Abstract:
A differential is disclosed, in which a casing of the differential is configured so that a crown wheel assembly can be introduced into the casing in a sideways motion to assemble moving parts of the differential within the casing. The structural casing is preferably a single body. The crown wheel assembly is preferably supported in the casing by a single crown wheel bearing. The crown wheel assembly is configured so as to have a short axial length, to fit through a relatively small crown wheel assembly opening of the casing. A non-structural cover may be provided to cover the crown wheel assembly opening.
Abstract:
A clutch pressure plate actuation mechanism includes a solenoid and a lever pivotable about a fulcrum positioned between the ends of the lever. The solenoid includes a fixed electromagnet and an armature connected to a first end of the lever. The second end of the lever is movable into contact with a clutch pressure plate. Attraction of the armature by the electromagnet causes pivoting of the lever about the fulcrum and movement of the pressure plate towards an engaged position. In a dual clutch assembly, the solenoid of one clutch is arranged to act through the friction plate of the other clutch.
Abstract:
A vehicle has an engine and a lubrication system for the engine. The lubrication system includes a lubricant reservoir for storing engine lubricant and an electrically-conductive heating element arranged for heating lubricant as it travels between the reservoir and the engine. The lubrication system further includes a conduit for conveying engine lubricant between said reservoir and the vehicle engine. The heating arrangement is configured for receiving electrical current to heat the heating element. The heating element is arranged in contact with an external surface of the conduit for heating of the conduit.
Abstract:
A rotary mechanism for incrementally advancing a rotary element (13) with respect to a ground member (12) comprises a unidirectional clutch (41) and a rotary actuator (21, 33, 39). Actuation of the actuator is against a resilient bias (34), and overcomes friction between the rotary element and the ground member to advance the rotary element with the unidirectional clutch locked. Release of the actuator allows re- setting thereof by the resilient basis, the friction between the rotary element and the ground member resisting further relative movement.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a coupling element for a magnetic gear having a coupling element for coupling magnetic flux between first and second movable members, each having an array of magnetic poles arranged thereon. The coupling element is formed from a sheet of magnetically permeable material and incorporates coupling portions and support portions integrally formed together. The coupling element sheet can be rolled into a cylindrical shape and used as the coupling element in a magnetic gear as described above. Optionally, the magnetic gear is decoupleable by virtue of the coupling element being arranged such that an external magnetic field can be selectably applied to it, thereby causing saturation and resultingly substantially preventing coupling of magnetic flux between the first and second members.
Abstract:
A bearing has a circular element (12) normally fixed with respect to ground (111). The circular element (12) associated with the ground element is permitted to idle in rotation, so as to distribute wear around the circumference thereof. Various means of controlling and causing idle rotation are disclosed. Rolling elements (113) are preferably provided between inner and outer races (112, 115) of a bearing assembly.
Abstract:
A wrap spring moves from a relaxed state to an energised state for braking rotation of the output shaft in a vehicle transmission. The wrap spring may constrict for engagement on the shaft or expand for engagement with an adjacent ground member. Two wrap springs, concentric or axially spaced, provide bi-directional braking. A split ring energises both wrap springs, e.g. using an epicyclic differential arrangement to move opposing ring portions in opposite directions The wrap spring may be mounted in a relaxed state for rotation with the shaft, with a mechanism for inducing drag torque to energise the spring for a braking operation. Means is provided preventing an actuator from energising the wrap spring, e.g. if the shaft is rotating above a predetermined speed.
Abstract:
A linear actuator, suitable for a clutch (5, 6) of a motor vehicle transmission, has a bi-stable latch mechanism (18, 20) adapted to maintain an actuating member (26) in one of two positions on the output axis. Repeated applications of fluid pressure cause the actuator to alternate between the bi-stable states, and may thus cause a clutch to alternate between engaged and disengaged conditions.
Abstract:
A carburettor comprising a throttle valve, the throttle valve including a spindle mounting portion, wherein the spindle mounting portion is provided with a threaded portion. The carburettor throttle disc further includes opposing closing surfaces and at least one hoop device arranged to protrude from one of the closing surfaces.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for obtaining a corrected engine operational parameter value, using cylinder pressure information. A real pressure sensor signal output from a sensor (41D) is compared for discrepancies with an estimated output from engine pressure model (42A), including an engine model and a sensor model. The engine pressure model is corrected dependent on the discrepancy and the model engine pressure is then taken as the output value.