Nonplanetary Transmission Is Friction Gearing Patents (Class 475/214)
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Publication number: 20120142483Abstract: A variator (2) having a pair of semi-toroidally recessed races (11, 12) mounted to a housing (6) for rotation about a common variator axis. A roller (14) is mounted between the races to transfer drive between them at a variable drive ratio. A sun gear (25) is mounted between the races, as is a ring (gear 26). The ring gear is radially outboard of the sun gear. Mounted between the sun and ring and meshing with both is a carrier gear (33) upon which the roller is mounted in a manner which enables it to both spin about its own axis, when turned by the races, and also to tilt relative to the races to vary the drive ratio. A control pinion (27) is also arranged between the sun and ring gears meshing with both. The control pinion is able to rotate about its own axis freely, but the pinion axis is fixed with respect to the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2009Publication date: June 7, 2012Applicants: TOROTRAK (DEVELOPMENT) LIMITED, KK EQUOS RESEARCHInventors: Yasuhiro Ishihara, Masahiko Ando, Brian Dutson
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Publication number: 20120115667Abstract: Disclosed embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable transmissions (CVT). In one embodiment, a CVT has a number of spherical planets in contact with an idler. Various idler assemblies can be used to facilitate to improve durability, fatigue life, and efficiency of a CVT. In one embodiment, the idler assembly has two rolling elements having contact surfaces that are angled with respect to a longitudinal axis of the CVT. In some embodiments, a bearing is operably coupled between the first and second rolling elements. The bearing is configured to balance axial force between the first and second rolling elements. In one embodiment, the bearing is a ball bearing. In another embodiment, the bearing is an angular contact bearing. In yet other embodiments, needle roller bearings are employed.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2011Publication date: May 10, 2012Applicant: Fallbrook Technologies Inc.Inventors: Charles Lohr, Brad Pohl
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Patent number: 8167760Abstract: In this toroidal continuously variable transmission unit, a carrier 100 and a disc 2 is brought into direct friction contact with each other, and power transmission between the carrier 100 and the disc 2 is implemented by friction force. Because of this, the necessity of machining a gear or claw on the disc or carrier, which has conventionally be done, is obviated, whereby a manufacturing process can be shortened and manufacturing costs can largely be reduced.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2007Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: NSK Ltd.Inventors: Hiroki Nishii, Eiji Inoue, Norihisa Kobayashi, Toshiro Toyoda
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Patent number: 8157688Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, three planetary gear sets, four external gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. Each of the external gear sets includes first and second gears. The torque transmitting devices may include clutches and brakes.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2008Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Scott H. Wittkopp, Andrew W. Phillips, Clinton E. Carey, James M. Hart
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Patent number: 8096916Abstract: The forward/reverse travel changeover mechanism includes a projection formed by causing an output power shaft for outputting the power from a main transmission to project to the outside of a case, a carrier rotatably supported around the projection relative to a sun gear provided rotatably integrally with the projection, a planetary gear, an internal gear held in meshing engagement with the planetary gear, an output sprocket rotatably supported integrally with the internal gear and rotatable around the projection adjacent the main transmission with respect to the sun gear, and a shifter for selectively changing over the position of the carrier and the internal gear between a forward travel position at which the carrier and the internal gear are connected against relative rotation and a reverse travel position for preventing rotation of the carrier around the projection, and is disposed outside the main transmission case.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2009Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shinya Matsumoto
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Patent number: 8088036Abstract: A vehicle drive control device includes a continuously variable transmission mechanism (hereinafter referred to as CVT (6) of a torque control type capable of continuously varying a transmission gear ratio, and a controller (34) which controls operations of the CVT (6) and an engine (2). The controller (34) includes a first control section (43; 43A) which controls a torque of the CVT (6) based on a target transmission input torque (TTRN,T), and a second control section (44) which controls a torque of the engine (2) based on a target engine rotation speed (?e,T).Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2006Date of Patent: January 3, 2012Assignee: JTEKT CorporationInventors: Robert Fuchs, Yasuhiko Hasuda
