Ntn Corporation

Ntn Technical Center (u.s.a.), Inc.

Ntn Automotive Center

Njn Corporation

Russell E Monahan

Shiro Goto

Jonathan Mark Adler

Randall K King

Thomas W Houtman

Robert W Frayer, Jr

Scott A Wojan

Richard Jacobson

Richard D Baker

Jared Isamu Taketa

Bryce W Babcock

William Victor Alcini

John R Miller

Mary-Jo A Liston

Peter R Forman

Patrick J Rodriguez

Kevin J Fontenot

Lynn R Veeser

Barry C Titus

William Allison

Tom Houtman

Noboru Kashino

Mark D Solvie

Thomas E Vesbit

The present invention provides clutch systems for the control of the transmission of torque to the front (or rear) wheels of a vehicle (e.g., an ATV), thus being operable to change the vehicle from a two-wheel, rear-drive (or front-drive) vehicle to a four wheel drive vehicle by engaging the clutch systems thereof. The clutch system is contained within an extended portion of a housing that also contains a differential system, thus eliminating the need for fastening a separate clutch system housing to the differential housing. The clutch system is actuated by energizing a coil which in turn causes tab members of an actuation disk to disengage from notches formed on an inner race, allowing the actuation of a roller clutch system. When the coil is de-energized, the actuation disk engages the inner race and prevents inadvertent or undesired actuation of the clutch system.

Mechanical clutch unit

A vehicle stability control system includes a controller configured to deactivate a traction control clutch, provide a reverse torque across the traction control clutch, and apply a braking torque according to a vehicle stability control strategy. The reverse torque across the traction control clutch may be provided by reducing an engine torque output, applying a pulse of brake pressure, or other means.

Vehicle stability control system for enhanced transfer case compatibility

The over-running clutch pulley () of a preferred embodiment of the invention includes a sheave member (), a hub member () located substantially concentrically within the sheave member, and a clutch member (), which cooperate to rotationally engage an input device () and an output device (). The sheave member preferably includes a sheave input section () adapted to engage the input device, and a sheave clutch section () defining a sheave clutch surface (). Similarly, the hub member preferably includes a hub output section () adapted to engage the output device, and a hub clutch section () defining a hub clutch surface (). In the preferred embodiment, either the sheave clutch surface, the hub clutch surface, or both, have a surface microhardness greater than the hub output section.

Over-running clutch pulley with increased surface microhardness

An over-running clutch is provided having an outer race and an inner race defining a varying gap therebetween. A plurality of rolling elements are positioned between the inner and outer races and are interconnected by a retainer. A rotor is secured to the outer race by a non-magnetic sleeve. An armature is rotationally locked to the retainer. Mounted onto the rotor and adapted to produce an electromagnetic flux to attract the armature into contact with the rotor is an electromagnetic coil; wherein rotation of the outer race is frictionally transferred to the armature and the retainer, thereby moving the rollers such that the rollers engage and wedge between the inner and outer races to lock the clutch.

Electronic locking clutch having a non-magnetic sleeve

An over-running clutch includes an outer race and an inner race defining a gap therebetween. A plurality of rolling elements are positioned between the inner and outer races. A retainer interconnects the rolling elements. A first biasing element biases the retainer to hold the rolling elements such that the inner and outer races are free to rotate relative to one another. An actuator selectively forces the rolling elements to a position where the rolling elements engage and wedge between the inner and outer races, thereby locking the clutch. A sensor is adapted to detect the engagement of the clutch and to send a corresponding signal.

Electronic locking clutch with lock indication device

A clutch mechanism is disclosed for use with a hybrid electric vehicle wherein the electric motor-generator and engine are arranged in a series configuration. The clutch mechanism is positioned between and in communication with the electric motor-generator and engine to allow for either direct drive or a predetermined gear ratio between the electric motor-generator and engine. The electric motor-generator is preferably an integrated electric motor and generator. The engine is preferably a combustion engine.

Series drive clutch

A clutch mechanism is disclosed for use with a hybrid electric vehicle wherein the electric motor/generator and engine are arranged in a series configuration. The clutch mechanism is positioned between and in communication with the electric motor/generator and engine to allow the electric motor/generator to either: 1) provide sole motive power to the vehicle; 2) start the engine; 3) charge the vehicle's battery; 4) provide a power boost; or 5) provide regenerative braking. The clutch mechanism includes an outer race, an inner race, a roller set positioned between the inner and outer races, and a roller cage positioned adjacent the roller set to contain the roller set. The electric motor is preferably an integrated electric motor and generator. The engine is preferably a combustion engine.

Integrated starter-generator roller clutch

A clutch system is described wherein a two-way roller clutch system transmits torque in from one direction (i.e., input side) only, and allows the clutch system to be physically decoupled from the power steering system when torque is forced in from the output side, e.g., during loss of electrical power to the power steering motor. Additionally, the clutch system can include a torque limiting system that permits slip when overall torque exceeds a preset limit. Both the clutch system and the torque limitation system are especially useful in conjunction with automotive power steering systems.

Two-way roller clutch with torque limiting feature

A clutch pulley for selectively engaging a belt of a first device and a shaft of a second device, including a sheave member, an electromagnetic coil, a flex plate, and a ring member. The sheave member includes a sheave belt surface adapted to engage the belt and a sheave clutch surface. The electromagnetic coil is adapted to selectively create an electromagnetic flux. The flex plate includes a flex inner section concentrically coupled over the shaft, a flex outer section adapted to selectively move between two axial positions relative to the flex inner section based upon the presence of the electromagnetic flux, and a flex spoke section connecting the flex inner section and the flex outer section. The ring member is connected to the flex outer section and includes a ring clutch surface adapted to selectively engage the sheave clutch surface based upon the axial position of the flex outer section.

Electro-magnetic clutch pulley

A position adjusting system for adjusting the position of a seat n a vehicle and preventing movement of the seat resulting from external forces acting on the seat. The system includes a seat track fixable to the vehicle, a motor actuator, and a gear train engaged with the motor actuator. The seat track is adapted to cooperate with the seat track to convert movement of the motor actuator into movement of the seat track and the seat. A non-reversing clutch mechanism is coupled with the gear train and adapted to transfer torque from the motor actuator through the gear train to move the seat upon actuation of the motor actuator but locking upon torque being applied through the seat track, thereby preventing the external forces acting on the seat from moving the seat relative to the vehicle.

Position adjusting system for a seat of a vehicle

A driveline assembly includes first and second axle half-shafts having first and second side gears mounted thereon, an axle housing, a differential case rotatably mounted within the axle housing, a least two spider gears rotatably mounted within the differential case, and a clutch assembly coupled to the differential housing and one of the axle half-shafts and including an outer race having a cylindrical inner surface and an inner race having a cammed outer surface coaxial with the cylindrical inner surface and defining a gap therebetween and a roller clutch disposed within the gap; a biasing element to bias the roller clutch to a disengaged position; and an actuator to selectively overcome the biasing element to engage the roller clutch and lock the outer race and inner race and prevent relative rotation between the outer race and inner race.

Two-way roller clutch assembly

The over-running clutch pulley of a preferred embodiment of the invention includes a sheave member, a hub member located substantially concentrically within the sheave member, a spring member, and a stop surface, which cooperate to rotationally engage an input device and an output device. The sheave member preferably includes a sheave input section adapted to the engage the input device, and a sheave clutch section defining a sheave clutch surface. Similarly, the hub member preferably includes a hub output section adapted to engage the output device, and a hub clutch section defining a hub clutch surface. The stop surface functions to engage the spring member and to transfer some torque from the sheave member to the hub member during the acceleration of the sheave member in the first rotational direction relative the hub member.

Over-running clutch pulley with shortened depth

A clutch assembly comprises an outer race and an inner race defining a gap between the inner and outer races. One of the inner and outer race includes a plurality of cam surfaces, and one of the inner and outer races is tapered toward a first end of the clutch. A plurality of tapered rolling elements are positioned between the races along the cam surfaces such that the rolling elements wedge between the inner and outer races to prevent relative rotation. An axially moveable retainer interconnects the rolling elements and is biased toward the first end of the clutch, wherein each of the rolling elements wedge between the inner and outer races. An actuator selectively moves the retainer axially away from the first end such that the tapered rolling elements no longer wedge between the inner and outer races, thereby allowing relative rotational movement.

Electronically controllable torque transmission device

An over-running clutch assembly for an automotive transmission comprises an outer race having a cylindrical inner surface and an inner race engaged with a drop shaft of the transmission and having a cammed outer surface coaxial with the cylindrical inner surface and defining a gap therebetween and a roller clutch disposed within the gap; a biasing element to bias the roller clutch to a disengaged position; and an actuator to selectively overcome the biasing element to engage the roller clutch and lock the outer race and inner race and prevent relative rotation between the outer race and inner race, thereby preventing rotation of the drop shaft and movement of the automobile.

An over-running clutch assembly comprises an outer race having a cylindrical inner surface and an inner race having a cammed outer surface coaxial with the cylindrical inner surface and defining a gap therebetween and a roller clutch disposed within the gap; a biasing element to bias the roller clutch to a disengaged position; and an actuator to selectively overcome the biasing element to engage the roller clutch and lock the outer race and inner race and prevent relative rotation between the outer race and inner race.

Growing community of inventors

Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America

Russell E Monahan