Abstract: An axle system (150) for a vehicle comprises: —a differential unit (10) including a first housing (24) and a second housing (20) which rotationally receives at least part of said first housing; —at least one drive shaft (11) having one end configured to be connected to a wheel of the vehicle and one end connected to the differential unit (10) and rotationally received in the first housing (24), the drive shaft (11) including at least one joint (110) connecting two portions (114a, 114d) of the drive shaft (11) to transmit rotary motion between said portions; —a first bearing (30) secured around the drive shaft (11), placed between the drive shaft and the first housing (24), having an outer diameter (D30) smaller than the radial dimension (D) of the joint (110); —a second bearing (40) placed between the first housing (24) and the second housing (20); —at least one tightening member (50) to axially lock the first bearing outer ring (32) relative to the first housing (24).

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for rear axle having a wet bath. In one example, a system comprises a pump configured to spin in a first direction to flow lubricant to a cooler and a second direction to entrain the lubricant with gas.

Abstract: Rotary compressor arrangement (100) for compressing a fluid comprising a body (40) centered at an axis (X) of a shaft (20) and a cylindrical piston (10) eccentrically arranged with respect to the body (40) such that a compression chamber (110) is created between them; the arrangement (100) further comprising a satellite element (50) arranged at an offset axis (Y) and orbiting around the axis (X), the satellite element (50) contacting the external wall of the cylindrical piston (10) under a certain pressure or force such that the orbiting of the satellite element (50) entrains in rotation around the axis (X) the cylindrical piston (10) over the body (40); wherein the shaft (20) and the body (40) are solidary and static within the compressor arrangement (100); and wherein the shaft (20) comprises at least one inlet port (130) through which a compressible fluid is introduced into the compression chamber (110) for being compressed and/or one outlet port (140) through which the compressed fluid exits the compresso

Abstract: A mechanical power conversion device includes a housing filled with a fluid, at least one control assembly arranged in the housing, and at least one stationary sleeve. The control assembly includes an input shaft and an intermediate output shaft, and defines a fluid inlet port and a fluid outlet port. The stationary sleeve is arranged in the housing. The input shaft is installed with an impeller device in the stationary sleeve. A movable sleeve is fitted around the stationary sleeve such that the distance between the movable sleeve and the control assembly can be adjusted. The impeller device can be rotated by the input shaft to force the fluid to enter the control assembly via the fluid inlet port and exit the control assembly via the fluid outlet port to control mechanical power or torque being transferred from the input shaft to the intermediate ouput shaft.

Abstract: A limited slip differential includes a driving plate, backing plates, differential gear assemblies, and a transmission assembly engaged together inside a sealed casing where fluid is pumped. The driving plate has pairs of communicated openings for interlocking two gears of each gear assembly, which extend by opposite directions from the driving plate for separately engaging with the transmission assembly. While synchronously rotating the plates, the gear assemblies are alternatively soaked into the fluid and each permits the fluid passing among the gears for adjusting the rotational speed. In the event that the rotational speed difference of axle shafts of the vehicle exceeds a threshold value, the LSD applies at least one gear assembly to generate a back pressure and efficiently block the fluid passing through the gears for limiting mutual rotational speed difference, hence achieving a limited-slip effect.

Abstract: A vehicle transmission has a planet gear rotatably connected to an input shaft. A sun gear and an annulus gear are drivingly connected to the planet gear. A hydraulic pump is drivingly connected to the input shaft. A high-pressure oil line hydraulically communicates between the hydraulic pump and a region defined between the annulus gear, the sun gear, and the planet gear. The pressurized oil is used to change the driving resistance of the planet gear to the annulus gear and to change the driving resistance of the planet gear to sun gear. The annulus gear is connected to the one-way-clutch. An output shaft is connected to the planet gear.

Abstract: A vehicle differential which includes an integral positive displacement pump, along with adjustable fluid controls and a movable surface for holding fluid controls in position, infinitely from full open to full closed, where as relative rotation of differential half-axles and side gears would cause positive displacement pump to force fluid past fluid controls and position of fluid controls would restrict the fluid flow thus effectively limiting the “slip” of the differential.

