American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings Inc

United States of America

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B60K 17/16 - Arrangement or mounting of transmissions in vehicles characterised by arrangement, location or kind of gearing of differential gearing 57
F16H 48/08 - Differential gearings with gears having orbital motion with orbital conical gears 57
F16H 57/04 - Features relating to lubrication or cooling 55
F16H 48/06 - Differential gearings with gears having orbital motion 50
F16H 57/02 - GearboxesMounting gearing therein 31
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1.

AXLE CONFIGURATION HAVING FULL TIME DRIVE OF ONE WHEEL AND SELECTIVE DRIVE OF A SECOND WHEEL

      
Application Number US2025011353
Publication Number 2025/151855
Status In Force
Filing Date 2025-01-13
Publication Date 2025-07-17
Owner AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Chevalier, Steven
  • Mueller, Joseph, G.

Abstract

An axle assembly with a housing, a gear received in the housing and rotatable about an output axis, a spindle coupled to the second gear for rotation therewith, a first shaft that is rotatably coupled to the spindle, a second shaft that is rotatable about the output axis relative to the spindle, a first shaft bearing received between the second shaft and the spindle and supporting the second shaft for rotation relative to the spindle, and a mode collar slidably movable along the output axis between a first position, in which the second shaft is rotatable relative to the spindle, a second position, in which the second shaft is coupled to the spindle for rotation therewith, and a third position in which the spindle and the second shaft are non-rotatably coupled to the housing.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B60K 17/04 - Arrangement or mounting of transmissions in vehicles characterised by arrangement, location or kind of gearing
  • B60K 17/12 - Arrangement or mounting of transmissions in vehicles characterised by arrangement, location or kind of gearing of electric gearing
  • B60K 17/02 - Arrangement or mounting of transmissions in vehicles characterised by arrangement, location, or kind of clutch

2.

RESISTANCE WELDED ASSEMBLY FIXTURE

      
Application Number 18539738
Status Pending
Filing Date 2023-12-14
First Publication Date 2025-06-19
Owner American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Padfield, Cory J.
  • Vanhaitsma, Daniel A.
  • Metry, Samer
  • Padfield, Toby V.

Abstract

A vehicular output shaft assembly, configured for a rotating electrical machine, including an elongated tubular shaft having a cavity at least partially defined by an inner diameter of the elongated tubular shaft and a shaft radial surface; an output coupling having an inner diameter and a coupling radial surface; and an integrated ring received within the cavity of the elongated tubular shaft and the inner diameter of the output coupling, wherein the integrated ring positions the shaft radial surface and the coupling radial surface to abut and the elongated tubular shaft and the output coupling are welded together between the shaft radial surface and the coupling radial surface.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02K 7/00 - Arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with dynamo-electric machines, e.g. structural association with mechanical driving motors or auxiliary dynamo-electric machines
  • F16C 3/02 - ShaftsAxles

3.

MULTI-SPEED ELECTRIC DRIVE AXLE USING MULTI-LAYSHAFT TRANSMISSION

      
Application Number 19059423
Status Pending
Filing Date 2025-02-21
First Publication Date 2025-06-12
Owner AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Gerding, Austin R.
  • Bock, Jason
  • Sieferd, Justin
  • Barta, Peter
  • Ahir, Mandar
  • Trim, Jonathan
  • Proctor, Shawn S.
  • Amerla, Mario

Abstract

An electric drive axle with an electric motor having a motor shaft that is rotatable about an axis, a differential, and a transmission. The transmission transmits rotary power between the motor shaft and the differential. The multi-speed reduction has an input shaft and at least three on-axis gears. The input shaft is rotatably coupled to the motor shaft. Each of the at least three on-axis gears is co-axial with the input shaft and is rotatable relative to the input shaft in at least one of a first speed ratio and a second speed ratio. The input shaft is axially movable along the axis between a first position, in which a first one of the at least three on-axis gears is rotationally coupled to the input shaft, and a second position in which a second one of the at least three on-axis gears is rotationally coupled to the input shaft.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B60K 1/00 - Arrangement or mounting of electrical propulsion units
  • B60K 6/36 - Arrangement or mounting of plural diverse prime-movers for mutual or common propulsion, e.g. hybrid propulsion systems comprising electric motors and internal combustion engines the prime-movers consisting of electric motors and internal combustion engines, e.g. HEVs characterised by apparatus, components or means specially adapted for HEVs characterised by the transmission gearings
  • B60K 6/40 - Arrangement or mounting of plural diverse prime-movers for mutual or common propulsion, e.g. hybrid propulsion systems comprising electric motors and internal combustion engines the prime-movers consisting of electric motors and internal combustion engines, e.g. HEVs characterised by apparatus, components or means specially adapted for HEVs characterised by the assembly or relative disposition of components
  • B60K 6/48 - Parallel type
  • B60K 6/547 - Transmission for changing ratio the transmission being a stepped gearing
  • B60K 17/06 - Arrangement or mounting of transmissions in vehicles characterised by arrangement, location or kind of gearing of change-speed gearing
  • B60K 17/12 - Arrangement or mounting of transmissions in vehicles characterised by arrangement, location or kind of gearing of electric gearing
  • B60K 17/16 - Arrangement or mounting of transmissions in vehicles characterised by arrangement, location or kind of gearing of differential gearing
  • B60T 7/10 - Disposition of hand control
  • F16H 3/02 - Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio or for reversing rotary motion without gears having orbital motion
  • F16H 3/08 - Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio or for reversing rotary motion without gears having orbital motion exclusively or essentially with continuously- meshing gears, that can be disengaged from their shafts
  • F16H 3/085 - Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio or for reversing rotary motion without gears having orbital motion exclusively or essentially with continuously- meshing gears, that can be disengaged from their shafts with more than one output shaft
  • F16H 3/093 - Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio or for reversing rotary motion without gears having orbital motion exclusively or essentially with continuously- meshing gears, that can be disengaged from their shafts characterised by the disposition of the gears with two or more countershafts
  • F16H 3/095 - Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio or for reversing rotary motion without gears having orbital motion exclusively or essentially with continuously- meshing gears, that can be disengaged from their shafts characterised by the disposition of the gears with two or more countershafts with means for ensuring an even distribution of torque between the countershafts
  • F16H 37/08 - Combinations of mechanical gearings, not provided for in groups comprising essentially only toothed or friction gearings with a plurality of driving or driven shaftsCombinations of mechanical gearings, not provided for in groups comprising essentially only toothed or friction gearings with arrangements for dividing torque between two or more intermediate shafts with differential gearing
  • F16H 57/02 - GearboxesMounting gearing therein
  • F16H 57/021 - Shaft support structures, e.g. partition walls, bearing eyes, casing walls or covers with bearings
  • F16H 57/037 - Gearboxes for accommodating differential gearing
  • F16H 57/04 - Features relating to lubrication or cooling
  • F16H 63/34 - Locking or disabling mechanisms

4.

ROTATING ELECTRICAL MACHINE COMPONENT FIXTURE

      
Document Number 03250980
Status Pending
Filing Date 2024-08-01
Open to Public Date 2025-06-05
Owner American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Jezowski, Tyler D.
  • Waineo, Bryan N.
  • Elinski, Jeffrey R.

Abstract

A fixture for forming components of a rotating electrical machine that includes a main body defining a cavity, having a closed end, configured to receive a stack-up of metal plates forming a rotor or a stator; an end cap assembly, removably coupled to an open end of the cavity, having at least one spring that applies force in an axial direction toward the closed end of the main body; and an inductive heating system having an inductive loop that receives electrical current from a source and heats the metal plates.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02K 1/06 - Details of the magnetic circuit characterised by the shape, form or construction
  • H02K 15/02 - Processes or apparatus specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining or repairing of dynamo-electric machines of stator or rotor bodies
  • H02K 15/028 - Fastening stator or rotor bodies to casings, supports, shafts or hubs
  • H02K 15/12 - Impregnating, moulding insulation, heating or drying of windings, stators, rotors or machines

5.

END TURN COOLING ASSEMBLY

      
Document Number 03256353
Status Pending
Filing Date 2024-09-25
Open to Public Date 2025-05-21
Owner American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Waineo, Bryan N.
  • Jezowski, Tyler D.
  • Lau, Chi-Wai David
  • Derr, James R.
  • Valente, Paul J.

Abstract

A cooling assembly for an electric drive system in a battery electric vehicle includes a gearbox fluid manifold assembly, configured to couple to a radial face of a stator of a rotating electrical machine; an end cap fluid manifold assembly, configured to couple to a radial face of a stator of a rotating electrical machine; or both the gearbox fluid manifold assembly and the end cap fluid manifold assembly.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B60K 11/02 - Arrangement in connection with cooling of propulsion units with liquid cooling
  • B60L 58/26 - Methods or circuit arrangements for monitoring or controlling batteries or fuel cells, specially adapted for electric vehicles for monitoring or controlling batteries for controlling the temperature of batteries by cooling
  • H02K 5/20 - Casings or enclosures characterised by the shape, form or construction thereof with channels or ducts for flow of cooling medium
  • H02K 9/00 - Arrangements for cooling or ventilating

6.

END TURN COOLING ASSEMBLY

      
Application Number 18373663
Status Pending
Filing Date 2023-09-27
First Publication Date 2025-03-27
Owner American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Waineo, Bryan N.
  • Jezowski, Tyler D.
  • Lau, Chi-Wai David
  • Derr, James R.
  • Valente, Paul J.

Abstract

A cooling assembly for an electric drive system in a battery electric vehicle includes a gearbox fluid manifold assembly, configured to couple to a radial face of a stator of a rotating electrical machine; an end cap fluid manifold assembly, configured to couple to a radial face of a stator of a rotating electrical machine; or both the gearbox fluid manifold assembly and the end cap fluid manifold assembly.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02K 5/20 - Casings or enclosures characterised by the shape, form or construction thereof with channels or ducts for flow of cooling medium
  • B60L 50/60 - Electric propulsion with power supplied within the vehicle using propulsion power supplied by batteries or fuel cells using power supplied by batteries
  • F16H 57/04 - Features relating to lubrication or cooling
  • H02K 5/15 - Mounting arrangements for bearing-shields or end plates
  • H02K 7/116 - Structural association with clutches, brakes, gears, pulleys or mechanical starters with gears
  • H02K 9/19 - Arrangements for cooling or ventilating for machines with closed casing and closed-circuit cooling using a liquid cooling medium, e.g. oil

7.

ELECTRIC DRIVE MODULE

      
Document Number 03253698
Status Pending
Filing Date 2020-04-24
Open to Public Date 2025-02-25
Owner American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Downs, James P.
  • Crecelius, David
  • Ronning, Jeffrey J.
  • Valente, Paul J.
  • Morgante, John C.

Abstract

A motor assembly having an inverter with a plurality of transistor assemblies. Each of the transistor assemblies can include a surface mount MOSFET, a heat sink, and a solder material. The MOSFET has a plurality of blade terminals and a surface mount terminal that is electrically coupled to one of the blade terminals. The heat sink has a base and a plurality of fins that extend from the base. The base defines a pocket having a bottom surface. The MOSFET is received into the pocket such that the surface mount terminal is disposed proximate the bottom surface. The solder material thermally coupling the surface mount terminal to the heat sink.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02K 5/15 - Mounting arrangements for bearing-shields or end plates
  • H02K 9/22 - Arrangements for cooling or ventilating by solid heat conducting material embedded in, or arranged in contact with, the stator or rotor, e.g. heat bridges
  • H02K 11/21 - Devices for sensing speed or position, or actuated thereby
  • H02K 11/27 - Devices for sensing current, or actuated thereby
  • H02K 11/33 - Drive circuits, e.g. power electronics
  • H02P 27/06 - Arrangements or methods for the control of AC motors characterised by the kind of supply voltage using variable-frequency supply voltage, e.g. inverter or converter supply voltage using DC to AC converters or inverters
  • H05K 1/18 - Printed circuits structurally associated with non-printed electric components

8.

HEAT-SINKED POWER SEMICONDUCTOR WITH FOLDED FIN HEATSINK

      
Application Number US2024042398
Publication Number 2025/038797
Status In Force
Filing Date 2024-08-15
Publication Date 2025-02-20
Owner AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Downs, James P.
  • Valente, Paul J.
  • Ronning, Jeffrey J.
  • Crecelius, David R.
  • Stuart, Charles G.

Abstract

A heat-sinked power semiconductor assembly includes a semiconductor die; a plurality of pin terminals electrically coupled to the semiconductor die; an encapsulant body at least partially enclosing the semiconductor die and the plurality of pin terminals; and a heat sink, coupled to the assembly, comprising a fin set having a plurality of fin members configured to receive a cooling fluid.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H01L 23/367 - Cooling facilitated by shape of device
  • H01L 23/46 - Arrangements for cooling, heating, ventilating or temperature compensation involving the transfer of heat by flowing fluids
  • H01L 23/495 - Lead-frames

9.

ROTOR ASSEMBLY COOLING SYSTEM

      
Application Number US2024041640
Publication Number 2025/035062
Status In Force
Filing Date 2024-08-09
Publication Date 2025-02-13
Owner AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Derr, James, R.
  • Jezowski, Tyler, D.
  • Waineo, Bryan, N.

Abstract

A rotor assembly for a rotating electrical machine includes a rotor shaft configured to couple to a rotor and prevent the angular displacement of the rotor shaft relative to the rotor; a fluid supply tube, located within the rotor shaft, configured to receive fluid at a near end; a fluid manifold, at an opposite end of the rotor shaft, in fluid communication with the fluid supply tube; and a rotor that includes a plurality of plates, having abutting radial sides, shaped, at an inner diameter, or between the inner diameter and an outer diameter, to form one or more fluid passages extending along an axis of shaft rotation and fluidly communicating with the fluid manifold.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02K 9/19 - Arrangements for cooling or ventilating for machines with closed casing and closed-circuit cooling using a liquid cooling medium, e.g. oil
  • H02K 1/32 - Rotating parts of the magnetic circuit with channels or ducts for flow of cooling medium
  • H02K 7/00 - Arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with dynamo-electric machines, e.g. structural association with mechanical driving motors or auxiliary dynamo-electric machines

10.

ROTATING ELECTRICAL MACHINE COMPONENT FIXTURE

      
Application Number 18229306
Status Pending
Filing Date 2023-08-02
First Publication Date 2025-02-06
Owner American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Jezowski, Tyler D.
  • Waineo, Bryan N.
  • Elinski, Jeffrey R.

Abstract

A fixture for forming components of a rotating electrical machine that includes a main body defining a cavity, having a closed end, configured to receive a stack-up of metal plates forming a rotor or a stator; an end cap assembly, removably coupled to an open end of the cavity, having at least one spring that applies force in an axial direction toward the closed end of the main body; and an inductive heating system having an inductive loop that receives electrical current from a source and heats the metal plates.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H05B 6/10 - Induction heating apparatus, other than furnaces, for specific applications
  • H02K 21/14 - Synchronous motors having permanent magnetsSynchronous generators having permanent magnets with stationary armatures and rotating magnets with magnets rotating within the armatures

11.

ELECTRIC DRIVE UNIT HAVING COVER SYSTEM FOR INTERACTING WITH HIGH VOLTAGE INTERLOCK CIRCUIT

      
Application Number US2024039994
Publication Number 2025/024842
Status In Force
Filing Date 2024-07-29
Publication Date 2025-01-30
Owner AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Brammer, Andrew T.
  • Migliore, Hannah N.
  • Goblirsch, Scott J.
  • Minor, Aaron L.
  • Barta, Peter

Abstract

A cover system configured for use in an electric drive unit, including a first high voltage interlock (HVIL) terminal configured to electrically couple to a first sensing terminal; a second HVIL terminal configured to electrically couple to a second sensing terminal; an exterior cover member, configured to releasably couple to a housing of the electric drive unit, including a conductor that faces a cavity of the housing; and an intermediate cover member, including spring contacts that are at least partially encapsulated by the intermediate cover member, the spring contacts having first ends exposed on one side of the intermediate cover member and second ends exposed on an opposite side of the intermediate cover member; the first ends releasably biased into physical and electrical engagement with the conductor, the second ends releasably biased into physical and electrical engagement with the first HVIL terminal or the second HVIL terminal.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02K 5/22 - Auxiliary parts of casings not covered by groups , e.g. shaped to form connection boxes or terminal boxes
  • H02K 11/20 - Structural association of dynamo-electric machines with electric components or with devices for shielding, monitoring or protection for measuring, monitoring, testing, protecting or switching
  • H02K 11/30 - Structural association with control circuits or drive circuits

12.

MULTI-SPEED ELECTRIC DRIVE AXLE USING MULTI-LAYSHAFT TRANSMISSION

      
Application Number US2024038499
Publication Number 2025/019648
Status In Force
Filing Date 2024-07-18
Publication Date 2025-01-23
Owner AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC. (USA)
Inventor Downs, James, P.

Abstract

An actuator assembly configured to be coupled to a multi-speed electric drive axle, having an output assembly, including an axially-movably member configured to couple to a multi-speed input portion of the multi-speed electric drive axle; a ball screw having an externally-threaded portion; a coupler, attached to the axially-movable member, having an internally threaded hub that meshingly engages the externally-threaded portion of the ball screw such that rotation of the ball screw linearly moves the coupler and the axially-movable member.

IPC Classes  ?

