Variable Speed Or Direction Is Planetary Transmission Patents (Class 475/204)
  • Patent number: 8986148
    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: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: James Preston Downs, Paul Joseph Valente
  • Patent number: 8972111
    Abstract: An articulated vehicle with a controllable wheel route includes a first vehicle body, a first pair of wheels, which are individually suspended on both sides of the first vehicle body, and can travel on the ground, a second vehicle body hingedly connected to the first vehicle body, a second pair of wheels, which are individually suspended on both sides of the second vehicle body, and can travel on the ground, a regulator, which regulates a relative steering angle between the first vehicle body and the second vehicle body, a mode selector, which is configured to select a first mode and a second mode, and a controller, which receives the first mode signal or the second mode signal from the mode selector and controls the regulator according to the received signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment AB
    Inventors: Reno Filla, Joakim Unneback, Bobbie Frank, Andreas Nordstrand
  • Patent number: 8965634
    Abstract: A vehicle with a controllable wheel route includes a vehicle body, a first pair of wheels, which are individually suspended on both sides of the vehicle body to roll on the ground and can rotate around the vertical axis, a second pair of wheels, which are individually suspended on both sides of the vehicle body to roll on the ground, can rotate around the vertical axis, and are placed in the back of the first wheels, a regulator, which regulates each steering angle on the vertical axis of the first and second wheels, a mode selector, which is configured to select a first mode and a second mode, and a controller, which receives the first mode signal or the second mode signal from the mode selector and controls the regulator according to the received signal. The second wheel route is regulated to be identical to the first wheel route in the first mode, and the second wheel route is regulated to be different from the first wheel route in the second mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Volvo Construction Equipment AB
    Inventors: Reno Filla, Joakim Unneback, Bobbie Frank, Andreas Nordstrand
  • Patent number: 8961353
    Abstract: A vehicle driveline that includes an input member, a multi-speed transmission, a first differential assembly, a first bevel ring gear and a mode clutch that are disposed axially along a rotational axis of the input member. The multi-speed transmission includes a range collar that is axially movable along the input member axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul J. Valente, James P. Downs
  • Publication number: 20150051041
    Abstract: A differential gear for a vehicle including a pair of pinion gears and a pair of side gears meshed with the pair of pinion gears at a right angle. In order to improve the strength of the pinion gears and the side gears, less teeth are provided, and the size of each tooth is increased. The reference cone angle and the cone distance may be varied in accordance with the gear ratio, which may make it necessary to increase the size of a differential case that houses the gears. For front-drive vehicles, which is greatly limited in terms of space it may be difficult to suppress an increase in dimension of the differential gear. Accordingly, provided is a compact gearing that has improved strength in the pinion and side gears.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshihiko Inukai, Hiroki Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 8956256
    Abstract: Disclosed is a transmission device for work vehicles, said transmission device being capable of being used with high-horsepower engines, without an accompanying loss of power transmission efficiency or fuel economy. The transmission device is provided with: an input shaft (20) that transmits power from an engine (3); a continuously-variable transmission (40) that is disposed on the input shaft (20) and outputs power transmitted from the input shaft (20), steplessly converting the speed thereof; and a reversing clutch device (50) that outputs, either in a forward rotational direction or a reverse rotational direction, power outputted from the continuously-variable transmission (40). The reversing clutch device (50) can be selectively switched, and the gear ratio can be steplessly changed by the continuously-variable transmission (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Yanmar Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shuji Shiozaki, Takeshi Ouchida
  • Patent number: 8926466
    Abstract: A vessel propulsion apparatus includes a prime mover, a propeller shaft, a planetary gear train, a lower case, a cylindrical housing, and a fixing member. The planetary gear train is disposed on a propeller axis. The propeller shaft and the planetary gear train are housed in the lower case. The housing surrounds the propeller shaft about the propeller axis inside the lower case. The housing supports a sun gear such that the sun gear is not rotatable with respect to the housing. The fixing member is fixed to both the lower case and the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshihito Fukuoka, Daisuke Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20140274535
