B60K2023/0858

Bi-directional overrunning clutch differential with output hub supports

A bi-directional overrunning clutch differential is configured to transmit power from an input shaft to a first output shaft and a second output shaft in a vehicle. The differential includes a differential housing having a first bearing seat and a second bearing seat. A first bearing is carried by the differential housing in the first bearing seat, and a second bearing is carried by the differential housing in the second bearing seat. A first retaining ring secures the first bearing in the first bearing seat, and a second retaining ring secures the second bearing in the second bearing seat. A first output hub is carried by the first bearing for rotation relative to the differential housing, and a second output hub is carried by the second bearing for rotation relative to the differential housing.

Actuator for differential mode shift with position sensing circuit
11353099 · 2022-06-07 · ·

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.

Transfer gear

The present invention relates to a transfer gearbox having an input shaft, a first output shaft, a second output shaft, a friction clutch, by means of which, in a manner which is dependent on its engagement state, a variable proportion of a drive torque which is transmitted from the input shaft to the first output shaft can be transmitted to the second output shaft, and a rotationally driven actuator unit for controlling the engagement state of the friction clutch. Furthermore, the transfer gearbox has an electromagnetically actuable latch for locking the actuator unit as required.

ROTATING ELECTRICALLY-CONTROLLED ONE-WAY CLUTCH (EOWC) WITH BALL CAM ACTUATION MECHANISM
20220082139 · 2022-03-17 ·

A controllable one-way clutch having a clutch module and a power-operated actuator module. The clutch module includes a first clutch component rotatably driven by an input member, a second clutch component rotatably driving an output member, struts disposed on the first clutch component for movement between a deployed position engaging ratchet teeth on the second clutch component and a non-deployed position disengaged from the ratchet teeth, and strut springs for biasing the struts toward their deployed position. The power-operated actuator module includes a coil unit, an armature moveable between an engaged position whereat the armature holds the struts in their non-deployed positions when the coil unit is powered-off and a released position where the armature releases the struts when the coil unit is powered-on, and a ballramp mechanism configured to move the armature along a helical path between its engaged and released positions.

Power generation control device for vehicle

A power generation control device includes: an internal combustion engine of a vehicle; a generator driven by the internal combustion engine to generate electricity; a power storage device charged by the generator; a gear mechanism that interconnects the internal combustion engine and the generator; a detection unit for detecting vehicle information of the vehicle; a power generation controller that sets a target power generation amount of the generator based on the vehicle information and calculates a target rotational speed of the internal combustion engine and a load torque of the generator according to the target power generation amount; and a rattle suppression controller which determines whether a rattle suppression control condition of the gear mechanism is satisfied or not based on the target power generation amount and raises the target rotational speed of the internal combustion engine to a predetermined rotation number when the condition is satisfied.

Active brake confirmation for active transfer cases

An active transfer case is equipped with a multi-plate clutch assembly, a clutch actuation mechanism configured to selectively engage the clutch assembly, a power-operated clutch actuator configured to control actuation of the clutch actuation mechanism, a power-operated actuator brake associated with the power-operated clutch actuator, and a control system configured to control actuation of the clutch actuator and the actuator brake while employing a preemptive check of the functionality of the actuator brake.

Travel control apparatus for four-wheel drive vehicle

Disclosed is a travel control apparatus for a four-wheel drive vehicle in which the states of engagements between a drive output part for secondary drive wheels and left and right secondary drive wheel axles are each changed to a torque transmission state or a torque transmission interruption state. The ratio of rotational speed of the drive output part to the average of rotational speeds of primary drive wheels is greater than 1. When the engagement states corresponding to the secondary drive wheels on the outer and inner sides of a turning locus have been set to the torque transmission state and the torque transmission interruption state, respectively, the engagement state having been set to the torque transmission state is changed to the torque transmission interruption state upon determination that an accelerator pedal is not operated and the magnitude of lateral acceleration is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold.

System and method for activating a secondary axle

A vehicle includes a primary axle powered by an actuator and a secondary axle powered by a motor. The secondary axle includes a differential, first and second halfshafts, first and second wheels, a first electric clutch selectively coupling the first wheel to the first halfshaft, and a second electric clutch selectively coupling the second wheel to the second halfshaft. A vehicle controller is programmed to: responsive to a request to activate the secondary axle and a first speed difference between the first and second wheels being less than a first threshold, engage the first and second clutches at a same time, and, in response to the request to activate the secondary axle and the first speed difference between the first and second wheels exceeding the first threshold, engage one of the clutches and then subsequently engage the other of the clutches once the one of the clutches is fully engaged.

SHIFTING MECHANISM FOR A VEHICLE POWER TRANSFER UNIT
20220097519 · 2022-03-31 ·

A vehicle power transfer unit assembly comprises an input shaft, an intermediate shaft at least partially surrounding the input shaft, a central shaft adjacent the input shaft, a peripheral shaft at least partially surrounding the central shaft, a first shift collar, and a second shift collar. The first shift collar is operable between a first position where torque is transferred from the input shaft to the intermediate shaft and a second position where torque is not transferred from the input shaft to the intermediate shaft. The second shift collar is operable between a third position where torque is transferred from the input shaft to the peripheral shaft and a fourth position where torque is transferred from the input shaft to the central shaft.

Center differential and drive system for four wheel drive

An on-demand four-wheel drive system includes a differential for the rear axle, a differential for the front axle, and a center differential connecting to the front and rear axle differentials. All three of the differentials contain a bi-directional overrunning roller clutch to enable locking of their respective outputs. The clutches provide a superior on-demand four-wheel drive system that distributes power to each drive wheel to propel the vehicle.