With Means To Limit Overspeed Of One Output (e.g., Lock-up Clutch) Patents (Class 475/231)
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Patent number: 12092195Abstract: The claimed invention relates to the automotive industry, namely: to devices for locking differentials of vehicle driving axles with forced locking. The technical result is creating a differential locking mechanism facilitating a significant improvement of performance indicators in differentials using the claimed locking mechanism and the range expansion of such a differential use. The technical result is achieved by the locking device integrated into the differential, comprising the differential housing, semi-axle gears located inside the housing, and being in either “Locked” or “Unlocked” positions, consists of: locking elements shaped as a rotation body; through locking holes made in the differential housing; the recesses of semi-axle gear arranged on the semi-axle gear surface; ring lock-up clutch on the differential housing around the locking holes with locking elements, on the inner surface of which there are lock-up clutch grooves enlarging the contact spot area: “Lock-up clutch—locking element”.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2021Date of Patent: September 17, 2024Inventors: Roman Tobikov, Denis Shuba
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Patent number: 12092193Abstract: A planetary bevel gear automatic limited slip differential includes five portions that are a main differential, a planetary bevel gear controller, a left drive axle shaft, a right drive axle shaft, and clutches. The planetary bevel gear controller includes an outer control unit and an inner control unit, the outer control unit includes four planetary bevel gears on an outer layer and a bevel gear fixed on a housing, and the inner control unit includes inner planetary bevel gears on an inner side and two bevel gears which have the same parameters and are meshed with the planetary bevel gears. The bevel gears are fixedly connected with outer rings of two overrunning clutches, respectively, and inner rings of the overrunning clutches and the right drive axle shaft are connected together by splines.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2024Date of Patent: September 17, 2024Inventors: Qinghe Guo, Yurong Chen, Wen Cheng, Renjun Liu, Shenghuai Wang, Hongxia Wang, Xiaohui Chen, Guanqin Liu, Yongping Shen, Huiyuan Li, Huihui Zhou, Mengchao Wang, Suiyu Yin, Longyong Gan
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Patent number: 12085159Abstract: A rotary power transmission device includes a device housing, a clutch, an actuator and a retainer. The device housing has an interior in which multiple components are received for rotation. The clutch is received within the device housing and has a clutch ring selectively engageable with one of said multiple components. The actuator has a coil and a plunger driven for movement along an axis and relative to the clutch. And the retainer has a first portion that engages the device housing and a second portion that radially overlaps the coil and limits axial movement of the coil relative to the device housing.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2023Date of Patent: September 10, 2024Assignee: GKN Automotive LimitedInventor: Toshiaki Komatsu
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Patent number: 12038076Abstract: A multi-function differential (MFD) assembly includes a differential case, a differential gear assembly disposed in the differential case, a mechanical limited slip differential (mLSD) clutch assembly disposed in the differential case, and an electronic limited slip differential (eLSD) clutch assembly disposed in the differential case. The mLSD clutch assembly is configured to provide the MFD assembly with mLSD functionality, and the eLSD clutch assembly is configured to provide the MFD assembly with eLSD functionality.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2023Date of Patent: July 16, 2024Assignee: FCA US LLCInventor: Michael Schulte
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Patent number: 12018738Abstract: A vehicle driveline component includes an armature disposed and moveable along a translation axis, a coil assembly having a coil, a coil driver, an oscillator circuit having a resonant circuit, and a controller. The oscillator circuit is electrically coupled to the coil such that the coil defines a portion of the resonant circuit. The oscillator circuit generates an oscillating signal having a frequency that varies based on a spacing between the armature and the coil assembly along the translation axis. The controller applies a drive signal to the coil driver to have the coil driver provide a modulating power signal to the coil to generate an electromagnetic field that causes relative motion between the coil assembly and the armature along the translation axis. The controller determines a system response characteristic related to the spacing between the armature and the coil assembly based on the oscillating signal.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2021Date of Patent: June 25, 2024Assignee: AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC.Inventors: Tejas Desai, Edgar B. Gostin, Jr., Yini Chen
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Patent number: 11953059Abstract: A speed reducer is configured to reduce a rotational speed of rotation generated by torque received from a drive device and output the torque of the rotation of the reduced rotational speed. A drive cam has a plurality of drive cam grooves formed at one end surface of the drive cam and is rotated by the torque outputted from the speed reducer. A driven cam has a plurality of driven cam grooves formed at one end surface of the driven cam while each of the plurality of rolling elements is clamped between a corresponding one of the plurality of drive cam grooves and a corresponding one of the plurality of driven cam grooves. At least a part of each of the plurality of drive cam grooves overlaps with the speed reducer in the axial direction.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2020Date of Patent: April 9, 2024Assignee: DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Ryo Ishibashi, Akira Takagi, Takumi Sugiura