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission that includes an input assembly, an output assembly, an input/output planetary ratio assembly and a torque feedback control is provided. The input assembly is coupled to receive input rotational motion. The output assembly is rotationally coupled to a load. The input/output planetary ratio assembly sets an input to output speed ratio. The input/output ratio assembly has a first portion that is in rotational communication with the input assembly and a second portion that is in rotational communication with the output assembly. The torque feedback control assembly provides an axial load force in response to a torque of a load coupled to the output assembly. A differential assembly sets the input to output speed ratio of the input/output planetary ratio assembly based at least in part on an axial load force of the torque feedback control assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: TEAM Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Hamrin, Bruce H. Younggren, Joel Dunlap
  • Patent number: 8814740
    Abstract: A two-speed power take-off unit adapted for installation in an all-wheel drive vehicle having a transversely mounted engine/transaxle powertrain. The two-speed power take-off unit includes a planetary gear reduction unit capable of establishing a high-range and a low-range drive connection between the powertrain and a transfer assembly. The transfer assembly provides drive torque to a front differential assembly driving the front wheels and a PTU gearset driving the rear wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas Bradley, Todd Ekonen
  • Patent number: 8795124
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a transfer gear-box having a casing, an input shaft, a rear output shaft, a front output shaft, and two planet gear sets, the rear output shaft being arranged co-axially to the input shaft, the front output shaft being offset in relation to the input shaft, the two planet gear sets being arranged co-axially to the input shaft, the first planet gear set being a simple planet gear set and consisting of a ring gear, a sun wheel, a planet carrier, and several planet wheels, which are rotatably mounted to the planet carrier, the second planet gear set being a simple planet gear set and consisting of a ring gear, a sun wheel, a planet carrier, and several planet wheels, which are rotatably mounted to the planet carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Inventor: Paul Roman Oberaigner
  • Publication number: 20140128196
    Abstract: A continuously variable power-split transmission (10) for transferring torque from a primary motor (20) to a differential gear (24) is provided. The transmission comprises an epicyclic module (14), a continuously variable drive connection (16) and a direct shift transmission module (18). The epicyclic module comprises a first input (38) drivingly coupled to the primary motor, a second input (54) and first and second outputs (64, 66). The continuously variable drive connection (16) is drivingly coupled between the primary motor and second input (54) of the epicyclic module. The first and second epicyclic outputs are alternatively coupled to the differential gear (24) via respective torque transfer paths provided by the direct shift transmission module. Each path includes a clutch (C2, C3) and a synchromesh unit (112, 94) which allows selection of one of a plurality of torque transfer sub-paths. Each clutch comprises an input side and an output side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: Valtra Oy AB
    Inventor: Mikko Rintoo
  • Patent number: 8702552
    Abstract: Infinitely variable motion control (IVMC) provides motion control without any requirement for changing gears or use of a clutch. A spur gear transgear, defined as a system having an input, an output and a control, a variable pitch cam having an eccentric inner and outer cam assembly and a driver may be used to form a speed converter. The speed converter is used in various forms to provide an infinitely variable transmission, a differential, embodiments of wind and river turbines and pumps/compressors. In one embodiment, the speed converter drives first and second directional control assemblies to provide a vehicle with zero turn radius. A variable torque converter may be used in various embodiments to control torque from a minimum to a maximum by controlling movement of a rotor along a shaft in relation to a stator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Differential Dynamics Corporation
    Inventor: Kyung Soo Han
  • Patent number: 8684880