  • F16H 57/02 - GearboxesMounting gearing therein
  • F16H 1/22 - Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion without gears having orbital motion involving more than two intermeshing members with a plurality of driving or driven shaftsToothed gearings for conveying rotary motion without gears having orbital motion involving more than two intermeshing members with arrangements for dividing torque between two or more intermediate shafts
  • H02K 7/116 - Structural association with clutches, brakes, gears, pulleys or mechanical starters with gears
  • B60K 1/00 - Arrangement or mounting of electrical propulsion units
  • F16H 48/12 - Differential gearings without gears having orbital motion

13.

ELECTRIC MOTOR AND STATOR COOLING APPARATUS

      
Application Number 18792733
Status Pending
Filing Date 2024-08-02
First Publication Date 2024-11-28
Owner American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Morgante, John
  • Downs, James P.
  • Crecelius, David
  • Fischer, Peter
  • Ronning, Jeffrey J.

Abstract

An electric motor includes a stator body that defines a rotor bore and a plurality of stator fluid channels; a plurality of electrically conductive windings forming a plurality of first winding loops extending axially outward from a first axial end of the stator body; and a generally annular body, unitarily formed from a thermally conductive and electrically insulating material, that surrounds the plurality of first winding loops and couples to the first axial end of the stator body, such that the generally annular body includes a plurality of first pins, attached to the generally annular body at a distal end of the plurality of first pins; and the plurality of first pins are configured to receive fluid from a cooling system.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02K 1/20 - Stationary parts of the magnetic circuit with channels or ducts for flow of cooling medium
  • H02K 3/24 - Windings characterised by the conductor shape, form or construction, e.g. with bar conductors with channels or ducts for cooling medium between the conductors
  • H02K 5/20 - Casings or enclosures characterised by the shape, form or construction thereof with channels or ducts for flow of cooling medium
  • H02K 9/19 - Arrangements for cooling or ventilating for machines with closed casing and closed-circuit cooling using a liquid cooling medium, e.g. oil
  • H02K 9/197 - Arrangements for cooling or ventilating for machines with closed casing and closed-circuit cooling using a liquid cooling medium, e.g. oil in which the rotor or stator space is fluid-tight, e.g. to provide for different cooling media for rotor and stator

14.

ARRAY OF HEAT-SINKED POWER SEMICONDUCTORS

      
Application Number 18745743
Status Pending
Filing Date 2024-06-17
First Publication Date 2024-10-10
Owner AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC. (USA)
Inventor Ronning, Jeffrey J.

Abstract

An array of heat-sinked power semiconductors that includes a power semiconductor and a heat sink. The power semiconductor has a power semiconductor die, a plurality of first terminals and a second terminal. The power semiconductor die has a plurality of semiconductor terminals. Each of the first terminals is electrically coupled to an associated one of the semiconductor terminals. The second terminal is a surface mount terminal and is electrically coupled to one of the first terminals. The heat sink has a heat sink body and a plurality of fins. The heat sink body has a base and an exterior surface. The base is fixedly coupled directly to the surface mount terminal. The exterior surface has a fin mount portion to which the fins extend. At least a portion of the fin-mount portion is oriented non-parallel to base.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H01L 23/367 - Cooling facilitated by shape of device
  • H01L 23/36 - Selection of materials, or shaping, to facilitate cooling or heating, e.g. heat sinks
  • H01L 25/065 - Assemblies consisting of a plurality of individual semiconductor or other solid-state devices all the devices being of a type provided for in a single subclass of subclasses , , , , or , e.g. assemblies of rectifier diodes the devices not having separate containers the devices being of a type provided for in group

15.

ELECTRIC DRIVE UNIT

      
Application Number 18750015
Status Pending
Filing Date 2024-06-21
First Publication Date 2024-10-10
Owner AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Downs, James P.
  • Valente, Paul J.

Abstract

An electric drive unit having a multi-phase electric motor and an inverter that controls power to the electric motor. The inverter has an inverter mount, a plurality of power semiconductors that are mounted to the inverter mount, and a plurality of busbars. Each of the busbars has first and second busbar portions, each having a body and a plurality of fingers. The fingers on the first and second busbar portions are mechanically and electrically coupled to opposite sides of terminals on corresponding ones of the power semiconductors.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02K 5/22 - Auxiliary parts of casings not covered by groups , e.g. shaped to form connection boxes or terminal boxes
  • H01L 23/367 - Cooling facilitated by shape of device
  • H02K 1/16 - Stator cores with slots for windings
  • H02K 1/20 - Stationary parts of the magnetic circuit with channels or ducts for flow of cooling medium
  • H02K 5/124 - Sealing of shafts
  • H02K 5/18 - Casings or enclosures characterised by the shape, form or construction thereof with ribs or fins for improving heat transfer
  • H02K 11/30 - Structural association with control circuits or drive circuits
  • H02K 11/33 - Drive circuits, e.g. power electronics
  • H02K 19/10 - Synchronous motors for multi-phase current
  • H02M 7/00 - Conversion of AC power input into DC power outputConversion of DC power input into AC power output
  • H02P 27/06 - Arrangements or methods for the control of AC motors characterised by the kind of supply voltage using variable-frequency supply voltage, e.g. inverter or converter supply voltage using DC to AC converters or inverters

16.

ELECTRIC DRIVE MODULE HAVING A MOTOR ASSEMBLY WITH AN INVERTER THAT INCLUDES A LIQUID-COOLED SNUBBER

      
Application Number US2024022169
Publication Number 2024/206774
Status In Force
Filing Date 2024-03-29
Publication Date 2024-10-03
Owner AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Crecelius, David, R.
  • Stuart, Charles, G.
  • Ronning, Jeffrey, J.
  • Jiang, Hao
  • Valente, Paul, J
  • Downs, James, P.

Abstract

The present invention provides an electric drive module that includes a housing assembly, an electric motor, and an inveter. The electric drive module includes: a positive busbar, a ground busbar, a plurality of phase busbars, and an inverter having a plurality of power semiconductor devices coupled to at least one of the phase busbars, and one or more first heat sinks, each of the power semiconductor devices having a power terminal, the power terminal of each of the power semiconductor devices being mounted to the one or more first heat sinks, and a snubber having a plurality of snubber circuit elements, and a plurality of second heat sinks, and one or more cooling chambers configured to receive fluid and communicate the fluid to the one or more first heat sinks or the one or more second heat sinks.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02K 11/00 - Structural association of dynamo-electric machines with electric components or with devices for shielding, monitoring or protection
  • H02K 11/04 - Structural association of dynamo-electric machines with electric components or with devices for shielding, monitoring or protection for rectification
  • H02K 9/19 - Arrangements for cooling or ventilating for machines with closed casing and closed-circuit cooling using a liquid cooling medium, e.g. oil
  • H05K 7/20 - Modifications to facilitate cooling, ventilating, or heating

17.

VEHICLE DRIVELINE COMPONENT HAVING A SENSOR-LESS ELECTROMAGNETIC ACTUATOR SYSTEM

      
Application Number 18671004
Status Pending
Filing Date 2024-05-22
First Publication Date 2024-09-26
Owner AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Desai, Tejas
  • Gostin, Jr., Edgar B.
  • Chen, Yini

Abstract

A vehicle driveline component including an armature disposed along a translation axis; a coil assembly having a coil; a coil driver electrically coupled to the coil; the coil driver generates an electromagnetic field that causes relative motion between the coil assembly and the armature along the translation axis; an oscillator circuit having a resonant circuit including an inductor, the oscillator circuit electrically coupled to the coil generating an oscillating signal having a frequency that varies based on a spacing between the armature and the coil assembly along the translation axis; and a controller coupled to the oscillator circuit and the coil driver, wherein the controller is configured to apply a drive signal to the coil driver to provide the modulating power signal to the coil assembly, measure a frequency value of the oscillator circuit, and determine a position of the vehicle driveline component based on the measured frequency value.

IPC Classes  ?

  • F16H 48/24 - Arrangements for suppressing or influencing the differential action, e.g. locking devices using positive clutches or brakes
  • B60K 23/04 - Arrangement or mounting of control devices for vehicle transmissions, or parts thereof, not otherwise provided for for differential gearing
  • F16H 48/08 - Differential gearings with gears having orbital motion with orbital conical gears
  • G01D 5/20 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing memberMeans for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for convertingTransducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage by varying inductance, e.g. by a movable armature

18.

METHOD OF ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING USING A ROTARY TABLE

      
Application Number 18675764
Status Pending
Filing Date 2024-05-28
First Publication Date 2024-09-19
Owner AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC. (USA)
Inventor Stuart, Charles G.

Abstract

A method for manufacturing in which alternating layers of a powdered magnetically susceptible material and a powdered insulating material are deposited onto a table as it is rotated about a first rotational axis.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B22F 3/00 - Manufacture of workpieces or articles from metallic powder characterised by the manner of compacting or sinteringApparatus specially adapted therefor
  • B22F 10/14 - Formation of a green body by jetting of binder onto a bed of metal powder
  • B22F 10/47 - Structures for supporting workpieces or articles during manufacture and removed afterwards characterised by structural features
  • B22F 12/37 - Rotatable
  • B22F 12/52 - Hoppers
  • B22F 12/55 - Two or more means for feeding material
  • B22F 12/63 - Rollers
  • B33Y 10/00 - Processes of additive manufacturing
  • B33Y 30/00 - Apparatus for additive manufacturingDetails thereof or accessories therefor
  • B33Y 80/00 - Products made by additive manufacturing
  • H02K 1/20 - Stationary parts of the magnetic circuit with channels or ducts for flow of cooling medium
  • H02K 15/03 - Processes or apparatus specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining or repairing of dynamo-electric machines of stator or rotor bodies having permanent magnets

19.

POWER CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY FOR AN ELECTRIC DRIVE UNIT

      
Application Number US2024019836
Publication Number 2024/192197
Status In Force
Filing Date 2024-03-14
Publication Date 2024-09-19
Owner AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC. (USA)
Inventor Grupido, Salvatore, N.

Abstract

A power connector assembly having first and second connector assemblies with mating housing members. The housing member of the first connector assembly includes a mounting flange having one or more apertures that are configured to receive threaded fasteners therethrough for securing the first connector assembly to another structure. The housing member of the second connector assembly has one or more shroud members that extend from the housing member and cover or shroud the apertures in the housing member of the first connector assembly to correspondingly limit access to the fasteners so that the fasteners cannot be removed while the first and second connector assemblies are connected to one another.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H01R 13/621 - Bolt, set screw or screw clamp
  • H01R 13/74 - Means for mounting coupling parts to apparatus or structures, e.g. to a wall for mounting coupling parts in openings of a panel

20.

Multi-speed electric drive axle using multi-layshaft transmission

      
Application Number 18442425
Grant Number 12251999
Status In Force
Filing Date 2024-02-15
First Publication Date 2024-09-19
Grant Date 2025-03-18
Owner AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Gerding, Austin R.
  • Bock, Jason
  • Sieferd, Justin
  • Barta, Peter
  • Ahir, Mandar
  • Trim, Jonathan
  • Proctor, Shawn S.
  • Amerla, Mario

Abstract

An electric drive axle with an electric motor having a motor shaft that is rotatable about an axis, a differential, and a transmission. The transmission transmits rotary power between the motor shaft and the differential. The multi-speed reduction has an input shaft and at least three on-axis gears. The input shaft is rotatably coupled to the motor shaft. Each of the at least three on-axis gears is co-axial with the input shaft and is rotatable relative to the input shaft in at least one of a first speed ratio and a second speed ratio. The input shaft is axially movable along the axis between a first position, in which a first one of the at least three on-axis gears is rotationally coupled to the input shaft, and a second position in which a second one of the at least three on-axis gears is rotationally coupled to the input shaft.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B60K 1/00 - Arrangement or mounting of electrical propulsion units
  • B60K 17/16 - Arrangement or mounting of transmissions in vehicles characterised by arrangement, location or kind of gearing of differential gearing
  • B60T 7/10 - Disposition of hand control
  • F16H 3/02 - Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio or for reversing rotary motion without gears having orbital motion
  • F16H 37/08 - Combinations of mechanical gearings, not provided for in groups comprising essentially only toothed or friction gearings with a plurality of driving or driven shaftsCombinations of mechanical gearings, not provided for in groups comprising essentially only toothed or friction gearings with arrangements for dividing torque between two or more intermediate shafts with differential gearing
  • F16H 57/021 - Shaft support structures, e.g. partition walls, bearing eyes, casing walls or covers with bearings
  • F16H 57/037 - Gearboxes for accommodating differential gearing
  • F16H 57/04 - Features relating to lubrication or cooling
  • F16H 63/34 - Locking or disabling mechanisms
  • B60K 6/36 - Arrangement or mounting of plural diverse prime-movers for mutual or common propulsion, e.g. hybrid propulsion systems comprising electric motors and internal combustion engines the prime-movers consisting of electric motors and internal combustion engines, e.g. HEVs characterised by apparatus, components or means specially adapted for HEVs characterised by the transmission gearings
  • B60K 6/40 - Arrangement or mounting of plural diverse prime-movers for mutual or common propulsion, e.g. hybrid propulsion systems comprising electric motors and internal combustion engines the prime-movers consisting of electric motors and internal combustion engines, e.g. HEVs characterised by apparatus, components or means specially adapted for HEVs characterised by the assembly or relative disposition of components
  • B60K 6/48 - Parallel type
  • B60K 6/547 - Transmission for changing ratio the transmission being a stepped gearing
  • B60K 17/06 - Arrangement or mounting of transmissions in vehicles characterised by arrangement, location or kind of gearing of change-speed gearing
  • B60K 17/12 - Arrangement or mounting of transmissions in vehicles characterised by arrangement, location or kind of gearing of electric gearing
  • F16H 3/08 - Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio or for reversing rotary motion without gears having orbital motion exclusively or essentially with continuously- meshing gears, that can be disengaged from their shafts
  • F16H 3/085 - Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio or for reversing rotary motion without gears having orbital motion exclusively or essentially with continuously- meshing gears, that can be disengaged from their shafts with more than one output shaft
  • F16H 3/093 - Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio or for reversing rotary motion without gears having orbital motion exclusively or essentially with continuously- meshing gears, that can be disengaged from their shafts characterised by the disposition of the gears with two or more countershafts
  • F16H 3/095 - Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio or for reversing rotary motion without gears having orbital motion exclusively or essentially with continuously- meshing gears, that can be disengaged from their shafts characterised by the disposition of the gears with two or more countershafts with means for ensuring an even distribution of torque between the countershafts
  • F16H 57/02 - GearboxesMounting gearing therein

21.

METHOD FOR FORMING AN ELECTRIC MOTOR USING A MANDREL ASSEMBLY

      
Application Number US2024011726
Publication Number 2024/186405
Status In Force
Filing Date 2024-01-17
Publication Date 2024-09-12
Owner AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Derr, James, R.
  • Waineo, Bryan, N.

Abstract

A method for forming an electric motor that includes assembling a stator assembly to an encapsulation fixture in which a mandrel assembly with a sleeve and a mandrel core, which is at least partially positioned in a cavity of the sleeve, such that at least a portion of the mandrel assembly extends through a bore in the stator assembly; heating the encapsulation assembly to expand the sleeve of the mandrel assembly relative to the stator assembly to seal against at least a portion of an inner surface of the bore of the stator assembly; and injecting an encapsulant in a liquid form into the encapsulation fixture such that the encapsulant at least partly encapsulates the stator assembly at a portion of a void defined between a housing of the stator assembly and an outer diameter of the mandrel assembly.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02K 15/02 - Processes or apparatus specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining or repairing of dynamo-electric machines of stator or rotor bodies
  • H02K 15/14 - CasingsEnclosuresSupports
  • H02K 7/14 - Structural association with mechanical loads, e.g. with hand-held machine tools or fans
  • H02K 1/04 - Details of the magnetic circuit characterised by the material used for insulating the magnetic circuit or parts thereof
  • H02K 1/18 - Means for mounting or fastening magnetic stationary parts on to, or to, the stator structures

22.

ELECTRIC MOTOR WITH FIELD WINDING ARRANGEMENT THAT IS SHRUNK-FIT TO A STATOR BODY

      
Application Number US2024011729
Publication Number 2024/186406
Status In Force
Filing Date 2024-01-17
Publication Date 2024-09-12
Owner AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Derr, James, R.
  • Jezowski, Tyler, D.

Abstract

An electric motor that includes a stator body, which defines a plurality of winding slots, and a field winding arrangement having a plurality of sets of field windings that include a plurality of conductors. Each of the conductors has a generally rectangularly shaped lateral cross-sectional area, and includes a pair of in-slot segments, a connector portion, and a pair of free ends. Each of the in-slot segments is received into a corresponding one of the winding slots. The connector portion coupling the pair of in-slot segments to one another at a first axial end of the in-slot segments. Each of the free ends being mechanically and electrically coupled to a corresponding one of the in-slot segments. The free ends of the conductors in each of the sets of field windings are electrically coupled in series to one another. The field winding arrangement is shrunk-fit to the stator body.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02K 3/14 - Windings characterised by the conductor shape, form or construction, e.g. with bar conductors arranged in slots with transposed conductors, e.g. twisted conductors
  • H02K 3/34 - Windings characterised by the shape, form or construction of the insulation between conductors or between conductor and core, e.g. slot insulation
  • H02K 3/50 - Fastening of winding heads, equalising connectors, or connections thereto

23.