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Patent number: 11940014Abstract: A vehicle driveline component with a ball-ramp mechanism that includes a first ball-ramp ring, a second ball-ramp ring and a plurality of balls. Each of the first and second ball-ramp rings have a plurality of ball supports that define ball tracks that receive the balls. Each of the ball supports has a first radial width at a first location and a second radial width at a second location. The first and second widths are different to minimize the amount of material that forms the first and second ball-ramp rings.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2022Date of Patent: March 26, 2024Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Frederick E. Zink, Robert S. Kleinhardt
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Patent number: 11885399Abstract: A power transmission device is provided with: a rotary body arranged to receive the torque to rotate about an axis; a clutch including a clutch member engaging with the rotary body and axially movable and clutch teeth connectable with the clutch member to transmit the torque; a solenoid configured to generate a magnetic flux in response to input of electric power; a stator coupled with the solenoid as to conduct the magnetic flux and prevented from rotation about the axis; a rotor arranged to receive the magnetic flux from the stator and, when driven by the received magnetic flux, to create a rotational motion about the axis; and a conversion mechanism drivingly connected with the rotor to convert the rotational motion into a linear motion in a direction along the axis, the conversion mechanism including a thrust member transmitting the linear motion to the clutch member.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2023Date of Patent: January 30, 2024Assignee: GKN Automotive LimitedInventors: Yuu Yaguchi, Toshiaki Komatsu, Masato Horiguchi, Toshiyuki Kikuchi
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Patent number: 11841068Abstract: A differential gearing device includes a base gearing device and an actuator. The base gearing device including a first gear connected to a first output of the differential gearing device, a second gear connected to a second output of the differential gearing device, differential gearing connected to each of the first gear and the second gear, and a clutch connected between the first gear and the second gear. The actuator actuates the clutch to change a torque bias ratio between the first gear and the second gear.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2022Date of Patent: December 12, 2023Assignee: JTEKT AUTOMOTIVE NORTH AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Patrick Desing, Noel R Barnes, II, Michael Kocevar
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Patent number: 11674581Abstract: Methods and systems for a locking differential are provided. The locking differential system includes an electromagnetic solenoid actuator configured to induce locking and unlocking of the differential and a circuit board assembly designed to programmatically control the locking and unlocking functionality. The circuit board assembly includes a multi-sensor sub-assembly having two or more sensor configured to monitor a position of the electromagnetic solenoid actuator.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2022Date of Patent: June 13, 2023Assignee: Dana Automotive Systems Group, LLCInventors: Justin S. Davis, Michael Z. Creech, Sagar B. Bangar
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Patent number: 11674579Abstract: A planetary gear train automatic limited slip differential may consist of a main differential, a planetary gear train differential controller, a left axle shaft, a right axle shaft, and a clutch. The planetary gear train differential controller may be composed of a first planetary gear train differential controller unit and a second planetary gear train differential controller unit. The first planetary gear train differential controller unit may be composed of a first planetary gear train and a first overrunning clutch connected to the first planetary gear train. The second planetary gear train differential controller unit may be composed of a second planetary gear train and a second overrunning clutch connected to the second planetary gear train.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2022Date of Patent: June 13, 2023Assignee: Hubei University of Automotive TechnologyInventors: Yurong Chen, Shenghuai Wang, Aihong Gong, Zhen Wang, Xueliang Zhou, Wen Cheng, Aihua Ren, Zhangdong Sun, Hongxia Wang, Weidong Yan, Qiang Liu, Guoxing Sun, Chunlong Zou, Junjie Liu, Tao Chen, Shuo Cheng, Yu Wang, Wenlong Jia, Suiyu Yin, Longyong Gan, Rengan Wei
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Patent number: 11667193Abstract: Methods of controlling a tandem axle assembly in a vehicle, the tandem axle assembly including an inter-axle differential (IAD), one or more side gears, and a front tandem axle assembly having a pair of front tandem axle half shafts selectively connected to a pair of front tandem axle wheel hub assemblies. When a determined speed of the vehicle is greater or equal to a predetermined speed, the IAD may be locked, the tandem axle wheel hub assemblies may be disconnected from their respective tandem axle shafts, and/or the IAD may be moved out of engagement with the one or more side gears. When a determined speed of the vehicle is less than a predetermined speed, the IAD may be unlocked, the tandem axle wheel hub assemblies may be connected to their respective tandem axle shafts, and/or the IAD may be engaged with the one or more side gears.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2021Date of Patent: June 6, 2023Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLCInventors: Jeremy M. Frenznick, Steven Mastroianni