    Abstract: A simply structured rattling noise reduction device for a vehicle capable of preventing rattling certainly under neutral position. The rattling noise reduction device is applied to a vehicle having a transmission mechanism configured to transmit a torque of a prime mover to an output member through a mating transmission mechanism, and a shifting means capable of selecting a drive position in which the torque of the prime mover is transmitted to the output member and a neutral position in which the torque of the prime mover is not transmitted to the output member, and in which the transmission mechanism is configured to idle any one of rotary members thereof to prevent the torque from being applied to the output member in case the neutral position is selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hajime Kato, Masato Terashima, Hiroki Kuwamoto
  • Patent number: 8651991
    Abstract: A drive module that includes a housing, first and second axle shafts, a differential assembly, a propulsion motor, a brake element fixed to the housing, a torque-vectoring transmission and a mode gear. The differential assembly is mounted in the housing for rotation about a rotational axis and has a differential case and a pair of output members. A first one of the output members is coupled to the first axle shaft for common rotation. The torque-vectoring transmission cooperates with the differential assembly to transmit rotary power to the second axle shaft. The mode gear is movable between a first position and a second position. Positioning of the mode gear in the first position permits transmission of rotary power between the propulsion motor and the differential assembly. Positioning of the mode gear in the second position couples the differential assembly to the housing to inhibit rotation of the first axle shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: e-AAM Driveline Systems AB
    Inventors: Erik J. Sten, Mikael P. Larsson
  • Patent number: 8649950
    Abstract: A rotary power source directly drives an epicyclic gear set, or drives the epicyclic gear set through a transmission device, and a respective controllable multiple speed-ratio device is individually installed between two output shafts of the epicyclic gear set and the loads driven thereby, to enable the wheel sets of the driven loads to be differentially driven with a different driving speed ratio and driving torque while propelling a combined common load. A limited slip differential or stabilizer device may be connected between the output ends of the two controllable multiple speed-ratio devices, the limited slip differential or stabilizer providing a slip coupling torque to stabilize driving of the respective individual loads, as necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
  • Publication number: 20130303324
    Abstract: A vehicle driveline that includes an input member, a multi-speed transmission, a first differential assembly, a first bevel ring gear and a mode clutch that are disposed axially along a rotational axis of the input member. The multi-speed transmission includes a range collar that is axially movable along the input member axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventors: Paul J. Valente, James P. Downs
  • Patent number: 8568266
    Abstract: An overdrive unit for a vehicle is operatively connectable to a transverse mounted front wheel drive vehicle gearbox, which has been arranged to provide a single output shaft. The overdrive unit includes a planetary gear set and a differential are mounted together in an overdrive unit housing such that the output shaft of the vehicle gearbox is operatively connectable to the planetary gear set. The planetary gear set is further operatively connectable to drive shafts of the vehicle via the differential. A clutch unit is provided for selectively engaging gearing of the planetary gear set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Volvo Car Corporation
    Inventors: Mathias Joergensson, Lars Andersson
  • Patent number: 8545359
    Abstract: A drive force adjustment apparatus includes a differential gear, a motor, a first gear mechanism and a second gear mechanism. The input element, the first output element, the second output element, the motor input element, the fixed element, and the connecting element are expressed as points I, R, L, M, F and C on a graph, an ordinate of which shows the number of revolutions and a abscissa of which shows relative ratios of the number of revolutions of the elements. Length of L-I is equal to length of R-I, I is located between L and R on a straight line L-R, I is located between F and C on a straight line F-C, and R is located between C and M on a straight line C-M.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomo Kato, Kaoru Sawase, Yuichi Ushiroda
  • Publication number: 20130225348
    Abstract: The present invention utilizes the rotary kinetic power of a rotary kinetic power source to directly drive the epicyclic gear set, or to drive the epicyclic gear set through a transmission device, then a continuous variable transmission (CVT) is individually installed between two output shafts of the epicyclic gear set and the load driven thereby, so the wheel set of the driven load is enabled to randomly perform variation of the driving speed ratio and the driving torque, so as to drive the combined common load; between the output ends of the mentioned two continuous variable transmissions, a limited slip differential or a stabilize device composed of a dual shaft connecting device having slip coupling torque can be further installed according to actual needs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
  • Publication number: 20130137543
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission has an input shaft and an output shaft. The transmission includes a variator unit having an input shaft and an output shaft, and a planetary gear wheel unit having a planet carrier, a first sun wheel and a second sun wheel. The input shaft of the transmission is rotationally connectable to the planet carrier and to the input shaft of the variator unit, and a shaft rotationally fixed to the first sun wheel is rotationally connectable to the output shaft of the variator unit. The planet carrier is provided with a first inner set of planet wheels for meshing engagement with the first sun wheel and a second outer set of planet wheels for meshing engagement with the second sun wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: VOLVO CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT AB
    Inventors: Per Mattsson, Mats Akerblom
  • Patent number: 8452500
    Abstract: A powertrain includes an engine and a continuously variable transmission including a planetary gear arrangement and a variator. An input drives the variator and the planetary gears. A first planetary output gear is connected to the first output of the planetary gear arrangement. A second planetary output gear is connected to the first output, and a third planetary output gear is connectable by a first clutch to a second output of the planetary gear arrangement. A first output member is connected to the third planetary output gear, a second clutch releasably connects the first output member with the first planetary output gear, a third clutch connects the first output member with the second planetary output gear, a fourth clutch connects the second output member with the first planetary output gear, and a fifth clutch connects the second output member with the second planetary output gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Seipold
  • Patent number: 8403795
    Abstract: A two speed power take off unit adapted for installation in an all wheel drive vehicle having a transversely mounted engine/transaxle powertrain. The two speed power take off unit includes a planetary gear reduction unit capable of establishing a high range and a low range drive connection between the powertrain and a transfer assembly. The transfer assembly provides drive torque to a front differential assembly driving the front wheels and a rear differential driving the rear wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Magna Powertain of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Ekonen, Douglas Bradley
  • Patent number: 8308600
    Abstract: A transmission device with at least two output shafts and at least two multi-shaft planetary gearsets being actively connected. A shaft of each gearset can be actively connected with an output shaft. A shifting mechanism is provided, between the two output shafts, for shifting between a first power path and a second power path. In the area of a further shaft of one of the planetary gearsets, torque from an electric machine flows along the first or the second power path. When the first power path is engaged, the torque from the electric machine flows in equal parts and with the same sign to the two output shafts, and when the second power path is engaged, the torque flows to the two output shafts in equal parts but with opposite signs. A motor output shaft of the electric machine is arranged perpendicularly to one of the two output shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Thomas Rosemeier, Bernd-Robert Hohn, Christoph Pelchen
  • Patent number: 8177673
    Abstract: A transmission includes a clutch unit having a subsidiary forward clutch part having friction plates coupled to an inner peripheral surface of an axle housing of the clutch unit; a subsidiary coupling coupled to a backward coupling through a one-way bearing; friction disks coupled to an outer peripheral surface of the subsidiary coupling, the friction plates and the friction disks being arranged alternately; and a piston disposed on one side of the friction plates and the friction disks. When a vehicle moves backwardly on an upward slope, an application of hydraulic pressure to the forward clutch part is interrupted and hydraulic pressure is applied to the subsidiary forward clutch part, so that the piston is moved by the hydraulic pressure to compress the friction plates and the friction disks, thereby fixing the subsidiary coupling to the axle housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Wooyoung Hydraulics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seung Woo Han
  • Patent number: 8172712