Abstract: A fluid coupling employing a viscous fluid to produce a limited slip differential assembly. The fluid coupling is disposed within a differential casing along with a pair of side gears. The fluid coupling includes a first impeller provided with a first set of vanes and drivingly coupled to one of the side gears, a second impeller provided with a second set of vanes and drivingly coupled to the differential casing so that the first set of vanes is facing the second set of vanes, and a viscous fluid disposed between the first and second sets of vanes.

Abstract: A vehicle, such as an automobile or a truck, is equipped with a mechanism to control output torque to two or more shafts. The mechanism is most usefully adapted to an axle in order to allocate torque among two or more shafts or wheels. The mechanism controls the sum and difference of torque by processing the sum and the difference independently. The mechanism converts a force, such as a torque, into quantities that can be used by the two or more shafts or wheels.

Abstract: A continuously variable ratio transmission includes a planetary gear set connected to a prime mover having first and second output shafts. The first output shaft is connected in a hydraulic braking circuit including a positive displacement pump and an operator controlled variable flow valve for varying the resistive torque on the output shaft and effective a gear ratio change at the other output shaft.

Abstract: A differential device for transferring torque and rotation from an input shaft to a first output shaft and a second output shaft of a vehicle is provided. The differential device includes a carrier coupled to an input shaft, a first pump/motor coupled to the carrier and to the first output shaft, and a second pump/motor coupled to the carrier and to the second output shaft. The first pump/motor preferably functions to pump a hydraulic fluid upon a rotation of the first output shaft at a different speed than the carrier, and to rotate the first output shaft at a different speed than the carrier upon a sufficient pressurization of the hydraulic fluid. Similarly, the second pump/motor preferably functions to pump a hydraulic fluid upon a rotation of the second output shaft at a different speed than the carrier, and to rotate the second output shaft at a different speed than the carrier upon a sufficient pressurization of the hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: A differential device for coupling an input shaft, a first output shaft, and a second output shaft is provided. The differential device preferably includes a differential case with a first side gear, a second side gear, a pinion gear, and a hydraulic conduit. The differential device preferably includes a first rotary pump, which preferably functions to pump hydraulic fluid through the hydraulic conduit upon the relative rotational movement of the differential case and the first output shaft and to resist relative rotational movement of the differential case and the first output shaft upon a restriction of the transmittal of hydraulic fluid through the hydraulic conduit. The differential device also preferably includes a valve system, which functions to selectively restrict the transmittal of hydraulic fluid through the hydraulic conduit.

Abstract: An improved differential lock is self-setting. A movable lock member is driven to reciprocate between two hydraulic chambers at a speed which increases when there is increasing relative movement between a shaft and differential case. As the movable lock member increases its speed, the resistance to further movement of the lock member due to the hydraulic fluid increases. Preferably, the movable lock member has a pin received in a cam groove in the shaft, and another pin received at an axial groove in the case. The movable lock member is thus constrained to rotate with the case, and is caused to reciprocate as the pin moves within the cam groove in the shaft. A fluid passage through the lock member allows fluid to move between the opposed hydraulic chambers. However, a valve closes this passage as the movable lock member increases its speed. As the passage is restricted, the hydraulic fluid resists further movement of the lock member.

Abstract: A differential drive for use on a vehicle to control the transfer of torque between the front and rear axles of a vehicle. The differential drive includes a rotatably driven differential housing supported in a housing. The differential drive also includes a differential gear set arranged and supporting in the differential housing. The differential gear set has at least two side shafts gears and at least two differential gears. The differential drive also includes a torque distribution device having a viscous transmission. The viscous transmission has an inner hub and an outer casing. The inner hub is connected to a first side shaft. The outer casing is connected to one of the side gears. The viscous transmission also connects the output of the first side shaft to one of the side shaft gears.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining an acceptable torque level to be applied to at least one clutch pack (of an automobile) which includes the requirement of internal slip to transmit torque. The automobile includes a plurality of wheels. A velocity is sensed at each of the plurality of wheels of the automobile. A speed information value is calculated. The speed information value is a function of the sensed velocities at each of the plurality of wheels. The speed information value is then compared with a calibration table. Finally, the acceptable torque level is determined primarily from the calibration table based on the speed information value.

