Patent US4921065A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4921065A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Four-wheel drive motor vehicle having a controlled differential device
Assignee: Honda Motor Co Ltd
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Filing: 1988-03-31
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Granted: 1990-05-01
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Expires: 2008-03-31
Abstract
Abstract A motor vehicle such as a four-wheel drive vehicle having a first axle shaft which is driven by a drive source and a second axle shaft which is driven by the same drive source, each of a pair of wheels associated with the second axle shaft being powered by way of individual variable torque transmitting devices, further comprising: a steering condition sensor; and a control unit which reduces a torque transmission ratio of one of the variable torque transmitting devices corresponding to the inner one of the wheels of the second axle shaft when the steering condition sensor has detected a steering angle greater than a prescribed value. Thereby, the problem of the tight turn braking can be avoided without losing the advantages of four-wheel drive. Other driving conditions such as braking and acceleration as well as an excessive temperature increase in each of the variable torque transmitting devices may be taken into consideration in carrying out the control of the variable torque transmitting devices which preferably consist of viscous couplings. Each of the viscous couplings is provided with means for externally varying the torque transmission ratio thereof and transmits torque between input and output thereof at a level which is substantially proportional to the speed difference between input and output thereof.
Inventors
- 👤 Tetsuro Hamada
- 👤 Yoshiki Noro
- 👤 Noboru Ashikawa
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 04:42
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16D; F16D35/00; F16D35/005; B; B60; B60K; B60K17/00; B60K17/34; B60K17/348; B60K17/35; B60K17/3505; B60K17/351; B60K23/00; B60K23/08; B60K23/0808; B62; B62D; B62D9/00; B60W; B60W2520/00; B60W2520/10; B60W2520/105; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T74/00; Y10T74/19; Y10T74/19023
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 25
Claim 1
Independent Claim
161 words
A motor vehicle having a first axle shaft which is driven by a drive source and a second axle shaft which is driven by the same drive source, each of a pair of wheels associated with the second axle shaft being powered by way of individual variable torque transmitting means, further comprising: steering sensor means for detecting a steering angle of the vehicle; speed detection means for detecting a speed of the vehicle; a throttle opening sensor for detecting a throttle opening; control means which control a torque transmission ratio of each of the variable torque transmitting means by using the detected steering angle, vehicle speed and throttle opening as control parameters; and wherein said speed detection means comprises a speed sensor juxtaposed to each of the wheels for detecting a rotational speed thereof, and the torque transmission ratios of the two variable torque transmitting means are both increased when the speed sensors have detected that all the wheels are stationary.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
161 words
A motor vehicle having a first axle shaft which is driven by a drive source and a second axle shaft which is driven by the same drive source, each of a pair of wheels associated with the second axle shaft being powered by way of individual variable torque transmitting means, further comprising: steering sensor means for detecting a steering angle of the vehicle; speed detection means for detecting a speed of the vehicle; a throttle opening sensor for detecting a throttle opening; control means which control a torque transmission ratio of each of the variable torque transmitting means by using the detected steering angle, vehicle speed and throttle opening as control parameters; and wherein said speed detection means comprises a speed sensor juxtaposed to each of the wheels for detecting a rotational speed thereof, and the torque transmission ratios of the two variable torque transmitting means are both increased when the speed sensors have detected that all the wheels are stationary.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
154 words
A motor vehicle having a first axle shaft which is driven by a drive source and a second axle shaft which is driven by the same drive source, each of a pair of wheels associated with the second axle shaft being powered by way of individual variable torque transmitting means, further comprising: steering sensor means for detecting a steering angle of the vehicle; speed detection means for detecting a speed of the vehicle; a throttle opening sensor for detecting a throttle opening; control means which control a torque transmission ratio of each of the variable torque transmitting means by using the detected steering angle, vehicle speed and throttle opening as control parameters; and wherein the control means increases the torque transmission ratios of both the variable torque transmitting means when the throttle opening sensor has detected a throttle opening sensor has detected a throttle opening rate which is greater than a certain prescribed value.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
154 words
A motor vehicle having a first axle shaft which is driven by a drive source and a second axle shaft which is driven by the same drive source, each of a pair of wheels associated with the second axle shaft being powered by way of individual variable torque transmitting means, further comprising: steering sensor means for detecting a steering angle of the vehicle; speed detection means for detecting a speed of the vehicle; a throttle opening sensor for detecting a throttle opening; control means which control a torque transmission ratio of each of the variable torque transmitting means by using the detected steering angle, vehicle speed and throttle opening as control parameters; and wherein the control means increases the torque transmission ratios of both the variable torque transmitting means when the throttle opening sensor has detected a throttle opening sensor has detected a throttle opening rate which is greater than a certain prescribed value.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
156 words