GEARBOX ARCHITECTURE FOR A DUAL ELECTRIC DRIVE UNIT

      
Application Number US2024012336
Publication Number 2024/177755
Status In Force
Filing Date 2024-01-22
Publication Date 2024-08-29
Owner AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Gerding, Austin, R.
  • Bijonowski, Brendan, M.
  • Rivett, Eric, Alan
  • Zawisa, Paul, C.
  • Meintjes, James, Keith

Abstract

A gearbox architecture for a dual electric drive unit, where each drive unit has an electric motor and a transmission. The gearbox architecture permits compact and cost-effective packaging of the transmissions into a housing to which the electric motors are mounted.

IPC Classes  ?

  • F16H 57/021 - Shaft support structures, e.g. partition walls, bearing eyes, casing walls or covers with bearings
  • F16H 57/031 - GearboxesMounting gearing therein characterised by covers or lids for gearboxes
  • H02K 7/116 - Structural association with clutches, brakes, gears, pulleys or mechanical starters with gears
  • H02K 7/00 - Arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with dynamo-electric machines, e.g. structural association with mechanical driving motors or auxiliary dynamo-electric machines
  • F16H 57/02 - GearboxesMounting gearing therein

24.

VEHICLE WITH A PAIR OF ELECTRIC DRIVE AXLES THAT ARE CONFIGURED TO OPERATE IN A TIGHT TURN MODE

      
Application Number US2023083777
Publication Number 2024/129823
Status In Force
Filing Date 2023-12-13
Publication Date 2024-06-20
Owner AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Bock, Jason
  • Hanba, Scott, K.

Abstract

A vehicle with an electric drive axle having a motor, a differential, a pair of output shafts, a transmission, and first, second and third couplings. The electric drive axle is operable in a highway mode in which the first, second and third couplings are operated to permit power transmission from the motor to the differential so that the output shafts are driven by the differential. The electric drive axle is also operable in a tight-turn mode in which the first, second and third couplings are employed to inhibit power transmission between the motor and the differential, to inhibit rotation of the input of the differential and to provide rotary power to drive one of the output shafts in a first rotational direction so that differential action by the differential causes the other one of the output shaft to rotate in a second, opposite rotational direction.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B60K 17/22 - Arrangement or mounting of transmissions in vehicles characterised by arrangement, location, or type of main drive shafting, e.g. cardan shaft
  • B60K 1/00 - Arrangement or mounting of electrical propulsion units
  • B60K 17/16 - Arrangement or mounting of transmissions in vehicles characterised by arrangement, location or kind of gearing of differential gearing
  • B60K 17/06 - Arrangement or mounting of transmissions in vehicles characterised by arrangement, location or kind of gearing of change-speed gearing
  • B60K 17/02 - Arrangement or mounting of transmissions in vehicles characterised by arrangement, location, or kind of clutch
  • B60B 27/00 - Hubs

25.

Multi-speed electric drive axle using multi-layshaft transmission

      
Application Number 18442377
Grant Number 12077041
Status In Force
Filing Date 2024-02-15
First Publication Date 2024-06-06
Grant Date 2024-09-03
Owner AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Gerding, Austin R.
  • Bock, Jason
  • Sieferd, Justin
  • Barta, Peter
  • Ahir, Mandar
  • Trim, Jonathan
  • Proctor, Shawn S.
  • Amerla, Mario

Abstract

An electric drive axle with an electric motor having a motor shaft that is rotatable about an axis, a differential, and a transmission. The transmission transmits rotary power between the motor shaft and the differential. The multi-speed reduction has an input shaft and at least three on-axis gears. The input shaft is rotatably coupled to the motor shaft. Each of the at least three on-axis gears is co-axial with the input shaft and is rotatable relative to the input shaft in at least one of a first speed ratio and a second speed ratio. The input shaft is axially movable along the axis between a first position, in which a first one of the at least three on-axis gears is rotationally coupled to the input shaft, and a second position in which a second one of the at least three on-axis gears is rotationally coupled to the input shaft.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B60K 17/16 - Arrangement or mounting of transmissions in vehicles characterised by arrangement, location or kind of gearing of differential gearing
  • B60K 1/00 - Arrangement or mounting of electrical propulsion units
  • B60K 6/40 - Arrangement or mounting of plural diverse prime-movers for mutual or common propulsion, e.g. hybrid propulsion systems comprising electric motors and internal combustion engines the prime-movers consisting of electric motors and internal combustion engines, e.g. HEVs characterised by apparatus, components or means specially adapted for HEVs characterised by the assembly or relative disposition of components
  • B60K 6/48 - Parallel type
  • B60K 6/547 - Transmission for changing ratio the transmission being a stepped gearing
  • B60K 17/06 - Arrangement or mounting of transmissions in vehicles characterised by arrangement, location or kind of gearing of change-speed gearing
  • F16H 3/02 - Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio or for reversing rotary motion without gears having orbital motion
  • F16H 3/08 - Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio or for reversing rotary motion without gears having orbital motion exclusively or essentially with continuously- meshing gears, that can be disengaged from their shafts
  • F16H 3/093 - Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio or for reversing rotary motion without gears having orbital motion exclusively or essentially with continuously- meshing gears, that can be disengaged from their shafts characterised by the disposition of the gears with two or more countershafts
  • B60K 6/36 - Arrangement or mounting of plural diverse prime-movers for mutual or common propulsion, e.g. hybrid propulsion systems comprising electric motors and internal combustion engines the prime-movers consisting of electric motors and internal combustion engines, e.g. HEVs characterised by apparatus, components or means specially adapted for HEVs characterised by the transmission gearings
  • B60K 17/12 - Arrangement or mounting of transmissions in vehicles characterised by arrangement, location or kind of gearing of electric gearing
  • F16H 3/085 - Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio or for reversing rotary motion without gears having orbital motion exclusively or essentially with continuously- meshing gears, that can be disengaged from their shafts with more than one output shaft
  • F16H 3/095 - Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio or for reversing rotary motion without gears having orbital motion exclusively or essentially with continuously- meshing gears, that can be disengaged from their shafts characterised by the disposition of the gears with two or more countershafts with means for ensuring an even distribution of torque between the countershafts

26.

MULTI-SPEED ELECTRIC DRIVE AXLE USING MULTI-LAYSHAFT TRANSMISSION

      
Document Number 03267859
Status Pending
Filing Date 2023-09-15
Open to Public Date 2024-03-21
Owner AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Gerding, Austin R.
  • Bock, Jason
  • Sieferd, Justin
  • Barta, Peter
  • Ahir, Mandar
  • Trim, Jonathan
  • Proctor, Shawn
  • Amerla, Mario

IPC Classes  ?

  • F16H 1/22 - Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion without gears having orbital motion involving more than two intermeshing members with a plurality of driving or driven shaftsToothed gearings for conveying rotary motion without gears having orbital motion involving more than two intermeshing members with arrangements for dividing torque between two or more intermediate shafts
  • F16H 48/12 - Differential gearings without gears having orbital motion
  • F16H 57/02 - GearboxesMounting gearing therein
  • H02K 7/116 - Structural association with clutches, brakes, gears, pulleys or mechanical starters with gears

27.

MULTI-SPEED ELECTRIC DRIVE AXLE USING MULTI-LAYSHAFT TRANSMISSION

      
Application Number US2023032865
Publication Number 2024/059262
Status In Force
Filing Date 2023-09-15
Publication Date 2024-03-21
Owner AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Gerding, Austin, R.
  • Bock, Jason
  • Sieferd, Justin
  • Barta, Peter
  • Ahir, Mandar
  • Trim, Jonathan
  • Proctor, Shawn
  • Amerla, Mario

Abstract

An electric drive axle with an electric motor having a motor shaft that is rotatable about an axis, a differential, and a transmission. The transmission transmits rotary power between the motor shaft and the differential. The multi-speed reduction has an input shaft and at least three on-axis gears. The input shaft is rotatably coupled to the motor shaft. Each of the at least three on-axis gears is co-axial with the input shaft and is rotatable relative to the input shaft in at least one of a first speed ratio and a second speed ratio. The input shaft is axially movable along the axis between a first position, in which a first one of the at least three on-axis gears is rotationally coupled to the input shaft, and a second position in which a second one of the at least three on-axis gears is rotationally coupled to the input shaft.

IPC Classes  ?

  • F16H 48/12 - Differential gearings without gears having orbital motion
  • F16H 57/02 - GearboxesMounting gearing therein
  • F16H 1/22 - Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion without gears having orbital motion involving more than two intermeshing members with a plurality of driving or driven shaftsToothed gearings for conveying rotary motion without gears having orbital motion involving more than two intermeshing members with arrangements for dividing torque between two or more intermediate shafts
  • H02K 7/116 - Structural association with clutches, brakes, gears, pulleys or mechanical starters with gears
  • B60K 1/00 - Arrangement or mounting of electrical propulsion units

28.

ELECTRIC BEAM AXLE

      
Document Number 03267175
Status Pending
Filing Date 2023-09-07
Open to Public Date 2024-03-14
Owner AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Meintjes, James Keith
  • Umerley, Matthew A.
  • Zink, Frederick E.
  • Chopra, Vikram

IPC Classes  ?

  • F16H 48/10 - Differential gearings with gears having orbital motion with orbital spur gears
  • F16H 57/02 - GearboxesMounting gearing therein
  • F16H 57/021 - Shaft support structures, e.g. partition walls, bearing eyes, casing walls or covers with bearings
  • H02K 7/116 - Structural association with clutches, brakes, gears, pulleys or mechanical starters with gears

29.

ELECTRIC DRIVE MODULE

      
Application Number 18514090
Status Pending
Filing Date 2023-11-20
First Publication Date 2024-03-14
Owner AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Downs, James P.
  • Crecelius, David
  • Ronning, Jeffrey J.
  • Valente, Paul J.
  • Morgante, John C.

Abstract

An electric drive unit having a stator body, a plurality of sets of field windings mounted to the stator body, a rotor received in the stator body and rotatable relative to the stator body, a plurality of phase terminals, and a current sensor assembly. Each of the phase terminals is coupled to an associated one of the sets of field windings. The current sensor assembly has a plurality of current sensor laminations, and a sensor. The current sensor laminations are generally C-shaped and are abutted against one another to form a sensor lamination stack. The sensor lamination stack defines a gap. The current sensor laminations are disposed about a corresponding one of the phase terminals. The sensor is disposed in the gap.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H01L 23/495 - Lead-frames
  • H02K 1/16 - Stator cores with slots for windings
  • H02K 1/20 - Stationary parts of the magnetic circuit with channels or ducts for flow of cooling medium
  • H02K 5/15 - Mounting arrangements for bearing-shields or end plates
  • H02K 5/20 - Casings or enclosures characterised by the shape, form or construction thereof with channels or ducts for flow of cooling medium
  • H02K 5/22 - Auxiliary parts of casings not covered by groups , e.g. shaped to form connection boxes or terminal boxes
  • H02K 7/116 - Structural association with clutches, brakes, gears, pulleys or mechanical starters with gears
  • H02K 9/19 - Arrangements for cooling or ventilating for machines with closed casing and closed-circuit cooling using a liquid cooling medium, e.g. oil
  • H02K 9/22 - Arrangements for cooling or ventilating by solid heat conducting material embedded in, or arranged in contact with, the stator or rotor, e.g. heat bridges
  • H02K 11/00 - Structural association of dynamo-electric machines with electric components or with devices for shielding, monitoring or protection
  • H02K 11/27 - Devices for sensing current, or actuated thereby
  • H02K 11/33 - Drive circuits, e.g. power electronics

30.

ELECTRIC BEAM AXLE

      
Application Number US2023032124
Publication Number 2024/054528
Status In Force
Filing Date 2023-09-07
Publication Date 2024-03-14
Owner AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Meintjes, James, Keith
  • Umerley, Matthew, A.
  • Zink, Frederick, E.
  • Chopra, Vikram

Abstract

An electric beam axle with a center tube, which is disposed coaxially about an output axis, and a pair of drive units that each include a housing assembly, which is fixedly coupled to the center tube, a motor assembly, which is coupled to the housing assembly and has a motor output shaft that is rotatable about a motor axis, a wheel hub assembly, which is fixedly coupled to the housing assembly and has a wheel hub that is rotatable about the output axis, and a transmission. The housing assembly has a tube mount, which defines a bore into which the center tube is received, and defines a cavity. The motor output shaft extends into the cavity. The transmission drivingly connects the motor output shaft to the wheel hub to transmit rotary power between the electric motor and the wheel hub. The output axis is offset from the motor axes.

IPC Classes  ?

  • F16H 48/10 - Differential gearings with gears having orbital motion with orbital spur gears
  • F16H 57/021 - Shaft support structures, e.g. partition walls, bearing eyes, casing walls or covers with bearings
  • H02K 7/116 - Structural association with clutches, brakes, gears, pulleys or mechanical starters with gears
  • H02K 7/00 - Arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with dynamo-electric machines, e.g. structural association with mechanical driving motors or auxiliary dynamo-electric machines
  • F16H 57/02 - GearboxesMounting gearing therein

31.

Array of heat-sinked power semiconductors

      
Application Number 18388873
Grant Number 12046529
Status In Force
Filing Date 2023-11-13
First Publication Date 2024-03-07
Grant Date 2024-07-23
Owner AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC. (USA)
Inventor Ronning, Jeffrey J.

Abstract

An array of heat-sinked power semiconductors that includes a power semiconductor and a heat sink. The power semiconductor has a power semiconductor die, a plurality of first terminals and a second terminal. The power semiconductor die has a plurality of semiconductor terminals. Each of the first terminals is electrically coupled to an associated one of the semiconductor terminals. The second terminal is a surface mount terminal and is electrically coupled to one of the first terminals. The heat sink has a heat sink body and a plurality of fins. The heat sink body has a base and an exterior surface. The base is fixedly coupled directly to the surface mount terminal. The exterior surface has a fin mount portion to which the fins extend. At least a portion of the fin-mount portion is oriented non-parallel to base.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H01L 23/367 - Cooling facilitated by shape of device
  • H01L 23/36 - Selection of materials, or shaping, to facilitate cooling or heating, e.g. heat sinks
  • H01L 25/065 - Assemblies consisting of a plurality of individual semiconductor or other solid-state devices all the devices being of a type provided for in a single subclass of subclasses , , , , or , e.g. assemblies of rectifier diodes the devices not having separate containers the devices being of a type provided for in group

32.

ELECTRIC DRIVE UNIT WITH MOTOR ASSEMBLY ISOLATED FROM BEAMING LOADS TRANSMITTED THROUGH HOUSING ASSEMBLY

      
Application Number 18385033
Status Pending
Filing Date 2023-10-30
First Publication Date 2024-02-22
Owner AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Downs, James P.
  • Valente, Paul J.

Abstract

An electric drive unit having an electric motor, a differential assembly, a transmission, which transmits rotary power between the electric motor and the differential assembly, a pair of axle shafts, which are drivingly coupled to output members of the differential assembly, and a housing assembly in which the electric motor, the differential assembly, the transmission, and the axle shafts are housed. The electric motor includes a stator, a rotor and a motor housing that houses the stator and the rotor. The motor housing is fixedly coupled the housing assembly. Bending loads transmitted through the motor housing are not transmitted through the electric motor.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B60K 1/00 - Arrangement or mounting of electrical propulsion units
  • B60K 17/16 - Arrangement or mounting of transmissions in vehicles characterised by arrangement, location or kind of gearing of differential gearing
  • H02K 7/116 - Structural association with clutches, brakes, gears, pulleys or mechanical starters with gears

33.

Electric drive module having motor with heat sink insert in rotor shaft

      
Application Number 18386627
Grant Number 12355308
Status In Force
Filing Date 2023-11-03
First Publication Date 2024-02-22
Grant Date 2025-07-08
Owner American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Ronning, Jeffrey J.
  • Downs, James P.
  • Morgante, John C.
  • Fischer, Peter D.
  • Crecelius, David
  • Huang, Zugang
  • Valente, Paul J.

Abstract

A motor drive system has a rotor assembly that is rotatable about an axis and includes a hollow shaft, a tube, and one or more fin sets. The tube is received in the shaft and defines a first passage. The fin sets are disposed about the tube and are engaged to the shaft. Each fin set defines a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart fins that are coupled to the shaft and the tube. The first passage is configured to discharge fluid communicated therethrough into a return chamber that is formed in the rotor assembly. A plurality of second passages are formed between the shaft and fins and are in fluid communication with the return chamber.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02K 1/32 - Rotating parts of the magnetic circuit with channels or ducts for flow of cooling medium
  • H02K 9/19 - Arrangements for cooling or ventilating for machines with closed casing and closed-circuit cooling using a liquid cooling medium, e.g. oil
  • H02K 5/173 - Means for supporting bearings, e.g. insulating supports or means for fitting bearings in the bearing-shields using bearings with rolling contact, e.g. ball bearings
  • H02K 7/08 - Structural association with bearings

34.

ELECTRIC DRIVE UNIT

      
Document Number 03260253
Status Pending
Filing Date 2023-06-29
Open to Public Date 2024-01-04
Owner AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Rivett, Eric Alan
  • Downs, James P.
  • Werthman, Michael Dennis
  • Gerding, Austin R.
  • Valente, Paul J.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B60K 17/356 - Arrangement or mounting of transmissions in vehicles for driving both front and rear wheels, e.g. four wheel drive vehicles having fluid or electric motor, for driving one or more wheels
  • F16H 37/08 - Combinations of mechanical gearings, not provided for in groups comprising essentially only toothed or friction gearings with a plurality of driving or driven shaftsCombinations of mechanical gearings, not provided for in groups comprising essentially only toothed or friction gearings with arrangements for dividing torque between two or more intermediate shafts with differential gearing
  • F16H 48/10 - Differential gearings with gears having orbital motion with orbital spur gears
  • F16H 57/02 - GearboxesMounting gearing therein
  • H02K 7/116 - Structural association with clutches, brakes, gears, pulleys or mechanical starters with gears

35.