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system for providing an improved compact power transfer unit for use in motor vehicles having a front wheel drive transverse based engine and transaxle, and, more particularly, to a power transfer unit for use with a transaxle arrangement capable of providing all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. The present invention discloses a planetary gear utilizing a fixed ring gear, the planetary gear capable of selectively engaging a low range output from the power transfer unit for propelling the vehicle when driven in off-road conditions requiring higher torque and slower speeds. The vehicle driver can selectively engage a normal, high range where torque flows through the planetary gear directly to the drive shaft with no gear reductions, or the driver may selectively engage the low range where the torque flowing into the planetary gear is redirected and reduced thereby providing higher torque with reduced speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: Peter Jarzyna, Donald F. Schmanski, Michael L. Nemeth
  • Publication number: 20120100951
    Abstract: An overdrive unit for a vehicle is operatively connectable to a transverse mounted front wheel drive vehicle gearbox, which has been arranged to provide a single output shaft. The overdrive unit includes a planetary gear set and a differential are mounted together in an overdrive unit housing such that the output shaft of the vehicle gearbox is operatively connectable to the planetary gear set. The planetary gear set is further operatively connectable to drive shafts of the vehicle via the differential. A clutch unit is provided for selectively engaging gearing of the planetary gear set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: VOLVO CAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mathias Joergensson, Lars Andersson
  • Publication number: 20120058854
    Abstract: Disclosed is a transmission device for work vehicles, said transmission device being capable of being used with high-horsepower engines, without an accompanying loss of power transmission efficiency or fuel economy. The transmission device is provided with: an input shaft (20) that transmits power from an engine (3); a continuously-variable transmission (40) that is disposed on the input shaft (20) and outputs power transmitted from the input shaft (20), steplessly converting the speed thereof; and a reversing clutch device (50) that outputs, either in a forward rotational direction or a reverse rotational direction, power outputted from the continuously-variable transmission (40). The reversing clutch device (50) can be selectively switched, and the gear ratio can be steplessly changed by the continuously-variable transmission (40).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: YANMAR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shuji Shiozaki, Takeshi Ouchida
  • Patent number: 8079928
    Abstract: A transfer case includes an input shaft and first and second output shafts. An overdrive unit is driven at an increased speed relative to the input shaft. A clutch is operable in a first position to establish a drive connection between the input shaft and the first output shaft. The clutch is further operable in a second position to establish a drive connection between the overdrive unit and the first output shaft. An actuator is driven by a motor for moving the clutch between its first and second positions. The actuator includes an axially movable fixed disk fixed for rotation with an output member of the overdrive unit. The shift engages an axially movable sleeve of the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: MAGNA Powertrain USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Ronk, Matt Phalen, Christopher J. Decker, Nancy Mintonye, John D. Zalewski
  • Publication number: 20110224044
    Abstract: A vehicle driveline with an axle assembly having an input member, a first output member, a second output member and a power distribution system that includes a transmission and a differential. The differential has first and second differential outputs. The first differential output is coupled directly to the first output member. The transmission is configured to control rotary power transmitted through the differential to the first and second output members. The axle assembly is operable in a first mode, which has no effect on a torque transmitted from the second differential output to the second output member, a second mode, which reduces the torque that is transmitted from the second differential output to the second output member, and a third mode that increases the torque that is transmitted from the second differential output to the second output member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventor: Winston Platt
  • Patent number: 8012050
    Abstract: A snowmobile is disclosed having improved drive train including a continuously variable transmission (CVT) having a drive belt looped around a driving pulley and a driven pulley, and a transversely arranged jackshaft wherein the driven pulley is connected directly onto the outer surface of one end of the jackshaft. The transverse jackshaft is preferably made from a thin-walled hollow tube and the driven pulley is preferably press fitted thereon. A method of assembling a snowmobile drive train is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.