Abstract: A hydraulic device to limit slip can be used in the vehicle's main differential and the vehicle's inter-axle differential. The device includes a cylinder body connected to an input shaft, pistons disposed within radial cylinder bores in the cylinder body, and a cam ring connected to the output shaft, and disposed adjacent the pistons. The cylinder body is generally ring-shaped and has at least one pair of cylinder bores connected by an orifice spaced radially around the cylinder body interior bore. One of the radial cylinder bores in the pair is filled with hydraulic fluid. One piston protrudes from its corresponding radial cylinder bore. The cam ring is also generally ring-shaped having one lobe around its outer circumference per radial cylinder bore pair. As the cylinder body rotates along with the input shaft, the pistons interact with the cam ring lobes. The lobe forces the protruding piston into its corresponding radial cylinder bore.

Abstract: A traction distributing apparatus for a motor vehicle includes a housing, a propeller shaft arranged on the input side of the housing and driven by an engine, and a differential gear mechanism arranged on the output side of the housing for distributing torque from the propeller shaft to axles. A reversible hydraulic motor is arranged on the output side of the housing to provide relative torque between the axles by pressure oil supplied and discharged from the outside. The hydraulic motor comprises a motor casing rotatably arranged on the output side of the housing and a cylinder block rotatably arranged inside the motor casing for rotating relative thereto by means of pressure oil. The motor casing serves as part of one of the axles.

Abstract: A motor vehicle transmission has a differential assembly (17) in which one input, sun gear (39), of an epicyclic gear train can be selectively coupled by a sleeve (59) through a viscous coupling (55) to either an input, i.e. annulus gear (31), or to another output, i.e. carrier (36). Coupling the sun gear to the annulus gear gives a low resistance mode of operation and coupling the sun gear to the carrier gives a high resistance mode of operation. A locked mode where the annulus is locked to the sun gear is also described, together with a free mode where the viscous coupling is disconnected from both the annulus gear and the carrier. The sleeve is lined to the control of a range change gearbox to select the low resistance mode when a high range is selected for on-road use and a high resistance mode is selected when a low range is selected for off-road use.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to hydraulically actuated limited slip differentials. More particularly, the present invention relates to a hydraulic limited slip differential which utilizes a variable pressure relief check valve used to vary the maximum hydraulic pressure available within the differential case in a manner that the limited slip feature can be adjusted anywhere between a full “ON” and a full “OFF” configuration. Hydraulic fluid will not flow through the check valve until the hydraulic pressure within the case results in a reaction force larger than the check valve activation pressure, thus providing a maximum pressure limit in the hydraulic system. The activation pressure of the check valve can be selectively controlled by an actuator. The movement of the actuator corresponds to a change the retaining force of the check valve. Dynamic control of the system in response to vehicle operational parameters may also be performed.

Abstract: A working oil receiving chamber 8 is provided with an expanding and contracting member 12. The expanding and contracting member 12 is comprised of an expansible and contractible bellows 2a made of metal, and a bottom portion 12b made of metal and for closing opposite open ends of the bellows portion 12a, so that the member 12 can expand as the pressure of the working oil in the working oil receiving chamber 8 is increased and can contract as the pressure is decreased. A slightly compressed gas is filled in the expanding and contracting member 12.

Abstract: A variable speed, reversible transmission that utilizes two gerotor pumps for variable controlling the speed of the output shaft or axle. A rotatable input member connectable to a drive source drives first and second epicyclic gear trains, which drive the two pumps. As the fluid flow through each pump is variably restricted, the epicyclic gears associated therewith revolve about the input member, causing a worm gear intermediate the input member and the output member to variably rotate in a forward or reverse direction. The worm gear transmits rotational power from the input member to the output member in response to the fluid flow restriction through each pump. The present invention also provides for the two pumps comprising a modular pump unit and a system of transmissions employing a common modular pump assembly.