DISCONNECTING ELECTRIC DRIVE UNIT

      
Application Number 18368149
Status Pending
Filing Date 2023-09-14
First Publication Date 2024-01-04
Owner AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Valente, Paul J.
  • Balenda, Ii, Joseph S.

Abstract

An electric drive unit having a disconnecting differential a multi-phase electric motor and an inverter that controls power to the electric motor. The inverter has an inverter mount, a plurality of power semiconductors that are mounted to the inverter mount, and a plurality of busbars. Each of the busbars has first and second busbar portions, each having a body and a plurality of fingers. The fingers on the first and second busbar portions are mechanically and electrically coupled to opposite sides of terminals on corresponding ones of the power semiconductors.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B60K 1/00 - Arrangement or mounting of electrical propulsion units
  • B60K 17/16 - Arrangement or mounting of transmissions in vehicles characterised by arrangement, location or kind of gearing of differential gearing

36.

ELECTRIC DRIVE UNIT

      
Application Number US2023026546
Publication Number 2024/006418
Status In Force
Filing Date 2023-06-29
Publication Date 2024-01-04
Owner AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Gerding, Austin, R.
  • Werthman, Michael, Dennis
  • Rivett, Eric, Alan
  • Valente, Paul, J.
  • Downs, James, P.

Abstract

An electric drive unit with an electric motor, an input pinion, which is driven by an output shaft of the electric motor about a first axis, a pair of first gears, each of which is meshed with the input pinion and rotatable about a respective second axis, a second gear, which is meshed with the first gears and rotatable about a third axis, a third gear, which is driven by the second gear about the third axis, a fourth gear, which is meshed with the third gear and rotatable about a fourth axis, and a differential having a differential input, which is rotatably coupled to the third gear, and a pair of differential outputs that are driven by the differential input and rotatable about the fourth axis. The first, second, third and fourth axes are parallel to one another. The third axis is offset from the first and second axes.

IPC Classes  ?

  • F16H 48/10 - Differential gearings with gears having orbital motion with orbital spur gears
  • F16H 37/08 - Combinations of mechanical gearings, not provided for in groups comprising essentially only toothed or friction gearings with a plurality of driving or driven shaftsCombinations of mechanical gearings, not provided for in groups comprising essentially only toothed or friction gearings with arrangements for dividing torque between two or more intermediate shafts with differential gearing
  • B60K 1/00 - Arrangement or mounting of electrical propulsion units
  • B60K 17/356 - Arrangement or mounting of transmissions in vehicles for driving both front and rear wheels, e.g. four wheel drive vehicles having fluid or electric motor, for driving one or more wheels
  • H02K 7/116 - Structural association with clutches, brakes, gears, pulleys or mechanical starters with gears
  • H02K 7/00 - Arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with dynamo-electric machines, e.g. structural association with mechanical driving motors or auxiliary dynamo-electric machines
  • F16H 57/02 - GearboxesMounting gearing therein

37.

ARRAY OF HEAT-SINKED POWER SEMICONDUCTORS

      
Document Number 03260132
Status Pending
Filing Date 2023-06-21
Open to Public Date 2023-12-28
Owner AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC. (USA)
Inventor Ronning, Jeffrey J.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H01L 23/367 - Cooling facilitated by shape of device
  • H01L 23/46 - Arrangements for cooling, heating, ventilating or temperature compensation involving the transfer of heat by flowing fluids

38.

ARRAY OF HEAT-SINKED POWER SEMICONDUCTORS

      
Application Number US2023025800
Publication Number 2023/249976
Status In Force
Filing Date 2023-06-21
Publication Date 2023-12-28
Owner AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC. (USA)
Inventor Ronning, Jeffrey, J.

Abstract

An array of heat-sinked power semiconductors that includes a power semiconductor and a heat sink. The power semiconductor has a power semiconductor die, a plurality of first terminals and a second terminal. The power semiconductor die has a plurality of semiconductor terminals. Each of the first terminals is electrically coupled to an associated one of the semiconductor terminals. The second terminal is a surface mount terminal and is electrically coupled to one of the first terminals. The heat sink has a heat sink body and a plurality of fins. The heat sink body has a base and an exterior surface. The base is fixedly coupled directly to the surface mount terminal. The exterior surface has a fin mount portion to which the fins extend. At least a portion of the fin-mount portion is oriented non-parallel to base.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H01L 23/367 - Cooling facilitated by shape of device
  • H01L 23/46 - Arrangements for cooling, heating, ventilating or temperature compensation involving the transfer of heat by flowing fluids

39.

ELECTRIC DRIVE MODULE CONFIGURED AS A BEAM AXLE

      
Application Number 18240238
Status Pending
Filing Date 2023-08-30
First Publication Date 2023-12-21
Owner American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Umerley, Matthew A.
  • Zink, Frederick E.
  • Prichard, Jonathan P.
  • Downs, James P.
  • Marsh, Gregory A.
  • Blakeman, Matthew T.
  • Grider, Steven
  • Valente, Paul J.

Abstract

An electrically-operated electric drive module for use in a vehicle framework that is configured for a powertrain that includes an internal combustion engine. The electrically-operated electric drive module permits the vehicle to be converted to an electrically propelled vehicle in a manner that is cost-effective and which is relatively low in weight.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02K 7/116 - Structural association with clutches, brakes, gears, pulleys or mechanical starters with gears
  • H02K 11/33 - Drive circuits, e.g. power electronics
  • B60K 1/02 - Arrangement or mounting of electrical propulsion units comprising more than one electric motor
  • H02K 9/19 - Arrangements for cooling or ventilating for machines with closed casing and closed-circuit cooling using a liquid cooling medium, e.g. oil

40.

Electric drive unit with a heat exchanger that is formed by disks having a disk spring portion and which are received into a bore in a rotor shaft of an electric motor

      
Application Number 18225217
Grant Number 12027944
Status In Force
Filing Date 2023-07-24
First Publication Date 2023-11-16
Grant Date 2024-07-02
Owner AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Ronning, Jeffrey J.
  • Valente, Paul J.
  • Pump, Christopher D.
  • Zink, Frederick E.
  • Yashwanth, Bangalore Lingaraj

Abstract

An electric drive unit that includes an electric motor having a rotor with a rotor shaft and a heat exchanger that is received in the rotor shaft. The heat exchanger has a plurality of heat exchanger plates, each of which having a hub, a rim member, and disc spring portion that interconnects the hub and the rib member. Each disk spring portion defines a plurality of coolant apertures. The heat exchanger plates are press-fit to the rotor shaft such that each disc spring portion is deflected from a pre-installation state, and each rim member is engaged to an interior surface of the rotor shaft while being spaced apart from adjacent rim members along a rotational axis of the rotor. A first coolant passage is disposed through the hubs of the plates. The coolant apertures in the heat exchanger plates cooperate to form a plurality of second coolant passages.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02K 5/20 - Casings or enclosures characterised by the shape, form or construction thereof with channels or ducts for flow of cooling medium
  • H02K 1/32 - Rotating parts of the magnetic circuit with channels or ducts for flow of cooling medium
  • H02K 7/116 - Structural association with clutches, brakes, gears, pulleys or mechanical starters with gears
  • H02K 9/19 - Arrangements for cooling or ventilating for machines with closed casing and closed-circuit cooling using a liquid cooling medium, e.g. oil

41.

Vehicle driveline component with pinned vent

      
Application Number 17737521
Grant Number 11940056
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-05-05
First Publication Date 2023-11-09
Grant Date 2024-03-26
Owner American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Grupido, Salvatore N.
  • White, Mark L.

Abstract

A vehicle driveline component that includes a tubular body, a relief valve, a vent cover and a pin. The tubular body has a first and second axial ends and defines an interior circumferential surface. The relief valve is mounted in the tubular body between the first and second axial ends. The vent cover is mounted to the tubular body and covers the second axial end. The pin is mounted to the tubular body at a location between the first axial end and the relief valve. The pin extends through the interior circumferential surface into a hollow interior of the tubular body.

IPC Classes  ?

  • F16K 27/02 - Construction of housingsUse of materials therefor of lift valves
  • F16H 57/027 - GearboxesMounting gearing therein characterised by means for venting gearboxes, e.g. air breathers
  • F16K 17/02 - Safety valvesEqualising valves opening on surplus pressure on one sideSafety valvesEqualising valves closing on insufficient pressure on one side

42.

Connecting rod catcher slot

      
Application Number 17728205
Grant Number 11828367
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-04-25
First Publication Date 2023-10-26
Grant Date 2023-11-28
Owner
  • GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC (USA)
  • AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Murrish, Dale E.
  • Letourneau, Steven

Abstract

A connecting rod includes an elongated body having a first connection end and a second connection end and an intermediate portion extending between the first connection end and the second connection end. The first connection end includes a cylindrical opening configured to receive a bushing and a link pin. The first connection end includes a first side face and a second side face each raised relative to the intermediate portion, the first side face includes a recessed slot that communicates with the cylindrical opening and an outer edge of the first side face. The slots can optionally be provided on the second side face, giving the connecting rod one or more slots on each side, which lubricate the link pin with splash oil.

IPC Classes  ?

  • F16J 7/00 - Piston-rods, i.e. rods rigidly connected to the piston
  • F16C 7/02 - Constructions of connecting-rods with constant length

43.

VEHICLE DRIVELINE COMPONENT HAVING A LUBRICATION DE-AERATOR

      
Application Number US2023015337
Publication Number 2023/204915
Status In Force
Filing Date 2023-03-16
Publication Date 2023-10-26
Owner AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC. (USA)
Inventor Ronning, Jeffrey, J.

Abstract

A vehicle driveline component with a housing, a rotary power transmission system, a lubricant and a lubrication de-aerator. The housing defines a cavity and a sump. The rotary power transmission system is received in the cavity and includes a plurality of gears that are in meshing engagement. The lubricant is received in the sump and is employed to lubricate the rotary power transmission system. The lubrication de-aerator is received in the housing and has at least one matrix of de-aeration cells that extend between an upper surface and a lower surface. Each of the de-aeration cells has a cell inlet, which is formed through the upper surface, and a cell outlet that is formed through the lower surface. Each of the de-aeration cells tapers between its cell inlet and its cell outlet.

IPC Classes  ?

  • F16N 39/00 - Arrangements for conditioning of lubricants in the lubricating system
  • B01D 19/00 - Degasification of liquids
  • F16H 57/04 - Features relating to lubrication or cooling
  • B60K 1/00 - Arrangement or mounting of electrical propulsion units
  • F16H 57/02 - GearboxesMounting gearing therein

44.

ELECTRIC DRIVE UNIT WITH ROTOR HEAT SINK FORMED OF HEAT SINK ELEMENTS

      
Document Number 03254101
Status Pending
Filing Date 2023-03-02
Open to Public Date 2023-09-14
Owner AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Arnold, Rita
  • Metry, Samer
  • Padfield, Cory J.
  • Noble, Paul
  • Ronning, Jeffrey J.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02K 5/18 - Casings or enclosures characterised by the shape, form or construction thereof with ribs or fins for improving heat transfer
  • H02K 9/19 - Arrangements for cooling or ventilating for machines with closed casing and closed-circuit cooling using a liquid cooling medium, e.g. oil
  • H02K 9/22 - Arrangements for cooling or ventilating by solid heat conducting material embedded in, or arranged in contact with, the stator or rotor, e.g. heat bridges
  • H02K 21/14 - Synchronous motors having permanent magnetsSynchronous generators having permanent magnets with stationary armatures and rotating magnets with magnets rotating within the armatures

45.

Electric drive unit with rotor heat sink formed of heat sink elements

      
Application Number 17690440
Grant Number 12283875
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-03-09
First Publication Date 2023-09-14
Grant Date 2025-04-22
Owner AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Metry, Samer
  • Padfield, Cory J.
  • Ronning, Jeffrey J.
  • Noble, Paul
  • Arnold, Rita

Abstract

An electric drive unit that includes an electric motor having motor output shaft and a heat sink that is received therein. The heat sink is comprises of a plurality of discrete heat sink elements that are stacked together and inserted into the motor output shaft. The heat sink elements have central hubs that cooperate to form a coolant supply passage that extends centrally through the heat sink. Each of the heat sink elements defines a plurality of discrete coolant return passages that are relatively shorter in length than the central hubs so that a void annular space is formed between the coolant return passages of adjacent heat sink elements.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02K 9/22 - Arrangements for cooling or ventilating by solid heat conducting material embedded in, or arranged in contact with, the stator or rotor, e.g. heat bridges
  • H02K 5/20 - Casings or enclosures characterised by the shape, form or construction thereof with channels or ducts for flow of cooling medium
  • H02K 7/116 - Structural association with clutches, brakes, gears, pulleys or mechanical starters with gears
  • H02K 9/19 - Arrangements for cooling or ventilating for machines with closed casing and closed-circuit cooling using a liquid cooling medium, e.g. oil

46.

ELECTRIC DRIVE UNIT WITH ROTOR HEAT SINK FORMED OF HEAT SINK ELEMENTS

      
Application Number US2023014322
Publication Number 2023/172425
Status In Force
Filing Date 2023-03-02
Publication Date 2023-09-14
Owner AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Metry, Samer
  • Padfield, Cory, J.
  • Ronning, Jeffrey, J.
  • Noble, Paul
  • Arnold, Rita

Abstract

An electric drive unit that includes an electric motor having motor output shaft and a heat sink that is received therein. The heat sink is comprises of a plurality of discrete heat sink elements that are stacked together and inserted into the motor output shaft. The heat sink elements have central hubs that cooperate to form a coolant supply passage that extends centrally through the heat sink. Each of the heat sink elements defines a plurality of discrete coolant return passages that are relatively shorter in length than the central hubs so that a void annular space is formed between the coolant return passages of adjacent heat sink elements.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02K 9/19 - Arrangements for cooling or ventilating for machines with closed casing and closed-circuit cooling using a liquid cooling medium, e.g. oil
  • H02K 7/00 - Arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with dynamo-electric machines, e.g. structural association with mechanical driving motors or auxiliary dynamo-electric machines
  • H02K 5/18 - Casings or enclosures characterised by the shape, form or construction thereof with ribs or fins for improving heat transfer
  • H02K 9/22 - Arrangements for cooling or ventilating by solid heat conducting material embedded in, or arranged in contact with, the stator or rotor, e.g. heat bridges
  • H02K 21/14 - Synchronous motors having permanent magnetsSynchronous generators having permanent magnets with stationary armatures and rotating magnets with magnets rotating within the armatures

47.

POWER TRANSMISSION DEVICE HAVING A FRICTION CLUTCH AND A CONTROLLER CONFIGURED TO DETERMINE AN APPROXIMATED TEMPERATURE OF THE FRICTION CLUTCH AND RESPONSIVELY CONTROL THE FRICTION CLUTCH

      
Application Number US2023014319
Publication Number 2023/167961
Status In Force
Filing Date 2023-03-02
Publication Date 2023-09-07
Owner AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC. (USA)
Inventor Mahmud, Syeda, F.

Abstract

A power transmission device includes a friction clutch, an actuator, and a controller configured to determine an approximated temperature change of the friction clutch. The controller is configured to determine a current power state of the friction clutch, determine a desired power state change based on the current power state and a previous power state, determine a plurality of thermal coefficients based on a thermal coefficient model, the desired power state change, and a set of operation variables, determine an approximated temperature change of the friction clutch based on the thermal coefficients and a friction clutch temperature model, determine an approximated clutch temperature based on the approximated temperature change and a contemporaneous value of a device ambient temperature, and control operation of the actuator based at least on the approximated clutch temperature.

IPC Classes  ?

  • F16D 48/10 - Preventing unintentional or unsafe engagement

48.

POWER TRANSMISSION DEVICE HAVING A FRICTION CLUTCH AND A CONTROLLER CONFIGURED TO DETERMINE AN APPROXIMATED LUBRICANT TEMPERATURE OF THE FRICTION CLUTCH AND RESPONSIVELY CONTROL THE FRICTION CLUTCH

      
Application Number US2023014321
Publication Number 2023/167963
Status In Force
Filing Date 2023-03-02
Publication Date 2023-09-07
Owner AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC. (USA)
Inventor Mahmud, Syeda, F.

Abstract

A power transmission device includes a friction clutch, an actuator with an output member, and a controller. The friction clutch is lubricated with a lubricant. The controller is configured to determine a current power state of the friction clutch and determine values for a plurality of thermal coefficients based on the current power state, a set of operation variables, and one or more multi-variable correlation data. The controller is further configured to determine an approximated temperature change of the lubricant based on the values of the plurality of thermal coefficients and a lubricant temperature model. The controller is further configured to determine an approximated lubricant temperature based on the approximated temperature change and a device ambient temperature, and to control operation of the actuator based at least on the approximated lubricant temperature.

IPC Classes  ?

  • F16D 48/10 - Preventing unintentional or unsafe engagement
  • F16D 13/74 - Features relating to lubrication

49.

Electric drive unit with motor assembly isolated from beaming loads transmitted through housing assembly

      
Application Number 18310670
Grant Number 11845328
Status In Force
Filing Date 2023-05-02
First Publication Date 2023-08-24
Grant Date 2023-12-19
Owner American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Downs, James P.
  • Valente, Paul J.