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Patent number: 11662007Abstract: A power divider unit including an input shaft, a drive gear disposed around the input shaft, an inter-axle differential assembly coupled to the input shaft, an output side gear coupled to the input shaft, and a locking system for the power divider unit. The locking system is configured to passively lock the inter-axle differential assembly. The locking system includes a ramped first clutch member in selective engagement with the drive gear, a mating second clutch member configured to engage the first clutch member, a clutch pinion, and a slip clutch assembly. The second clutch member and the first clutch member rotate at different speeds, the clutch pinion rotates and causes the slip clutch assembly and second clutch member to rotate at a speed of the input shaft, causing the first clutch member to mate with the first clutch member.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2020Date of Patent: May 30, 2023Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLCInventors: Steven Mastroianni, Aaron D. Gries, Martin D. Fairchild
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Patent number: 11602989Abstract: An axle assembly having an input shaft, an output shaft, and an interaxle differential unit. The interaxle differential unit includes a first side gear, a second side gear, a spider, at least one pinion gear, and a case. The case encircles the first side gear and the spider and has an integral drive gear.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2022Date of Patent: March 14, 2023Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLCInventors: Mahesh Naik, Ramesh Ranjan, Dale Kwasniewski
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Patent number: 11391354Abstract: A differential gear accommodated in a differential case, includes: an axial cylinder having a cylindrical shape fitted onto a shaft; an annular wall having an annular shape protruding from an outer circumferential surface of the axial cylinder; a gear protruding from the annular wall on one side with respect to an axial direction of the shaft; a reinforcing rib protruding from an outer circumferential surface of the annular wall; and a first recess formed by boring the annular wall and opening the other side with respect to the axial direction of the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2021Date of Patent: July 19, 2022Assignee: HITACHI ASTEMO, LTD.Inventors: Kenji Fukasawa, Kenji Kato
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Patent number: 11346432Abstract: A electric locker differential assembly includes a first and second side gear. A pinion gear set is disposed between the first side gear and the second side gears. An engagement shaft includes flyweights disposed on the engagement shaft which are moveable between retracted and extended positions to lock and unlock the differential assembly. A lockout shaft includes a pawl disposed thereon. An electrical adjustment mechanism includes an actuator operably connected with an adjustment nut or rod. An electrical adjustment biasing spring includes a first leg retained by the adjustment nut and a second leg connected with the pawl wherein movement of the adjustment nut by the actuator varies a biasing force applied to the pawl.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2019Date of Patent: May 31, 2022Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power LimitedInventors: Hongbin Wang, Andrew N. Edler
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Patent number: 11346433Abstract: An actuator is used to longitudinally move a spline sleeve for controlling drive mode of a differential on an off-road vehicle. The actuator's motor rotates an eccentric knob through a drive train including intermediate gears and a worm gear. The eccentic knob is linked to the spline sleeve through a torsion spring carried on a pivot plate, with legs of the torsion spring pushing a slide block, transferring a moment provided by the eccentric knob into a linear slide force. The pivot plate and torsion spring are jointly mounted on the actuator housing by a hub, opposite the rotational axis of the eccentric knob from the slide block. The slide block includes a contact which completes a circuit through conductive pads on the actuator housing, so the position of the slide block can be directly sensed.Type: GrantFiled: January 4, 2021Date of Patent: May 31, 2022Assignee: Zhejiang CFMOTO Power Co., Ltd.Inventor: Fuying Cheng
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Patent number: 11300197Abstract: The differential device measuring tool measures an inflow amount of lubricating oil flowing into a housing space through a communication hole during the rotation of a differential case having a case main body in which the housing space and the communication hole are formed and a bearing boss having a through-hole protruding from the case main body and communicating with the housing space. The measuring tool has a collecting portion and a deriving portion. The collecting portion does not interfere with the rotating differential case in the housing space in which the differential gear mechanism is not housed, and has a recess opening and collects the lubricating oil flowing into the housing space through the communication hole. The deriving portion is inserted through the through-hole of the bearing boss and have a deriving flow channel. The deriving flow channel communicates with the recess, and extends to the outside.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2019Date of Patent: April 12, 2022Assignee: Musashi Selmitsu Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Takemoto, Fumiya Yamamoto, Ryota Ishino, Akuto Sekiguchi, Osamu Ogane
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Patent number: 11242899Abstract: A fluid distribution apparatus for an axle assembly, the fluid distribution apparatus including a cylindrical portion rotatably disposed about a bearing race. A conical portion is coupled with the cylindrical portion, and a retaining portion is coupled with the conical portion. A plurality of circumferentially spaced tubes are coupled with the retaining portion, wherein the tubes are at least partially disposed through a rotating component of a clutch.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2019Date of Patent: February 8, 2022Assignee: Dana Automotive Systems Group, LLCInventors: Nicholas C. Billmaier, Thomas L. Nahrwold
