative power input to an input shaft (11) is transmitted to a rear-wheel output shaft (12) and a front-wheel output shaft (13). The power transmission element includes one planetary gear mechanism (20) configured having a group of gears (21 to 23) that are arranged in a single line in the axial direction and are not moved in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takahiro Yoshimura
  • Publication number: 20140357444
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission apparatus for a vehicle, may include a main shaft configured to receive torque of an engine, a subshaft disposed in parallel with and spaced apart from the main shaft, a reverse speed gear set having a reverse speed gear selectively connected to the main shaft, a first speed gear set having a first speed gear selectively connected to the subshaft, a second speed gear set having a second speed gear selectively connected to the subshaft, a variable shift apparatus engaged with the main shaft and the subshaft and continuously changing a ratio between rotation speeds of the main shaft and the subshaft so as to transmit torque of the main shaft to the subshaft, and an output gear set transmitting torque transmitted from the first speed gear or the second speed gear to a differential through a final reduction gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Tae Seok Seo, Dong Hwan Hwang, Seongeun Yun
  • Publication number: 20140342869
    Abstract: A front wheel drive transmission is adapted for all-wheel drive by the addition of a selectively engageable power take-off shaft. When a disconnect clutch is engaged, power may be transferred to rear wheels via a power take-off unit and a rear drive unit to improve vehicle mobility. When the disconnect clutch is disengaged, various components of the all-wheel drive system do not rotate, reducing parasitic losses and improving fuel economy. To provide packaging space for the disconnect clutch, the differential is moved to the left (driver side) of the driven transfer gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Edward MAURER, Andreas E. PERAKES, David Allen JANSON, Gregory Daniel GOLESKI
  • Publication number: 20140309069
    Abstract: Technologies relating to differential output control are disclosed. A differential output control apparatus may be coupled between a rotating device output and a controlled rotating output. The differential output control apparatus may comprise an adjustable mechanical link coupling two linked differential inputs, and configured to adjust a relative rotation speed or relative torque of the linked differential inputs. The differential output control apparatus may receive the rotating device output and adjust the adjustable mechanical link to control the rotation speed and/or torque of the controlled rotating output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventor: ALBERT SIX
  • Patent number: 8858391
    Abstract: A transmission disconnect clutch assembly and method are provided. The clutch assembly operates to place the transmission in a low-loss state, by decoupling the base transmission from the differential gearing, thereby maximizing fuel economy and increasing efficiency. The transmission disconnect clutch assembly may be a dog clutch assembly, which may include a dog clutch hub, a clutch apply plate, and a synchronizer. When the dog clutch is disengaged the vehicle may operate in EV mode, propelled by an electric motor and rear e-axle. When the dog clutch is engaged the vehicle may operate in hybrid mode, propelled by torque transmitted to a front axle by an engine and the torque transmitted to the rear e-axle by the electric motor. A method for transitioning a vehicle between EV mode and hybrid mode, as well as a method for transitioning a vehicle between hybrid mode and EV mode are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Joseph M. Tolkacz, Shawn H. Swales, Min-Joong Kim
  • Publication number: 20140296018
    Abstract: A transmission includes a drive force transmission/interruption mechanism that restricts the rotation of a propeller shaft. By operating a shift lever, the shift operation of the transmission and the operation of the drive force transmission/interruption mechanism can be performed, and a lock operation and an unlock operation of a differential lock mechanism can be performed. When a driver wants to bring a vehicle into a parking state, by operating a shift lever, a state is provided where a drive force transmission/interruption mechanism is locked so that the rotation of a propeller shaft is restricted, and the vehicle can be held in a stopped state by bringing a differential lock mechanism into a locked state. Since the vehicle can be brought into a parking state using the shift lever, a so-called parking lever becomes unnecessary so that the number of operation elements can be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tomohiro Nishida, Tadashi Oshima, Nobutaka Ban
  • Publication number: 20140274537
    Abstract: A transaxle with a tandem axle includes an engine, a transmission and a driveshaft. The transmission has an integrated interaxle differential mounted remotely from the engine. The transmission and the integrated interaxle differential are mounted on at least one vehicle frame member so that both are sprung weight on the vehicle. The driveshaft spans a gap between the engine and the transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLC
    Inventors: James F. Ziech, Timothy J. Morscheck
  • Publication number: 20140274538
    Abstract: A tandem axle system has a forward rear tandem axle and a rear rear tandem axle. A rear differential case, a first axle half shaft and a second axle half shaft extending from the differential case. The first axle half shaft has a first set of teeth and the second axle half shaft has a second set of teeth. The rear differential case has a set of teeth. A clutch collar is provided which has teeth on a surface. The teeth selectively engage with the first axle half shaft teeth and the second axle half shaft teeth. The teeth selectively engage with the teeth on the rear differential case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: James F. Ziech
  • Patent number: 8821334
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Magna International
    Inventors: Joseph G. Mueller, Douglas O. Bradley, Bradley R. Larkin
  • Patent number: 8801561
