Brake For Sun And Carrier Patents (Class 475/284)
  • Patent number: 7267631
    Abstract: An automatic transmission having a start-up clutch assembly includes a transmission housing, an input drive shaft, and an output drive shaft. An input planetary gear assembly is also included that has a sun gear and a ring gear, with a plurality of planet gears disposed therebetween, the ring gear operatively connected to the input drive shaft. A start-up clutch is operatively disposed between the transmission housing and the sun gear and is adapted to allow the sun gear to freely rotate when the start-up clutch is disengaged so that no torque is transferred. The start-up clutch is further adapted to engage and hold the sun gear stationary so that torque is fully transferred. The start-up clutch is further still adapted to provide a varying and controllable slipping interaction between the disengaged and engaged positions at vehicle start-up thereby providing the vehicle with a smooth transition from stationary to moving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventor: Karl-Heinz Bauer
  • Patent number: 7261659
    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, two electric machines serving interchangeably as motors or generators, and five selectable torque-transfer devices (two clutches and three brakes). The selectable torque transfer devices are engaged singly or in combinations of two or three to yield an EVT with a continuously variable range of speeds (including reverse) and up to three 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: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Madhusudan Raghavan, Norman K. Bucknor, James D. Hendrickson
  • Patent number: 7255661
    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 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: January 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Peter Tiesler, Peter Ziemer
  • Patent number: 7244208
    Abstract: A drive train (1, 30) for a hybrid vehicle, in which an internal combustion engine (2) is drive-technologically connected to a disengagement clutch (4) whose output side is connected to a transmission input shaft (7), which is connected to an input element (8, 38) of an automatic transmission (17, 36), and in which the transmission input shaft (7) can be driven by an electric machine (5) and itself drives a hydraulic pump (6), which is drive-technologically arranged after the disengagement clutch (4) and before a shiftable starting element (F) of the automatic transmission (17, 36).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Gert Bauknecht, Reinhard Mertinkat, Axel Heitmann
  • Patent number: 7244212
    Abstract: The invention concerns an automatic gearbox, with a drive input shaft (3) which is connected to a shiftable reduction planetary gear set (10), with a drive output shaft (4) which is connected to a shiftable main planetary gear set (30), and with five shifting elements (A to E) by the selective closing of which six forward speeds can be engaged without range change. An output element of the reduction planetary gear set (10) can be connected via a first shifting element (A) to a first input element of the main planetary gear set (30) and via a second shifting element (B) to a second input element of the main planetary gear set (30). The drive input shaft (3) can be connected via a fifth shifting element (E) to a third input element of the main planetary gear set (30). A solar gear wheel (11) of the reduction planetary gear set (10) is in particular fixed on a cylindrical projection (43) of a gearbox housing wall (41).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Gert Bauknecht, Manfred Bucksch, Lutz Gärtner, Heribert Scherer, Peter Ziemer
  • Patent number: 7235032
    Abstract: A multi-speed automatic transmission includes an input and output, first, second and three planetary gear units, each gear unit including a sun gear, a ring gear, planet pinions meshing with the sun gear and the ring gear, and a carrier rotatably supporting the planet pinions. A first brake alternately holds against rotation and releases the sun gear of the second gear unit and the sun gear of the third gear unit. A second brake alternately holds and releases the carrier of the second gear unit. A first clutch alternately connects and disconnects the carrier of the first gear unit and the ring gear of the third gear unit. A second clutch alternately disconnects and connects the carrier of the first gear unit to the sun gears of the second gear unit and third gear unit. A third clutch alternately releases and connects the input and ring gear of the first gear unit to the carrier of the second gear unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Steve G. Thomas, Donald E. Hoffman, Gregory D. Goleski
  • Patent number: 7217218
    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 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 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Peter Tiesler, Peter Ziemer
  • Patent number: 7192378
    Abstract: The family of transmissions 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 family members include three planetary gear sets having seven torque-transmitting mechanisms and three interconnecting members. The powertrain includes an engine that is selectively connectable 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, the input shaft and 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: January 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Madhusudan Raghavan, Norman K. Bucknor, Patrick B. Usoro
  • Patent number: 7169074