Abstract

An electric drive unit having an electric motor, a differential assembly, a transmission, which transmits rotary power between the electric motor and the differential assembly, a pair of axle shafts, which are drivingly coupled to output members of the differential assembly, and a housing assembly in which the electric motor, the differential assembly, the transmission, and the axle shafts are housed. The electric motor includes a stator, a rotor and a motor housing that houses the stator and the rotor. The motor housing is fixedly coupled the housing assembly. Bending loads transmitted through the motor housing are not transmitted through the electric motor.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B60K 1/00 - Arrangement or mounting of electrical propulsion units
  • B60K 17/16 - Arrangement or mounting of transmissions in vehicles characterised by arrangement, location or kind of gearing of differential gearing
  • H02K 7/116 - Structural association with clutches, brakes, gears, pulleys or mechanical starters with gears

50.

Electric drive unit with a heat exchanger that is formed by disks having a disk spring portion and which are received into a bore in a rotor shaft of an electric motor

      
Application Number 17795497
Grant Number 11750060
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-02-14
First Publication Date 2023-08-17
Grant Date 2023-09-05
Owner American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Ronning, Jeffrey J.
  • Valente, Paul J.
  • Pump, Christopher D.
  • Zink, Frederick E.
  • Yashwanth, Bangalore Lingaraj

Abstract

An electric drive unit that includes an electric motor having a rotor with a rotor shaft and a heat exchanger that is received in the rotor shaft. The heat exchanger has a plurality of heat exchanger plates, each of which having a hub, a rim member, and disc spring portion that interconnects the hub and the rib member. Each disk spring portion defines a plurality of coolant apertures. The heat exchanger plates are press-fit to the rotor shaft such that each disc spring portion is deflected from a pre-installation state, and each rim member is engaged to an interior surface of the rotor shaft while being spaced apart from adjacent rim members along a rotational axis of the rotor. A first coolant passage is disposed through the hubs of the plates. The coolant apertures in the heat exchanger plates cooperate to form a plurality of second coolant passages.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02K 5/20 - Casings or enclosures characterised by the shape, form or construction thereof with channels or ducts for flow of cooling medium
  • H02K 9/19 - Arrangements for cooling or ventilating for machines with closed casing and closed-circuit cooling using a liquid cooling medium, e.g. oil
  • H02K 7/116 - Structural association with clutches, brakes, gears, pulleys or mechanical starters with gears
  • H02K 1/32 - Rotating parts of the magnetic circuit with channels or ducts for flow of cooling medium

51.

Electric drive module having motor with heat sink insert in rotor shaft

      
Application Number 18115909
Grant Number 11888356
Status In Force
Filing Date 2023-03-01
First Publication Date 2023-06-29
Grant Date 2024-01-30
Owner American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Ronning, Jeffrey J.
  • Downs, James P.
  • Morgante, John
  • Fischer, Peter D.
  • Crecelius, David
  • Huang, Zugang
  • Valente, Paul J.

Abstract

A motor drive system with a rotor assembly having an insert, which is received into a blind hollow rotor space in a rotor shaft. The insert is unitarily and integrally formed and defines a central hole, which is disposed along a rotational axis of the rotor assembly, and a plurality of slots that extend through an outer circumferential surface of the insert. The insert is disposed in the rotor shaft such that the outer circumferential surface of the insert is engaged to the inside circumferential surface of the rotor shaft. The central hole forms a first fluid passage through the insert, while the slots form a plurality of second fluid passages through the insert.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02K 9/19 - Arrangements for cooling or ventilating for machines with closed casing and closed-circuit cooling using a liquid cooling medium, e.g. oil
  • H02K 1/32 - Rotating parts of the magnetic circuit with channels or ducts for flow of cooling medium
  • H02K 5/173 - Means for supporting bearings, e.g. insulating supports or means for fitting bearings in the bearing-shields using bearings with rolling contact, e.g. ball bearings
  • H02K 7/08 - Structural association with bearings

52.

BRINGING THE FUTURE FASTER

      
Application Number 018893622
Status Registered
Filing Date 2023-06-27
Registration Date 2023-11-18
Owner American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc. (USA)
NICE Classes  ?
  • 40 - Treatment of materials; recycling, air and water treatment,
  • 42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design

Goods & Services

Custom manufacture of automobile parts to the order and specification of others. Engineering services in the field of land vehicle production.

53.

ELECTRIC DRIVE UNIT WITH MOTOR ASSEMBLY ISOLATED FROM BEAMING LOADS TRANSMITTED THROUGH HOUSING ASSEMBLY

      
Document Number 03239745
Status Pending
Filing Date 2022-11-29
Open to Public Date 2023-06-08
Owner AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Downs, James P.
  • Valente, Paul J.

Abstract

An electric drive unit having an electric motor, a differential assembly, a transmission, which transmits rotary power between the electric motor and the differential assembly, a pair of axle shafts, which are drivingly coupled to output members of the differential assembly, and a housing assembly in which the electric motor, the differential assembly, the transmission, and the axle shafts are housed. The electric motor includes a stator, a rotor and a motor housing that houses the stator and the rotor. The motor housing is fixedly coupled the housing assembly. Bending loads transmitted through the motor housing are not transmitted through the electric motor.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02K 5/04 - Casings or enclosures characterised by the shape, form or construction thereof
  • H02K 5/20 - Casings or enclosures characterised by the shape, form or construction thereof with channels or ducts for flow of cooling medium
  • H02K 5/22 - Auxiliary parts of casings not covered by groups , e.g. shaped to form connection boxes or terminal boxes
  • H02K 7/10 - Structural association with clutches, brakes, gears, pulleys or mechanical starters
  • H02K 9/19 - Arrangements for cooling or ventilating for machines with closed casing and closed-circuit cooling using a liquid cooling medium, e.g. oil
  • H02K 9/26 - Structural association of machines with devices for cleaning or drying cooling medium, e.g. with filters

54.

ELECTRIC DRIVE UNIT WITH MOTOR ASSEMBLY ISOLATED FROM BEAMING LOADS TRANSMITTED THROUGH HOUSING ASSEMBLY

      
Application Number US2022051149
Publication Number 2023/101925
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-11-29
Publication Date 2023-06-08
Owner AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Downs, James, P.
  • Valente, Paul, J.

Abstract

An electric drive unit having an electric motor, a differential assembly, a transmission, which transmits rotary power between the electric motor and the differential assembly, a pair of axle shafts, which are drivingly coupled to output members of the differential assembly, and a housing assembly in which the electric motor, the differential assembly, the transmission, and the axle shafts are housed. The electric motor includes a stator, a rotor and a motor housing that houses the stator and the rotor. The motor housing is fixedly coupled the housing assembly. Bending loads transmitted through the motor housing are not transmitted through the electric motor.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02K 7/10 - Structural association with clutches, brakes, gears, pulleys or mechanical starters
  • H02K 5/04 - Casings or enclosures characterised by the shape, form or construction thereof
  • H02K 5/20 - Casings or enclosures characterised by the shape, form or construction thereof with channels or ducts for flow of cooling medium
  • H02K 5/22 - Auxiliary parts of casings not covered by groups , e.g. shaped to form connection boxes or terminal boxes
  • H02K 9/19 - Arrangements for cooling or ventilating for machines with closed casing and closed-circuit cooling using a liquid cooling medium, e.g. oil
  • H02K 9/26 - Structural association of machines with devices for cleaning or drying cooling medium, e.g. with filters

55.

INVERTER HAVING SEAL MEMBER BETWEEN POWER SEMI-CONDUCTOR AND INVERTER MOUNT

      
Application Number US2022049362
Publication Number 2023/091338
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-11-09
Publication Date 2023-05-25
Owner AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC. (USA)
Inventor Pump, Christopher, D.

Abstract

An electric drive unit having a motor assembly with a stator, a rotor, which is rotatably received in the stator, and an inverter that includes an inverter mount, a plurality of heat-sinked power semiconductors, and a plurality of seal members. The inverter mount has a base that defines a plurality of terminal apertures. Each heat-sinked power semiconductor includes a power semiconductor, which has a body and a plurality of terminals that extend from the body, and a heat sink that is fixedly and thermally coupled to the body of the power semiconductor. The terminals of each of the power semiconductors are received through a corresponding one of the seal members and through a set of the terminal apertures. Each seal member forms a seal between the power semiconductor and the inverter mount that inhibits fluid flow through the terminal apertures.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02K 11/33 - Drive circuits, e.g. power electronics
  • H02K 5/10 - Casings or enclosures characterised by the shape, form or construction thereof with arrangements for protection from ingress, e.g. of water or fingers
  • H02K 5/22 - Auxiliary parts of casings not covered by groups , e.g. shaped to form connection boxes or terminal boxes
  • H05K 7/20 - Modifications to facilitate cooling, ventilating, or heating
  • H05K 5/06 - Hermetically-sealed casings

56.

INVERTER HAVING SEAL MEMBER BETWEEN POWER SEMI-CONDUCTOR AND INVERTER MOUNT

      
Document Number 03238429
Status Pending
Filing Date 2022-11-09
Open to Public Date 2023-05-25
Owner AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC. (USA)
Inventor Pump, Christopher D.

Abstract

An electric drive unit having a motor assembly with a stator, a rotor, which is rotatably received in the stator, and an inverter that includes an inverter mount, a plurality of heat-sinked power semiconductors, and a plurality of seal members. The inverter mount has a base that defines a plurality of terminal apertures. Each heat-sinked power semiconductor includes a power semiconductor, which has a body and a plurality of terminals that extend from the body, and a heat sink that is fixedly and thermally coupled to the body of the power semiconductor. The terminals of each of the power semiconductors are received through a corresponding one of the seal members and through a set of the terminal apertures. Each seal member forms a seal between the power semiconductor and the inverter mount that inhibits fluid flow through the terminal apertures.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02K 11/33 - Drive circuits, e.g. power electronics

57.

Piston assembly formed of interlocking piston members

      
Application Number 17972042
Grant Number 11788621
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-10-24
First Publication Date 2023-05-11
Grant Date 2023-10-17
Owner American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Vandervort, Michael J.
  • Clark, Jr., Raymond J.
  • Shelander, Joshua J.

Abstract

A piston assembly that includes a pair of piston members that are formed of compacted powdered metal. The piston members have sets of locking features that include alternating projections and recesses that are spaced circumferentially about and intersect a rod aperture that extends through the piston member. Each projection is formed along a projection axis, which extends radially from a center axis along which the rod aperture is formed, and has a pair of opposite side walls and an end wall that connects the side walls to one another on a side of the projection that is opposite the rod aperture. The recesses on each piston member are configured to matingly and frictionally receive the projections on the other piston member.

IPC Classes  ?

  • F16F 9/32 - Springs, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium Details
  • F16J 1/00 - PistonsTrunk pistonsPlungers
  • F16F 9/34 - Special valve constructionsShape or construction of throttling passages

58.

Drive unit for automotive vehicle

      
Application Number 17957162
Grant Number 11946532
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-09-30
First Publication Date 2023-05-04
Grant Date 2024-04-02
Owner American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Freiholtz, Mattias
  • Elbing, Tommy
  • Tylee-Birdsall, Alexander
  • Kelly, David
  • Burke, John
  • Allen, Jason
  • Bengtsson, Thomas
  • Klinth, Michael

Abstract

A vehicle drive unit that provides improved power transfer to a differential input member of a differential assembly. The vehicle drive unit is configured with an interlock system that is configured to inhibit the supply of electrical power from a source of electrical power if certain predetermined conditions are not met.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B60K 1/00 - Arrangement or mounting of electrical propulsion units
  • B60K 17/02 - Arrangement or mounting of transmissions in vehicles characterised by arrangement, location, or kind of clutch
  • B60K 17/06 - Arrangement or mounting of transmissions in vehicles characterised by arrangement, location or kind of gearing of change-speed gearing
  • B60K 17/16 - Arrangement or mounting of transmissions in vehicles characterised by arrangement, location or kind of gearing of differential gearing
  • F16D 23/08 - Arrangements for synchronisation with a blocking mechanism that only releases the clutching member on synchronisation
  • F16D 23/12 - Mechanical clutch-actuating mechanisms arranged outside the clutch as such
  • F16D 28/00 - Electrically-actuated clutches
  • F16H 37/08 - Combinations of mechanical gearings, not provided for in groups comprising essentially only toothed or friction gearings with a plurality of driving or driven shaftsCombinations of mechanical gearings, not provided for in groups comprising essentially only toothed or friction gearings with arrangements for dividing torque between two or more intermediate shafts with differential gearing
  • F16H 48/22 - Arrangements for suppressing or influencing the differential action, e.g. locking devices using friction clutches or brakes
  • F16H 57/02 - GearboxesMounting gearing therein
  • F16H 57/037 - Gearboxes for accommodating differential gearing
  • F16D 23/06 - Arrangements for synchronisation with an additional friction cluch and a blocking mechanism preventing the engagement of the main clutch prior to synchronisation

59.

Electric motor and stator cooling apparatus

      
Application Number 18092227
Grant Number 12057738
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-12-31
First Publication Date 2023-05-04
Grant Date 2024-08-06
Owner AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Morgante, John
  • Downs, James P.
  • Crecelius, David
  • Fischer, Peter
  • Ronning, Jeffrey J.

Abstract

An electric motor can include a stator body defining fluid channels extending axially for fluid communication between axial ends of the stator body. Conductive windings can form first loops extending axially outward from the first end of the stator body and second loops extending axially outward from the second end of the stator body. A first cap can be coupled to the first end of the stator body and can include a first wall. The first wall can be between the first loops and the channels. Pins can extend from a side of the first wall that is opposite the first loops. The second cap can be coupled to the second end of the stator body and include a second wall. The second wall can be between the second loops and the channels. Pins can extend from a side of the second wall that is opposite the second loops.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02K 1/20 - Stationary parts of the magnetic circuit with channels or ducts for flow of cooling medium
  • H02K 3/24 - Windings characterised by the conductor shape, form or construction, e.g. with bar conductors with channels or ducts for cooling medium between the conductors
  • H02K 5/20 - Casings or enclosures characterised by the shape, form or construction thereof with channels or ducts for flow of cooling medium
  • H02K 9/19 - Arrangements for cooling or ventilating for machines with closed casing and closed-circuit cooling using a liquid cooling medium, e.g. oil
  • H02K 9/197 - Arrangements for cooling or ventilating for machines with closed casing and closed-circuit cooling using a liquid cooling medium, e.g. oil in which the rotor or stator space is fluid-tight, e.g. to provide for different cooling media for rotor and stator

60.

Electric drive module configured as a beam axle

      
Application Number 17790254
Grant Number 11750063
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-03-15
First Publication Date 2023-04-27
Grant Date 2023-09-05
Owner American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Umerley, Matthew A.
  • Zink, Frederick E.
  • Prichard, Jonathan P.
  • Downs, James P.
  • Marsh, Gregory A.
  • Blakeman, Matthew T.
  • Grider, Steven
  • Valente, Paul J.

Abstract

An electrically-operated electric drive module for use in a vehicle framework that is configured for a powertrain that includes an internal combustion engine. The electrically-operated electric drive module permits the vehicle to be converted to an electrically propelled vehicle in a manner that is cost-effective and which is relatively low in weight.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02K 7/00 - Arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with dynamo-electric machines, e.g. structural association with mechanical driving motors or auxiliary dynamo-electric machines
  • H02K 7/116 - Structural association with clutches, brakes, gears, pulleys or mechanical starters with gears
  • H02K 11/33 - Drive circuits, e.g. power electronics
  • B60K 1/02 - Arrangement or mounting of electrical propulsion units comprising more than one electric motor
  • H02K 9/19 - Arrangements for cooling or ventilating for machines with closed casing and closed-circuit cooling using a liquid cooling medium, e.g. oil

61.

ELECTRICAL ASSEMBLY HAVING A HEAT SINK THAT IS UNITARILY AND INTEGRALLY FORMED WITH A LEAD OF A POWER SEMICONDUCTOR

      
Document Number 03163754
Status Pending
Filing Date 2022-06-17
Open to Public Date 2023-04-18
Owner AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Downs, James P.
  • Valente, Paul J.
  • Lau, Chi-Wai David

Abstract

An electrical assembly that includes a semiconductor die, a heat sink and a case. The semiconductor die includes a power semiconductor device with a plurality of terminals, and a plurality of electrically conductive leads. Each of the electrically conductive leads is electrically coupled to an associated one of the terminals on the power semiconductor device. The heat sink has a base, a mount, and a plurality of fins. The mount extends from a first side of the base and is coupled to the semiconductor die. The fins are fixedly coupled to the base and extend from a second side of the base that is opposite the first side of the base. The case is formed of a first electrically insulating material. A first one of the leads is integrally and unitarily formed with the mount.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H01L 23/28 - Encapsulation, e.g. encapsulating layers, coatings
  • H01L 23/367 - Cooling facilitated by shape of device
  • H01L 23/48 - Arrangements for conducting electric current to or from the solid state body in operation, e.g. leads or terminal arrangements
  • H02K 9/22 - Arrangements for cooling or ventilating by solid heat conducting material embedded in, or arranged in contact with, the stator or rotor, e.g. heat bridges
  • H02M 7/537 - Conversion of DC power input into AC power output without possibility of reversal by static converters using discharge tubes with control electrode or semiconductor devices with control electrode using devices of a triode or transistor type requiring continuous application of a control signal using semiconductor devices only, e.g. single switched pulse inverters

62.