Abstract: A limited slip differential gear mechanism, particularly for use with automotive vehicle axles, comprising differential side gears connected drivably to each of two driving axles for the vehicle. A pair of pressure plates splined to the carrier define a pair of opposed ramps. They are engaged by differential pinions carried by a pinion shaft. The pinions engage each of the two side gears. A friction clutch assembly is situated adjacent each side gear. The pressure plates transfer an axial component of the thrust force created on the ramp surfaces as torque is transmitted through the pinions and through each side gear to each of two axle shafts. Each friction clutch assembly includes friction disks carried by the side gears and by the carrier so that a bias torque is established as one axle shaft overspeeds the other. A hydrostatic pump has one pump member connected to the carrier and another connected to one of the axle shafts.

Abstract: A variable speed transmission or transaxle that utilizes a pump for variable braking of the output shaft or axle. A rotatable input shaft connectable to a drive source extends into a transmission housing and is operatively connected to a gear train that transmits rotational power to a transmission output shaft. A gerotor pump mounted within the housing utilizes a ring gear of an epicyclic gear of the gear train as an inner gerotor gear that meshes with an outer gerotor gear to pump fluid along a fluid conduit. By adjustably varying the resistance of the pump, the revolution rate of the epicyclic ring gear is adjusted which in turn results in a controlling of the speed of rotation of the transmission output shaft. In an alternate embodiment, a reversible transmission is provided by employing two gerotor pumps and two gear trains which allow forward and reverse speeds of rotation of the output shaft to be variably controlled.

Abstract: A differential gear includes a rotatable housing, a first output shaft connected to a first gear element and a second output shaft connected to a second gear element of a differential planet gear train disposed within the housing and having further gear elements attached to the housing. A planet gear train is disposed within the housing and has a ring gear attached to the housing, a planet wheel connected to the ring gear and a sun wheel connected to the planet wheel. The sun wheel is connected to a hollow shaft having the second output shaft disposed therein. A fluid pump having a first member rotatable with the hollow shaft and a second member rotatable relative to the first member is disposed between the housing and the hollow shaft for braking relative rotation between the housing and the hollow shaft in response to a difference in rotational speed between the first and the second output shaft.

Abstract: A hydraulic coupling (32,32a) includes a lock (204) for selectively preventing the level of torque transmitted from a coupling casing (34) to a pair of rotary members (26,28) from affecting torque transfer between the rotary members. The coupling (32) also includes an adjuster (216) for adjusting resistance of fluid flow from a hydraulic pump (48) through ports of the coupling to control coupling of the pair of rotary members (26,28) to each other. One embodiment of the coupling (32) operates in a supercharged pumping manner, while another embodiment of the coupling (32a) pumps the fluid through a clutch actuating piston (72) of the coupling.

Abstract: A locking device for a bevel gear differential having an insert (5) mounted on its own axis (4) which is also the axis of the planet bevel (3). The insert is situated between the opposing bevel gears (2) and has teeth (6) which engages with those of the bevel wheels and when the bevel wheels are displace relative to each other, the insert executes reciprocal motion along the axis of the pinion. Various ways of creating resistance in the motion of the insert is disclosed which limits the relative angular velocity of the bevel wheels as they rotate.

Abstract: A transfer case for a four-wheel drive vehicle adapted to provide two- to four-wheel drive on-demand in the high range or four-wheel drive in the low range. The transfer case includes an input shaft coupled to the sun gear of a planetary gear set, a main drive shaft, a first output and a second output. Provided in fixed association with the main drive shaft is a viscous fluid coupling chamber, and associated with the chamber is a drive sprocket. A range clutch sleeve and locking clutch assembly is slidably disposed on the main drive shaft between the planetary gear set and the rotary member for selectively providing two- to four-wheel on-demand high range power, neutral, and four-wheel drive low range power. Inner and outer relatively rotational drum housings surround the aft end of the main drive shaft for defining an annular viscous fluid coupling chamber therebetween.