    Inventors: Xavier-Pierre Aitcin, Joel Pitre, Yan Nolet
  • Publication number: 20110195812
    Abstract: A transaxle can include a housing, a low range gear assembly, and a differential gear assembly. The low range gear assembly can be mounted in the housing and can include a ring gear, a carrier, planet gears, a sun gear, and a clutch. The ring gear, the carrier, and the sun gear can be mounted in the housing. The planet gears can be rotatably mounted on the carrier and can engage the ring gear while the sun gear can engage the planet gears. The clutch can be selectively movable between a first position where the clutch engages each of the sun gear and the carrier and permits rotation of the sun gear relative to the housing and a second position where the clutch engages each of the sun gear and the housing and rotationally fixes the sun gear relative to the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventors: Bobbie BURKE, Andrew J. FOX, Shoji TOKUSHIMA
  • Publication number: 20110124458
    Abstract: A torque split type automatic transmission which transmits the torque output from an engine through two paths, adds the torque passing through and increased in each path, and outputs a final torque is provided, wherein the torque of the engine is divided into two portions by a torque split device and each portion of the torque is transmitted respectively to first and second power delivery paths, wherein the first power delivery path is directly connected to a driving wheel, and wherein the second power delivery path is provided with a launching device and a transmission device disposed in series so as to increase the torque, and output of the second power delivery path is added to the torque of the first power delivery path to output the final torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Duk Hwan Sung
  • Patent number: 7922615
    Abstract: A transfer case is provided with a range unit, an interaxle differential, a clutch assembly and a power-operated actuation mechanism. The range unit includes a planetary gearset driven by an input shaft, and a synchronized dog clutch assembly for releasably coupling one of the input shaft or an output component of the planetary gearset to an input member of the interaxle differential. The interaxle differential further includes a first output member driving a first output shaft, a second output member operably driving a second output shaft. The clutch assembly is a multi-plate friction clutch operably disposed between the first and second output shafts. The power-operated actuation mechanism includes a range actuator assembly, a clutch actuator assembly and a motor assembly operable to control coordinated actuation of the range actuator assembly and the clutch actuator assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: MAGNA Powertrain USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Mizon, James S. Brissenden
  • Patent number: 7918757
    Abstract: A drive unit includes a gearset alternately producing forward and reverse drive, an inter-axle differential dividing torque at an output of the gearset between first and second wheel sets, and an inter-wheel differential dividing torque transmitted to the first wheel set differentially between wheels comprising the first wheel set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: David A. Janson
  • Publication number: 20110045930
    Abstract: A transmission includes a bevel gear configured to provide power to a shaft of a vehicle and that is rotatably engaged with a collar assembly. The transmission also includes a planetary gear set selectively engageable with the collar assembly. The collar assembly includes a first collar and a second collar. The first collar and the second collar are axially coupled together and independently rotatable relative to one another. The collar assembly is slidable between a first position to engage the planetary gear set and rotate the shaft at a first speed, and a second position to disengage the planetary gear set and rotate the shaft at a second speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventor: Martin Schimke
  • Publication number: 20100323837
    Abstract: A transmission device, for a motor vehicle, with at least two drive output shafts and two multi-shaft planetary gearsets in active connection with one another. A shaft of a planetary gearset is actively connected with an output shaft and is shifted, between first and second power paths, such that in the first power path, torque of an electric machine is transmitted in equal parts and with the same sign to the output shafts, and in the second power path, torque is transmitted in equal parts but with different signs. One of the two planetary gearsets is made as a four-shaft, reduced coupling transmission with two sun gears and a common planetary gear carrier with radially inner and outer planetary gears that mesh with one another, and which are engaged, on the one hand, with the sun gears and, on the other hand, with a rotationally fixed ring gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Thomas Rosemeier, Bernd-Robert Hohn, Christoph Pelchen
  • Patent number: 7832520