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Patent number: 11235660Abstract: Methods and systems for an electric drive axle of a vehicle are provided. An electric drive axle system includes, in one example, an electric motor-generator rotationally coupled to a gear train. The gear train includes an output shaft rotationally coupled to a gear assembly axially offset from an input shaft rotationally coupled to the electric motor-generator, where the gear assembly is rotationally coupled to a differential and the differential is rotationally coupled to an axle, a first clutch assembly is configured to rotationally couple and decouple a first gear set from the output shaft, and a second clutch assembly is configured to rotationally couple and decouple a second gear set from the output shaft, the second gear set having a different gear ratio than the first gear set.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2020Date of Patent: February 1, 2022Assignee: Dana Automotive Systems Group, LLCInventor: Eric M. Engerman
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Patent number: 11193546Abstract: A ball-ramp clutch includes two stamped ramp plates and at least one molded support ring. The molded support ring transmits axial force from one of the ramp plates to a thrust bearing, which, in turn, transmits the axial force to the pressure plate of a clutch pack. The molded support ring may radially locate one of the races of the thrust bearing. The molded support ring may be plastic.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2020Date of Patent: December 7, 2021Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KGInventors: Jay Barnes, Shaun Tate, Alaa Makke
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Patent number: 11104226Abstract: An inter-axle differential assembly comprising a driving input shaft, a forward differential wheel, a rear differential wheel, a differential spider connected for common rotation with the input shaft and on which differential pinions configured to meshingly engage with said differential wheels are rotatably mounted, and a differential housing to which the differential spider is connected for common rotation. The assembly comprising an output wheel via which torque is transferable to a rear driving axle, and a connection means movable between: an open position which connects the output wheel to the rear differential wheel so that the differential housing can rotate independently of the rear differential wheel, a locking position connecting both of the differential housing and the output wheel to the rear differential wheel, and a disconnecting position connecting the differential housing to the rear differential wheel, so that the output wheel can rotate independently of the rear differential wheel.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 2017Date of Patent: August 31, 2021Assignee: Scania CV ABInventors: Mattias Ingesson, Tobias Bergdal
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Patent number: 11098793Abstract: Methods and systems for a locking mechanism in an inter-axle differential are provided. A vehicle system, in one example, includes an electric motor coupled to a clutch assembly in a locking mechanism of an inter-axle differential coupled to a first axle and a second axle, the clutch assembly is configured to selectively disengage the locking mechanism, and in the disengaged configuration the locking mechanism permits speed differentiation between the first and second axles. The system further includes an electric motor brake coupled to the electric motor and configured to selectively apply a brake torque to the electric motor and the electric motor is configured to actuate the clutch assembly.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2020Date of Patent: August 24, 2021Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLCInventors: Brian Knapke, Patrick F. Rose, Benjamin J. Passino, Daniel D. Carmean
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Patent number: 11047463Abstract: An axle system for a vehicle having an input shaft and an input helical gear. Circumferentially extending from at least a portion of an outer surface of an intermediate portion of the input shaft is an increased diameter portion. A bearing journal surface is disposed directly adjacent to a first end portion of the increase diameter portion and a tapered roller bearing journal surface is disposed directly adjacent to a second end portion of the increased diameter portion of the input shaft. Disposed outboard from the bearing journal surface is a bearing and a tapered roller bearing is disposed outboard from the tapered roller bearing journal surface of the input shaft. At least a portion of the tapered roller bearing is disposed with a tapered roller bearing receiving portion circumferentially extending along at least a portion of an inner surface of an input helical side gear.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2017Date of Patent: June 29, 2021Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLCInventors: Bradley R. Archer, Jeremy M. Frenznick, Nicholas W. Laforce, Paul V. Mackalski, Matthew T. Malanga, Jared T. Reichert
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Patent number: 11007870Abstract: A four-wheel drive vehicle comprises: main drive wheels and sub-drive wheels; a first input rotating member; a first output rotating member; a second input rotating member; a second output rotating member; a first dog clutch; a second dog clutch; a synchromesh mechanism. In the case of canceling a disconnect state in which the power transmitting member interrupts power transmission from the drive power source and the sub-drive wheels, the control device controls an engagement torque of the coupling to a preset first torque and operates the synchromesh mechanism to engage the first dog clutch when it is determined that the rotation speeds are synchronized between the second input rotating member and the second output rotating member, and controls the engagement torque of the coupling to a second torque smaller than the first torque to engage the second dog clutch when it is determined that the first dog clutch is engaged.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2019Date of Patent: May 18, 2021Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Hiroshi Tamura