Abstract: A drive assembly for a four wheel drive vehicle has, in the region of the front axle, a distributor assembly 5 which includes the distributor differential 13 for distributing the driving torque between the front axle and rear axle and two viscous couplings 39, 51 for at least partially locking the two differentials 13, 15. The two viscous couplings 39, 51 are arranged side by side, but coaxially relative to the rotational axis X--X. They are accommodated in a separate housing 14c which is removably connected to the housing 14c accommodating the front axle differential. A compact assembly is provided which, furthermore, by means of plug-in connections 40, 52, 59, enables an easy connection and association with the distributor differential 13 and the front axle differential 15, so that in a simple way, merely by exchanging a small number of parts, for instance the plug-in shaft 36, it is possible to provide a four wheel drive in a modular design, with and without locking means for the differentials.

Abstract: A differential apparatus comprises: a differential casing; a first side gear rotatably arranged within the differential casing and connected to the first shaft; a second side gear rotatably arranged within the differential casing in parallel to the first side gear and connected to the second shaft; at least one short pinion gear housed in a bore formed in the differential casing so as to be rotated within the bore and around the first and second side gears together with the differential casing; at least one long pinion gear housed in another bore formed in the differential casing in parallel to and in mesh with the short pinion gear so as to be rotated within the bore and around the first and second side gears together with the differential casing; and a viscous coupling. The first and second side gears are geared to each other through the short and long pinion gears so as to be rotated differentially relative to each other, when the short and long pinion gears are driven by the differential casing.

Abstract: There is provided a device which incorporates a viscous-fluid coupling (68) and a friction clutch (74) in which are integrated actuation means (80, 81) which cause the engagement or the release of the clutch as a function of the speed of rotation of one of the members which are connected by the device.

Abstract: The invention provides an arrangement for driving in rotation two transmission shafts (18) of a motor-driven road vehicle, each connected to a wheel of the same axle, characterised in that each of the two transmission shafts (18) is connected to the engine unit (10) of the vehicle by means of a device (22) allowing a variable slip between its input member (40) and its output member (36), and means for controlling the two variable-slip devices (22), which regulate the rotational speeds of the two transmission shafts in order to keep these speeds within a specific range of relative variation.

Abstract: A transfer torque control device for a rotational speed responsive type control coupling is provided for providing a desired variation of a transfer torque in response to a variation of a rotational speed differential. The control coupling has orifices for restricting fluid flow therethrough and for thereby producing a transfer torque between first and second axle shafts. The transfer torque control device controls the orifices in such a manner that the openings of the orifices are varied successively in response to variations of the rotational speed differential to obtain the desired torque transfer characteristic.

Abstract: In a rotational speed differential responsive type control coupling, restrictions of a fixed opening are provided for restricting discharge of oil through discharge passages and thereby producing an oil pressure for urging relative rotatable coupling members against each other. By-pass passages are provided for by-passing the restrictions and thereby preventing production of the oil pressure for urge of the coupling members. The by-pass passages are selectively opened and closed by means of a control valve.

Abstract: A controlled type rotation speed difference sensitive coupling is disclosed, which is for use between first and second rotatable members. The coupling comprises a drive housing connected to the first rotatable member, a rotor connected to the second rotatable member and rotatably received in the housing, and driving pistons operatively carried by the rotor having head portions thereof slidably engaged with a cam surface wall formed on an inner surface of the drive housing. The rotor has at its center portion a spool chamber in which a spool is disposed. Balance passages and relief passages extend respectively between working chambers defined by the driving pistons and the spool chamber. Each balance passage has an orifice which is exposed to the spool chamber and closable by the spool. The orifice is non-circular in shape.

Abstract: To simplify propeller shaft supporting structure and to reduce propeller shaft vibration when a viscous coupling and a clutch mechanism are both provided on a propeller shaft of a 4WD vehicle, the power transmission apparatus comprises a housing rotatably supported to receive power; a differential gear disposed on one side of and within the housing; a viscous coupling disposed on the other side of and within the housing; and a clutch for transmitting power from the housing to the differential gear via the viscous coupling when engaged, and transmitting no power from the housing to the differential gear when disengaged.

Abstract: A central differential is composed of a planetary gear device. The planetary gear device comprises a first sun gear connected to an output shaft of a transmission, a carrier, a pinion set comprising first and second planetary pinions integral with each other and rotatably supported on the carrier, and a second sun gear. The first planetary pinion is engaged with the first sun gear, and the second planetary pinion is engaged with the second sun gear. The first and second planetary pinions are in the same phase, and a plurality of the pinion sets are equiangularly disposed around the first and second sun gears.

Abstract: A differential for use in a car includes a case rotatable around an axis, an input gear fixed to the case, coaxial with the axis of the case, a pair of output shafts which are rotatably supported by the case coaxially with the axis of the case and protrude from opposite ends of the case, a pair of intermeshing first gears disposed in the case at opposite sides of the axis of the case and rotatably supported by the case, a pair of second gears disposed in the case, a pair of third gears disposed in the case coaxially with the axis of the case, and at least one gear pump defined by at least one of the pairs of intermeshing gears. The differential restricts a flow of an operation oil of the gear pump so as to generate a load on the gear pump. One of the second gears is located at one side of and coaxial with one of the first gears and rotates integrally with this first gear.

Abstract: A viscous shear coupling, comprising a first part in the form of a housing (2), a second part (3) disposed within the housing to define an annular closure therebetween, a first set of annular plates (11) in the enclosure secured for rotation with the first coupling part interleaved with the plates (12) of a second set of plates, secured for rotation with the second coupling part (3) and a viscous liquid at least partially filling the enclosure, wherein the plates are provided with through slots (13, 14) which are arranged so that parts of the slots move into and out of area of axial alignment as the sets of plates rotate relative to one another.

Abstract: In a differential gear apparatus provided with a differential limitation mechanism, to prevent a washer interposed between the differential case and the coupling case from being seized by heat when viscous fluid is sheared into high temperature and pressure, the coupling case is formed integral with a first output shaft to increase rigidity of the coupling case. Further, it is preferable to form an inner hub integral with a second output shaft to increase rigidity of the inner hub.

Abstract: An all-wheel driven motor vehicle capable of operating in an understeering or an oversteering condition comprises a front axle, a rear axle, and an interaxle differential comprising a planetary gear system, a releasable coupling, and a liquid friction coupling. The planetary gear system includes an input member connected to the motor of the vehicle, a first output member connected to the front axle, and a second output member connected to the rear axle. The releasable coupling interconnects the first and second output members. The liquid friction coupling is disposed between the first output member and the front axle. The three-torque transmitting members of the planetary gear system are selected so that when the releasable coupling is disengaged, the vehicle operates in an understeering condition under normal running conditions.

Abstract: A four wheel drive vehicle has a torque biased inter-axle differential comprising a fluid coupling which is driven by a planetary gear set which multiplies the speed difference between the outputs of the differential.

Abstract: A limited slip differential comprises a bevel gear differential having side gears and planet gears carried by a planet gear support which is capable of limited rotation relative to the carrier. When the side gears carry unequal torques the support tends to rotate and moves a pressure ring axially due to complementary cam surfaces on the support and the ring and this engages a friction clutch which connects a viscous shear coupling between the side gears.

Abstract: A power transmitting system for a four-wheel drive vehicle has a transmission, a central differential, and a viscous coupling. The viscous coupling is provided coaxially with the central differential, and a drive shaft is provided passing through axes of the central differential and the viscous coupling. An output shaft of the transmission is operatively connected to the casing of the differential. One of the differential gears is operatively connected to rear wheels of the vehicle through the drive shaft, and the other differential gear is secured to a housing of the viscous coupling. The housing is operatively connected to front wheel of the vehicle and the hub is secured to the drive shaft.

Abstract: Differential-gearing devices are disclosed in which the differential pinion gears are controlled to induce a speed difference between output shafts, provide a locking and limited slip differential to equalize the speeds of the output shafts or limit their speed difference, provide a clutch for controlling the coupling and uncoupling of an input shaft to an output shaft, and provide a variable speed transmission. These operational modes are implemented by mounting hydraulic motor or pump units on the rotating carrier of the differential apparatus, the pinion gears being fixed to the shafts of the respective units. A controllable external fluid source independent of the carrier is in fluid communication with the units via conduits through the stationary housing of the differential device and the rotating carrier. Fluid flow may be either blocked, limited or unimpeded between the source and the units to effect the desired control of the pinion gears to, in turn, determine the operational mode of the apparatus.