Vehicle drive system including a torque splitter
US5813939A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 31, 1997 |
| Grant date | Sep 29, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 31, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60K23/04
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
In a vehicle drive system having a torque split arrangement, it is difficult to have all the rotating parts of the system to be properly balanced. In particular, when a rotational speed difference is produced between the two output elements, relatively massive parts which may not be properly balanced may have to be turned at a high speed. According to the present invention, because the power output of the engine is reduced whenever any significant speed difference is produced between the two output elements, no part of the drive system is subjected to any excessive rotational speed, and are therefore not required to have any excessive mechanical strength. This improves the reliability of the system, and reduces the manufacturing cost.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.