BRINGING THE FUTURE FASTER

      
Application Number 225100400
Status Pending
Filing Date 2023-04-11
Owner American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc. (USA)
NICE Classes  ?
  • 40 - Treatment of materials; recycling, air and water treatment,
  • 42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design

Goods & Services

(1) Custom manufacture of automobile parts to the order and specification of others (2) Engineering services in the field of land vehicle production

63.

Electronic locking differential

      
Application Number 17944639
Grant Number 11761524
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-09-14
First Publication Date 2023-03-23
Grant Date 2023-09-19
Owner American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Balenda, Ii, Joseph S.
  • Doud, Stephen C.
  • Eickholt, Joseph C. P.

Abstract

An electronic locking differential that includes a movable electromagnet to selectively operate a dog clutch for locking a side gear to a carrier. The dog clutch includes a dog member having a plurality of legs that extend through leg apertures in the carrier. A cam mechanism is employed on the legs and the carrier to generate and apply a force to the dog member to maintain the dog member in an engaged position when torque is transmitted through the cam mechanism. The carrier is configured with an annular rib that surrounds a pocket. The annular rib has a frustoconical shape that matches that of a pole piece on the electromagnet. The electromagnet is received into the pocket when the electromagnet is operated and the dog member is in its engaged position.

IPC Classes  ?

  • F16H 48/08 - Differential gearings with gears having orbital motion with orbital conical gears
  • F16H 48/34 - Arrangements for suppressing or influencing the differential action, e.g. locking devices using externally-actuatable means using electromagnetic or electric actuators
  • F16H 48/24 - Arrangements for suppressing or influencing the differential action, e.g. locking devices using positive clutches or brakes
  • F16D 27/00 - Magnetically-actuated clutchesControl or electric circuits therefor

64.

BRINGING THE FUTURE FASTER

      
Serial Number 97851655
Status Registered
Filing Date 2023-03-22
Registration Date 2024-04-09
Owner American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc. ()
NICE Classes  ?
  • 40 - Treatment of materials; recycling, air and water treatment,
  • 42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design

Goods & Services

Custom manufacture of automobile parts to the order and specification of others Engineering services in the field of land vehicle production

65.

Vehicle driveline component having housing assembly with slugs for inhibiting relative movement between a housing member and a tube

      
Application Number 17466350
Grant Number 11619249
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-09-03
First Publication Date 2023-03-09
Grant Date 2023-04-04
Owner American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Vasu, Anoop
  • Padfield, Cory J.
  • Chung, Chih-Hung

Abstract

A vehicle driveline component with a housing, a tube and a plurality of slugs. The housing has a tube mount with a body and a plurality of slug bores. The body defines a tube bore that extends along an axis. The slug bores are spaced circumferentially apart about and are formed through the body. Each of the slug bores intersects the tube bore. The tube is received in the tube bore. Each of the slugs is received into an associated one of the slug bores and is welded to the tube. Each of the slugs engages an inside surface of one of the slug bores to inhibit movement of the tube relative to the tube mount. The body has a wall thickness and each of the slugs engages the inside surface of one of the slug bores over a distance that is less than the wall thickness.

IPC Classes  ?

  • F16B 5/08 - Joining sheets or plates to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them by means of welds or the like
  • B62D 65/02 - Joining sub-units or components to, or positioning sub-units or components with respect to, body shell or other sub-units or components
  • B60B 35/16 - Torque-transmitting axles characterised by the axle housings for the torque transmitting elements, e.g. for shafts

66.

INTEGRATED POWER SWITCHING DEVICE HEAT SINK

      
Application Number 17973219
Status Pending
Filing Date 2022-10-25
First Publication Date 2023-02-09
Owner AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Downs, James P.
  • Valente, Paul J.
  • Lau, Chi-Wai David

Abstract

An electrical assembly that with an inverter that is mounted to the field windings of a stator. The inverter has a plurality of power semiconductor packages (PSP), each of which including a semiconductor die, a plurality of electric terminals, which are electrically coupled to the semiconductor die, and a heat sink with a base, which is fixedly and electrically coupled to one of the electric terminals, and a plurality of fins that extend axially from the base in a direction away from the semiconductor die. The PSP's are arranged in a circumferentially spaced apart manner. The fins are arranged in rows and are progressively longer in length from a radially-inner most fin to a radially-outer most fin. Slots are formed in the base on a radially-inner side of the base. Each slot extends toward a radially-outer side of the base and intersects a corresponding one of the rows of fins.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H01L 23/495 - Lead-frames
  • H02K 1/16 - Stator cores with slots for windings
  • H02K 11/00 - Structural association of dynamo-electric machines with electric components or with devices for shielding, monitoring or protection
  • H02K 11/27 - Devices for sensing current, or actuated thereby
  • H02K 11/33 - Drive circuits, e.g. power electronics
  • H02K 9/22 - Arrangements for cooling or ventilating by solid heat conducting material embedded in, or arranged in contact with, the stator or rotor, e.g. heat bridges
  • H02K 5/20 - Casings or enclosures characterised by the shape, form or construction thereof with channels or ducts for flow of cooling medium
  • H02K 1/20 - Stationary parts of the magnetic circuit with channels or ducts for flow of cooling medium
  • H02K 5/15 - Mounting arrangements for bearing-shields or end plates
  • H02K 5/22 - Auxiliary parts of casings not covered by groups , e.g. shaped to form connection boxes or terminal boxes
  • H02K 7/116 - Structural association with clutches, brakes, gears, pulleys or mechanical starters with gears
  • H02K 9/19 - Arrangements for cooling or ventilating for machines with closed casing and closed-circuit cooling using a liquid cooling medium, e.g. oil

67.

Tooling and method for fabricating helical sector gear and related helical sector gear

      
Application Number 17940320
Grant Number 11867273
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-09-08
First Publication Date 2022-12-29
Grant Date 2024-01-09
Owner American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Bankovic, Daniel R.
  • Hanes, Douglas
  • Fannin, Martin J.

Abstract

A helical sector gear having a body and a gear segment having a plurality of helical teeth. The gear segment has a toothed sector, on which all of the helical teeth are formed, and spacing segments on the opposite circumferential ends of the toothed sector. Each of the spacing segments has a circumferential surface, which is longer than a pitch of the helical teeth, and a radial surface that is formed in a helical manner that conforms to the helix angle of helical teeth. A die set for forming the helical sector gear and a related method are also provided.

IPC Classes  ?

  • F16H 55/17 - Toothed wheels
  • F16H 55/08 - Profiling
  • B22F 3/03 - Press-moulding apparatus therefor
  • B22F 5/08 - Manufacture of workpieces or articles from metallic powder characterised by the special shape of the product of toothed articles, e.g. gear wheelsManufacture of workpieces or articles from metallic powder characterised by the special shape of the product of cam discs
  • B23F 9/10 - Making gears having teeth curved in their longitudinal direction by milling, e.g. with helicoidal hob with a face-mill
  • B23F 21/12 - Milling tools

68.

Power transmission device having a friction clutch and a controller configured to determine an approximated lubricant temperature of the friction clutch and responsively control the friction clutch

      
Application Number 17706929
Grant Number 11530725
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-03-29
First Publication Date 2022-12-20
Grant Date 2022-12-20
Owner American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc. (USA)
Inventor Mahmud, Syeda F.

Abstract

A power transmission device includes a friction clutch, an actuator with an output member, and a controller. The friction clutch is lubricated with a lubricant. The controller is configured to determine a current power state of the friction clutch and determine values for a plurality of thermal coefficients based on the current power state, a set of operation variables, and one or more multi-variable correlation data. The controller is further configured to determine an approximated temperature change of the lubricant based on the values of the plurality of thermal coefficients and a lubricant temperature model. The controller is further configured to determine an approximated lubricant temperature based on the approximated temperature change and a device ambient temperature, and to control operation of the actuator based at least on the approximated lubricant temperature.

IPC Classes  ?

  • F16D 48/10 - Preventing unintentional or unsafe engagement
  • F16D 13/74 - Features relating to lubrication

69.

METHOD FOR FORMING A HEAT-SINKED POWER SEMICONDUCTOR

      
Application Number US2022026127
Publication Number 2022/260769
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-04-25
Publication Date 2022-12-15
Owner AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Crecelius, David
  • Stuart, Charles, G.
  • Padfield, Cory, J.

Abstract

A method for forming a heat-sinked power semiconductor. The method includes: providing a power semiconductor having a power semiconductor die, a plurality of pin terminals and a plate terminal, the power semiconductor die having a plurality of semiconductor terminals, each of the pin terminals being electrically coupled to a corresponding one of the semiconductor terminals, the plate terminal being electrically coupled to one of the pin terminals, the plate terminal having an exterior surface that is covered with at least one sinter-resistant material; removing the at least one sinterresistant material from the plate terminal to expose the exterior surface; heating a heat sink to a predetermined temperature; and sintering the heat sink to the exterior surface of the plate terminal.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H01L 23/367 - Cooling facilitated by shape of device
  • H01L 23/488 - Arrangements for conducting electric current to or from the solid state body in operation, e.g. leads or terminal arrangements consisting of soldered or bonded constructions

70.

Power transmission device having a friction clutch and a controller configured to determine an approximated temperature of the friction clutch and responsively control the friction clutch

      
Application Number 17706904
Grant Number 11525490
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-03-29
First Publication Date 2022-12-13
Grant Date 2022-12-13
Owner American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc. (USA)
Inventor Mahmud, Syeda F.

Abstract

A power transmission device includes a friction clutch, an actuator, and a controller configured to determine an approximated temperature change of the friction clutch. The controller is configured to determine a current power state of the friction clutch, determine a desired power state change based on the current power state and a previous power state, determine a plurality of thermal coefficients based on a thermal coefficient model, the desired power state change, and a set of operation variables, determine an approximated temperature change of the friction clutch based on the thermal coefficients and a friction clutch temperature model, determine an approximated clutch temperature based on the approximated temperature change and a contemporaneous value of an device ambient temperature, and control operation of the actuator based at least on the approximated clutch temperature.

IPC Classes  ?

  • F16D 48/10 - Preventing unintentional or unsafe engagement

71.

Electric drive unit with encapsulated field windings and seal member

      
Application Number 17878459
Grant Number 12046981
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-08-01
First Publication Date 2022-12-08
Grant Date 2024-07-23
Owner AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Downs, James P.
  • Valente, Paul J.

Abstract

An electric drive unit having an electric motor, which has a rotor and a stator that includes a stator core and field windings, a housing assembly into which the electric motor is received, and a seal member. The stator core defines a plurality of stator cooling passages that extend longitudinally through the stator core. Each of the field windings has a protruding portion that extends from an axial end of the stator core. The protruding portions are encapsulated in a plastic material. The housing assembly has an annular wall member that defines a seal groove. The seal member is received in the seal groove and forms a seal between the annular wall member and the plastic encapsulation on the protruding portion of the field windings. A coolant is circulated through the stator cooling channels, and the seal member inhibits ingress of the coolant between the stator and the rotor.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02K 1/16 - Stator cores with slots for windings
  • H02K 1/20 - Stationary parts of the magnetic circuit with channels or ducts for flow of cooling medium
  • H02K 5/124 - Sealing of shafts
  • H02K 5/18 - Casings or enclosures characterised by the shape, form or construction thereof with ribs or fins for improving heat transfer
  • H02K 5/22 - Auxiliary parts of casings not covered by groups , e.g. shaped to form connection boxes or terminal boxes
  • H02K 11/30 - Structural association with control circuits or drive circuits
  • H02K 11/33 - Drive circuits, e.g. power electronics
  • H01L 23/367 - Cooling facilitated by shape of device
  • H02K 19/10 - Synchronous motors for multi-phase current
  • H02M 7/00 - Conversion of AC power input into DC power outputConversion of DC power input into AC power output
  • H02P 27/06 - Arrangements or methods for the control of AC motors characterised by the kind of supply voltage using variable-frequency supply voltage, e.g. inverter or converter supply voltage using DC to AC converters or inverters

72.

Vehicle driveline component having a lubrication de-aerator

      
Application Number 17725656
Grant Number 11519552
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-04-21
First Publication Date 2022-12-06
Grant Date 2022-12-06
Owner American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc. (USA)
Inventor Ronning, Jeffrey J.

Abstract

A vehicle driveline component with a housing, a rotary power transmission system, a lubricant and a lubrication de-aerator. The housing defines a cavity and a sump. The rotary power transmission system is received in the cavity and includes a plurality of gears that are in meshing engagement. The lubricant is received in the sump and is employed to lubricate the rotary power transmission system. The lubrication de-aerator is received in the housing and has at least one matrix of de-aeration cells that extend between an upper surface and a lower surface. Each of the de-aeration cells has a cell inlet, which is formed through the upper surface, and a cell outlet that is formed through the lower surface. Each of the de-aeration cells tapers between its cell inlet and its cell outlet.

IPC Classes  ?

  • F16N 39/00 - Arrangements for conditioning of lubricants in the lubricating system
  • B01D 19/00 - Degasification of liquids
  • F16H 57/04 - Features relating to lubrication or cooling
  • B60K 1/00 - Arrangement or mounting of electrical propulsion units
  • F16H 57/02 - GearboxesMounting gearing therein

73.

Electric drive unit

      
Application Number 17880746
Grant Number 11863046
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-08-04
First Publication Date 2022-12-01
Grant Date 2024-01-02
Owner American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Downs, James P.
  • Valente, Paul J.
  • Ronning, Jeffrey J.
  • Morgante, John C.
  • Crecelius, David
  • Huang, Zugang

Abstract

An electric drive unit having a multi-phase electric motor and an inverter with a plurality of power semiconductors, an inverter mount, and a plurality of busbars. The power semiconductors are mounted to the base of the inverter mount in an annular arrangement and with the terminals of the power semiconductors extending through the base. Each of the busbars has a first busbar portion, which includes a first body and a set of first fingers that are fixedly coupled to the first body, and a second busbar portion that includes a second body and a set of second fingers that are fixedly coupled to the second body. Associated fingers in the first and second sets of fingers of each bus bar are mechanically and electrically coupled to opposite sides of a corresponding one of the terminals.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02K 11/33 - Drive circuits, e.g. power electronics
  • H02K 5/22 - Auxiliary parts of casings not covered by groups , e.g. shaped to form connection boxes or terminal boxes
  • H02K 5/18 - Casings or enclosures characterised by the shape, form or construction thereof with ribs or fins for improving heat transfer
  • H02K 11/30 - Structural association with control circuits or drive circuits
  • H01L 23/367 - Cooling facilitated by shape of device
  • H02K 19/10 - Synchronous motors for multi-phase current
  • H02M 7/00 - Conversion of AC power input into DC power outputConversion of DC power input into AC power output
  • H02P 27/06 - Arrangements or methods for the control of AC motors characterised by the kind of supply voltage using variable-frequency supply voltage, e.g. inverter or converter supply voltage using DC to AC converters or inverters
  • H02K 1/16 - Stator cores with slots for windings
  • H02K 1/20 - Stationary parts of the magnetic circuit with channels or ducts for flow of cooling medium
  • H02K 5/124 - Sealing of shafts

74.

ELECTRIC DRIVE MODULE FOR DRIVING A VEHICLE WHEEL

      
Application Number US2022030013
Publication Number 2022/246054
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-05-19
Publication Date 2022-11-24
Owner AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Remillong, Derek, C.
  • Chisholm, Robert
  • Paulch, Thomas, C.
  • Kulka, James, P.
  • Niu, He
  • Stanley, Sean, M.
  • Marsh, Gregory, A.

Abstract

An electric drive unit with a transmission and an output shaft. The transmission includes an input pinion, an output gear and a pair of compound gears that are drivingly disposed between the input pinion and the output gear. The output gear includes a hub and a gear portion having teeth that are disposed circumferentially about the hub. The hub defines an internally splined segment and a pair of bearing mounts onto which a pair of bearings are mounted. The teeth of the gear portion are located along the output axis between the first and second circumferential bearing surfaces. The internally splined segment is engaged with an externally splined segment on the output shaft.

IPC Classes  ?

  • F16H 57/021 - Shaft support structures, e.g. partition walls, bearing eyes, casing walls or covers with bearings
  • F16H 57/029 - GearboxesMounting gearing therein characterised by means for sealing gearboxes, e.g. to improve airtightness
  • F16H 57/023 - Mounting or installation of gears or shafts in gearboxes, e.g. methods or means for assembly
  • F16H 57/00 - General details of gearing
  • B60K 17/04 - Arrangement or mounting of transmissions in vehicles characterised by arrangement, location or kind of gearing
  • B60K 17/22 - Arrangement or mounting of transmissions in vehicles characterised by arrangement, location, or type of main drive shafting, e.g. cardan shaft

75.

Electric drive module

      
Application Number 17838396
Grant Number 11862543
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-06-13
First Publication Date 2022-09-29
Grant Date 2024-01-02
Owner American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Downs, James P.
  • Crecelius, David
  • Ronning, Jeffrey J.
  • Valente, Paul J.
  • Morgante, John C.