    Abstract: A power switching device for vehicle has at least first and second power switching mechanisms, a shared operating mechanism, and a housing accommodating the power switching mechanisms and the shard operating mechanism, the housing being integrally formed with a boss portion having a waiting mechanism, wherein the waiting mechanism includes drive and driven cylindrical shafts, and a coil spring connecting between the cylindrical shafts, both of the cylindrical shafts and the coil spring are arranged in a same axis, and are supported on an inner peripheral surface of the boss portion through drive and driven side needle roller bearings respectively, the coil spring is arranged inside the cylindrical shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hideaki Kii
  • Patent number: 8771127
    Abstract: Technologies relating to differential output control are disclosed. A differential output control apparatus may be coupled between a rotating device output and a controlled rotating output. The differential output control apparatus may comprise an adjustable mechanical link coupling two linked differential inputs, and configured to adjust a relative rotation speed or relative torque of the linked differential inputs. The differential output control apparatus may receive the rotating device output and adjust the adjustable mechanical link to control the rotation speed and/or torque of the controlled rotating output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Inventor: Albert Six
  • Publication number: 20140187376
    Abstract: A utility vehicle is capable of switching between a two wheel drive mode for transmitting drive force to rear wheels and a four wheel drive mode for transmitting the drive force to front wheels and the rear wheels. The transmission includes an input shaft to which the drive force from an engine is inputted, a front wheel drive output shaft for transmitting the drive force of the input shaft to the front wheels, and a rear axle for transmitting the drive force of the input shaft to the rear wheels. A rear wheel drive output shaft is provided in a motive power transmission route between the front wheel drive output shaft and the rear axle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
  • Publication number: 20140179480
    Abstract: Construction of a continuously variable transmission device for a vehicle is achieved that, when a shift lever is shifted to a selection position for a direction opposite the traveling direction at that time, it is capable of preventing the vehicle from continuing to travel at high speed in a direction opposite the direction intended by the operator. When the shift lever is shifted to a selection position of a direction opposite the traveling direction at that time, and the vehicle speed is faster than a specified speed (V1), the connection of a clutch device that transmits power between a continuously variable transmission mechanism and a differential gear mechanism is disconnected, and the drive force from the drive source is prevented from being further transmitted to the wheels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicants: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD., NSK LTD.
    Inventors: Takumi Shinojima, Sachiko Noji, Hiromasa Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8734281
    Abstract: A dual-mode electro-mechanical variable speed transmission includes an input shaft, an output shaft system, a gear system having at least three branches, two electric machines, and at least a clutch. The first electric machine couples to a branch of the gear system, the output shaft system couples to another branch of the gear system, the input shaft couples to the remaining branch or one of the remaining branches of the gear system, and the second electric machine selectively couples either to the same branch that is coupled to the output shaft system with a speed ratio or to one of the remaining branches that that is not coupled to the first electric machine with a different speed ratio. The transmission provides at least two power splitting modes to cover different speed ratio regimes. The transmission can also provide at least a fixed output shaft to input shaft speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventors: Xiaolin Ai, Rui Xue, Zhonghe Xue, Xiaozhi Ai
  • Publication number: 20140080654
    Abstract: A transmission includes an input member, an output member, first and second interconnecting members, first and second countershaft members, a plurality of co-planar gear sets, and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. The torque transmitting devices include a plurality of synchronizer assemblies and a dual clutch assembly. The transmission is operable to provide at least one reverse speed ratio and a plurality of forward speed ratios between the input member and the output member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Mikael B. Mohlin, Tejinder Singh, Patrick S. Portell, David M. Zini
  • Patent number: 8667864
    Abstract: In order to avoid competition with other components for a space, to thereby improve the degree of designing freedom, the power transmission apparatus includes a transfer case housing and supporting a ring gear and a pinion gear that orthogonally mesh with each other and form an orthogonal gear set, the transfer case is divided into a first case part and a second case part along a division plane that extends along an axis of rotation of the ring gear, and the first and second case parts and are fixed together along the division plane with bolts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: GKN Driveline Torque Technology KK
    Inventors: Kazuto Kenmotsu, Atsushi Oda, Masayuki Sayama, Yoshiyuki Nakabayashi
  • Publication number: 20140020352
    Abstract: A combination tractor and baler is provided to automate tractor stopping and baler wrapping while incorporating operator interaction to improve the efficiency of the tractor and baler combination in operation. Automated control systems and manual operator devices are utilized to improve the timing of the tractor stop and baler wrapping time sequences. Various methods to improve efficiency, including methods to synchronize tractor stop with wrapping activation are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Kevin M. Smith, Ricardo Morselli, Mark Wileniec, James W. Henry, Gianluca Conti, Christopher A. Foster, Mark K. Chow
  • Publication number: 20140011634
    Abstract: An automated manual transmission for a vehicle may include a shifting section provided with a plurality of shifting units for implementing different gear ratio between an input shaft and an output shaft, and a variable power transfer unit transferring continuously and variably power of a power providing device to the shifting section in series by self-controllable slip operation, wherein the variable power transfer unit may be disposed between the power providing device and the shifting section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Soon Ki EO, Dong Soo Lee