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Patent number: 10995835Abstract: An electric drive axle assembly of a vehicle includes an electric motor having an output shaft. At least one of a gear and a planetary gear assembly is coupled to the output shaft of the electric motor. The at least one of the gear and the planetary gear assembly is coupled to a differential mechanism configured to transfer torque to two axle shafts of the vehicle. The electric drive axle assembly configured to produce a plurality of speed ratios between the electric motor and the differential mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2019Date of Patent: May 4, 2021Assignee: Dana Automotive Systems Group, LLCInventor: Eric M. Engerman
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Patent number: 10953746Abstract: A hydraulic control unit (HCU) assembly, for an electro-hydraulic limited slip differential system for a vehicle, includes a support bracket configured to couple to an underbody of the vehicle in a location remote from a live axle assembly of the vehicle, and an HCU including an integrated accumulator and reservoir assembly, a control valve assembly, and a motor and hydraulic pump assembly. The HCU is coupled to the support bracket.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2019Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power LimitedInventors: Andrew N. Edler, Kandice Kawala, Randy Graves, Daniel P. Fisher
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Patent number: 10955043Abstract: An axle assembly having an axle housing with a center portion defining a sump and one or more axle shaft housings extending from the center portion. Each of the axle shaft housings receives an axle half shaft. The axle housing includes a differential assembly having a ring gear; and a lubrication directing assembly disposed directly adjacent to the ring gear. The axle assembly also includes a pump mounted in one or more of the axle shaft housings and is drivingly coupled to a pump gear. The pump gear is drivingly coupled to the axle half shaft. The axle assembly also includes an axle housing cover surrounding the axle housing. A fluid storage tank is attached to the housing cover, wherein the fluid storage tank includes a fill channel directly attached to the housing cover.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2019Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Group, LLCInventors: Jordan M. Houser, Mark W. Leber, Marcus W. Schmidt
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Patent number: 10883587Abstract: A differential device includes a ring gear receiving a rotational driving force from a drive gear, a differential case rotating integrally with the ring gear around a predetermined axis, and a differential mechanism installed within a barrel part of the differential case. The ring gear includes a gear portion meshing with the drive gear, and a rim portion that is formed integrally with an inner periphery of the gear portion and is fitted, in a non-welded state, onto a maximum diameter outer peripheral portion of the barrel part or a predetermined outer peripheral portion having a smaller diameter than the maximum diameter outer peripheral portion. The rim portion has a to-be-fixed portion welded to the barrel part at a position spaced in an axial direction from a fitting part via which the rim portion and the barrel part are fitted, the position being further radially inward than the fitting part.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2019Date of Patent: January 5, 2021Assignee: Musashi Seimitsu Industry Co., Ltd.Inventors: Akihiro Uchida, Yoichi Yanase
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Patent number: 10857878Abstract: A driveline assembly for a vehicle including at least one primary shaft rotatable about an axis. At least one reducer assembly is coupled with the at least one primary shaft. The reducer assembly includes a sun gear rotatable with the primary shaft. A plurality of planet gears are rotatable about the sun gear. A ring is positioned about the planet gears. A planet carrier is rotatably connected to a center of each of the planet gears. An output shaft is fixed to the planet carrier. A sliding clutch fixes the ring to a ground in a high torque position to provide a gear reduction, and fixes the ring to the planet carrier in a low torque position to provide a 1:1 gear ratio. A method for operating such a driveline assembly is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2018Date of Patent: December 8, 2020Assignee: NEAPCO INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY HOLDINGS, LLCInventors: Donald Remboski, Jacqueline Dedo
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Patent number: 10837536Abstract: A driveline power transmitting device that includes a limited slip differential having a differential case, a cross-pin, a pair of pressure rings, a pair of clutch packs, a pair of preload springs, and a pair of preload control mechanisms. The pressure rings are non-rotatably coupled to the differential case and are disposed on opposite sides of the cross-pin. The preload springs bias the pressure rings toward the clutch packs and thereby preload the clutch packs. The pressure rings are urged axially away from the cross-pin to further compress the clutch packs in response to rotation of the cross-pin relative to the differential case. The preload control mechanisms are employed to decrease the preload force on the clutch packs in certain situations.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2019Date of Patent: November 17, 2020Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Douglas J. Chemelli, Ryan Ettenhofer