A motor vehicle having a first axle shaft which is driven by a drive source and a second axle shaft which is driven by the same drive source, each of a pair of wheels associated with the second axle shaft being powered by way of individual variable torque transmitting means, further comprising: steering sensor means for detecting a steering angle of the vehicle; speed detection means for detecting a speed of the vehicle; a throttle opening sensor for detecting a throttle opening; control means which control a torque transmission ratio of each of the variable torque transmitting means by using the detected steering angle, vehicle speed and throttle opening as control parameters; and wherein the control means increases the torque transmission ratios of both the variable torque transmitting means when the throttle opening sensor has detected a linear combination of a throttle opening and a throttle opening rate which is greater than a certain prescribed value.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
156 words
A motor vehicle having a first axle shaft which is driven by a drive source and a second axle shaft which is driven by the same drive source, each of a pair of wheels associated with the second axle shaft being powered by way of individual variable torque transmitting means, further comprising: steering sensor means for detecting a steering angle of the vehicle; speed detection means for detecting a speed of the vehicle; a throttle opening sensor for detecting a throttle opening; control means which control a torque transmission ratio of each of the variable torque transmitting means by using the detected steering angle, vehicle speed and throttle opening as control parameters; and wherein the control means increases the torque transmission ratios of both the variable torque transmitting means when the throttle opening sensor has detected a linear combination of a throttle opening and a throttle opening rate which is greater than a certain prescribed value.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
60 words
A motor vehicle as defined in claim 1, wherein the first axle shaft is a front axle shaft while the second axle shaft is a rear axle shaft, further comprising a brake sensor, the control means reducing the torque transmission ratios of both the variable torque transmitting means when the brake sensor has detected an activation of a brake device.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
219 words
A motor vehicle having a first axle shaft which is driven by a drive source and a second axle shaft which is driven by the same drive source, each of a pair of wheels associated with the second axle shaft being powered by way of individual variable torque transmitting means, further comprising: steering sensor means for detecting a steering angle of the vehicle; speed detection means for detecting a speed of the vehicle; a throttle opening sensor for detecting a throttle opening; control means which control a torque transmission ratio of each of the variable torque transmitting means by using the detected steering angle, vehicle speed and throttle opening as control parameters; and wherein the variable torque transmitting means comprise a pair of viscous couplings having means for externally varying the torque transmission ratios thereof, each transmitting a torque, from the drive source to the corresponding one of the wheels of the second axle shaft, at a level which is substantially proportional to a speed difference between input and output of the viscous coupling; and further comprising a temperature sensor for each of the viscous couplings, the control means increasing the torque transmission ratios of both the viscous couplings when one of the temperature sensors has detected a temperature higher than a prescribed value in a low speed range.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
219 words
A motor vehicle having a first axle shaft which is driven by a drive source and a second axle shaft which is driven by the same drive source, each of a pair of wheels associated with the second axle shaft being powered by way of individual variable torque transmitting means, further comprising: steering sensor means for detecting a steering angle of the vehicle; speed detection means for detecting a speed of the vehicle; a throttle opening sensor for detecting a throttle opening; control means which control a torque transmission ratio of each of the variable torque transmitting means by using the detected steering angle, vehicle speed and throttle opening as control parameters; and wherein the variable torque transmitting means comprise a pair of viscous couplings having means for externally varying the torque transmission ratios thereof, each transmitting a torque, from the drive source to the corresponding one of the wheels of the second axle shaft, at a level which is substantially proportional to a speed difference between input and output of the viscous coupling; and further comprising a temperature sensor for each of the viscous couplings, the control means increasing the torque transmission ratios of both the viscous couplings when one of the temperature sensors has detected a temperature higher than a prescribed value in a low speed range.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
51 words
A motor vehicle as defined in claim 5, further comprising timer means, the control means issuing a warning when the torque transmission ratios of both the viscous couplings have been increased for a certain time interval and, yet, the temperature sensor continues to detect a temperature higher than the prescribed value.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
217 words
A motor vehicle having a first axle shaft which is driven by a drive source and a second axle shaft which is driven by the same drive source, each of a pair of wheels associated with the second axle shaft being powered by way of individual variable torque transmitting means, further comprising: steering sensor means for detecting a steering angle of the vehicle; speed detection means for detecting a speed of the vehicle; a throttle opening sensor for detecting a throttle opening; control means which control a torque transmission ratio of each of the variable torque transmitting means by using the detected steering angle, vehicle speed and throttle opening as control parameters; and wherein the variable torque transmitting means comprise a pair of viscous couplings having means for externally varying the torque transmission ratios thereof, each transmitting a torque, from the drive source to the corresponding one of the wheels of the second axle shaft, at a level which is substantially proportional to a speed difference between input and output of the viscous coupling; and further comprising a temperature sensor for each of the viscous couplings, the control means reducing the torque transmission ratios of both the viscous couplings when the temperature sensor has detected a temperature higher than a prescribed value in a high speed range.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