Abstract

An electric drive unit having a stator, a rotor received in the stator and rotatable about a central longitudinal axis, and an inverter assembly that includes a plurality of power semiconductors, a plurality of heat sinks and an end plate. The power semiconductors are thermally coupled to the heat sinks. Each of the heat sinks has a plurality of fins that extend into a flow channel that is coaxial with the plurality of sets of field windings. The end plate is coupled to the power semiconductors and has a projection, which is sealingly coupled to the stator and which and partly defines an annular cavity, and a coolant port that is coupled in fluid communication with the annular cavity. The flow channel is in fluid communication with and disposed in a flow path between the annular cavity and the cooling channels in the stator body.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H01L 23/495 - Lead-frames
  • H02K 1/16 - Stator cores with slots for windings
  • H02K 1/20 - Stationary parts of the magnetic circuit with channels or ducts for flow of cooling medium
  • H02K 11/00 - Structural association of dynamo-electric machines with electric components or with devices for shielding, monitoring or protection
  • H02K 11/27 - Devices for sensing current, or actuated thereby
  • H02K 11/33 - Drive circuits, e.g. power electronics
  • H02K 5/15 - Mounting arrangements for bearing-shields or end plates
  • H02K 5/20 - Casings or enclosures characterised by the shape, form or construction thereof with channels or ducts for flow of cooling medium
  • H02K 7/116 - Structural association with clutches, brakes, gears, pulleys or mechanical starters with gears
  • H02K 9/19 - Arrangements for cooling or ventilating for machines with closed casing and closed-circuit cooling using a liquid cooling medium, e.g. oil
  • H02K 9/22 - Arrangements for cooling or ventilating by solid heat conducting material embedded in, or arranged in contact with, the stator or rotor, e.g. heat bridges
  • H02K 5/22 - Auxiliary parts of casings not covered by groups , e.g. shaped to form connection boxes or terminal boxes
  • H01L 23/373 - Cooling facilitated by selection of materials for the device
  • H01L 23/00 - Details of semiconductor or other solid state devices

76.

ELECTRIC DRIVE MODULE CONFIGURED AS A BEAM AXLE

      
Document Number 03211074
Status Pending
Filing Date 2022-03-15
Open to Public Date 2022-09-22
Owner AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Umerley, Matthew A.
  • Zink, Frederick E.
  • Prichard, Jonathan P.
  • Downs, James P.
  • Marsh, Gregory A.
  • Blakeman, Matthew T.
  • Grider, Steven
  • Valente, Paul J.

Abstract

An electrically-operated electric drive module for use in a vehicle framework that is configured for a powertrain that includes an internal combustion engine. The electrically-operated electric drive module permits the vehicle to be converted to an electrically propelled vehicle in a manner that is cost-effective and which is relatively low in weight.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B60K 1/02 - Arrangement or mounting of electrical propulsion units comprising more than one electric motor
  • B60K 17/12 - Arrangement or mounting of transmissions in vehicles characterised by arrangement, location or kind of gearing of electric gearing
  • B60K 17/24 - Arrangement of mountings for shafting

77.

ELECTRIC DRIVE UNIT

      
Document Number 03212053
Status Pending
Filing Date 2022-03-11
Open to Public Date 2022-09-22
Owner AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Downs, James P.
  • Valente, Paul J.
  • Ronning, Jeffrey J.
  • Morgante, John C.
  • Crecelius, David
  • Huang, Zugang

Abstract

An electric drive unit having a multi-phase electric motor and an inverter that controls power to the electric motor. The inverter has an inverter mount, a plurality of power semiconductors that are mounted to the inverter mount, and a plurality of busbars. Each of the busbars has first and second busbar portions, each having a body and a plurality of fingers. The fingers on the first and second busbar portions are mechanically and electrically coupled to opposite sides of terminals on corresponding ones of the power semiconductors.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02K 11/33 - Drive circuits, e.g. power electronics

78.

Damped isolation pulley having an electro-adhesive clutch

      
Application Number 17832826
Grant Number 11946537
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-06-06
First Publication Date 2022-09-22
Grant Date 2024-04-02
Owner American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc. (USA)
Inventor Chevalier, Steven

Abstract

A damped isolation pulley having a hub, a pulley disposed concentrically about the hub, an isolation spring, an inertia ring and an electro-adhesive clutch. The hub is configured to be mounted to a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine. The isolation spring is formed of an elastomeric material and couples the pulley to the hub. The inertia ring is resiliently coupled to the hub and is rotationally de-coupled from the pulley. The electro-adhesive clutch has a clutch input member that is coupled to the pulley and can be operated to form an alternate torque path between the pulley and the hub that does not include the isolation spring.

IPC Classes  ?

  • F16H 55/36 - Pulleys
  • F16D 27/14 - Magnetically-actuated clutchesControl or electric circuits therefor Details
  • F16F 15/12 - Suppression of vibrations in rotating systems by making use of members moving with the system using elastic members or friction-damping members, e.g. between a rotating shaft and a gyratory mass mounted thereon
  • F16F 15/126 - Plastics springs, e.g. made of rubber consisting of at least one annular element surrounding the axis of rotation

79.

ELECTRIC DRIVE UNIT

      
Application Number US2022019900
Publication Number 2022/197543
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-03-11
Publication Date 2022-09-22
Owner AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Downs, James, P.
  • Valente, Paul, J.
  • Ronning, Jeffrey, J.
  • Morgante, John, C.
  • Crecelius, David
  • Huang, Zugang

Abstract

An electric drive unit having a multi-phase electric motor and an inverter that controls power to the electric motor. The inverter has an inverter mount, a plurality of power semiconductors that are mounted to the inverter mount, and a plurality of busbars. Each of the busbars has first and second busbar portions, each having a body and a plurality of fingers. The fingers on the first and second busbar portions are mechanically and electrically coupled to opposite sides of terminals on corresponding ones of the power semiconductors.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02K 11/33 - Drive circuits, e.g. power electronics
  • H02M 7/00 - Conversion of AC power input into DC power outputConversion of DC power input into AC power output
  • H05K 7/20 - Modifications to facilitate cooling, ventilating, or heating
  • H02K 7/00 - Arrangements for handling mechanical energy structurally associated with dynamo-electric machines, e.g. structural association with mechanical driving motors or auxiliary dynamo-electric machines
  • H02K 7/116 - Structural association with clutches, brakes, gears, pulleys or mechanical starters with gears
  • H02M 7/44 - Conversion of DC power input into AC power output without possibility of reversal by static converters

80.

DISCONNECTING ELECTRIC DRIVE UNIT

      
Application Number US2022020295
Publication Number 2022/197645
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-03-15
Publication Date 2022-09-22
Owner AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Valente, Paul, J.
  • Balenda Ii, Joseph, S.

Abstract

An electric drive unit has a differential assembly and an actuator. The differential assembly comprises a differential case, a differential gearset, and first and second differential output members, wherein the second differential output member is configured to move between a first position and a second position. The actuator has an actuator fork that engages an actuation flange, wherein the actuation flange is moved by the actuator.

IPC Classes  ?

  • F16H 57/037 - Gearboxes for accommodating differential gearing
  • F16H 57/023 - Mounting or installation of gears or shafts in gearboxes, e.g. methods or means for assembly
  • F16H 48/40 - Constructional details characterised by features of the rotating cases
  • F16H 48/14 - Differential gearings without gears having orbital motion with cams
  • F16H 55/10 - Constructively simple tooth shapes, e.g. shaped as pins, as balls
  • F16H 57/04 - Features relating to lubrication or cooling

81.

DISCONNECTING ELECTRIC DRIVE UNIT

      
Document Number 03212367
Status Pending
Filing Date 2022-03-15
Open to Public Date 2022-09-22
Owner AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Valente, Paul J.
  • Balenda Ii, Joseph S.

Abstract

An electric drive unit has a differential assembly and an actuator. The differential assembly comprises a differential case, a differential gearset, and first and second differential output members, wherein the second differential output member is configured to move between a first position and a second position. The actuator has an actuator fork that engages an actuation flange, wherein the actuation flange is moved by the actuator.

IPC Classes  ?

  • F16H 48/14 - Differential gearings without gears having orbital motion with cams
  • F16H 48/40 - Constructional details characterised by features of the rotating cases
  • F16H 55/10 - Constructively simple tooth shapes, e.g. shaped as pins, as balls
  • F16H 57/023 - Mounting or installation of gears or shafts in gearboxes, e.g. methods or means for assembly
  • F16H 57/037 - Gearboxes for accommodating differential gearing

82.

ELECTRIC DRIVE MODULE CONFIGURED AS A BEAM AXLE

      
Application Number US2022020286
Publication Number 2022/197642
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-03-15
Publication Date 2022-09-22
Owner AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Umerley, Matthew A.
  • Zink, Frederick E.
  • Prichard, Jonathan P.
  • Downs, James P.
  • Marsh, Gregory A.
  • Blakeman, Matthew T.
  • Grider, Steven
  • Valente, Paul J.

Abstract

An electrically-operated electric drive module for use in a vehicle framework that is configured for a powertrain that includes an internal combustion engine. The electrically-operated electric drive module permits the vehicle to be converted to an electrically propelled vehicle in a manner that is cost-effective and which is relatively low in weight.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B60K 17/12 - Arrangement or mounting of transmissions in vehicles characterised by arrangement, location or kind of gearing of electric gearing
  • B60K 17/16 - Arrangement or mounting of transmissions in vehicles characterised by arrangement, location or kind of gearing of differential gearing
  • B60K 17/06 - Arrangement or mounting of transmissions in vehicles characterised by arrangement, location or kind of gearing of change-speed gearing
  • B60K 17/24 - Arrangement of mountings for shafting
  • B60K 1/02 - Arrangement or mounting of electrical propulsion units comprising more than one electric motor
  • F16H 57/04 - Features relating to lubrication or cooling
  • H02K 9/19 - Arrangements for cooling or ventilating for machines with closed casing and closed-circuit cooling using a liquid cooling medium, e.g. oil

83.

ELECTRIC DRIVE MODULE WITH TRANSMISSION HAVING PARALLEL TWIN GEAR PAIRS SHARING LOAD TO A FINAL DRIVE GEAR

      
Document Number 03151670
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-03-11
Open to Public Date 2022-09-15
Grant Date 2023-10-10
Owner AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Downs, James P.
  • Valente, Paul J.

Abstract

An electric drive unit include a housing, a motor coupled to the housing, a transmission and an output gear received in the housing, and a differential assembly. The motor has a motor output shaft rotatable about a motor axis. The transmission has an input pinion and a pair of first compound gears. The input pinion is coupled to the motor output shaft for rotation therewith. Each of the first compound gears is rotatable about a first intermediate axis parallel to the motor axis, has a first gear meshingly engaged with the input pinion, and a second gear coupled to the first gear for rotation therewith. The output gear is driven by the transmission and is rotatable about an output axis. The differential assembly has a differential input member and a pair of differential output members. The differential input member is coupled to the output gear for rotation therewith. Each of the differential output members is rotatable relative to the differential input member about the output axis.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B60K 1/00 - Arrangement or mounting of electrical propulsion units
  • B60K 17/04 - Arrangement or mounting of transmissions in vehicles characterised by arrangement, location or kind of gearing
  • B60K 17/16 - Arrangement or mounting of transmissions in vehicles characterised by arrangement, location or kind of gearing of differential gearing

84.

ELECTRIC DRIVE UNIT WITH A HEAT EXCHANGER THAT IS FORMED BY DISKS HAVING A DISK SPRING PORTION AND WHICH ARE RECEIVED INTO A BORE IN A ROTOR SHAFT OF AN ELECTRIC MOTOR

      
Document Number 03211513
Status Pending
Filing Date 2022-02-14
Open to Public Date 2022-09-15
Owner AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Ronning, Jeffrey J.
  • Valente, Paul J.
  • Pump, Christopher D.
  • Zink, Frederick E.
  • Yashwanth, Bangalore Lingaraj

Abstract

An electric drive unit that includes an electric motor having a rotor with a rotor shaft and a heat exchanger that is received in the rotor shaft. The heat exchanger has a plurality of heat exchanger plates, each of which having a hub, a rim member, and disc spring portion that interconnects the hub and the rib member. Each disk spring portion defines a plurality of coolant apertures. The heat exchanger plates are press-fit to the rotor shaft such that each disc spring portion is deflected from a pre-installation state, and each rim member is engaged to an interior surface of the rotor shaft while being spaced apart from adjacent rim members along a rotational axis of the rotor. A first coolant passage is disposed through the hubs of the plates. The coolant apertures in the heat exchanger plates cooperate to form a plurality of second coolant passages.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02K 1/32 - Rotating parts of the magnetic circuit with channels or ducts for flow of cooling medium
  • H02K 7/08 - Structural association with bearings
  • H02K 9/22 - Arrangements for cooling or ventilating by solid heat conducting material embedded in, or arranged in contact with, the stator or rotor, e.g. heat bridges

85.

ELECTRIC DRIVE UNIT WITH A HEAT EXCHANGER THAT IS FORMED BY DISKS HAVING A DISK SPRING PORTION AND WHICH ARE RECEIVED INTO A BORE IN A ROTOR SHAFT OF AN ELECTRIC MOTOR

      
Application Number US2022016251
Publication Number 2022/191952
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-02-14
Publication Date 2022-09-15
Owner AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Ronning, Jeffrey, J.
  • Valente, Paul, J.
  • Pump, Christopher, D.
  • Zink, Frederick, E.
  • Yashwanth, Bangalore, Lingaraj

Abstract

An electric drive unit that includes an electric motor having a rotor with a rotor shaft and a heat exchanger that is received in the rotor shaft. The heat exchanger has a plurality of heat exchanger plates, each of which having a hub, a rim member, and disc spring portion that interconnects the hub and the rib member. Each disk spring portion defines a plurality of coolant apertures. The heat exchanger plates are press-fit to the rotor shaft such that each disc spring portion is deflected from a pre-installation state, and each rim member is engaged to an interior surface of the rotor shaft while being spaced apart from adjacent rim members along a rotational axis of the rotor. A first coolant passage is disposed through the hubs of the plates. The coolant apertures in the heat exchanger plates cooperate to form a plurality of second coolant passages.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02K 9/22 - Arrangements for cooling or ventilating by solid heat conducting material embedded in, or arranged in contact with, the stator or rotor, e.g. heat bridges
  • H02K 1/32 - Rotating parts of the magnetic circuit with channels or ducts for flow of cooling medium
  • H02K 7/08 - Structural association with bearings

86.

Methods and systems for detecting a winding resistance and winding temperature of an alternating current electrical machine

      
Application Number 17735576
Grant Number 11817803
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-05-03
First Publication Date 2022-08-18
Grant Date 2023-11-14
Owner American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Desai, Tejas
  • Kleinhardt, Robert S.
  • Yang, Yida
  • Bruning, Claudio

Abstract

A method includes determining a vector state of an alternating current (AC) electrical machine. The method includes, when the vector state is a zero-vector state, obtaining a plurality of phase current samples of the AC electrical machine, determining a decay time constant based on the plurality of phase current samples, and determining a resistance of a winding of the AC electrical machine based on the decay time constant. The method further includes selectively activating a plurality of switches of an inverter configured to provide power to the AC electrical machine based at least on the resistance of the winding of the AC electrical machine.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02P 21/14 - Estimation or adaptation of machine parameters, e.g. flux, current or voltage
  • H02P 25/18 - Arrangements or methods for the control of AC motors characterised by the kind of AC motor or by structural details characterised by the circuit arrangement or by the kind of wiring with arrangements for switching the windings, e.g. with mechanical switches or relays
  • H02P 27/08 - Arrangements or methods for the control of AC motors characterised by the kind of supply voltage using variable-frequency supply voltage, e.g. inverter or converter supply voltage using DC to AC converters or inverters with pulse width modulation

87.

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DETECTING A WINDING RESISTANCE AND WINDING TEMPERATURE OF AN ALTERNATING CURRENT ELECTRICAL MACHINE

      
Document Number 03167942
Status Pending
Filing Date 2021-11-16
Open to Public Date 2022-07-28
Owner AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Desai, Tejas
  • Kleinhardt, Robert S.
  • Yang, Yida
  • Bruning, Claudio

Abstract

A method includes determining a vector state of an alternating current (AC) electrical machine. The method includes, when the vector state is a zero-vector state, obtaining a plurality of phase current samples of the AC electrical machine, determining a decay time constant based on the plurality of phase current samples, and determining a resistance of a winding of the AC electrical machine based on the decay time constant.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02P 6/16 - Circuit arrangements for detecting position
  • H02P 27/08 - Arrangements or methods for the control of AC motors characterised by the kind of supply voltage using variable-frequency supply voltage, e.g. inverter or converter supply voltage using DC to AC converters or inverters with pulse width modulation

88.

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DETECTING A WINDING RESISTANCE AND WINDING TEMPERATURE OF AN ALTERNATING CURRENT ELECTRICAL MACHINE

      
Application Number US2021059486
Publication Number 2022/159164
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-11-16
Publication Date 2022-07-28
Owner AMERICAN AXLE & MANUFACTURING, INC. (USA)
Inventor
  • Desai, Tejas
  • Kleinhardt, Robert S.
  • Yang, Yida
  • Bruning, Claudio

Abstract

A method includes determining a vector state of an alternating current (AC) electrical machine. The method includes, when the vector state is a zero-vector state, obtaining a plurality of phase current samples of the AC electrical machine, determining a decay time constant based on the plurality of phase current samples, and determining a resistance of a winding of the AC electrical machine based on the decay time constant.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02P 6/16 - Circuit arrangements for detecting position
  • H02P 27/08 - Arrangements or methods for the control of AC motors characterised by the kind of supply voltage using variable-frequency supply voltage, e.g. inverter or converter supply voltage using DC to AC converters or inverters with pulse width modulation
  • H02P 21/14 - Estimation or adaptation of machine parameters, e.g. flux, current or voltage

89.