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Publication number: 20110165987Abstract: A drive system includes a pulley, an engine, a variator for varying a ratio of an output speed and an input speed, a gearset including a first and second components driveably connected to the engine and pulley, respectively, and a third component connected to the output, and a second gearset for increasing an input speed relative to an pulley speed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2010Publication date: July 7, 2011Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Donald E. Hoffman, David A. Janson
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Publication number: 20110165982Abstract: A drive system includes a pulley, an engine, a variator including an input and an output, for varying a ratio of output speed and input speed, and a gearset driveably interconnecting the input, the output, the engine and pulley.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2010Publication date: July 7, 2011Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Donald E. Hoffman, David A. Janson
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Publication number: 20110165986Abstract: A transmission includes an input, a variator including an output and a race connected to the input for producing a variable speed ratio between the output and the race, a gearset including a component connected to the output, and second and third components, a first clutch opening and closing a connection between the input and the second component, and a second clutch opening and closing a connection between the output and the third component.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2010Publication date: July 7, 2011Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Donald W. Hoffman, David A. Janson
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Publication number: 20110165988Abstract: A transmission includes a variator including a cone secured to an input, and a second cone driveably connected to the cone, producing a variable speed ratio between the cones, a gearset including a member secured to the second cone, and second and third members, a first clutch opening and closing a connection between the input and the second member, and a second clutch opening and closing a connection between an output and the third member.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2010Publication date: July 7, 2011Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventor: Donald E. Hoffman
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Patent number: 7951035Abstract: A vehicle driveline having an axle assembly with an input pinion, which is configured to receive a rotary input, a input ring gear, which is meshingly engaged with the input pinion, a first output member, a second output member and a power distribution system. The first output member is configured to drive a first vehicle wheel on a first side of a vehicle. The second output member is configured to drive a second vehicle wheel on a second side of the vehicle opposite the first side. The power distribution system is driven by the input ring gear and distributes drive torque between the first and second output members. The power distribution system includes a first continuously variable transmission. A method for operating a vehicle driveline is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 12, 2008Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.Inventor: Winston Platt
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Patent number: 7913581Abstract: A vehicle powertrain comprising dual torque input clutches and a multiple speed transmission with ratio range gearing is disclosed. The range gearing provides increased gear ratio coverage. A transition between a low speed ratio range and a high speed ratio range is achieved with no torque interruption. A shift from one gear ratio to an adjacent gear ratio in a speed ratio range during a shift sequence is preceded by preselecting the adjacent gear ratio.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2009Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: Graeme A. Jackson
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Patent number: 7857724Abstract: A multi-group transmission for a motor vehicle having a main transmission and a range group transmission downstream from the main transmission. The reverse gear is integrated into the range-group transmission.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2005Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventor: Karl-Fritz Heinzelmann
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Publication number: 20100323839Abstract: A forward-reverse switching device for a vehicle includes a planetary gear set and a one-way clutch coupled to any two rotating elements among first, second and third rotating elements, each corresponding to any one of a ring gear, a carrier and a sun gear, of the planetary gear set. The first rotating element is coupled to a driving force source. The third rotating element is coupled to a drive wheel. Rotation of the second rotating element is prohibited to rotate the third rotating element in a direction opposite to the rotational direction of the first rotating element. The first to third rotating elements are integrally rotated to rotate the third rotating element in the same direction as the first rotating element. The one-way clutch is engaged when the rotational speed of the third rotating element exceeds the rotational speed of the first rotating element.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2010Publication date: December 23, 2010Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yasuhiro Kawai
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Publication number: 20100285916Abstract: A transmission module for the variable distribution of torque in the driveline of a motor vehicle. A driveshaft 3 in a housing 8, is rotatingly drivable around a first axis of rotation A. A hollow shaft 4 is arranged coaxially relative to the first shaft 3 and is rotatingly drivable relative thereto. A transmission stage 5 having a first sun gear 32 which is drivingly connected to the hollow shaft 4, having a second sun gear 34 which is arranged so as to coaxially adjoin the first sun gear 32 and which is connected to the driveshaft 3 in a rotationally fixed way, and having a hollow gear 33 which, in the housing 8, is rotatably supported on an axis of rotation B extending parallel to the axis of rotation A and which meshingly engages the first sun gear 32 and the second sun gear 34, wherein the first and the second sun gear 32, 34 comprise different numbers of teeth.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2006Publication date: November 11, 2010Inventor: Theodor Gassmann
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Publication number: 20100248887Abstract: A transmission arrangement is disclosed which comprises first and second variators (166, 169) each of which comprises an input race (150, 154) and an output race (152, 156). A plurality of rollers (276, 278) is arranged to run upon the input and output races to transfer drive from one to the other. The races are mounted for rotation about a common axis and the inclination of the first variator's rollers is variable independently of the inclination of the second variator's rollers, so that the two rollers are able to provide independently and continuously variable drive ratios. To provide traction between the rollers and races, a biasing device (216, 217) applies an axial force to one of the races, urging the rollers and races into engagement with each other. Each variator is provided with a shunt gear for providing forward, reverse and g eared neutral ratios, and to couple the variator input to the shunt gear a coupling member (160) passes through the outer variator races.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2008Publication date: September 30, 2010Inventor: Brian Joseph Dutson
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Publication number: 20100203998Abstract: A continuously variable transmission device (1) for a vehicle with a variator (3), a planetary gear unit (4) and a manual gear unit (9) arranged in a transmission housing. The variator (3) is connected with the planetary gear unit (4) and with the manual gear unit (9) in the area of a first shaft (14) and in the area of a second shaft (15). The variator (3) and the planetary gear unit (4) form a module (2) and are arranged on a common carrier plate (19).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2008Publication date: August 12, 2010Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AGInventors: Gerhard Bailly, Thomas Ratzmann, Jurgen Pohlenz
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Publication number: 20100093480Abstract: Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable accessory drives (CVAD). In one embodiment, a skew-based control system is adapted to facilitate a change in the ratio of a CVAD. In another embodiment, a skew-based control system includes a skew actuator coupled to a carrier member. In some embodiments, the skew actuator is configured to rotate a carrier member of a CVT. Various inventive traction planet assemblies can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. In some embodiments, the traction planet assemblies include legs configured to cooperate with the carrier members. In some embodiments, a traction planet assembly is operably coupled to the carrier members. Embodiments of a shift cam and a traction sun are adapted to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT. Among other things, shift control interfaces for a CVT are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 14, 2008Publication date: April 15, 2010Applicant: Fallbrook Technologies Inc.Inventors: Brad P. Pohl, Fernand A. Thomassy, Charles B. Lohr, Scott T. McBroom
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Publication number: 20090312137Abstract: In a transmission having two revolving transmission elements, each of which has at least one running surface for a revolving coupling element, at least one running surface having at least two running paths for the coupling element having different running radii and the two transmission elements being braced, while incorporating the coupling element, via a bracing device which presses the two transmission elements against the coupling element with a variable pressure, the bracing device comprises a pressure device connected in series with a spring element.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2009Publication date: December 17, 2009Inventors: Ulrich Rohs, Christoph Draeger, Werner Brandwitte
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Patent number: 7621839Abstract: A vehicle powertrain comprising a multiple speed transmission with ratio range gearing is disclosed. The range gearing provides increased ratio coverage. A transition between a low speed range and a high speed range is achieved with no torque interruption whereby a gear ratio shift between the highest gear ratio in the low speed range and the lowest gear ratio in the high speed range occurs in a seamless fashion.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2007Date of Patent: November 24, 2009Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: Graeme A. Jackson
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Publication number: 20090203486Abstract: An arrangement is disclosed for providing an “end-stop” function for a variator in a continuously variable transmission. The variator (8) needs some arrangement for preventing its own drive ratio from going beyond a ratio limit. In accordance with the present invention, this is provided by means of a one-way clutch (22 or 24). The one-way clutch is coupled to both the variators input and its output, and is arranged to engage (lock up) when the variator reaches its ratio limit, so that the variator is prevented from going beyond the limits. The invention is particularly suited to use with transmissions which provide two regimes and a synchronous change between them.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2006Publication date: August 13, 2009Applicant: Torotrak (Development) LtdInventor: Stephen William Murray
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Patent number: 7566286Abstract: A power shift gear for motor vehicles with a first subgear that has a first planetary gear. The first planetary gear has at least one sun wheel, at least one ring gear, several planet wheels and at least one planet carrier. The at least one sun wheel has a toothing for engagement in toothings of planet wheels and with several speed clutches for the engagement and disengagement of speeds in the first subgear. The power shift gear includes a second subgear with several speed clutches for the engagement and disengagement of speeds in the second subgear. The second subgear is connected parallel to the first subgear. The speed clutches for the first subgear are arranged radially outside the toothing of at least one sun wheel of the first subgear.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2005Date of Patent: July 28, 2009Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KGInventors: Jeffrey Hemphill, Philip George, William Brees, Geir Huseby, Oswald Friedmann
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Publication number: 20090137356Abstract: A continuously variable transmission includes: (a) at least one external, three-dimensional cam; (b) at least four follower assemblies, each including a planet pulley, a roller shaft, and at least one follower roller, the roller shaft being mounted on the planet pulley, the roller shaft being connected to the follower roller; (c) at least two sun assemblies, each including a sun pulley, at least one sprag clutch, and a differential pulley, the differential pulley being mounted to the sun pulley, the sun pulley driving the sprag clutch; (d) an input assembly including a sun pulley shaft, the sun pulley shaft being connected to the at least two sun pulley assemblies through the respective sprag clutches; and (e) at least one differential mechanism connecting each of the sun pulleys to at least two of the planet pulleys; wherein the cam is external to the follower assemblies.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2007Publication date: May 28, 2009Inventor: Derek Frei Lahr
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Patent number: 7520832Abstract: A sleeve 28 making up a gear ratio control valve 21 is driven by not only a stepping motor 29 but also a secondary actuator 47. Pressure oil is made free to be introduced into the secondary actuator 47 through a manual oil pressure switching valve 37 which is switched over by a gearshift. Then, when the gearshift is operated from a non-running state to a running state, a gear ratio of a toroidal type continuously variable transmission is corrected by a predetermined amount by driving the sleeve 28 by the secondary actuator 47. As a result, while improving characteristic of a vehicle when starting from rest, the vehicle can be prevented from being reduced in speed unintentionally excessively even when the gearshift is operated while running.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2006Date of Patent: April 21, 2009Assignee: NSK Ltd.Inventors: Toshiro Toyoda, Eiji Inoue, Takashi Imanishi, Takumi Sinojima
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Publication number: 20090017960Abstract: A power-branched, continuously variable vehicle transmission includes a CVT variable speed drive that is connected to an input shaft through a planetary gear train and to an output shaft through a multistage gearbox. In an alternative embodiment, one variable speed drive shaft of the variable speed drive is connected to an input shaft, and the variable speed drive shafts are connected to an output shaft through a planetary gear train module. The power-branched transmission is compactly constructed, but permits a high start-up torque and enables a wide transmission ratio spread.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2008Publication date: January 15, 2009Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KGInventors: Andreas Triller, Emmanuel Simon
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Patent number: 7462121Abstract: A hybrid electric vehicle powertrain is disclosed. A countershaft transmission in the powertrain delivers power from an engine through countershaft gearing. Electric power from a single motor-generator complements engine power and may drive front traction wheels. Regenerative power is recovered during power delivery to rear traction wheels.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2006Date of Patent: December 9, 2008Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: David Janson, Reid Baldwin
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Patent number: 7452305Abstract: A vehicular powertrain system includes a prime mover having an output, a multi-ratio transmission having an input, and a torque reduction coupling system coupling the prime mover output and the multi-ratio transmission input. The exemplary torque reduction coupling system includes a clutch and a planetary gear set selectively coupling the prime mover output to the multi-ratio transmission input. The exemplary planetary gear set includes one components of the planetary gear set being selectively coupled to the clutch.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2005Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: James L. Oliver, Craig S. Jacobs, David M. Preston, Timothy J. Morscheck, Jeff H. Skorupski, Thomas A. Genise
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Patent number: 7431677Abstract: A continuously variable planetary gear set is described having a generally tubular idler, a plurality of balls distributed radially about the idler, each ball having a tiltable axis about which it rotates, a rotatable input disc positioned adjacent to the balls and in contact with each of the balls, a rotatable output disc positioned adjacent to the balls opposite the input disc and in contact with each of the balls such that each of the balls makes three-point contact with the input disc, the output disc and the idler, and a rotatable cage adapted to maintain the axial and radial position of each of the balls, wherein the axes of the balls are oriented by the axial position of the idler.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2007Date of Patent: October 7, 2008Assignee: Fallbrook Technologies Inc.Inventors: Donald C Miller, David J Allen, Robert A Smithson
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Publication number: 20080242468Abstract: A power-split transmission with a variator (1) is proposed, which is constructed as a toroid or friction wheel variator, as a band or chain variator, as a tapered ring transmission or as a continuous hydrostatic transmission, with a variator output transmission (2) including a planetary gearset (9) and a further planetary gearset (3), which, connected before the variator in the direction of the flux of force, serves as a distribution transmission, and, connected behind the variator in the direction of the flux of force, serves as a summation transmission for the power-splits, in which the variator output transmission (2), the variator (1) and the additional planetary gearset (3) are arranged coaxially, and wherein the spatial arrangement of the variator output transmission (2), the variator (1) and the planetary gearset (3) in the output direction are indicated by one of the following schemata; variator (1)—variator output transmission (2)—planetary gearset (3); variator (1)—planetary gearset (3)—variator outType: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2004Publication date: October 2, 2008Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AGInventor: Jurgen Wafzig
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Publication number: 20080176093Abstract: The use of powder metal components in a variator is disclosed. Traction fluid of various sorts may be used in the variators, not just high performance synthetics or application specific lubricants.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2007Publication date: July 24, 2008Inventors: Richard Ruebusch, Adrian Lee
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Publication number: 20080132373Abstract: A variable speed transmission having a plurality of tilting balls and opposing input and output discs is illustrated and described that provides an infinite number of speed combinations over its transmission ratio range. The use of a planetary gear set allows minimum speeds to be in reverse and the unique geometry of the transmission allows all of the power paths to be coaxial, thereby reducing overall size and complexity of the transmission in comparison to transmissions achieving similar transmission ratio ranges.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2008Publication date: June 5, 2008Applicant: FALLBROOK TECHNOLOGIES INC.Inventors: Donald C. Miller, David J. Allen, Robert A. Smithson
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Patent number: 7311629Abstract: A branched power transmission having several transmission ratio ranges with a steplessly adjustable transmission ratio. A drive shaft is connected to both shafts of a variable speed unit through a distributor transmission, which shafts in turn are connected with the input shafts of a parallel gearbox through respective clutches. Two transmission ratio ranges differ from each other through the transmission ratio of an input shaft of the parallel gearbox and its output shaft. Additionally, the power-producing transmission can include an electrical machine. A further embodiment includes a variable speed unit, a first planetary transmission connected with a drive shaft, the input shaft of the variable speed unit and a connecting shaft, and a second planetary transmission that is connected with the connecting shaft of the output shaft of the variable speed unit and an output shaft, and an electrical machine that is non-rotatably connected with the connecting shaft.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2003Date of Patent: December 25, 2007Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KGInventors: Martin Vornehm, Christian Lauinger, Hartmut Faust, Michael Reuschel
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Publication number: 20070287567Abstract: The present invention includes an input side transmission unit that transforms the rotation of the input shaft that rotates by receiving input rotation into N steps, and transmits the transformed rotation to the counter shaft; and an output side transmission unit that includes a first planet gear train and a second planet gear train, and that transforms the rotation of the counter shaft and outputs the transformed rotation to the output shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2007Publication date: December 13, 2007Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Soichi SUGINO, Tsukasa TAKAHASHI, Yasuhiro SAWA
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Publication number: 20070243968Abstract: A transmission apparatus can perform a shift operation quickly without generating tooth contact and gear noise when shifting to a nonsynchronized gear train. The apparatus includes a first clutch; a first and a second input shaft; an output shaft; a planetary gear mechanism having a first and a second planetary gear train, a band brake and a direct clutch; a selection type gear train unit having a nonsynchronized gear train; a second rotation speed detector for detecting the rotation speed of the second input shaft as a second rotation speed; actuators; and a gear shift control part for controlling the actuators. When a request for shift to the nonsynchronized gear train is generated, the first clutch is released, the band brake is tightened, and the direct clutch is connected to reduce the second rotation speed. When the second rotation speed becomes equal to or less than a predetermined speed, a gear shift is executed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 15, 2006Publication date: October 18, 2007Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATIONInventor: Tomoaki Ogata
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Patent number: 7250018Abstract: A variable speed transmission having a plurality of tilting balls and opposing input and output discs is illustrated and described that provides an infinite number of speed combinations over its transmission ratio range. The use of a planetary gear set allows minimum speeds to be in reverse and the unique geometry of the transmission allows all of the power paths to be coaxial, thereby reducing overall size and complexity of the transmission in comparison to transmissions achieving similar transmission ratio ranges.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2005Date of Patent: July 31, 2007Assignee: Fallbrook Technologies Inc.Inventors: Donald C. Miller, David J. Allen, Robert A. Smithson
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Patent number: 7238137Abstract: A variable speed transmission having a plurality of tilting balls and opposing input and output discs is illustrated and described that provides an infinite number of speed combinations over its transmission ratio range. The use of a planetary gear set allows minimum speeds to be in reverse and the unique geometry of the transmission allows all of the power paths to be coaxial, thereby reducing overall size and complexity of the transmission in comparison to transmissions achieving similar transmission ratio ranges.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2005Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Fallbrook Technologies Inc.Inventors: Donald C. Miller, David J. Allen, Robert A. Smithson
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Patent number: 7238136Abstract: A variable speed transmission having a plurality of tilting balls and opposing input and output discs is illustrated and described that provides an infinite number of speed combinations over its transmission ratio range. The use of a planetary gear set allows minimum speeds to be in reverse and the unique geometry of the transmission allows all of the power paths to be coaxial, thereby reducing overall size and complexity of the transmission in comparison to transmissions achieving similar transmission ratio ranges.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2005Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Fallbrook Technologies Inc.Inventors: Donald C. Miller, David J. Allen, Robert A. Smithson
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Patent number: 7238138Abstract: A variable speed transmission having a plurality of tilting balls and opposing input and output discs is illustrated and described that provides an infinite number of speed combinations over its transmission ratio range. The use of a planetary gear set allows minimum speeds to be in reverse and the unique geometry of the transmission allows all of the power paths to be coaxial, thereby reducing overall size and complexity of the transmission in comparison to transmissions achieving similar transmission ratio ranges.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2005Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Fallbrook Technologies Inc.Inventors: Donald C. Miller, David J. Allen, Robert A. Smithson
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Patent number: 7232395Abstract: A variable speed transmission having a plurality of tilting balls and opposing input and output discs is illustrated and described that provides an infinite number of speed combinations over its transmission ratio range. The use of a planetary gear set allows minimum speeds to be in reverse and the unique geometry of the transmission allows all of the power paths to be coaxial, thereby reducing overall size and complexity of the transmission in comparison to transmissions achieving similar transmission ratio ranges.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2005Date of Patent: June 19, 2007Assignee: Fallbrook Technologies Inc.Inventors: Donald C. Miller, David J. Allen, Robert A. Smithson
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Patent number: 7232396Abstract: A cone ring transmission, especially for motor vehicles with a front, transverse drive is proposed, having two cones in opposed alignment to one another, rotating on two shafts, the cones being, namely a primary cone and a secondary cone, with an adjustment ring engaging both cones therebetween, the ring contacting one cone and circumferentially encompassing the other cone, with a mechanism to provide ratio adjustment for the adjustment ring, having an arrangement which binds the output drive shaft, i.e. the shaft of the secondary cone with a differential of the motor vehicle and with a start-up element, which binds one of the cones with the motor of the motor vehicle, whereby the torque from the output drive shaft is transmitted to a differential by way of a gear train.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2005Date of Patent: June 19, 2007Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Matthias Reisch, Christian Müller
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Patent number: 7217215Abstract: A continuously variable planetary gear set is described having a generally tubular idler, a plurality of balls distributed radially about the idler, each ball having a tiltable axis about which it rotates, a rotatable input disc positioned adjacent to the balls and in contact with each of the balls, a rotatable output disc positioned adjacent to the balls opposite the input disc and in contact with each of the balls such that each of the balls makes three-point contact with the input disc, the output disc and the idler, and a rotatable cage adapted to maintain the axial and radial position of each of the balls, wherein the axes of the balls are oriented by the axial position of the idler.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2005Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Inventors: Donald C. Miller, David J. Allen, Robert A. Smithson, Jeffrey A. Birchak
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Patent number: 7214159Abstract: A continuously variable planetary gear set is described having a generally tubular idler, a plurality of balls distributed radially about the idler, each ball having a tiltable axis about which it rotates, a rotatable input disc positioned adjacent to the balls and in contact with each of the balls, a rotatable output disc positioned adjacent to the balls opposite the input disc and in contact with each of the balls such that each of the balls makes three-point contact with the input disc, the output disc and the idler, and a rotatable cage adapted to maintain the axial and radial position of each of the balls, wherein the axes of the balls are oriented by the axial position of the idler.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2005Date of Patent: May 8, 2007Assignee: Fallbrook Technologies Inc.Inventors: Donald C. Miller, David J. Allen, Robert A. Smithson, Jeffrey A. Birchak
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Patent number: 7201694Abstract: A continuously variable planetary gear set is described having a generally tubular idler, a plurality of balls distributed radially about the idler, each ball having a tiltable axis about which it rotates, a rotatable input disc positioned adjacent to the balls and in contact with each of the balls, a rotatable output disc positioned adjacent to the balls opposite the input disc and in contact with each of the balls such that each of the balls makes three-point contact with the input disc, the output disc and the idler, and a rotatable cage adapted to maintain the axial and radial position of each of the balls, wherein the axes of the balls are oriented by the axial position of the idler.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2005Date of Patent: April 10, 2007Assignee: Fallbrook Technologies Inc.Inventors: Donald C. Miller, David J. Allen, Robert A. Smithson, Jeffrey A. Birchak
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Patent number: 7198585Abstract: A variable speed transmission having a plurality of tilting balls and opposing input and output discs is illustrated and described that provides an infinite number of speed combinations over its transmission ratio range. The use of a planetary gear set allows minimum speeds to be in reverse and the unique geometry of the transmission allows all of the power paths to be coaxial, thereby reducing overall size and complexity of the transmission in comparison to transmissions achieving similar transmission ratio ranges.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2005Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: Fallbrook Technologies Inc.Inventors: Donald C. Miller, David J. Allen, Robert A. Smithson
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Patent number: 7186203Abstract: The transmission 10 is constructed so that, in the first transmission portion 36, the rotation of the input shaft 16 is outputted to the second transmission portion 38 via the first intermediate output path M1 and the second intermediate output path M2 accelerated and rotated with respect to the first intermediate output path M1, and, in the second transmission portion 38, the first rotary element RE1 (S2 and S3) is selectively connected to the first driven gear CG1B via the first clutch C1 and is selectively connected to the second driven gear CG2B via the third clutch C3, the second rotary element RE2 (CA1 and CA2) are selectively connected to the first driven gear CG1B via the second clutch C2 and are selectively connected to the transmission case 12 operating as a non-rotating member via the first brake B1, the third rotary element RE3 (R1, R2 and CA3) is connected to the output gear 28 operating as an output rotating member, the fourth rotary element RE4 (S1) is selectively connected to the transmissionType: GrantFiled: July 20, 2004Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Atsushi Tabata, Akira Hoshino, Terufumi Miyazaki, Atsushi Honda, Akiharu Abe, Hirofumi Ota
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Patent number: 7128680Abstract: A vehicle transmission includes a differential gearset having five coaxial gear elements and two output members. Two of the gear elements are controllable via torque-transmitting devices such as friction brakes or electric motors to establish a plurality of speed ratios between the input shaft and the two output members. The two output members are selectively operatively connectable to an output shaft via a gear arrangement that allows for a plurality of speed ratios between the output members and the output shaft. If the torque-transmitting devices are electric motors or hydraulic pumps, then a continuously variable speed ratio between the input shaft and the output shaft is achievable. The plurality of speed ratios between the two output members and the output shaft enable a plurality of compound split operating modes, facilitating smaller and less powerful motors or pumps compared to the prior art.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2004Date of Patent: October 31, 2006Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventor: Alan G. Holmes
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Patent number: 7097583Abstract: A power-branched transmission having a steplessly adjustable transmission ratio. An input-side distributor transmission includes an input gear that is nonrotatably connected with an input shaft coupled to an engine. The power-branched transmission includes an output shaft and two clutches. The input gear of the distributor transmission is rotatably coupled with an input shaft of a variable speed drive unit. An output gear of the distributor transmission is rotatably engaged with an intermediate shaft that is arranged in a functionally parallel manner relative to the variable speed drive unit and is rotatably engaged with an output shaft of the variable speed drive unit. The intermediate shaft is operatively coupled with the output shaft through a first clutch and the input shaft of the variable speed drive unit is operatively coupled with the output shaft through a second clutch.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2005Date of Patent: August 29, 2006Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KGInventors: Christian Lauinger, Martin Vornehm, Peter Tenberge, Andreas Englisch
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Patent number: 7070534Abstract: A power transmission includes a plurality of ratio gear members, a planetary splitter, and a plurality of splitter control gear members. The ratio gear members are divided between two countershafts and two input clutches such that two power paths are provided from the transmission input. The splitter control gear members are disposed on the output of each of the ratio gears to establish input power paths to the planetary splitter, which delivers power to the transmission output shaft. By providing selective engagement of two selectively operable input clutches, a plurality of mechanical clutches and the planetary splitter gearset eight forward speed ratios are provided. A ninth forward ratio is provide by a mechanical clutch directly interconnecting one of the input clutches with the transmission output shaft in bypassing relation to the planetary splitter.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2004Date of Patent: July 4, 2006Assignee: General Motors CorporationInventor: Robert J. Pelouch
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Patent number: 7048667Abstract: The invention relates to a power split drive train that includes a variable speed ratio path and a fixed speed ratio path. An epicyclic gearset, driven at two inputs, one input continually connected to the variable path, combines the power from the fixed path and variable path. A coupler driveably connects one of the gearset inputs alternately to the fixed path and the variable path. With the coupler connecting the fixed path and the gearset input, the speed ratio of the variable speed ratio path varies over a range that produces a stepless range of reverse speed ratios, geared neutral and a stepless range of forward speed ratios. With the coupler connecting the variable path and a gearset input, the speed ratio of the variable speed ratio path varies over a range that produces higher speed ratios in forward drive.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2004Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Ernie DeVincent, Rolf Lequis
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Patent number: 7014588Abstract: A plurality of projecting portions are provided on and projected from part of an outer peripheral surface of an input side disk. A plurality of transmitting projection pieces are provided on a base end portion of a transmission shaft. The transmitting projection pieces of the transmission shaft are engaged with the projecting portions of the input side disk to thereby be able to transmit torque between the input side disk and the transmission shaft.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2002Date of Patent: March 21, 2006Assignee: NSK Ltd.Inventors: Shinji Miyata, Masami Tanaka