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Patent number: 10767743Abstract: A differential gearing for a motor vehicle, with a ring gear, which has an external toothing system and which can be driven by a pinion of the motor vehicle, and with a differential unit which can be driven by the ring gear for rotational speed compensation between wheels of the motor vehicle that can be driven by the pinion via the differential unit, wherein the differential unit has an internal gear which can be driven by the ring gear and has an internal toothing system, the wheels being drivable by way of said internal gear. In relation to a torque flow from the ring gear to the internal gear, a coupling device is arranged between the ring gear and the internal gear.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2017Date of Patent: September 8, 2020Assignee: AUDI AGInventors: René Kockisch, Nico Keller, Udo Pinschmidt, Steffen Hummel
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Patent number: 10760624Abstract: Presented are wedge-type engine disconnect devices, methods for making/using such disconnect devices, and motor vehicles equipped with such disconnect devices. An engine disconnect device includes an outer race that attaches to a torque converter's pump cover. The outer race's inner diameter (ID) surface has circumferentially spaced grooves. An inner race is concentrically aligned within the outer race and attaches to an engine's output shaft. The inner race's outer diameter (OD) surface has circumferentially spaced pockets. A wedge plate interposed between the inner and outer races has multiple circumferentially spaced ramps. Each ramp slidably mounts within one groove and one pocket. The wedge plate moves between an engaged position, whereat the ramps wedge between the ID and OD surfaces to thereby transfer torque between the inner and outer races, and a disengaged position, whereat the ramps unwedge to thereby free the inner race to rotate with respect to the outer race.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2019Date of Patent: September 1, 2020Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Farzad Samie, Derek F. Lahr, Dmitriy Bruder, Madhusudan Raghavan, Chunhao J. Lee, Dongxu Li
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Patent number: 10760677Abstract: An epicyclic gear train including a central sun gear, an outer ring gear, and a number of planet gears which are mounted to a planet carrier. The planet carrier includes a centrally disposed torque transfer coupling with a torque transmission point at an axial end thereof. First and second carrier plates extend radially from the torque transfer coupling and are axially spaced apart to support the planet gears therebetween at aligned gear mounting points. The first carrier plate is closer to the torque transfer point than the second carrier plate. The second carrier plate has a stiffness that is greater than that of the first carrier plate.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2018Date of Patent: September 1, 2020Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.Inventors: Louis Brillon, Michel Desjardins
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Patent number: 10753447Abstract: An electro-hydraulic limited slip differential system for a vehicle includes an axle assembly having an axle housing having an aperture formed therein, and an electro-hydraulic limited slip differential assembly disposed within the axle housing. The limited slip differential assembly includes a differential case, a differential gear assembly disposed in the differential case, a clutch assembly having a clutch pack and a clutch actuator assembly, and a hydraulic fitting disposed at least partially within the aperture. The hydraulic fitting is coupled to a hydraulic port of the clutch actuator assembly.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2018Date of Patent: August 25, 2020Inventors: Andrew N. Edler, Ashish Wadhva, Brian St. John, Kandice Kawala, Randy Graves, Daniel P. Fisher
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Patent number: 10571007Abstract: A differential system provides an axle disconnect function, a synchronizer function, and it has the ability to transmit large amounts of torque and has a limited slip differential function in a compact and cost effective module.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2015Date of Patent: February 25, 2020Assignee: Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, LLCInventor: James F. Ziech
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Patent number: 10525828Abstract: A transfer for a vehicle, the transfer includes an input rotating member, a first output rotating member, a second output rotating member, a high-low switching mechanism, a clutch, a motor, a screw mechanism and a transmitting mechanism. The first output rotating member outputs power to first left and right wheels. The second output rotating member outputs power to second left and right wheels. The high-low switching mechanism changes a rate of rotation from the input rotating member and transmits the rotation to the first output rotating member. The clutch adjusts a transfer torque. The transfer torque is transmitted from the first output rotating member to the second output rotating member. The screw mechanism converts rotational motion of the motor to linear motion. The transmitting mechanism transmits linear motion force of the screw mechanism to both the high-low switching mechanism and the clutch.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2015Date of Patent: January 7, 2020Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Mizuki Imafuku, Akinori Homan, Tomohiro Arakawa