217 words
A motor vehicle having a first axle shaft which is driven by a drive source and a second axle shaft which is driven by the same drive source, each of a pair of wheels associated with the second axle shaft being powered by way of individual variable torque transmitting means, further comprising: steering sensor means for detecting a steering angle of the vehicle; speed detection means for detecting a speed of the vehicle; a throttle opening sensor for detecting a throttle opening; control means which control a torque transmission ratio of each of the variable torque transmitting means by using the detected steering angle, vehicle speed and throttle opening as control parameters; and wherein the variable torque transmitting means comprise a pair of viscous couplings having means for externally varying the torque transmission ratios thereof, each transmitting a torque, from the drive source to the corresponding one of the wheels of the second axle shaft, at a level which is substantially proportional to a speed difference between input and output of the viscous coupling; and further comprising a temperature sensor for each of the viscous couplings, the control means reducing the torque transmission ratios of both the viscous couplings when the temperature sensor has detected a temperature higher than a prescribed value in a high speed range.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
51 words
A motor vehicle as defined in claim 7, further comprising timer means, the control means issuing a warning when the torque transmission ratios of both the viscous couplings have been reduced for a certain time interval and, yet, the temperature sensor continues to detect a temperature higher than the prescribed value.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
137 words
A motor vehicle having a first axle shaft which is driven by a drive source and a second axle shaft which is driven by the same drive source, each of a pair of wheels associated with the second axle shaft being powered by way of individual variable torque transmitting means, further comprising: steering condition sensor means for detecting a steering condition of the vehicle; control means which controls a torque transmission ratio of each of the variable torque transmitting means according to the steering condition detected by the steering condition sensor means; and wherein a speed sensor is provided in each of the wheels for detecting a rotational speed thereof, and the torque transmission ratios of the two variable torque transmitting means are both increased when the speed sensors have detected that all the wheels are stationary.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
137 words
A motor vehicle having a first axle shaft which is driven by a drive source and a second axle shaft which is driven by the same drive source, each of a pair of wheels associated with the second axle shaft being powered by way of individual variable torque transmitting means, further comprising: steering condition sensor means for detecting a steering condition of the vehicle; control means which controls a torque transmission ratio of each of the variable torque transmitting means according to the steering condition detected by the steering condition sensor means; and wherein a speed sensor is provided in each of the wheels for detecting a rotational speed thereof, and the torque transmission ratios of the two variable torque transmitting means are both increased when the speed sensors have detected that all the wheels are stationary.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
133 words
A motor vehicle having a first axle shaft which is driven by a drive source and a second axle shaft which is driven by the same drive source, each of a pair of wheels associated with the second axle shaft being powered by way of individual variable torque transmitting means, further comprising: steering condition sensor means for detecting a steering condition of the vehicle; control means which controls a torque transmission ratio of each of the variable torque transmitting means according to the steering condition detected by the steering condition sensor means; and further comprising a throttle opening sensor, the control means increasing the torque transmission ratios of both the variable torque transmitting means when the throttle opening sensor has detected a throttle opening rate which is greater than a certain prescribed value.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
133 words
A motor vehicle having a first axle shaft which is driven by a drive source and a second axle shaft which is driven by the same drive source, each of a pair of wheels associated with the second axle shaft being powered by way of individual variable torque transmitting means, further comprising: steering condition sensor means for detecting a steering condition of the vehicle; control means which controls a torque transmission ratio of each of the variable torque transmitting means according to the steering condition detected by the steering condition sensor means; and further comprising a throttle opening sensor, the control means increasing the torque transmission ratios of both the variable torque transmitting means when the throttle opening sensor has detected a throttle opening rate which is greater than a certain prescribed value.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
141 words
A motor vehicle having a first axle shaft which is driven by a drive source and a second axle shaft which is driven by the same drive source, each of a pair of wheels associated with the second axle shaft being powered by way of individual variable torque transmitting means, further comprising: steering condition sensor means for detecting a steering condition of the vehicle; control means which controls a torque transmission ratio of each of the variable torque transmitting means according to the steering condition detected by the steering condition sensor means; and further comprising a throttle opening sensor, the control means increasing the torque transmission ratios of both the variable torque transmitting means when the throttle opening sensor has detected a linear combination of a throttle opening and a throttle opening rate which is greater than a certain prescribed value.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
141 words