    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, two electric machines serving interchangeably as motors or generators, and four or five selectable torque-transfer devices. The selectable torque transfer devices are engaged singly or in combinations of two to yield an EVT with a continuously variable range of speeds (including reverse) and three 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 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Madhusudan Raghavan, Norman K. Bucknor, James D. Hendrickson, Alan G. Holmes
  • Patent number: 7156768
    Abstract: The multi-stage transmission comprises a drive input shaft and a drive output shaft, three single-web planetary gearset assemblies (P1, P2, P3), at least six rotating shafts (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) and at least five shift elements (03, 04, 13, 16, 45) so that six forward gears and one reverse gear can be engaged, such that the drive input shaft (1) is connected to the solar gearwheel of the first planetary gearset (P1), the annular gearwheel of the first planetary gearset (P1) is in rotationally fixed connection with the housing, the drive output shaft (2) is connected to the annular gearwheel of the second planetary gearset (P2) and to the web of the third planetary gearset (P3), and the shaft (3) is permanently connected to the web of the second planetary gearset (P2) and to the annular gearwheel of the third planetary gearset (P3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Gerhard Gumpoltsberger
  • Patent number: 7125360
    Abstract: A multi-stage transmission comprising two planetary gear sets (RS2, RS3) and one planetary reduction gear set (VS), one first clutch (A) and one second clutch (B), one third clutch (E) and one first brake (C), one second brake (D), the external disc carrier of the clutch (B) being connected with one output element of the planetary reduction gear set (VS), the internal disc carrier of the clutch (B) leads to the internal disc carrier of the brake (C) which is connected with one element of the planetary gear set (RS2), the internal disc carrier of the clutch (A) being connected with one output element of the planetary reduction gear set (VS) and the external disc carrier of the clutch (A) with one element of the planetary gear set (RS3), the external disc carrier of the clutch (E) being connected with one input element of the planetary reduction gear set (VS) and with the drive shaft (AN), the internal disc carrier of the clutch (E) being connected respectively with one element of the planetary gear set (RS2) a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Peter Ziemer
  • Patent number: 7118510
    Abstract: The family of transmissions 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 family members include three planetary gear sets having seven torque-transmitting mechanisms and two fixed interconnecting members and a grounded member. The powertrain includes an engine that is selectively connectable 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, the input shaft and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of three to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Madhusudan Raghavan, Norman K. Bucknor, Patrick B. Usoro
  • Patent number: 7115061
    Abstract: A multiple stage transmission of a planetary design having first, second and third planetary gear sets (P1, P2, P3), at least first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth rotatable shafts (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6), first and second brakes (03, 04) and first, second third and fourth clutches (14, 15, 36, 56). Selective engagement of the planetary gear sets (P1, P2, P3), the rotatable shafts (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6), the brakes (03, 04) and the clutches (14, 15, 36, 56) produces different reduction ratios between the drive shaft and the driven shaft such that seven or eight forward gears and at least one reverse gear is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Peter Tiesler, Gerhard Gumpoltsberger
  • Patent number: 7115063
    Abstract: A multiple stage transmission of a planetary design having first, second and third planetary gear sets (P1, P2, P3), at least first, second, third, fourth, fifth sixth rotatable shafts (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6), first and second brakes (03, 04)and first, second, third and fourth clutches (14, 15, 36, 56). Selective engagement of the planetary gear sets (P1, P2, P3), the rotatable shafts (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,), the brakes (03, 04) and the clutches (14, 15, 36, 56) produces different reduction ratios between the drive shaft and the driven shaft such that at least seven forward gears and at least one reverse gear are achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Peter Tiesler, Gerhard Gumpoltsberger
  • Patent number: 7108629
    Abstract: A multi-stage planetary gear train has an upper-side planetary set comprising a sun gear, a ring gear, an outer pinion meshed with the ring gear, an inner pinion meshed with the outer pinion and the sun gear, and a carrier rotatably supporting the pinions; and a lower-side planetary set comprising first, second, third and fourth members that are rotatable. The sun gear is connected with the input shaft, the first member is connected with the ring gear at first-forward speed, the second member is held to the transmission case by connection with the carrier at the first-forward speed and a reverse position and connected with the input shaft at forward speeds higher than 3rd speed, the third member is held to the transmission case by connection with the carrier at second-forward speed and connected with the ring gear at third-forward speed, the fourth member is connected with the output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Inventor: Kazuyoshi Hiraiwa
  • Patent number: 7094174
    Abstract: An automatic transmission of a motor vehicle includes a first rotating element provided by coupling sun gears of a first planetary gear set and a second planetary gear set to each other, a second rotating element provided by coupling carriers of the first and second planetary gear sets to each other, a third rotating element provided by a ring gear of the first planetary gear set, and a fourth rotating element provided by a ring gear of the second planetary gear set. The first rotating element is selectively fixed to a transmission case by a first brake or coupled to an input shaft by a first clutch, and the second rotating element is selectively fixed to the case by a second brake or coupled to the input shaft by a second clutch. The fourth rotating element is coupled integrally to a ring gear of a third planetary gear set, and the third rotating element is coupled integrally to an output gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Terufumi Miyazaki, Yoshihiro Iijima
  • Patent number: 7086987
    Abstract: A multiple speed transmission for an automotive vehicle includes an input and an output, a planetary gear system comprising first, second and third planetary gear units, each gear unit including a sun gear, a ring gear, planet pinions meshing with the sun gear and ring gear, and a carrier rotatably supporting the planet pinions. A forward clutch releasably connects the carrier of the second gear unit and the carrier of the third gear unit. A second clutch releasably connects the carrier of the first gear unit to the ring gear of the second gear unit. A third clutch releasably connects the ring gear of the third gear unit to the carrier of the second gear unit. First brake releasably holds the carrier of the third gear unit against rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David Janson, Reid Baldwin
  • Patent number: 7059995
    Abstract: A multi-speed transmission includes an input shaft, an output shaft, and three planetary gear sets. The ring gear of the second planetary gear set is integral with the ring gear of the first planetary gear set, and the carrier of the second planetary gear set is continuously connected with the carrier of the first planetary gear set. Six torque-transmitting mechanisms are engaged in combinations of two to establish at least seven forward speed ratios and a reverse speed ratio between the input shaft and the output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Paul D. Stevenson
  • Patent number: 7052432
    Abstract: The present invention provides a powertrain of an automatic transmission that includes first, second, and third planetary gear sets. The first planetary gear set has first, second, and third operational elements that occupy sequential positions in a lever diagram. The second planetary gear set has fourth, fifth, and sixth operational elements that occupy sequential positions in the lever diagram. The third planetary gear set has seventh, eighth, and ninth operational elements that occupy sequential positions in the lever diagram.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Jong Sool Park
  • Patent number: 7052431
    Abstract: An automatic transmission, which has at least six selectable forward speeds, includes a reduction planetary gearset that reduces speed of rotation input from an engine, a plurality of planetary gearsets disposed behind the reduction planetary gearset, a plurality of clutches that are disposed radially beyond the plurality of planetary gearsets, and a plurality of brakes that are disposed radially beyond the plurality of clutches. The plurality of planetary gearsets includes a ring gear as an input member that inputs reduced rotation from the reduction planetary gearset. Individually, planetary gearsets include a single set of pinion gears. The forward speeds of the transmission are selectable through a combination of engagement and disengagement of the plurality of clutches and the plurality of brakes. Each brake overlaps with a corresponding clutch in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: JATCO Ltd
    Inventors: Setsuko Taguchi, legal representative, Yusho Taguchi, deceased
  • Patent number: 7044881
    Abstract: An automatic transmission includes a first rotating element provided by a sun gear of a second planetary gear set, a second rotating element provided by coupling carriers of the second planetary gear set and a third planetary gear set to each other, a third rotating element provided by coupling ring gears of the second and third planetary gear sets to each other, and a fourth rotating element provided by a sun gear of the third planetary gear set. The second and third planetary gear sets are combined with a first planetary gear set so that the automatic transmission can provide seven forward gear stages by changing a combination of two engaging elements, such as clutches and brakes, for coupling or stopping the corresponding rotating elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Tabata, Yasuo Hojo, Akira Hoshino, Terufumi Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 7037233
    Abstract: An automatic transmission of a motor vehicle includes a first rotating element provided by coupling sun gears of a first planetary gear set and a second planetary gear set to each other, a second rotating element provided by coupling carriers of the first and second planetary gear sets to each other, a third rotating element provided by a ring gear of the first planetary gear set, and a fourth rotating element provided by a ring gear of the second planetary gear set. The first rotating element is selectively fixed to a transmission case by a first brake or coupled to an input shaft by a first clutch, and the second rotating element is selectively fixed to the case by a second brake or coupled to the input shaft by a second clutch. The fourth rotating element is coupled integrally to a ring gear of a third planetary gear set, and the third rotating element is coupled integrally to an output gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Terufumi Miyazakii, Yoshihiro Iijima
  • Patent number: 7033298
    Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least six forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include three planetary gear sets, two input clutches, nine, ten or eleven torque transmitting mechanisms and a fixed interconnection. The invention provides a low content multi-speed dual clutch transmission mechanism wherein the two input clutches alternately connect the engine to realize odd and even number speed ratio ranges. The torque transmitting mechanisms provide connections between various gear members, the fixed interconnection, the input clutches, the output shaft, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of at least three to establish at least five forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick Benedict Usoro, Chunhao J. Lee, Paul D. Stevenson
  • Patent number: 7029417
    Abstract: A powertrain includes a power transmission having an input shaft connectable with an engine and a planetary gear unit. The gear unit includes two planes of gears drivingly coupled to one another. A single carrier rotatably supports pinion gears from each plane of gears. A long ring engages the pinion gears from each plane of gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: James B. Borgerson, Joel M. Maguire, Kent H. Kienzle
  • Patent number: 7018318
    Abstract: A seven-speed transmission includes an input shaft, an output shaft, and three planetary gear sets. An interconnecting member continuously connects members of the second and third planetary gear sets. Six torque-transmitting mechanisms are provided between the planetary gear sets and a transmission housing. The six torque-transmitting mechanisms are engaged in combinations of two to establish seven forward speed ratios and a reverse speed ratio between the input shaft and the output shaft. A unique engagement sequence is provided for the torque-transmitting mechanisms to minimize sun gear loading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Donald Klemen, Richard L. Wagner
  • Patent number: 7014589
    Abstract: A seven-speed transmission includes an input shaft, an output shaft, and a planetary gear arrangement having first, second, third and fourth planetary gear sets, each planetary gear set having first, second and third members. First and second interconnecting members continuously interconnect members of the planetary gear sets. Seven torque-transmitting mechanisms are engaged in combinations of three to establish seven forward speed ratios and a reverse speed ratio between the input shaft and the output shaft. The transmission is alternatively operable through two different sets of six speeds by engaging the sixth or seventh torque-transmitting mechanism before cycling the transmission through different speed ratios. In this manner, the transmission is operable as a dual six-speed transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Paul D. Stevenson
  • Patent number: 7014590
    Abstract: A seven-speed transmission includes an input shaft, an output shaft, and three planetary gear sets. An interconnecting member continuously connects members of the second and third planetary gear sets. Six torque-transmitting mechanisms are provided between the planetary gear sets and a transmission housing. The six torque-transmitting mechanisms are engaged in combinations of two to establish seven forward speed ratios and a reverse speed ratio between the input shaft and the output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Paul D. Stevenson
  • Patent number: 7008346
    Abstract: A multi-speed transmission includes an input shaft, an output shaft, and a planetary gear arrangement having three planetary gear sets. The input shaft and output shaft are continuously connected with members of the planetary gear sets. Six torque-transmitting mechanisms selectively connect specific members of the planetary gear sets with other members of the planetary gear sets, or with the transmission housing. Fluid for applying two of the torque-transmitting mechanisms is carried through a shaft which is connected to a sun gear of the first planetary gear set. The six torque-transmitting mechanisms are engaged in combinations of three to establish seven forward speed ratios and a reverse speed ratio between the input shaft and the output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Paul D. Stevenson
  • Patent number: 7008347
    Abstract: A six-speed transmission includes an input shaft, an output shaft, and a planetary gear arrangement having first, second and third planetary gear sets, each planetary gear set having first, second and third members. First and second interconnecting members continuously interconnect members of the planetary gear sets. The six torque-transmitting mechanisms are engaged in combinations of two to establish six forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between the input shaft and the output shaft. The second and third sun gears hold the reaction torque in the first through fourth speeds, resulting in low planetary gear loading, which provides small gear sets, reduced clutch loading, reduced internal speeds, and low losses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Donald Klemen
  • Patent number: 6997845
    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: July 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Peter Tiesler, Peter Ziemer
  • Patent number: 6976932
    Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide six forward speed ratios and a reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include three planetary gear sets having five torque-transmitting mechanisms, two fixed interconnections, and one grounded planetary gear member. 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, the fixed interconnections, the input shaft, the output shaft, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of two to establish six forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Madhusudan Raghavan, Norman K. Bucknor, Patrick B. Usoro
  • Patent number: 6976933
    Abstract: A powertrain includes a planetary gear arrangement, an engine, an input clutch, an input shaft, and an output shaft. The planetary gear arrangement includes a simple planetary gearset and a compound planetary gearset, each of which has connected therewith three synchronizer mechanisms. The synchronizer mechanisms are manipulated in various combinations to establish ten forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio between the input shaft and the output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Raymond J. Haka
  • Patent number: 6962549
    Abstract: A transmission is described, in particular an automatic transmission, which has several shift control elements (A, B, C, D, E) and several gearwheels (2, 3) which can be engaged via the shift control elements (A to E) to form a power flow, in which, to establish a transmission ratio in each case at least one of the shift control elements (A to E) is closed. The shift control elements (B, C, E), which are engaged during an up-shift, are formed as frictional shift control elements, and the shift control elements (A, D), which during up-shifts respectively only constitute a shift control element to be disengaged, are made as positive-locking gear elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Ralf Dreibholz, Gerhard Gumpoltsberger, Michael Ebenhoch
  • Patent number: 6935985
    Abstract: A gear change-speed unit for an automatic transmission includes a reduction planetary-gear set, a single-pinion type planetary-gear set, and a double-sun-gear type planetary-gear set, which are disposed in parallel in this order from the side of an input shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Jatco LTD
    Inventor: Wataru Ishimaru
  • Patent number: 6926635
    Abstract: A multi-speed transmission with an input shaft (1) and an output shaft (2) with two spur gear speeds (ST1, ST2) that are connected tightly on the input side with the input shaft (1) and generate two output rotational speeds (n1, n2), with a main gearset that is connected with the output shaft (2) and is constructed as a two webbed four shaft transmission with two coupled, shiftable planetary gearsets (RS1, RS2) to which the output rotational speeds (n1, n2) of the spur gear speeds (ST1, ST2) are transferable through several shifting elements (A to E) through their selective closing to the clutch of at least six forward gears and can be shifted without group shifting. A total of six shifting elements (A to F) are provided. The output rotational speed (n1) of the first spur gear speed (ST1) is transferable through the sixth shifting element (F) to the second shaft of the main gearset, and at least eight forward gears and maximally two reverse gears are shiftable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Eberhard Biermann
  • Patent number: 6918852
    Abstract: A speed change gear for an automatic transmission includes: an input portion; an output portion; and a plurality of planetary gear sets including a compound planetary gear set. The plurality of the planetary gear sets has a clutch and a brake. The clutch includes a first clutch and a second clutch for connecting and disconnecting the reduced rotation from a speed reduction planetary gear set to the compound planetary gear set, and a third clutch which is a direct clutch for outputting the input rotation at a constant speed to the compound planetary gear set. The third clutch is disposed radially outward relative to a first ring gear of the speed reduction planetary gear set. The first ring gear has an outer periphery which is provided with a clutch hub. The clutch hub constitutes the direct clutch and is an input member to the third clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Jatco LTD
    Inventor: Hyun Young Choi
  • Patent number: 6913556
    Abstract: A compact longitudinal transmission has an input shaft rotatably supported in a front end wall, an output shaft rotatably supported in a rear end wall, and a housing interconnecting the front end wall and the rear end wall. Three planetary gearsets disposed within the housing are controlled by five torque-transmitting mechanisms including four friction disc or plate mechanisms and one band mechanism. The band mechanism being disposed radially outboard of the rearmost one of the planetary gearsets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Paula J. Armstrong, Scott H. Wittkopp
  • Patent number: 6878087
    Abstract: A single pinion type planetary gear unit and a double sun gear type planetary gear units are coaxially arranged on different positions of a given axis of an input shaft. First and second brakes are coaxially arranged on different positions of the given axis. The first brake selectively fixes a carrier of the double sun gear type planetary gear unit and the second brake selectively fixes an outer one of the sun gears of the double sun gear type planetary gear unit. First and second clutches are coaxially arranged on different positions of the given axis to transmit a speed changed rotation to rotational elements of the two planetary gear unit to provide an associated automatic transmission with a desired speed. The first clutch transmits the speed changed rotation to the ring gear of the single pinion type planetary gear unit, and the second clutch transmits the speed changed rotation to the sun gear of the single pinion type planetary gear unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: JATCO Ltd
    Inventor: Koichiro Tsuga
  • Patent number: 6863635
    Abstract: A first planetary gear unit is arranged to output a reduced speed rotation upon receiving a rotation from a prime mover. A speed change unit is arranged to which the reduced speed rotation is applied from the first planetary gear unit. The speed change unit is arranged at an opposite position of the prime mover with respect to the first planetary gear unit. An oil pump is arranged between the first planetary gear unit and the prime mover and driven by the prime mover. The oil pump includes a case to which the sun gear of the first planetary gear unit is connected. Friction elements are arranged to selectively engage and disengage rotation members of the first planetary gear unit and the speed change unit for achieving a desired speed position. A direct clutch is arranged to directly transmit the rotation from the prime mover to the speed change unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: JATCO Ltd.
    Inventor: Koichiro Tsuga
  • Patent number: 6811513
    Abstract: A power transmission has a compound input gearset, a Ravigneaux gearset, five friction type torque-transmitting mechanisms, and a one-way type torque-transmitting mechanism selectively engageable to provide at least six forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio for the transmission. The input gearset includes a planet carrier, which is stationary within a transmission housing and connected with a stationary portion of the transmission housing. The planet carrier also includes a central support member which provides nonrotatable housings for the apply pistons for three of the friction type torque-transmitting mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Anatoly Filanovsky, Leonid Basin
  • Patent number: 6805651
    Abstract: A transmission system for a four wheel drive vehicle includes an input shaft (2) connected to a differential mechanism (4, 6, 10), which has two output shafts (12, 20), which are connected, in use, to respective pairs of driven wheels of the vehicle. The two output shafts carry first and second coaxially mounted sun wheels (S1, S2, respectively), of an epicyclic gear system which mesh with first and second sets of planet wheels (P1, P2, respectively), the epicyclic gear system including a third sun wheel (S3), which is mounted coaxially with the first and second sun wheels and is in mesh with a third set of planet wheels (P3). The gear ratios of the three meshing sun wheels and sets of planet wheels are different.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Ricardo MTC Limited
    Inventor: John Michael Lipman
  • Publication number: 20040180751
    Abstract: An automatic, shiftable vehicle transmission (1) with an input drive shaft (2), which can be connected to an internal combustion engine, and an output drive shaft (3) which is connectable to at least one vehicle axle, a mechanical shifting gear train (4) with a first and a second planetary gear set (5, 6), as well as a plurality of shifting elements (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12). The first planetary gear set (5) is a simple planetary gear set and the second planetary gear set (6) is a double, in particular, a Ravigneaux gear set (6). The second planetary gear set (6) is located after the first planetary gear set (5). A first shaft (14) is connectable via an additional shifting element (13) with a second shaft (16) of the first planetary gear set (5) and thereby, two further forward gear stages and an additional reverse gear stage can be realized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventors: Axel Heitmann, Ralf Dreibholz, Gerhard Gumpoltsberger
  • Patent number: 6758784
    Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least six forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include four planetary gear sets, two input clutches, eight torque transmitting mechanisms, two fixed interconnections, and one grounded planetary gear member. The invention provides low content multi-speed dual-clutch transmission mechanisms wherein the two input clutches alternately connect the engine to realize odd and even number speed ratio ranges. The eight torque transmitting mechanisms provide connections between various gear members, the fixed interconnections, the input clutches, the output shaft, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of three to establish at least six forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio. One of the torque transmitting mechanisms may be eliminated to provide at least five forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Chunhao J. Lee, Patrick Benedict Usoro
  • Patent number: 6758785
    Abstract: A family of power transmissions includes three planetary gearsets, which each have a member interconnected with one of the other planetary gearsets, and two of the planetary gearsets have a second member continuously interconnected. Each family member includes six torque-transmitting mechanisms which are engaged in combinations of two to establish at least seven forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio within the planetary gear arrangement between the transmission input shaft and the transmission output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Madhusudan Raghavan, Patrick Benedict Usoro, Norman Kenneth Bucknor, Chunhao J. Lee
  • Publication number: 20040110596
    Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least six forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include four planetary gear sets, two input clutches, eight torque transmitting mechanisms, and two fixed interconnections. The invention provides a low content multi-speed dual clutch transmission mechanism wherein the two input clutches alternately connect the engine to realize odd and even number speed ratio ranges. The eight torque transmitting mechanisms provide connections between various gear members, the fixed interconnections, the input clutches, the output shaft, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of three to establish at least six forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio. One of the torque transmitting mechanisms may be eliminated to provide at least five forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventors: Patrick Benedict Usoro, Chunhao J. Lee
  • Publication number: 20040110597
    Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least six forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include four planetary gear sets, two input clutches, eight torque transmitting mechanisms, two fixed interconnections, and one grounded planetary gear member. The invention provides low content multi-speed dual-clutch transmission mechanisms wherein the two input clutches alternately connect the engine to realize odd and even number speed ratio ranges. The eight torque transmitting mechanisms provide connections between various gear members, the fixed interconnections, the input clutches, the output shaft, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of three to establish at least six forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio. One of the torque transmitting mechanisms may be eliminated to provide at least five forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventors: Chunhao J. Lee, Patrick Benedict Usoro
  • Patent number: 6746358
    Abstract: The family of transmissions 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 family members include three planetary gear sets having six torque-transmitting mechanisms. First and second interconnections continuously connect members of the first, second and third planetary gear sets. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is not continuously connected to any of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with one of the planetary gear members. The six torque-transmitting mechanisms provide interconnections between various gear members, the fixed interconnections, the input shaft, and with the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of three to establish at least seven forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Norman Kenneth Bucknor, Madhusudan Raghavan, Patrick Benedict Usoro, Chi-Kuan Kao
  • Patent number: 6743141
    Abstract: The family of transmissions 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 family members include three planetary gear sets having six torque-transmitting mechanisms and three fixed interconnections. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is not continuously connected to any of the planetary gear members. An output shaft is continuously connected with a member of the first or second planetary gear set or continuously connected with a member of the third planetary gear set and selectively connectable with at least one member of the first or second planetary gear set. The six torque-transmitting mechanisms provide interconnections between various gear members, the fixed interconnections, the input shaft, the output shaft, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of three to establish at least seven forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Norman Kenneth Bucknor, Patrick Benedict Usoro, Madhusudan Raghavan
  • Publication number: 20040072648
    Abstract: A transmission is described, in particular an automatic transmission, which has several shift control elements (A, B, C, D, E) and several gearwheels (2, 3) which can be engaged via the shift control elements (A to E) to form a power flow, in which, to establish a transmission ratio in each case at least one of the shift control elements (A to E) is closed. The shift control elements (B, C, E), which are engaged during an up-shift, are formed as frictional shift control elements, and the shift control elements (A, D), which during up-shifts respectively only constitute a shift control element to be disengaged, are made as positive-locking gear elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: Ralf Dreibholz, Gerhard Gumpoltsberger, Michael Ebenhoch
  • Patent number: 6716131
    Abstract: A family of power transmissions, which are individually employed in a powertrain, include three planetary gearsets and five torque-transmitting mechanisms. The torque-transmitting mechanisms are engaged in combinations of two to establish a reverse speed ratio and at least six forward speed ratios between a transmission input shaft and a transmission output shaft. Each of the family members has a member of a first planetary gearset continuously connected with a member of the second planetary gearset, another member of the second planetary gearset continuously connected with a member of the third planetary gearset, and a third member of the second planetary gearset being continuously connected with a transmission housing. The input shaft and output shaft are continuously connected with at least one respective member of the planetary gearsets. At least two members of the planetary gearsets are non-continuously connected members. These members are components of the first or third planetary gearsets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick Benedict Usoro, Chi-Kuan Kao, Madhusudan Raghavan