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Patent number: 10518639Abstract: An auxiliary drive device includes: a drive unit that has an electric motor; a meshing clutch that has a first meshing member and a second meshing member; an actuator that moves the second meshing member; and a control unit that controls the electric motor and the actuator. The actuator moves the second meshing member among a separation position, at which the second meshing member is not meshed with the first meshing member, an abutment position, at which first meshing teeth and second meshing teeth possibly abut against each other, and a meshing position, at which the first meshing teeth and the second meshing teeth are meshed with each other. The control unit makes a current supplied to the electric motor when the second meshing member is located between the abutment position and the meshing position smaller than a current required to maintain the rotational speed of the electric motor.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2018Date of Patent: December 31, 2019Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATIONInventors: Ryohei Shigeta, Hiroshi Sumasu
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Patent number: 10451646Abstract: A sensor for detecting a physical variable, including: —a sensor element for outputting an electrical signal dependent on the physical variable, —a substrate carrying the sensor element, —a printed circuit board, conducting the electrical signal, on the substrate, and —an embedding compound, in which the sensor element is completely embedded and the printed circuit board is at least partly embedded, —wherein at least one compensation element is embodied in the embedding compound, by which compensation element a mechanical stress caused by an element of the sensor at least partly embedded in the embedding compound is counteracted.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2016Date of Patent: October 22, 2019Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co. oHGInventors: Svenja Raukopf, Jakob Schillinger, Michael Schulmeister
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Patent number: 10323695Abstract: A clutched device has a housing, which defines a clutch sump, a friction clutch that is received in the housing, a first reservoir, an evacuation device and a pump that is configured to transmit fluid between the first reservoir and the friction clutch for operating the friction clutch. The evacuation device is selectively operable for changing the effective volume of the clutch sump so that the level of lubrication in the clutch sump can be lowered to reduce drag forces caused by the presence of lubricant between clutch plates of the friction clutch when the friction clutch is not in use.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2016Date of Patent: June 18, 2019Assignee: AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC.Inventors: Michal Szymkowiak, Paul J. Valente
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Patent number: 10113629Abstract: A differential assembly is disclosed, including a housing forming an interior space, and a shaft may extend into a portion of the interior space of the housing. A side gear including an aperture may be arranged within the interior space and an end portion of the shaft is aligned and extends through the aperture. The differential assembly may further include a sliding sleeve configured with a flat flange portion, the sliding sleeve may extend through the aperture and slide over the end portion of the shaft. Furthermore, a pinion gear may be configured with a flat face portion and a pinion gear cam portion may be configured to extend axially away from the flat face portion of the pinion gear. An actuator may actuate the sliding sleeve between a sleeve first position and a sleeve second position and the flat flange portion may interact with the pinion gear cam portion.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2016Date of Patent: October 30, 2018Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Omar J. Adragna, Amanda C. Doolittle
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Patent number: 10012301Abstract: In a differential locking mechanism, a first differential side gear is fixed on a first axle, a second differential side gear is fixed on a second axle, and a bull gear including an engagement part is disposed between the first and second side gears. A cylindrical part is provided on the first differential side gear unrotatably relative to the first differential side gear, and includes a circumferential portion surrounding the first differential side gear. A differential locking slider is fitted on the circumferential portion of the cylindrical part unrotatably relative to the cylindrical part and axially slidably. The differential locking slider is slidable in a direction to engage its engagement part with the engagement part of the bull gear, and in another direction to disengage its engagement part from the engagement part of the bull gear.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2017Date of Patent: July 3, 2018Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.Inventor: Katsumoto Mizukawa
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Patent number: 9933060Abstract: A locking differential assembly includes a differential case defining an axis of rotation and a gear chamber. A first side gear is at a first end of the differential case. A second side gear is at a second end of the differential case opposite the first end for selectable rotation relative to the differential case. A solenoid is at the first end. The solenoid is directly wound onto a stator.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2017Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Steven J. Cochren, Daniel Stanley Frazier, Chad Robert Hillman, John Kimmel Vandervoort
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Patent number: 9885415Abstract: An axle assembly for a vehicle including a differential carrier having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion including a first engagement surface coupled with a second engagement surface of the second portion. The differential carrier defines a differential area and a clutch area substantially separated by a partition. The differential carrier first engagement surface defines a lubricant channel fluidly connecting the differential area with the clutch area, and at least partially located above the clutch area and at least partially located in an outer wall of the differential carrier. The axle assembly further includes a bearing retainer disposed through the outer wall of the differential carrier. The bearing retainer includes an aperture therethrough, fluidly connecting the lubricant channel with a clutch assembly.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2016Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: Dana Automotive Systems Group, LLCInventors: Thomas L. Nahrwold, Randy L. Sommer