Isolated drive assembly with an isolator assembly and a torque limiter for limiting the transmission of torque through an elastomeric element of the isolator assembly

      
Application Number 17568829
Grant Number 11796046
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-01-05
First Publication Date 2022-07-14
Grant Date 2023-10-24
Owner American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc. (USA)
Inventor Steiger, Andreas

Abstract

An isolated drive assembly that includes a drive member, which is rotatable about a rotational axis, a drive member hub, which is rotatable about the rotational axis relative to the drive member, an isolator assembly, which has an elastomeric element that transmits rotary power between the drive member and the drive member hub, and a torque limiter. The torque limiter has first and second sets of engagable limiter elements that limit rotation of the drive member relative to the drive member hub in opposite rotational directions to limit a magnitude of a moment that is transmitted through the elastomeric element.

IPC Classes  ?

  • F16H 55/36 - Pulleys
  • F16D 7/04 - Slip couplings, e.g. slipping on overload, for absorbing shock of the ratchet type
  • F16H 7/02 - Gearings for conveying rotary motion by endless flexible members with beltsGearings for conveying rotary motion by endless flexible members with V-belts

90.

Method for assembling a vehicle driveline component

      
Application Number 17699318
Grant Number 11518460
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-03-21
First Publication Date 2022-06-30
Grant Date 2022-12-06
Owner American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Derr, James R.
  • Waineo, Bryan N.
  • Jezowski, Tyler D.

Abstract

A method of assembling a vehicle driveline component that includes: positioning a rotary component and first race member on a fixture such that the first race member is concentric with a first race of the component; offsetting the first race member along the rotational axis relative to the first race; providing an annular bearing arrangement having balls and spacers; positioning the arrangement such that the centers of the balls are along a loading cylinder disposed concentrically about the rotational axis; moving the arrangement so the balls seat in the first race and the centers are distributed along an installation circle that is: a) larger in diameter than the loading cylinder if the first race is an outer race of a bearing assembly; or b) smaller in diameter than the loading cylinder if the first race is an inner race of a bearing assembly.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B62D 65/02 - Joining sub-units or components to, or positioning sub-units or components with respect to, body shell or other sub-units or components
  • B23P 19/04 - Machines for simply fitting together or separating metal parts or objects, or metal and non-metal parts, whether or not involving some deformationTools or devices therefor so far as not provided for in other classes for assembling or disassembling parts
  • B62D 65/10 - Joining sub-units or components to, or positioning sub-units or components with respect to, body shell or other sub-units or components the sub-units or components being engines, clutches or transmissions
  • F16H 57/00 - General details of gearing

91.

Axle assembly

      
Application Number 17582246
Grant Number 11473661
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-01-24
First Publication Date 2022-06-23
Grant Date 2022-10-18
Owner American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Downs, James P.
  • Valente, Paul J.

Abstract

An axle assembly with a housing, an annular gear, a bearing, a differential, and a pair of output shafts. The housing has an annular hub. The annular gear is received in the housing. The bearing, which is a four-point angular contact bearing, supports the gear for rotation about an axis relative to the housing and has an inner bearing race, which is mounted on the annular hub, and an outer bearing race that is fixedly coupled to the annular gear. The differential is received in the housing and includes an input member, which is coupled to the annular gear for rotation therewith, and a pair of output members that are rotatable relative to the input member about the output axis. Each of the output shafts is coupled to an associated one of the output members for rotation therewith. One of the output shafts extends through the annular hub.

IPC Classes  ?

  • F16H 48/40 - Constructional details characterised by features of the rotating cases
  • F16H 48/08 - Differential gearings with gears having orbital motion with orbital conical gears
  • B60B 35/16 - Torque-transmitting axles characterised by the axle housings for the torque transmitting elements, e.g. for shafts
  • B60K 17/16 - Arrangement or mounting of transmissions in vehicles characterised by arrangement, location or kind of gearing of differential gearing
  • F16C 19/54 - Systems consisting of a plurality of bearings with rolling friction
  • F16C 33/58 - RacewaysRace rings
  • F16H 48/22 - Arrangements for suppressing or influencing the differential action, e.g. locking devices using friction clutches or brakes
  • F16H 48/38 - Constructional details
  • F16H 48/42 - Constructional details characterised by features of the input shafts, e.g. mounting of drive gears thereon
  • F16H 57/021 - Shaft support structures, e.g. partition walls, bearing eyes, casing walls or covers with bearings
  • F16H 57/031 - GearboxesMounting gearing therein characterised by covers or lids for gearboxes
  • F16H 57/037 - Gearboxes for accommodating differential gearing

92.

Electric drive module

      
Application Number 17691244
Grant Number 11456239
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-03-10
First Publication Date 2022-06-23
Grant Date 2022-09-27
Owner American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Downs, James P.
  • Crecelius, David
  • Ronning, Jeffrey J.
  • Valente, Paul J.
  • Morgante, John C.

Abstract

An electric drive module having a motor and an inverter that are disposed in a housing The motor includes a stator, which has a plurality of sets of windings. The inverter has a plurality of power semiconductors, which are mounted into a retaining member, an end plate, which is sealingly coupled to the retaining member, and an inlet port that extends through the end plate. Sets of the semiconductor devices are electrically coupled to corresponding sets of the windings. Power terminals on the semiconductor devices are coupled to a heat sink. Fins on the heat sinks extend into an annular region that is adjacent to axial ends of the windings. At least one of the retaining member and the end plate is sealingly coupled to the housing assembly. The inlet port, the annular region and cooling passages in the stator are coupled in fluid communication.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02K 5/22 - Auxiliary parts of casings not covered by groups , e.g. shaped to form connection boxes or terminal boxes
  • H02K 1/20 - Stationary parts of the magnetic circuit with channels or ducts for flow of cooling medium
  • H02K 1/16 - Stator cores with slots for windings
  • H02K 9/22 - Arrangements for cooling or ventilating by solid heat conducting material embedded in, or arranged in contact with, the stator or rotor, e.g. heat bridges
  • H02K 11/21 - Devices for sensing speed or position, or actuated thereby
  • H02K 7/08 - Structural association with bearings
  • H01L 23/495 - Lead-frames
  • H02K 11/00 - Structural association of dynamo-electric machines with electric components or with devices for shielding, monitoring or protection
  • H02K 11/27 - Devices for sensing current, or actuated thereby
  • H02K 11/33 - Drive circuits, e.g. power electronics
  • H02K 5/20 - Casings or enclosures characterised by the shape, form or construction thereof with channels or ducts for flow of cooling medium
  • H02K 5/15 - Mounting arrangements for bearing-shields or end plates
  • H02K 7/116 - Structural association with clutches, brakes, gears, pulleys or mechanical starters with gears
  • H02K 9/19 - Arrangements for cooling or ventilating for machines with closed casing and closed-circuit cooling using a liquid cooling medium, e.g. oil
  • H01L 23/373 - Cooling facilitated by selection of materials for the device
  • H01L 23/00 - Details of semiconductor or other solid state devices

93.

Electric drive module with transmission having parallel twin gear pairs sharing load to a final drive gear

      
Application Number 17691275
Grant Number 11946531
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-03-10
First Publication Date 2022-06-23
Grant Date 2024-04-02
Owner American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Downs, James P.
  • Valente, Paul J.

Abstract

An electric drive module that includes an electric motor, a differential assembly, and a transmission that transmits rotary power between the electric motor and the differential assembly. The transmission has first and second reductions. The first reduction has a drive gear, which is rotatable about a first axis, and a pair of first reduction gears that are each meshingly engaged to the drive gear rotatable about a respective second axis. The second axes are spaced apart from one another and are parallel to the first axis. The second reduction has a driven gear and a pair of second reduction gears. The driven gear is rotatable about a third axis that is parallel to the first axis. Each of the second reduction gears is being meshingly engaged to the driven gear and non-rotatably coupled to an associated one of the first reduction gears.

IPC Classes  ?

  • B60K 1/00 - Arrangement or mounting of electrical propulsion units
  • F16H 37/08 - Combinations of mechanical gearings, not provided for in groups comprising essentially only toothed or friction gearings with a plurality of driving or driven shaftsCombinations of mechanical gearings, not provided for in groups comprising essentially only toothed or friction gearings with arrangements for dividing torque between two or more intermediate shafts with differential gearing
  • F16H 48/08 - Differential gearings with gears having orbital motion with orbital conical gears
  • F16H 63/34 - Locking or disabling mechanisms
  • F16H 57/02 - GearboxesMounting gearing therein

94.

Driveline component having lightweight ball-ramp mechanism

      
Application Number 17683689
Grant Number 11940014
Status In Force
Filing Date 2022-03-01
First Publication Date 2022-06-09
Grant Date 2024-03-26
Owner American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Zink, Frederick E.
  • Kleinhardt, Robert S.

Abstract

A vehicle driveline component with a ball-ramp mechanism that includes a first ball-ramp ring, a second ball-ramp ring and a plurality of balls. Each of the first and second ball-ramp rings have a plurality of ball supports that define ball tracks that receive the balls. Each of the ball supports has a first radial width at a first location and a second radial width at a second location. The first and second widths are different to minimize the amount of material that forms the first and second ball-ramp rings.

IPC Classes  ?

  • F16D 23/12 - Mechanical clutch-actuating mechanisms arranged outside the clutch as such
  • F16D 13/52 - Clutches with multiple lamellae
  • F16D 28/00 - Electrically-actuated clutches
  • F16H 48/22 - Arrangements for suppressing or influencing the differential action, e.g. locking devices using friction clutches or brakes
  • F16H 48/30 - Arrangements for suppressing or influencing the differential action, e.g. locking devices using externally-actuatable means

95.

Actuator with powdered metal ball ramp and method of selective surface densification of powdered metal ball ramp

      
Application Number 17463014
Grant Number 11781604
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-08-31
First Publication Date 2022-06-02
Grant Date 2023-10-10
Owner American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Raghavan, Satyanarayanan
  • Bankovic, Daniel R.

Abstract

An actuator includes a first ball-ramp plate, a second ball-ramp plate, and a plurality of balls. The first ball-ramp plate is formed of compressed powdered metal with ramps having a higher density than at least part of a remainder of the ball-ramp component. A method of manufacturing the actuator includes compacting a metal powder to form a blank of the first ball-ramp plate including an annular body disposed about an axis and a plurality of ramps fixedly coupled to the annular body and spaced circumferentially about the axis, and locally densifying the ramps of the blank by applying force to a ramped surface of each ramp.

IPC Classes  ?

  • F16D 23/12 - Mechanical clutch-actuating mechanisms arranged outside the clutch as such
  • B22F 5/08 - Manufacture of workpieces or articles from metallic powder characterised by the special shape of the product of toothed articles, e.g. gear wheelsManufacture of workpieces or articles from metallic powder characterised by the special shape of the product of cam discs
  • B22F 3/24 - After-treatment of workpieces or articles
  • B22F 3/16 - Both compacting and sintering in successive or repeated steps

96.

Vehicle driveline component having a housing with a lube feed ramp for providing increased lubrication to a bearing that supports a pinion

      
Application Number 17490240
Grant Number 11536363
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-09-30
First Publication Date 2022-04-21
Grant Date 2022-12-27
Owner American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Anagurthi, Bhanu M.
  • Hopp, Robert D.

Abstract

A vehicle driveline component having a housing with a lube feed ramp between a bearing bore and a surface in which a first end of a lubricant channel is formed. The bearing supports a pinion for rotation about a first axis. The surface is transverse to the bearing bore. The lube feed ramp is defined by a warped planar surface that provides a transverse transformation between the bearing bore and the surface that is transverse to the bearing bore. The lube feed ramp is configured to direct a portion of a lubricant exiting the bearing into the first end of the lubrication channel.

IPC Classes  ?

  • F16H 57/08 - General details of gearing of gearings with members having orbital motion
  • F16H 57/04 - Features relating to lubrication or cooling

97.

VECTRAC

      
Serial Number 97342863
Status Registered
Filing Date 2022-04-01
Registration Date 2023-05-16
Owner American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc. ()
NICE Classes  ?
  • 40 - Treatment of materials; recycling, air and water treatment,
  • 42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design

Goods & Services

Custom manufacture of automobile parts to the order and specification of others Engineering services, namely, engineering for the field of land vehicle production

98.

Electric drive module with transmission having parallel twin gear pairs sharing load to a final drive gear

      
Application Number 17527235
Grant Number 11293534
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-11-16
First Publication Date 2022-03-10
Grant Date 2022-04-05
Owner American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Downs, James P.
  • Valente, Paul J.

Abstract

An electric drive module that includes an electric motor, a differential assembly, and a transmission that transmits rotary power between the electric motor and the differential assembly. The transmission has first and second reductions. The first reduction has a drive gear, which is rotatable about a first axis, and a pair of first reduction gears that are each meshingly engaged to the drive gear rotatable about a respective second axis. The second axes are spaced apart from one another and are parallel to the first axis. The second reduction has a driven gear and a pair of second reduction gears. The driven gear is rotatable about a third axis that is parallel to the first axis. Each of the second reduction gears is being meshingly engaged to the driven gear and non-rotatably coupled to an associated one of the first reduction gears.

IPC Classes  ?

  • F16H 48/08 - Differential gearings with gears having orbital motion with orbital conical gears
  • F16H 37/08 - Combinations of mechanical gearings, not provided for in groups comprising essentially only toothed or friction gearings with a plurality of driving or driven shaftsCombinations of mechanical gearings, not provided for in groups comprising essentially only toothed or friction gearings with arrangements for dividing torque between two or more intermediate shafts with differential gearing
  • F16H 63/34 - Locking or disabling mechanisms
  • B60K 1/00 - Arrangement or mounting of electrical propulsion units
  • F16H 57/02 - GearboxesMounting gearing therein

99.

Drive system and method for vehicle employing multiple electronic motors

      
Application Number 17503410
Grant Number 11660968
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-10-18
First Publication Date 2022-02-03
Grant Date 2023-05-30
Owner American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Ronning, Jeffrey J.
  • Morgante, John C.

Abstract

A drive system with one or more electrically driven axles, a transmission subsystem, which is drivingly coupled to a drive gearbox of each of the electrically driven axles, first and second motors, which are each drivingly coupled to the transmission subsystem and have different motor characteristics, and a controller. The drive gearbox of each axle transmits rotary power to an associated set of vehicle wheels. The controller controls the first and second motors responsive to at least a torque request. Over a significant portion of the operating range of the drive system, the controller is configured to vary the respective magnitudes of the rotary power provided by the first and second motors to satisfy the torque request in a manner that maximizes a combined efficiency of the motors in a predetermined manner.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02P 6/04 - Arrangements for controlling or regulating the speed or torque of more than one motor
  • B60L 15/20 - Methods, circuits or devices for controlling the propulsion of electrically-propelled vehicles, e.g. their traction-motor speed, to achieve a desired performanceAdaptation of control equipment on electrically-propelled vehicles for remote actuation from a stationary place, from alternative parts of the vehicle or from alternative vehicles of the same vehicle train for control of the vehicle or its driving motor to achieve a desired performance, e.g. speed, torque, programmed variation of speed
  • B60K 1/02 - Arrangement or mounting of electrical propulsion units comprising more than one electric motor
  • B60K 17/356 - Arrangement or mounting of transmissions in vehicles for driving both front and rear wheels, e.g. four wheel drive vehicles having fluid or electric motor, for driving one or more wheels
  • B60L 1/02 - Supplying electric power to auxiliary equipment of electrically-propelled vehicles to electric heating circuits

100.

Electric drive module

      
Application Number 17501189
Grant Number 11303183
Status In Force
Filing Date 2021-10-14
First Publication Date 2022-02-03
Grant Date 2022-04-12
Owner American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc. (USA)
Inventor
  • Downs, James P.
  • Crecelius, David
  • Ronning, Jeffrey J.
  • Valente, Paul J.
  • Morgante, John C.

Abstract

An electric drive module having a motor and an inverter that are disposed in a housing The motor includes a stator, which has a plurality of sets of windings. The inverter has a plurality of power semiconductors, which are mounted into a retaining member, an end plate, which is sealingly coupled to the retaining member, and an inlet port that extends through the end plate. Sets of the semiconductor devices are electrically coupled to corresponding sets of the windings. Power terminals on the semiconductor devices are coupled to a heat sink. Fins on the heat sinks extend into an annular region that is adjacent to axial ends of the windings. At least one of the retaining member and the end plate is sealingly coupled to the housing assembly. The inlet port, the annular region and cooling passages in the stator are coupled in fluid communication.

IPC Classes  ?

  • H02K 5/22 - Auxiliary parts of casings not covered by groups , e.g. shaped to form connection boxes or terminal boxes
  • H02K 1/20 - Stationary parts of the magnetic circuit with channels or ducts for flow of cooling medium
  • H02K 1/16 - Stator cores with slots for windings
  • H02K 9/22 - Arrangements for cooling or ventilating by solid heat conducting material embedded in, or arranged in contact with, the stator or rotor, e.g. heat bridges
  • H02K 11/21 - Devices for sensing speed or position, or actuated thereby
  • H02K 7/08 - Structural association with bearings
  • H02K 5/20 - Casings or enclosures characterised by the shape, form or construction thereof with channels or ducts for flow of cooling medium
  • H02K 5/15 - Mounting arrangements for bearing-shields or end plates
  • H02K 9/19 - Arrangements for cooling or ventilating for machines with closed casing and closed-circuit cooling using a liquid cooling medium, e.g. oil
  • H02K 11/27 - Devices for sensing current, or actuated thereby
  • H02K 11/33 - Drive circuits, e.g. power electronics
  • H02K 7/116 - Structural association with clutches, brakes, gears, pulleys or mechanical starters with gears
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