    Abstract: Disclosed is a working vehicle capable of working and driving in stable condition while suppressing the adverse effect caused by the load variation such as sudden dashing from an associated ground working implement. The working vehicle comprises a controller for controlling the variator ratio of its toroidal mechanism to oppose the variation of the load when the toroidal mechanism is loaded on its output side. The controller adjusts the variator ratio appropriately when the engine starts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Iseki & Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takahisa Murakami, Kiyoaki Suizu, Tomoaki Watanabe, Tomoaki Kondo, Junichi Oshita
  • Patent number: 7824293
    Abstract: A transmission includes a first gear, and a second gear is fixed to one end of a shaft with the second gear engaging the first gear. A bevel gear is rotatably supported on the shaft and engages a power input gear. A hub is fixed to the bevel gear for concentric rotation about the shaft; the hub having a splined outer section. A planetary gear set including a sun gear and a carrier are arranged concentrically about the splined outer section of the hub. A splined section is fixed to an opposite end of the shaft. A collar assembly includes first and second collars, each having internal teeth and external teeth. The first collar and the second collar are axially coupled together and independently rotatable relative to one another, and the collar assembly slidably engages the splined section and the splined outer section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventor: Martin Schimke
  • Patent number: 7819771
    Abstract: The invention relates to an asymmetrical, active axle transmission with an epicyclic gear system, which is arranged concentrically to a side shaft (7) and has a planet carrier (17). To achieve an active yaw function, the planet carrier (17) or the central wheel (13) can be braked. Conventional asymmetrical active yaw gears use in this connection two separate brake clutches. This enlarges the construction space and increases the manufacturing costs which the invention avoids in that the planet carrier (17) is part of a first brake coupling (5) and that a second brake clutch (9) for braking the side shaft (7) as well as the first brake clutch (5) use a common abutment lamella (19).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: GETRAG Driveline Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Peter Nett, Bernd Oberhausen
  • Patent number: 7806220
    Abstract: A drive axle assembly includes first and second axleshafts and a drive mechanism coupling a driven input shaft to the axleshafts. The drive mechanism includes a differential assembly, a planetary gear assembly operably disposed between the differential assembly and the first axleshaft, a brake and first and second mode clutches. The first clutch is operable with the brake and the planetary gear assembly to increase the rotary speed of the first axleshaft which, in turn, causes a corresponding decrease in the rotary speed of the second axleshaft. The second clutch is operable with the brakes and the planetary gear assembly to decrease the rotary speed of the first axleshaft so as to cause an increase in the rotary speed of the second axleshaft. A control system controls actuation of both mode clutches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain, Inc.
    Inventors: Anupam Sharma, Timothy M. Burns
  • Patent number: 7798792
    Abstract: A pump assembly includes a pump housing, a stator ring supported within the pump housing, and a pump ring also rotatably supported within the pump housing. The pump ring interfaces with the stator ring to define a plurality of variable volume pressure chambers. A cover plate covers the stator ring and pumping ring within the pump housing. The cover plate is axially displaceable relative to the pump housing and defines a wall of each of the pressure chambers. Pressure within the pressure chambers induces linear movement of the cover plate away from the stator ring and the pump ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Magna Drivetrain of America, Inc.
    Inventor: Aaron Ronk
  • Publication number: 20100167862
    Abstract: The invention relates to a power-dividing gear train assembly for motor vehicles, having a driven differential that outputs to two output shafts via compensating elements, wherein the output torque at the output shafts is changeable by using a superimposing gear train, which is formed by epicyclic gear trains and is drivingly connected indirectly or directly with the output shafts, and a drive motor coupled thereto, and wherein the transmission ratio of the superimposing gear train is set such that the drive motor is still when the output shafts are rotating synchronously. For achieving a more precise and quicker-reacting redistribution of the drive torques in a structurally-advantageous construction of the superimposing gear train and the drive motor, it is proposed that at least one epicyclic gear train (Uz, Uz2, U1, U2), which reduces torque and interacts with the differential (U), is connected upstream to the superimposing gear train (26).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: FZGMBH
    Inventor: Bernd-Robert Hoehn
  • Publication number: 20100147107
    Abstract: A drive unit includes a gearset alternately producing forward and reverse drive, an inter-axle differential dividing torque at an output of the gearset between first and second wheel sets, and an inter-wheel differential dividing torque transmitted to the first wheel set differentially between wheels comprising the first wheel set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: David A. Janson