A motor vehicle having a first axle shaft which is driven by a drive source and a second axle shaft which is driven by the same drive source, each of a pair of wheels associated with the second axle shaft being powered by way of individual variable torque transmitting means, further comprising: steering condition sensor means for detecting a steering condition of the vehicle; control means which controls a torque transmission ratio of each of the variable torque transmitting means according to the steering condition detected by the steering condition sensor means; and further comprising a throttle opening sensor, the control means increasing the torque transmission ratios of both the variable torque transmitting means when the throttle opening sensor has detected a linear combination of a throttle opening and a throttle opening rate which is greater than a certain prescribed value.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
198 words
A motor vehicle having a first axle shaft which is driven by a drive source and a second axle shaft which is driven by the same drive source, each of a pair of wheels associated with the second axle shaft being powered by way of individual variable torque transmitting means, further comprising: steering condition sensor means for detecting a steering condition of the vehicle; control means which controls a torque transmission ratio of each of the variable torque transmitting means according to the steering condition detected by the steering condition sensor means; wherein the variable torque transmitting means comprise a pair of viscous couplings having means for externally varying the torque transmission ratios thereof, each transmitting a torque, from the drive source to the corresponding one of the wheels of the second axle shaft, at a level which is substantially proportional to a speed difference between input and output of the viscous coupling; and further comprising a temperature sensor for each of the viscous couplings, the control means increasing the torque transmission ratios of both the viscous couplings when one of the temperature sensors has detected a temperature higher than a prescribed value in a low speed range.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
198 words
A motor vehicle having a first axle shaft which is driven by a drive source and a second axle shaft which is driven by the same drive source, each of a pair of wheels associated with the second axle shaft being powered by way of individual variable torque transmitting means, further comprising: steering condition sensor means for detecting a steering condition of the vehicle; control means which controls a torque transmission ratio of each of the variable torque transmitting means according to the steering condition detected by the steering condition sensor means; wherein the variable torque transmitting means comprise a pair of viscous couplings having means for externally varying the torque transmission ratios thereof, each transmitting a torque, from the drive source to the corresponding one of the wheels of the second axle shaft, at a level which is substantially proportional to a speed difference between input and output of the viscous coupling; and further comprising a temperature sensor for each of the viscous couplings, the control means increasing the torque transmission ratios of both the viscous couplings when one of the temperature sensors has detected a temperature higher than a prescribed value in a low speed range.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
51 words
A motor vehicle as defined in claim 12, further comprising timer means, the control means issuing a warning when the torque transmission ratios of both the viscous couplings have been increased for a certain time interval and, yet, the temperature sensor continues to detect a temperature higher than the prescribed value.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
196 words
A motor vehicle having a first axle shaft which is driven by a drive source and a second axle shaft which is driven by the same drive source, each of a pair of wheels associated with the second axle shaft being powered by way of individual variable torque transmitting means, further comprising: steering condition sensor means for detecting a steering condition of the vehicle; control means which controls a torque transmission ratio of each of the variable torque transmitting means according to the steering condition detected by the steering condition sensor means; wherein the variable torque transmitting means comprise a pair of viscous couplings having means for externally varying the torque transmission ratios thereof, each transmitting a torque, from the drive source to the corresponding one of the wheels of the second axle shaft, at a level which is substantially proportional to a speed difference between input and output of the viscous coupling; and further comprising a temperature sensor for each of the viscous couplings, the control means reducing the torque transmission ratios of both the viscous couplings when the temperature sensor has detected a temperature higher than a prescribed value in a high speed range.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
196 words
A motor vehicle having a first axle shaft which is driven by a drive source and a second axle shaft which is driven by the same drive source, each of a pair of wheels associated with the second axle shaft being powered by way of individual variable torque transmitting means, further comprising: steering condition sensor means for detecting a steering condition of the vehicle; control means which controls a torque transmission ratio of each of the variable torque transmitting means according to the steering condition detected by the steering condition sensor means; wherein the variable torque transmitting means comprise a pair of viscous couplings having means for externally varying the torque transmission ratios thereof, each transmitting a torque, from the drive source to the corresponding one of the wheels of the second axle shaft, at a level which is substantially proportional to a speed difference between input and output of the viscous coupling; and further comprising a temperature sensor for each of the viscous couplings, the control means reducing the torque transmission ratios of both the viscous couplings when the temperature sensor has detected a temperature higher than a prescribed value in a high speed range.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
51 words
A motor vehicle as defined in claim 14, further comprising timer means, the control means issuing a warning when the torque transmission ratios of both the viscous couplings have been reduced for a certain time interval and, yet, the temperature sensor continues to detect a temperature higher than the prescribed value.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1993-04-30 | 1993-10-30 | 1994-05-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-04-30 | 1997-10-30 | 1998-05-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-04-30 | 2001-10-30 | 2002-05-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |