Brake For Sun And Carrier Patents (Class 475/284)
  • Patent number: 7637839
    Abstract: A multi-speed automatic transmission includes a first planetary gear set and a second planetary gear set, which are arranged in parallel on a first output shaft and a second output shaft, respectively. An input shaft is connectable with a first ring gear through first input drive and driven gears of the input shaft and the first output shaft, being connectable with a second pinion carrier through a second input drive and driven gears of the input shaft and the second output shaft. The first output shaft is connectable with a first pinion carrier, the second output shaft being connectable with a second ring gear. A second pinion carrier is fixable to a transmission case. The first and second sun gears are connectable with the input shaft through the first input drive and driven gears and through the intermediate gear, being fixable to the transmission case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Kyowa Metal Works, Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuyoshi Hiraiwa
  • Patent number: 7628725
    Abstract: The transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission includes four planetary gear sets, five torque-transmitting devices, a grounded member and two fixed interconnections. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The five torque-transmitting devices provide interconnections between various gear members, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of two to establish eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Hart, Andrew W. Phillips, Clinton E. Carey, Scott H. Wittkopp
  • Patent number: 7628724
    Abstract: The transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission includes four planetary gear sets having five torque-transmitting mechanisms, two fixed interconnections and three grounded members. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to at least one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The five torque-transmitting mechanisms provide interconnections between various gear members, and are operated in combinations of two to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Hart, Andrew W. Phillips, Clinton E. Carey, Scott H. Wittkopp
  • Patent number: 7614973
    Abstract: An infinitely-variable transmission with double mode power transmission for a motor vehicle, provided with a combustion engine, including a first power transmission path with a composite epicyclic gear train connecting the combustion engine to the vehicle wheels, a second power transmission path with a simple epicyclic gear train, two electric motors providing a continuous speed variator, a second simple epicyclic gear train for mode change, and an engagement/disengagement unit that can block or release a mode-changing body in the second epicyclic gear train, according to the operating mode. The engagement/disengagement body includes a sliding sleeve with a dog tooth, which can be displaced by a hydraulic actuator and with two sets of dog teeth fixed to a mode-changing body in the second epicyclic gear train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Renault S.A.S.
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Parthuisot, Robert Casenaz
  • Publication number: 20090253549
    Abstract: A structure is given where the automatic transmission includes a planetary gear unit, a plurality of engagement elements to disconnect or fix elements of the planetary gear unit, a variable speed control that selects a low-speed forward gear as the vehicle first starts to move, a high-speed forward gear when the vehicle is moving forward, and a reverse gear when the vehicle is moving reverse by disconnecting or fixing the plurality of engagement elements. Embodiments may provide an advantage in layout by reducing a high-torque starting element and a forward/reverse shift element into a single planetary gear unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takao Koyama, Yukio Nagahori, Katsuya Tanoue, Yousuke Hori, Yusuke Miyamoto
  • Patent number: 7591753
    Abstract: The multi-speed transmission with one reverse and six forward gears has input and output shafts, planetary gear sets, six shafts, and five control elements. The input shaft couples the sun gear of gear set (P2) and detachably connected to shaft (3) or to shaft (6) and via clutch (14) to shaft (4). Shaft (3) couples the carrier of gear set (P1) and the ring gear of gear set (P2) and is connectable to the housing. Shaft (4) couples the sun gear of gear set (P1) and is connectable to the housing. Shaft (5) couples the ring gear of gear set (P1) and the carrier of gear set (P3). Shaft (6) couples the carrier of gear set (P2) and is connectable to the output shaft. The output shaft (2) couples the ring gear of gear set (P3) and the sun gear of gear set (P3) is non-rotatably coupled to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Gerhard Gumpoltsberger
  • Patent number: 7591750
    Abstract: The electrically variable transmission family of the present invention provides low-content, low-cost electrically variable transmission mechanisms including first, second and third differential gear sets, a battery, two electric machines serving interchangeably as motors or generators, and five selectable torque-transfer devices (two clutches and three brakes) and possibly a dog clutch. The selectable torque transfer devices are engaged singly or in combinations of two, three or four to yield an EVT with a continuously variable range of speeds (including reverse) and two mechanically fixed forward speed ratios. The torque transfer devices and the first and second motor/generators are operable to provide five operating modes in the electrically variable transmission, including battery reverse mode, EVT reverse mode, reverse and forward launch modes, continuously variable transmission range mode, and fixed ratio mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Norman K. Bucknor, Madhusudan Raghavan
  • Patent number: 7575532
    Abstract: The transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission includes four planetary gear sets having seven torque-transmitting mechanisms, four fixed interconnections, and a stationary (grounded) member. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is selectively connected to at least one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The seven torque-transmitting mechanisms provide interconnections between various gear members and with the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of two to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Madhusudan Raghavan, Joel M Maguire
  • Publication number: 20090192012
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary 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. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and brakes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew W. Phillips, Scott H. Wittkopp, Clinton E. Carey, James M. Hart
  • Patent number: 7553253
    Abstract: In an automatic transmission (AT) in which an input shaft (Input) and an output gear (Output) are disposed on the same axis and three clutches (C1-C3) and two brakes (B1, B2) are selectively operated to provide six forward speeds, first and second planetary gear sets (GS1, GS2) are configured to consistently reduce the speed of input rotation and output the speed-reduced rotation, thereby enabling downsizing of them. The first and second planetary gear sets (GS1, GS2) are arranged in a transmission case at both the axial ends thereof. Third and fourth planetary gear sets (GS3, GS4) are connected to each other to have four rotation elements in combination, thereby constituting a Simpson planetary gear train. One of the four rotation elements (a fourth carrier (PC4) in an illustrated example) is connected to the output gear (Output).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Shinya Kamada, Junichi Doi, Takamichi Teraoka, Tokimori Saka, Tatsutoshi Mizobe, Naohiro Sakaue, Yoshihiko Fujita, Norio Iwashita, Satoshi Komori, Kazuhiko Ueda, Seiji Esaki
  • Patent number: 7549943
    Abstract: A multi-speed transmission with reverse and forward gears has input and output shafts, planetary gearsets, six shafts and six shifting elements. The input shaft couples the sun gear of gearset (P2) and detachably couples, via clutches (13, 14), respective shafts (3, 4). Shaft (3) couples the carrier of gearset (P1), and detachably couples, via brake (03), the housing and, via clutch (36), shaft (6). Shaft (6) couples the ring gear of gearset (P2). Shaft (4) couples the sun gear of gearset (P1) and detachably couples, via brake (04), the housing. Shaft (5) couples the ring gear and the carrier of respective gearsets (P1, P3). The output shaft couples the carrier and the ring gear of respective gearsets (P2, P3). The sun gear of gearset (P3) is rotationally fixed to the housing. Either shaft (5) is connectable to shaft (6) or shaft (3), or shaft (3) is connectable to shaft (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Gerhard Gumpoltsberger
  • Patent number: 7530918
    Abstract: A multi-speed transmission has three planetary gear sets and six torque-transmitting mechanism packaged in various ones of five zones within a transmission cavity. Each planetary gear set has a ring gear member, a sun gear member and a carrier member that rotatably supports a plurality of pinion gears that intermesh with both the sun gear member and the ring gear member. Certain members are continuously connected for common rotation. Specifically, an interconnecting member continuously interconnects for common rotation the carrier member of the first planetary gear set, the sun gear member of the second planetary gear set and the ring gear member of the third planetary gear set. Additionally, the sun gear member of the first planetary gear set is grounded to the transmission casing via a radially-extending structural member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott H. Wittkopp, James M. Hart
  • Patent number: 7530917
    Abstract: A multi-speed transmission has three planetary gear sets and six torque-transmitting mechanism packaged in various ones of five zones within a transmission cavity. Each planetary gear set has a ring gear member, a sun gear member and a carrier member that rotatably supports a plurality of pinion gears that intermesh with both the sun gear member and the ring gear member. Certain members are continuously connected for common rotation. Specifically, an interconnecting member continuously interconnects for common rotation the carrier member of the first planetary gear set, the sun gear member of the second planetary gear set and the ring gear member of the third planetary gear set. Additionally, the sun gear member of the first planetary gear set is grounded to the transmission casing via a radially-extending structural member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott H. Wittkopp, James M. Hart
  • Patent number: 7530919
    Abstract: A multi-speed transmission has three planetary gear sets and six torque-transmitting mechanism packaged in various ones of five zones within a transmission cavity. Each planetary gear set has a ring gear member, a sun gear member and a carrier member that rotatably supports a plurality of pinion gears that intermesh with both the sun gear member and the ring gear member. Certain members are continuously connected for common rotation. Specifically, an interconnecting member continuously interconnects for common rotation the carrier member of the first planetary gear set, the sun gear member of the second planetary gear set and the ring gear member of the third planetary gear set. Additionally, the sun gear member of the first planetary gear set is grounded to the transmission casing via a radially-extending structural member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott H. Wittkopp, James M. Hart
  • Publication number: 20090118065
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, three planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes a sun gear member, a planet carrier member, and a ring gear member. The torque transmitting devices include five clutches and one brake arranged within a transmission housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew W. Phillips, Clinton E. Carey, James M. Hart, Scott H. Wittkopp
  • Patent number: 7527576
    Abstract: A transmission includes planetary gearsets, shafts and shifting elements. A carrier of gearset (RS4) and the input shaft couple forming shaft (1). A carrier of gearset (RS3) and the output shaft couple forming shaft (2). A sun gear of gearsets (RS1, RS4) couple forming shaft (3). The carriers of gearsets (RS1, RS2) respectively form shafts (4, 8). A ring gear of gearset (RS2) and a sun gear of gearset (RS3) couple forming shaft (5). A ring gear of gearsets (RS1, RS3) couple forming shaft (6). A sun gear of gearset (RS2) and a ring gear of gearset (RS4) couple forming shaft (7). Element (A) is located in a direction of power flow between shaft (3) and the transmission housing, element (B) between shaft (4) and the housing, element (C) between shafts (1, 5), element (D) between shafts (2, 6) or (6, 8), element (E) between two of shafts (5, 7, 8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Michael Kamm, Gabor Diosi, Josef Haupt, Gerhard Gumpoltsberger, Peter Ziemer, Martin Brehmer
  • Patent number: 7524257
    Abstract: A small-sized vehicular planetary gear type step-variable transmission having seven or more forward drive gear positions with a wide range speed ratio and suitable for use on a vehicle. A transmission includes three planetary gear sets, four clutches, and two brakes to provide seven or more forward drive gear positions with a wide range speed ratio. A counter gear pair is constituted by an output gear disposed between a first transmission portion and a second transmission portion, and a driven gear which is mounted on a counter shaft rotatably about a second axis parallel to a first axis and which is held in meshing engagement with the output gear. A fourth clutch reduces an amount of increase of an axial length of the transmission, so that the transmission is small-sized and used on the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabuhsiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Tabata, Terufumi Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 7524256
    Abstract: A multi-speed transmission has three planetary gear sets and six torque-transmitting mechanism packaged in various ones of five zones within a transmission cavity. Each planetary gear set has a ring gear member, a sun gear member and a carrier member that rotatably supports a plurality of pinion gears that intermesh with both the sun gear member and the ring gear member. Certain members are continuously connected for common rotation. Specifically, an interconnecting member continuously interconnects for common rotation the carrier member of the first planetary gear set, the sun gear member of the second planetary gear set and the ring gear member of the third planetary gear set. Additionally, the sun gear member of the first planetary gear set is grounded to the transmission casing via a radially-extending structural member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott H. Wittkopp, James M. Hart
  • Patent number: 7507179
    Abstract: A multi-speed transmission with six forward gears and one reverse gear having an input and output shaft, three planetary gear sets (P1, P2, P3), six rotatable shafts and five control elements. The input shaft communicates with the gear set (P2), the shaft (3), and the shaft (4). The shaft (3) communicates with the carrier of the gear set (P1), the housing and the shaft (6). The shaft (4) communicates with the gear set (P1) and the housing. The shaft (5) communicates with the gear set (P1) and the gear set (P3). The shaft (6) communicates with the gear set (P2). The output shaft communicates with the gear set (P3) and the gear set (P2), and the gear set (P3) communicates with the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Gerhard Gumpoltsberger
  • Patent number: 7488268
    Abstract: A multi-speed transmission has three planetary gear sets and six torque-transmitting mechanism packaged in various ones of five zones within a transmission cavity. Each planetary gear set has a ring gear member, a sun gear member and a carrier member that rotatably supports a plurality of pinion gears that intermesh with both the sun gear member and the ring gear member. Certain members are continuously connected for common rotation. Specifically, an interconnecting member continuously interconnects for common rotation the carrier member of the first planetary gear set, the sun gear member of the second planetary gear set and the ring gear member of the third planetary gear set. Additionally, the sun gear member of the first planetary gear set is grounded to the transmission casing via a radially-extending structural member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott H. Wittkopp, James M. Hart
  • Publication number: 20090036259
    Abstract: The transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission includes three planetary gear sets, six torque-transmitting devices, two fixed interconnections and a grounded member. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The six torque-transmitting devices provide interconnections between various gear members, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of two to establish eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Clinton E. Carey, Andrew W. Phillips, Scott H. Wittkopp, James M. Hart, Madhusudan Raghavan
  • Patent number: 7485069
    Abstract: A power train of an automatic transmission includes a Ravigneaux planetary gear set having a Ravigneaux ring gear, which always acts as an output member; a Ravigneaux planet carrier; and first and second Ravigneaux sun gears. The power train further includes a simple planetary gear set including an input member connected to an input shaft, a member fixedly connected to the Ravigneaux planet carrier, and a member variably connected to the Ravigneaux ring gear. The power train further includes a first brake variably stopping the Ravigneaux planet carrier, a second brake variably stopping the first Ravigneaux sun gear, a first clutch rotating the simple planetary gear set, a second clutch variably connecting the second Ravigneaux sun gear to the input shaft, a third clutch variably connecting the first Ravigneaux sun gear to the input shaft, and a fourth clutch variably connecting the variably connected member to the Ravigneaux ring gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Wookjin Jang, Kunsoo Jung
  • Patent number: 7485068
    Abstract: In an automatic transmission (AT) in which an input shaft (Input) and an output gear (Output) are disposed on the same axis and three clutches (C1-C3) and two brakes (B1, B2) are selectively operated to provide six forward speeds, first and second planetary gear sets (GS1, GS2) are configured to consistently reduce the speed of input rotation and output the speed-reduced rotation, thereby enabling downsizing of them. The first and second planetary gear sets (GS1, GS2) are arranged in a transmission case at both the axial ends thereof. Third and fourth planetary gear sets (GS3, GS4) are connected to each other to have four rotation elements in combination, thereby constituting a Simpson planetary gear train. One of the four rotation elements (a fourth carrier (PC4) in an illustrated example) is connected to the output gear (Output).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Shinya Kamada, Junichi Doi, Takamichi Teraoka, Tokimori Saka, Tatsutoshi Mizobe, Naohiro Sakaue, Yoshihiko Fujita, Norio Iwashita, Satoshi Komori, Kazuhiko Ueda, Seiji Esaki
  • Publication number: 20090023538
    Abstract: The transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission includes three planetary gear sets having six torque-transmitting mechanisms, one fixed interconnection and a grounded member. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The six torque-transmitting mechanisms provide interconnections between various gear members, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of three to establish eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Clinton E. Carey, James M. Hart, Andrew W. Phillips, Scott H. Wittkopp, Madhusudan Raghavan
  • Patent number: 7479080
    Abstract: The electrically variable transmission family of the present invention provides low-content, low-cost electrically variable transmission mechanisms including first and second differential gear sets, a battery, three electric machines serving interchangeably as motors or generators and up to three brakes. The three motor/generators are operable in a coordinated fashion to yield an EVT with a continuously variable range of speeds (including reverse). One of the brakes enables series hybrid operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick B. Usoro
  • Publication number: 20090017980
    Abstract: The transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide nine forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission includes four planetary gear sets, six torque-transmitting devices, and four fixed interconnections. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The six torque-transmitting devices provide interconnections between various gear members, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of three to establish nine forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew W. Phillips, Scott H. Wittkopp, James M. Hart, Clinton E. Carey
  • Patent number: 7462126
    Abstract: A vehicular automatic transmission is provided with a reduction planetary gear for reducing and outputting an inputted rotation of an input shaft, first and third clutches for enabling the transmission of a reduced rotation reduced through the reduction planetary gear, a planetary gear unit having second and third sun gears to which the reduced rotation is transmitted by the first and third clutches and a fourth clutch for enabling the transmission of the inputted rotation to the second sun gear. The fourth clutch is linked to the second sun gear of the planetary gear unit via output side members, i.e., a clutch drum and a link member, of the third clutch to commonly use as the output side members. Thereby, the automatic transmission may be compactly built.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Fukuyama, Toshihiko Aoki, Minoru Todo, Kazuhisa Ozaki, Takuya Fujimine, Takuya Ishii, Tomochika Inagaki, Yousuke Andoh
  • Patent number: 7458913
    Abstract: A power transmission, for a vehicle, provides seven forward speeds and a reverse speed. The transmission has three planetary gearsets and has one sun gear member, which is held stationary for six of forward speeds and the reverse speed. The sun gear member is connected through a shaft to a torque-transmitting mechanism, which is disposed forward of an oil distribution snout and rearward of the vehicle engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond J. Haka, Joel M. Maguire
  • Publication number: 20080293535
    Abstract: The transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission includes three planetary gear sets having six torque-transmitting mechanisms and two fixed interconnections. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The six torque-transmitting mechanisms provide interconnections between various gear members, the transmission housing and with the input member, and are operated in combinations of three to establish eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew W. Phillips, Clinton E. Carey, James M. Hart, Scott H. Wittkopp, Madhusudan Raghavan
  • Patent number: 7455609
    Abstract: The electrically variable transmission family of the present invention provides low-content, low-cost electrically variable transmission mechanisms including first, second and third differential gear sets, a battery, two electric machines serving interchangeably as motors or generators, up to five selectable torque-transfer devices and possibly a dog clutch. The selectable torque transmitting devices are engaged to yield an EVT with a continuously variable range of speeds (including reverse) and four mechanically fixed forward speed ratios. The torque transmitting devices and the first and second motor/generators are operable to provide five operating modes in the electrically variable transmission, including battery reverse mode, EVT reverse mode, reverse and forward launch modes, continuously variable transmission range mode, and fixed ratio mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Madhusudan Raghavan
  • Patent number: 7452303
    Abstract: An eight speed powertrain of an automatic transmission can realize eight forward speed and one reverse speed by combining four planetary gear sets combined by a plurality of clutches and brakes and power delivery performance can be improved and fuel consumption can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Kang Soo Seo
  • Publication number: 20080274852
    Abstract: The transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least seven forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission includes three planetary gear sets having six or seven torque-transmitting mechanisms and three fixed interconnections. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to at least one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The six or seven torque-transmitting mechanisms provide interconnections between various gear members and with the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of two to establish at least seven forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Norman K. Bucknor, Madhusudan Raghavan
  • Publication number: 20080261768
    Abstract: A rotary-body driving-force transmitting mechanism transmits a driving force from a driving-force source to a rotary body. A rotary-inertial-body driving-force transmitting mechanism transmits the driving force to a rotary inertial body that suppresses a velocity fluctuation in the rotary body. A rotational velocity shift mechanism shifts the rotational velocity. The rotary inertial body, the rotary-body driving-force transmitting mechanism, and the rotary-inertial-body driving-force transmitting mechanism are provided coaxially with a rotary shaft of the rotary body. A satellite frictional gear mechanism is used as the rotational velocity shift mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventors: Katsuaki Miyawaki, Tetsuo Watanabe, Takeo Tsukamoto, Katsuhiro Aoki, Kei Yasutomi, Hitoshi Maruyama, Hiroshi Ikeguchi
  • Publication number: 20080248916
    Abstract: The transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission includes three planetary gear sets having six torque-transmitting devices, two fixed interconnections and a grounded member. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is selectively connected to at least one of the planetary gear members, and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The six torque-transmitting devices provide interconnections between various gear members, the transmission housing and with the input member, and are operated in combinations to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: James M. Hart, Scott H. Wittkopp, Clinton E. Carey, Andrew W. Phillips, Madhusudan Raghavan
  • Patent number: 7429227
    Abstract: In a vehicular driving force distribution system, a left or right torque distribution clutch is selectively engaged to lock a carrier member or a sun gear of a planetary gear mechanism, whereby torque can be distributed between left and right wheels. Also, if a differential limitation clutch is engaged to control relative rotation of the sun gear and the carrier member of the planetary gear mechanism, the planetary gear mechanism enters a locked state, so that the left and right wheels are integrated to perform differential limitation. By the arrangement of merely providing the differential limitation clutch, the differential limitation can be performed by simple control and moreover the control response is improved, as compared with the case where differential limitation is performed by controlling engagement forces of the left and right torque distribution clutches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Honda, Yasuji Shibahata, Jun Ohmura
  • Patent number: 7402119
    Abstract: A transmission can be provided which achieves multiple speeds while maintaining good balance of gear ratio steps between gears by having a first clutch which selectively connects a first intermediate output member and a fourth rotating element RE4 together, a second clutch which selectively connects an input shaft and a second rotating element RE2 together, a third clutch which selectively connects the first intermediate output member and a first rotating element RE1 together, a fourth clutch which selectively connects the input shaft and the first rotating element RE1 together, a fifth clutch which selectively connects a second intermediate output member and the first rotating element RE1 together, a first brake which selectively holds the first rotating element RE1 to a transmission case, and a second brake which selectively holds the second rotating element RE2 to the transmission case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Kamada, Atsushi Honda, Akiharu Abe, Atsushi Tabata, Kazutoshi Nozaki, Yuji Inoue, Hirofumi Ota
  • Patent number: 7387585
    Abstract: The electrically variable transmission family of the present invention provides low-content, low-cost electrically variable transmission mechanisms including first, second and third differential gear sets, a battery, two electric machines serving interchangeably as motors or generators, up to five selectable torque-transfer devices and possibly a dog clutch. The selectable torque transmitting devices are engaged to yield an EVT with a continuously variable range of speeds (including reverse) and up to four mechanically fixed forward speed ratios. The torque transmitting devices and the first and second motor/generators are operable to provide five operating modes in the electrically variable transmission, including battery reverse mode, EVT reverse mode, reverse and forward launch modes, continuously variable transmission range mode, and fixed ratio mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Norman K. Bucknor, Madhusudan Raghavan
  • Publication number: 20080125276
    Abstract: A multi-speed transmission has three planetary gear sets and six torque-transmitting mechanism packaged in various ones of five zones within a transmission cavity. Each planetary gear set has a ring gear member, a sun gear member and a carrier member that rotatably supports a plurality of pinion gears that intermesh with both the sun gear member and the ring gear member. Certain members are continuously connected for common rotation. Specifically, an interconnecting member continuously interconnects for common rotation the carrier member of the first planetary gear set, the sun gear member of the second planetary gear set and the ring gear member of the third planetary gear set. Additionally, the sun gear member of the first planetary gear set is grounded to the transmission casing via a radially-extending structural member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Scott H. Wittkopp, James M. Hart
  • Publication number: 20080125278
    Abstract: A multi-speed transmission has three planetary gear sets and six torque-transmitting mechanism packaged in various ones of five zones within a transmission cavity. Each planetary gear set has a ring gear member, a sun gear member and a carrier member that rotatably supports a plurality of pinion gears that intermesh with both the sun gear member and the ring gear member. Certain members are continuously connected for common rotation. Specifically, an interconnecting member continuously interconnects for common rotation the carrier member of the first planetary gear set, the sun gear member of the second planetary gear set and the ring gear member of the third planetary gear set. Additionally, the sun gear member of the first planetary gear set is grounded to the transmission casing via a radially-extending structural member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Scott H. Wittkopp, James M. Hart
  • Publication number: 20080125277
    Abstract: A multi-speed transmission has three planetary gear sets and six torque-transmitting mechanism packaged in various ones of five zones within a transmission cavity. Each planetary gear set has a ring gear member, a sun gear member and a carrier member that rotatably supports a plurality of pinion gears that intermesh with both the sun gear member and the ring gear member. Certain members are continuously connected for common rotation. Specifically, an interconnecting member continuously interconnects for common rotation the carrier member of the first planetary gear set, the sun gear member of the second planetary gear set and the ring gear member of the third planetary gear set. Additionally, the sun gear member of the first planetary gear set is grounded to the transmission casing via a radially-extending structural member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Scott H. Wittkopp, James M. Hart
  • Patent number: 7377873
    Abstract: Six forward speeds and one reverse speed may be realized with minimized length and weight of the transmission by employing two single pinion planetary gear sets and a double pinion planetary gear set. One planetary gear of the double pinion planetary gear set is interconnected with an adjacent second planetary gear of the second single pinion planetary gear set by a common planet carrier such that they may rotate independently, and at the same time, at least two ring gears are integrated so as to enhance strength in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Hyu Tae Shim, Ki Been Lim, Gyung Cheol Lee, Byeong Ho Soh, Kang Soo Seo
  • Publication number: 20080108474
    Abstract: An eight speed powertrain of an automatic transmission can realize eight forward speed and one reverse speed by combining four planetary gear sets combined by a plurality of clutches and brakes and power delivery performance can be improved and fuel consumption can be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Inventor: Kang Soo Seo
  • Patent number: 7367911
    Abstract: The electrically variable transmission family of the present invention provides low-content, low-cost electrically variable transmission mechanisms including first, second and third differential gear sets, a battery, two electric machines serving interchangeably as motors or generators, up to five selectable torque-transfer devices and possibly a dog clutch. The selectable torque transmitting devices are engaged to yield an EVT with a continuously variable range of speeds (including reverse) and up to four mechanically fixed forward speed ratios. The torque transmitting devices and the first and second motor/generators are operable to provide five operating modes in the electrically variable transmission, including battery reverse mode, EVT reverse mode, reverse and forward launch modes, continuously variable transmission range mode, and fixed ratio mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Madhusudan Raghavan, Norman K. Bucknor
  • Patent number: 7354376
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having a planetary gearset having respective first, second, and third members, and a compound gearset having respective first, second, third, and fourth members. The transmission also includes a plurality of selectively engageable torque transmitting devices configured to selectively interconnect selected members of the planetary gearset and the compound gearset for unitary rotation thereby to provide a plurality of forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between an input member and an output member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthieu Rihn, Herve Schreiber
  • Patent number: 7335127
    Abstract: A multi-stage automatic transmission comprises a drive input shaft (AN), a drive output shaft (AB), three planetary gearwheel assemblies (RS1, RS2, RS3) arranged next to one another in series and five shift control elements (A to E). A sun gearwheel (SO3) of the third planetary gearwheel assembly (RS3) can be fixed relative to a transmission housing (GG) by means of the first shift control element (A). The drive input shaft (AN) is connected to a sun gearwheel (SO2) of the second planetary gearwheel assembly (RS2) and can be connected via the second shift control element (B) to a sun gearwheel (SO1) of the first planetary gearwheel assembly (RS1) and/or via the fifth shift control element (E) to a web (ST1) of the first planetary gearwheel assembly (RS1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Peter Tiesler, Peter Ziemer
  • Patent number: 7326144
    Abstract: A vehicle transmission system includes an input shaft connected to a differential mechanism, which has two output shafts. The two output shafts carry first and second coaxially mounted sun wheels, respectively, of an epicyclic gear system which mesh with first and second sets of planet wheels, respectively, which mesh with first and second annulus wheels, respectively. Each planet wheel is mounted to rotate independently about a respective planet shaft and the planet shafts are connected to a common carrier, which is rotatably mounted coaxially with the first and second sun wheels. The first and second annulus wheels are connected together. The carrier is connected to selectively operable speed changing device arranged to increase or decrease the speed of rotation of the carrier about its axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Ricardo UK Limited
    Inventor: Jonathan Charles Wheals
  • Publication number: 20070287573
    Abstract: The ring gear of the second gearset (RS2) and the input shaft couple to form a first shaft (1). The carrier of third gearset (RS3) and the output shaft form a second shaft (2). The sun gears of first and fourth gearsets (RS1, RS4) form a third shaft (3). The carrier of first gearset (RS1) forms a fourth shaft (4). Sun gears of second and third gearsets (RS2, RS3) form a fifth shaft (5). Ring gears of first and third gearsets (RS1, RS3) form a six shaft (6). The carriers of second and fourth gearsets (RS2, RS4) form a seventh shaft (7). A ring gear of fourth gearset (RS4) forms an eighth shaft (8). In the direction of power flow, First and second shifting elements (A), (B) are located between shafts (3, 4) and a transmission housing, third shifting element (C) is between two of shafts (1, 5, 7), fouth and fifth shifting elements (D), (E) are between shafts (6, 8), (5, 8).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Michael Kamm, Gabor Diosi, Josef Haupt, Gerhard Gumpoltsberger, Peter Ziemer, Martin Brehmer
  • Patent number: 7291086
    Abstract: Durability and power transmission efficiency are enhanced in a six-speed powertrain of an automatic transmission by a scheme that includes first to fourth planetary gearsets respectively having operational elements of a sun gear, a ring gear, and a carrier, in which the operational elements of the planetary gearsets are wisely interconnected therebetween or with an input shaft or the transmission case directly or via a clutch or a brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Jong Sool Park
  • Publication number: 20070224062
    Abstract: In an oil pump structure of an automatic transmission using a torque converter, a hydraulic pressure chamber is defined by a pump housing and a pump cover, to rotatably accommodate therein inner and outer rotors. First and second inflow ports respectively communicating with an oil strainer and a control valve are formed in the outside surface of the pump cover separately from each other. First and second oil inflow passages communicating with the respective inflow ports, a merged-flow portion that downstream portions of the first and second oil inflow passages are merged with each other, a downstream-side oil distribution channel intercommunicating a downstream side of the merged-flow portion and the hydraulic pressure chamber, are formed in at least one of the pump housing and the pump cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Inventor: Tomohiro OOMURA
  • Patent number: 7273438
    Abstract: A transmission with seven forward gears and one reverse gear comprising an input shaft, an output shaft, three planetary sets, seven rotatable shafts and six shifting elements. The input shaft is connected to the sun gear of the planetary set and can be connected to the fifth shaft, which is connected to the spider of the planetary set. The third shaft can be connected to the sixth shaft. The third shaft can be coupled to the housing and is connected to the spider of the first planetary set. The sixth shaft is connected to the internal gear of the second planetary set and the sun gear of the third planetary set and the seventh shaft is connected to the spider of the second planetary set. The fourth shaft is connected to the sun gear of the planetary set and the output shaft is connected to the internal gear of the planetary set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Peter Tiesler, Gerhard Gumpoltsberger