  • Patent number: 7699740
    Abstract: A friction coupling assembly includes: a ball ramp assembly (2) with two coaxial discs (6, 7), wherein the faces (8, 9) of the two discs (6, 7) each have ball grooves (12, 13) of increasing depth, wherein pairs of opposed ball grooves hold balls to axially support the two discs (6, 7); a plate package (3) arranged coaxially relative to the discs (6, 7) and having outer plates (24) for fixing to a coupling carrier (40) and inner plates (25) for fixing to a coupling hub (56); and a plate spring (5) for introducing force into the plate package (3), the plate spring (5) is arranged coaxially relative to the discs (6, 7), is axially pretensioned and, functionally, is arranged in series with the plate package (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: GKN Driveline International GmbH
    Inventors: Theodor Gassmann, Mark Schmidt, Andreas Pottharst, Kurt Müller
  • Patent number: 7648125
    Abstract: The present invention is a winch clutch assembly, where the deceleration mechanism of the winch contains an additional second internal gear ring, and its outer annular wall is provided with multiple equally distanced fitting indents. The clutch assembly, external to the deceleration mechanism, has clutch levers shifted in longitudinal motion, where the clutch levers are used either to immobilize in the fitting indents of the second internal gear ring of the deceleration mechanism or to release from their immobilized state, enabling the power to transmit or pause to the steel rope sheave of the winch, to accomplish the clutch function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Inventor: Shih Jyi Huang
  • Publication number: 20100004088
    Abstract: A transaxle transfers torque to first and second axle shafts. The transaxle includes a main shaft, a planetary gearset, a first clutch transferring torque between the main shaft and a first member of the planetary gearset and a second clutch transferring torque between the main shaft and a second member of the planetary gearset. An input shaft is fixed for rotation with the first member of the planetary gearset. A countershaft is selectively driven by first, second, third and fourth speed gearsets associated with the input shaft. A final drive unit provides multiplied torque to a differential assembly adapted to drive the first and second axle shafts. Actuation of the first and second clutches selectively provides first through eighth discrete forward drive ratios such that each of the first, second, third and fourth speed gearsets transfers torque during provision of two of the first through eighth forward drive ratios.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventor: David W. WENTHEN
  • Publication number: 20090312136
    Abstract: A system for transmitting power to vehicle wheels includes a transmission output connected to a first wheel set, a planetary gearset including an input and an output, whose speed is greater than a speed of the gearset input, and a coupler having a variable torque capacity, driveably connecting the transmission output and the gearset input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Andreas E. Perakes, Samuel Ellis
  • Patent number: 7611414
    Abstract: A power transfer unit is provided with a torque limiting assembly that limits the torque transferred to driveline components when torque peaks occur. The power transfer unit can include, a first shaft, a second output shaft receiving drive torque, a second output shaft, and a torque transfer mechanism. The torque transfer mechanism includes a coupling member and a biasing member. The coupling member is located between a driving member and a driven member and provides selective engagement therebetween when in an engaged position. The driving member and/or the driven member includes a recess therein receiving a portion of the coupling member when in the engaged position. The biasing member urges the coupling member and the driving member and/or driven member into the engaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph G. Mueller, Scott R. Moll, Brent A. Cring, John A. DeSilvia
  • Patent number: 7553252
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mamoru Murakami, Norio Owada
  • Patent number: 7549940
    Abstract: A power transmitting device for a vehicle for transmitting a driving force from a driving source to right and left axles. The power transmitting device includes a housing, a planetary gear type speed reducing mechanism connected to the driving source, a differential gear unit arranged in coaxial relationship with the planetary gear type speed reducing mechanism and connected to the right and left axles, and an oil reservoir provided in a lower region of the housing. The differential gear unit has a differential case formed integrally with a planetary carrier of the speed reducing mechanism. The planetary carrier includes first and second annular members axially spaced apart from each other and a plurality of connecting portions for connecting the first and second annular members, each of the connecting portions having a substantially V-shaped configuration opening outward in the radial direction of the first and second annular members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuhiro Kira, Yuichi Nakazato