A dual plunging constant velocity (CV) drive shaft is provided for communicating rotational forces from a transaxle to a drive wheel of a vehicle. The dual plunging CV drive shaft comprises a drive shaft that transfers torque from the transaxle to the drive wheel. An inboard plunging CV joint is coupled between the transaxle and the drive shaft, and an outboard plunging CV joint is coupled between the drive shaft and the drive wheel. The inboard and outboard plunging CV joints each comprises an elongate housing that receives a CV joint coupled with the drive shaft. The inboard and outboard plunging CV joints communicate rotational forces from the transaxle to the drive wheel during vertical pivoting of a trailing arm coupled with the outboard plunging CV joint. The elongate housings allow the drive shaft to “float” longitudinally, as needed, during extreme pivoting motion of the suspension.

An electronic control unit sets a misfire determination threshold to a first value in the cylinder injection mode, and sets the misfire determination threshold to a second value smaller than the first value in the port injection mode, and determines that a misfire occurs in the engine when a rotation fluctuation of the engine is larger than the misfire determination threshold. In a case where the cylinder injection mode is changed to the port injection mode, when a predetermined period has elapsed from the change, the electronic control unit changes the misfire determination threshold from the first value to the second value.

An electronic control unit sets a misfire determination threshold to a first value in the cylinder injection mode, and sets the misfire determination threshold to a second value smaller than the first value in the port injection mode, and determines that a misfire occurs in the engine when a rotation fluctuation of the engine is larger than the misfire determination threshold. In a case where the cylinder injection mode is changed to the port injection mode, when a predetermined period has elapsed from the change, the electronic control unit changes the misfire determination threshold from the first value to the second value.

A compact clutch including a driven shaft on which the following are mounted: a gear wheel; a driving bush; a driven bush; a coil spring; a first collar with cam surfaces; and a second collar with cam surfaces. The gear wheel and the bushes are arranged axially next to each other; the gear wheel and the driving bush are constrained together in the circumferential direction; the spring surrounds externally the bushes; the first collar surrounds externally the spring; and the second collar surrounds externally the first collar. The gear wheel and the bushes are constrained to the driven shaft in the axial direction by means of two stop rings; and the driven bush is constrained to the driven shaft in the circumferential direction by means of at least one tongue.

Methods and systems are provided for estimation of a ride height of a vehicle axle via a linear displacement sensor. In one example, a method may include, during motion of vehicle wheels, estimating a change in ride height of an axle based on a distance of axial movement between a first axle constant velocity universal (CV) joint and a differential unit.

An electric vehicle, an automatic driving method and equipment, and an automatic freight transportation method and system, the electric vehicle (1) comprising a plurality of sets of wheel assemblies (2) disposed at the lower surface of a chassis (10), wherein the plurality of sets of wheel assemblies (2) are independent of each other; each wheel assembly (2) comprises a wheel (21), a driving device (22) and a displacement device (23); the driving devices (22) drives the wheels (21) to rotate, and the displacement devices (23) at least drives the wheels (21) to move along the vehicle body width direction (X) of the electric vehicle (1). Each set of wheel assemblies (2) of the electric vehicle (1) has an independent power system, and the wheels (21) of each of the wheel assemblies (2) are independently controlled by means of the driving devices (22) and the displacement devices (23), so that when used to carry people, the electric vehicle (1) may meet the driving requirements of being highly flexible, stable, safe and comfortable; and when used for loading goods, the electric vehicle (1) may meet the cargo transportation requirements of being fully automated, highly efficient, highly accurate, low cost and highly safe.

Methods and systems are provided for estimation of a ride height of a vehicle axle via a linear displacement sensor. In one example, a method may include, during motion of vehicle wheels, estimating a change in ride height of an axle based on a distance of axial movement between a first axle constant velocity universal (CV) joint and a differential unit.

The present disclosure provides an integral front axle assembly which includes an axle housing configured for connecting with a driveshaft; two axle tubes respectively connected with two opposite sides of the axle housing; two inner-C-forgings disposed at ends of the axle tubes and each being configured for connecting with a kingpin knuckle; and at least one connection structure, for detachably fixing at least one of the inner-C-forgings to a corresponding axle tube. The inner-C-forging has different mounting positions on the axle tube, correspondingly, the caster to pinion angle is different at inner-C-forging's different mounting positions. The caster angles on both sides and the pinion to driveshaft angle can be conveniently and independently adjusted while ensuring the support strength.

An axle assembly having an electric motor, a wheel end assembly, and a reduction gear module. The electric motor may have a rotor that is rotatable about a first axis. The wheel end assembly may be rotatable about a second axis that may be disposed above the first axis. The reduction gear module may transmit torque between the electric motor and the wheel end assembly.

A hub lock nut assembly for retaining a vehicle wheel hub in position. The hub lock nut assembly comprising a hub lock nut and a mating component with which the hub lock nut is arranged to be mated in a mated position. The hub lock nut comprises a circumferential inner wall defining a central hole, the inner wall having a threaded portion. One of the hub lock nut or the mating component comprises at least one resilient portion adapted to be movable in a radial direction outwardly of the central hole when subjected to an external force provided by the other of the mating component or the hub lock nut. The at least one resilient portion having an engagement area for receiving said external force, wherein the engagement area is located radially outwardly of the threaded portion.