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Patent number: 9791031Abstract: A differential gear mechanism constructed in accordance to one example of the present disclosure can include a differential casing having a first case housing portion and a second case housing portion. The first and second case housing portions can be coupled together with fasteners. A first and a second side gear can be rotatably mounted within the differential casing. A plurality of pinion gears can be mounted between the first and second side gears. Each of the plurality of pinion gears can be rotatably mounted on a respective pinion gear shaft. Each pinion gear shaft can have first and second ends. The first end of each pinion gear shaft can be aligned with a fastener of the plurality of fasteners such that axial movement of the respective pinion gear shafts is inhibited by contact with a corresponding fastener of the plurality of fasteners.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2015Date of Patent: October 17, 2017Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Matthew G. Fox, Jeffrey A. Oesch
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Patent number: 9759303Abstract: A vehicle differential disconnect assembly can include a differential case, a differential gear set, and a torque distribution device. The differential gear set is carried within the differential case. The torque distribution device transfers torque between the differential gear set and side shafts of the accompanying vehicle driveline. The torque distribution device can include a clutch pack and an actuator assembly. The clutch pack is located at a first side of the differential case relative to the differential gear set, and the actuator assembly is located at a second side of the differential case relative to the differential gear set. The actuator assembly has a mover that transmits movement to the clutch pack when the actuator assembly actuates and deactuates the clutch pack.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2014Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: GKN Driveline North America, Inc.Inventor: Brent Peura
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Patent number: 9671004Abstract: A differential device (1) for a self-propelled wheeled vehicle, includes an input ring gear (2), two shafts separate from each other, two clutch mechanisms each including a first clutch member (3) mounted integral in rotation to one of the shafts, and a second clutch member (4) mounted freely rotatable relative to the shaft and capable of being rotated by the ring gear (2), the second clutch member being capable of being moved axially. Each second clutch member is provided with elements (44) for bearing contact with the other second clutch member, the elements for bearing contact being capable, in a first given angular configuration of the second clutch members relative to each other, of keeping the second clutch members in the engaged position, and the elements for bearing contact also being capable, in a second given angular configuration, of allowing the second clutch members to shift to the disengaged position.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2013Date of Patent: June 6, 2017Assignee: FRANCE REDUCTEURSInventor: Jacques Rambaud
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Patent number: 9630522Abstract: A method controls a motor vehicle including an internal combustion engine coupled to a first axle set and to at least two electric machines each one coupled to one wheel of a second axle set. The method includes determining the speed of at least one of the electric machines; comparing the determined speed against a threshold; and altering, if the determined speed is above the threshold, the maximum torque of the electric machines so as to limit the rotational speed of the machines.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2013Date of Patent: April 25, 2017Assignee: RENAULT s.a.s.Inventors: Ahmed Ketfi-Cherif, Gregory Launay, Abdelmalek Maloum, Olivier Scheffges, Maxime Debert
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Patent number: 9593757Abstract: An axle assembly with a housing, a pinion, a ring gear, a bearing and a pair of shafts. The pinon is mounted to the housing for rotation about a first axis. The ring gear is received in the housing and meshingly engaged with the pinion. The bearing supports the ring gear for rotation relative to the housing about a second axis and also handles thrust loads between the housing and the ring gear that are directed (in both directions) along the second axis. The bearing has a plurality of bearing elements and is abutted against a shoulder formed on the housing that is positioned along the second axis between the first axis and the bearing elements. The differential assembly has a differential case, which is coupled to the ring gear for rotation therewith, and a pair of output members that are coupled to the shafts for common rotation.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2016Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: James P. Downs, Paul J. Valente
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Patent number: 9524660Abstract: A display apparatus including a display module, and a drive device to deform the display module, is provided. The drive device switches the display module between a planar state and a curved state in which at least one lateral end of the display module protrudes forward. As such, the user may use the display module both in a planar state and a curved state.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2014Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Dong Yup Lee, Jae Hyung Kim, Woo Sung In, Gyu Sung Do, Byung Joo Paek, Jeong Roh Lee, Jun Ho Yang