US 2008/0176702 A1 · Torque vectoring system

Abstract

A system for a torque vectoring differential in motor vehicle applications is provided. The system includes a shaft (30), a first gear (44), a second gear (46), and a set of planet gears (50). The first gear (44) engages and rotates together with the shaft (30). The first and second gear (44, 46) both engage the set of planet gears (50) thereby forming a gear ratio between the first and second gear (44, 46) other than one. A carrier (48) rotates about the shaft central axis (42) and locates the planet gears (50) about the circumference of the carrier (48) to engage both the first and second gears (44, 46). In a normal mode of operation, the carrier (48), the first gear (44), and the second gear (46) all rotate about the shaft (30) at shaft speed. However, in an enhanced torque mode, the clutch pack (56) is compressed transferring torque from the carrier (48) to a mechanical ground (62).

Claims23

Dependent claims

A torque vectoring system for controlling torque delivered to an axle shaft of a motor vehicle through a differential including a differential carrier, the torque vectoring system comprising:

a shaft (30) configured to receive a torque output from the differential (16) and rotate about a shaft central axis (42);
a first gear (44) in communication with the shaft (30) and configured to rotate in conjunction therewith about the shaft central axis (42);
a second gear (46) in communication with the differential carrier (24) and configured to rotate about the shaft central axis (42), wherein the first and second gear (44, 46) have a gear ratio other than one;
and
a set of planet gears (50) in communication with the first and second gears (44, 46).

2 more elements

A torque vectoring system for controlling torque delivered to an axle shaft of a motor vehicle through a differential including a differential carrier, the torque vectoring system comprising:

a shaft (30) configured to receive a torque output from the differential (16) and rotate about a shaft central axis (42);
a first gear (44) in communication with the shaft (30) and configured to rotate in conjunction therewith about the shaft central axis (42);
a second gear (46) in communication with the differential carrier (48) and configured to rotate about the shaft central axis (42), wherein the first gear (44) has a different number of teeth than the second gear (46);
a set of planet gears (50) in communication with the first and second gear (44, 46), wherein at least one planet gear of the set of planet gears (50) engage both the first and second gear (44, 46);
a carrier (48) configured to house the set of planet gears (50) about the circumference of the carrier (48) and the carrier (48) being configured to rotate about the shaft central axis (42);
a coil assembly (66) including a coil (68) to generate an electromagnetic force;
an armature assembly (60) located adjacent the coil assembly (66) such that the electromagnetic force pulls the armature assembly (60) toward the coil assembly (66) when activated, the armature assembly (60) being configured to move axially along the shaft central axis (42);
a clutch pack (56) in communication with the carrier (48);
and
a retaining plate (58) attached to the armature assembly (60) and configured to compress the clutch pack (56).

7 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Torque vectoring system

Life of this patent

Torque vectoring system

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims23