With Synchronizing Clutch Or Brake Patents (Class 475/303)
  • Patent number: 11193568
    Abstract: A gearbox for vehicles that include a split gearbox, a main gearbox and a range gearbox. The range gearbox is shiftable into a low range gear, a high range gear and a reverse gear. The range gearbox includes a planetary gear, which may be shifted into a reverse gear. The split gearbox and the main gearbox are together arranged to have a combined ratio spread larger than 5, in that the split gearbox and the main gearbox are together arranged to have a combined largest gear ratio over 4:1, and in that the planetary gear in the range gearbox has a gear ratio less than 4:1 when shifted into the reverse gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Inventors: Mårten Dahlbäck, Per Arnelöf, Jörgen Forsberg, Dieter Slapak
  • Patent number: 11117465
    Abstract: A vehicle driving-force distributing device includes: first connecting/disconnecting teeth disposed on the inner circumferential side of the ring gear; a connecting/disconnecting mechanism that includes a cylindrical member and a connecting/disconnecting sleeve including second connecting/disconnecting teeth and spline-fitted movably in the rotation axis direction and relatively non-rotatably to the outer circumferential side of the shaft insertion portion and that connects and disconnects a power transmission path between the ring gear and the differential case by moving the connecting/disconnecting sleeve in the rotation axis direction between a meshing position at which the second connecting/disconnecting teeth are meshed with the first connecting/disconnecting teeth and a non-meshing position at which the second connecting/disconnecting teeth are not meshed with the first connecting/disconnecting teeth; and a synchronizing mechanism disposed between the ring gear and the cylindrical member and reducing a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takahiro Yoshimura, Masaya Michishita, Ryota Horie, Masayuki Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 10871212
    Abstract: A gearbox for vehicles that includes a split gearbox, a main gearbox and a range gearbox, which is shiftable into a low range gear position and a high range gear position. The range gearbox includes a planetary gear with a ring gear wheel, a sun gear wheel and a planet carrier, on which at least one planet gear wheel is rotatably mounted. A gearbox housing surrounds the planetary gear. A first axially movable coupling sleeve engages the planet carrier with the gearbox housing. A second axially movable coupling sleeve engages the ring gear wheel with an output shaft to shift into a reverse gear. A crawler gear in the main gearbox is arranged to transfer torque through the gearbox when the range gearbox is shifted into the reverse gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Inventors: Mårten Dahlbäck, Per Arnelöf, Jörgen Forsberg, Dieter Slapak
  • Patent number: 10830323
    Abstract: A gearbox for vehicles, comprising a split gearbox (15C), a main gearbox (15A) and a range gearbox (15B), which is shiftable into a low range gear, a high range gear and a reverse gear; the range gearbox (15B) comprising a planetary gear (14) with a ring gear wheel (22), a sun gear wheel (18) and a planet carrier (20), on which at least one planet gear wheel (24) is rotatable mounted, which ring gear wheel (22) and sun gear wheel (18) engage with the at least one planet gear wheel (24); a gearbox housing (12) surrounding the planetary gear (14); a first axially movable coupling sleeve (42) arranged to engage the planet carrier (20) with the gearbox housing (12); and a second axially movable coupling sleeve (43) arranged to engage the ring gear wheel (22) with an output shaft (28) for achieving the reverse gear in the gearbox (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: SCANIA CV AB
    Inventors: Mårten Dahlbäck, Per Arnelöf, Jörgen Forsberg, Dieter Slapak
  • Patent number: 10641385
    Abstract: A method for controlling a gearbox (2) that includes a main gearbox (6) provided with a splitter shaft (16) and a main shaft (14), connectable to a power source (4). The splitter shaft (16) is connected to a lay shaft (22) by at least a first and a second splitter gear pair (42, 45). The main shaft (14) is connected to a lay shaft (22) by at least a first gear pair (60). The method includes a) preparing a shifting of gear in the gearbox (2) by transferring essentially the same speed and torque between the splitter and the main shafts (16, 14), and b) shifting gear in the gearbox (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: SCANIA CV AB
    Inventor: Dieter Slapak
  • Patent number: 10436319
    Abstract: A method for controlling a gearbox that includes, a) shifting gear from a low range gear to a high range gear in the range gearbox (7); b) disconnecting a ring gear (54) of a planetary gear from a gearbox housing (52), synchronizing the speed between a third gear drive (74) on the main shaft (14) and the main shaft (14), connecting the third gear drive (74) and the main shaft (14); c) disconnecting a first part (14a) of the main shaft (14) from a second part (14b) of the main shaft (14), synchronizing the speed between a first gear wheel (64) and a lay shaft (22), connecting the first gear wheel (64) and the lay (22) shaft via a second and a third gear wheel (70, 76); and d) disconnecting the first, the second and the third gear wheels (64, 70, 76) and from the lay shaft (22), synchronizing the speed between the second part (14b) of the main shaft (14) and a planet carrier (38) of a planetary gear (37), connecting the second part (14b) of the main shaft (14) and the planet carrier (38); a gearbox (2), control
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: SCANIA CV AB
    Inventor: Dieter Slapak
  • Patent number: 10267387
    Abstract: A planetary gear train may include input and output shafts, first to fourth planetary gear sets respectively having first to third, fourth to sixth, seventh to ninth, and tenth to twelfth elements, a first shaft connected to the first, sixth, and seventh elements, and selectively connected to the input shaft, a second shaft connected to the ninth element and selectively connected to the input shaft, a third shaft connected to the eleventh element and the output shaft, a fourth shaft connected to the third and fourth elements, a fifth shaft connected to the fifth, eighth, and twelfth elements, and a plurality of shafts each selectively connecting a corresponding element to a transmission housing, the corresponding element being an element of the first and fourth planetary gear sets which is not interconnected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Ilhan Yoo, Seongwook Ji, Juhyeon Park, Hyun Sik Kwon, Seong Wook Hwang, Ki Tae Kim
  • Patent number: 9714706
    Abstract: A vehicle driver interface eliminates the need for the direct driver selection of a park mode. Instead, a park mechanism is automatically engaged in response to either a transition into an ignition Off state, or detection of the absence of a driver. The park mechanism is released in response to selection of a drive mode, which can be either a forward drive mode or a reverse drive mode. To permit idling with the driver present, an electronic park brake is automatically engaged when the vehicle comes to a stop in a drive mode, and is automatically released when the driver taps the accelerator pedal. A stay-in-neutral mode overrides the automatic engagement of the park mechanism or the electronic parking brake to permit operations such as towing the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Hubert Szawarski, Mark A. Cuddihy, Craig Pattinson, Thomas Overbeck
  • Patent number: 9546710
    Abstract: A method of engaging a form-interlocking shifting element to obtain a gear in an automatic transmission in which at least one further, frictional shifting element is involved in obtaining the gear to be engaged and a shifting element, not involved in obtaining the gear to be engaged but which serves as a synchronizing shifting element, is actuated in order to synchronize the interlocking shifting element to be engaged. The further, frictional shifting element, involved in engaging the gear, is engaged and then disengaged, to a defined extent, to bring the frictional shifting element to a slipping condition, in order to ensure the engagement of the interlocking shifting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Georg Mihatsch, Andreas Schmidt
  • Patent number: 9366321
    Abstract: A planetary gear transmission includes a planetary gear train having a sub gear, a fixed annular gear, at least one planet gear and a planet carrier; a synchronizer configured to be driven into a first coupling state in which it couples the sun gear with a prime mover, and a second coupling state in which it couples the planet carrier with the prime mover; and an actuator configured for selectively driving the synchronizer into one of its first and second coupling states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Mingliang Zhang
  • Patent number: 9212728
    Abstract: A gear assembly for a motor vehicle includes first clutch configured to selectively couple an input shaft to an output shaft and a second clutch configured to selectively couple the input shaft to a planetary gear train. When the first clutch is activated and the second clutch is not activated, the input torque is transmitted from the input shaft to the output shaft such that the output torque relative to the input torque is a first gear ratio. When the second clutch is activated and the first clutch is not activated, the input torque is transmitted from the input shaft to the output shaft through the planetary gear train such that the output torque relative to the input torque is a second gear ratio. When neither the first clutch nor the second clutch are activated, the input torque is not transmitted from the input shaft to the output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: GKN Driveline Newton, LLC
    Inventors: Martin Burgbacher, Bahman Haghshanas, Hans-Peter Nett, Albert John Nielson, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20150099601
    Abstract: A planetary gear transmission is disclosed, which comprises a planetary gear train having a sun gear, a fixed annular gear, at least one planet gear and a planet carrier; a synchronizer configured to be driven into a first coupling state in which it couples the sun gear with a prime mover, and a second coupling state in which it couples the planet carrier with the prime mover; and an actuator configured for selectively driving the synchronizer into one of its first and second coupling states. An electric vehicle comprising such a planetary gear transmission is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventor: Mingliang Zhang
  • Patent number: 8968143
    Abstract: A transmission includes an input member, an output member, a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms that are selectively engageable to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member, and one or more latches associated with one or more of the torque-transmitting mechanisms. The one or more latches engages the respective torque-transmitting mechanisms during or prior to a start event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Casie M. Bockenstette, Robert L. Moses, Carlos E. Marin, Zhen J. Zhang
  • Patent number: 8905890
    Abstract: A range-change transmission having a main transmission, an upstream splitter group and a downstream range group. The main transmission comprises planetary gearsets (PS2, PS3). A ring gear of gearset (PS2) is rotationally fixed to an input shaft of the main transmission. A planetary carrier of gearset (PS2) is fixed, via an intermediate shaft, to the sun gear of gearset (PS3). By way of one dual shifting element, the sun gear of gearset (PS2) can be selectively locked to the housing or rotationally fixed to the intermediate shaft. By way of two single shifting elements, the planetary carrier of gearset (PS3) can be locked to the housing or rotationally fixed to the output shaft of the main transmission. By way of another dual shifting element, the ring gear of gearset (PS3) can be locked to the housing or rotationally fixed to the output shaft of the main transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Kai Borntraeger
  • Patent number: 8894532
    Abstract: An arrangement comprising at least one dog clutch which is shiftable for coupling and decoupling a shaft and a component at a transmission. An actuating piston (5) is disposed axially movable, at least to some extent, within the shaft for moving a shifting claw (9) of the dog clutch into a disengaged state and an engaged state. The actuating piston (5) can be pressurized, on both sides, with a pressurizing medium so that the actuating piston (5) can be hydraulically actuated in both directions of movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Peter Ziemer
  • Patent number: 8858387
    Abstract: A transmission with nine forward and one reverse gear comprises planetary gearsets, shafts and shift elements. A sun gear of a first gearset (P1) is connectable to a housing via a first brake (03) and couples the sun gear of the second gearset (P2). A carrier of the first gearset (P1) couples the ring gear of the fourth gearset (P4). A ring gear of first gearset (P1) is connectable to the housing by a second brake (04). The carrier of the second gearset (P2) couples the input which is connectable by clutch (15) to the fifth shaft (5). The fifth shaft (5) respectively couples the sun and ring gears of the fourth and third gearsets (P4, P3) and is connectable to a seventh shaft (7) by clutch (57). The seventh shaft (7) respectively couples the sun and ring gears of the third and the second gearsets (P3, P2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Josef Haupt, Martin Brehmer, Gabor Diosi
  • Patent number: 8845478
    Abstract: To disable engine braking so as to act at a given shift stage in a D range selected manually, and to enable engine braking so as to act at the given shift stage in an L range, an automatic transmission includes first and second meshing mechanisms. The transmission further includes a one-way clutch, a first linkage for meshing the first meshing mechanism in synchronism with N-to-D movement, and a second linkage for meshing the second meshing mechanism in synchronism with D-to-L movement. A rotating part permits a driving force to be transmitted from an input member via the one-way clutch with the first meshing mechanism meshed in the D range and permits a driving force to be transmitted from the input member, without transmitting via the one-way clutch, with the first and second meshing mechanisms each meshed in the L range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Jatco Ltd
    Inventor: Kazuo Oguri
  • Patent number: 8814743
    Abstract: A transmission includes an input member, an output member, a set of four planetary gear sets each having first, second, and third members, a plurality of torque transmitting mechanisms each selectively engageable to interconnect at least one of the first, second, and third members with at least one other of the first, second, third members and a stationary member, and a synchronizer assembly that selectively connects and disconnects one member of one of the planetary gear sets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: James M. Hart, Daryl A. Wilton, Clinton E. Carey
  • Publication number: 20140221149
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having a housing, a plurality of planetary gear sets, a structural member, a sprocket member, a first dog clutch member, a second dog clutch member, and a biasing member. The structural member is secured to the housing and includes a plurality of splines and defines a cavity. The sprocket member is rotationally supported by the structural member. The first dog clutch member is disposed in the cavity of the structural member and includes splines and dogteeth. The splines are engaged with the splines of the structural member. The second dog clutch member includes dogteeth that are aligned with the dogteeth of the first dog clutch member. The biasing member is disposed between the structural member and the first dog clutch member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Daryl A. Wilton, James M. Hart, James B. Borgerson, Edward W. Mellet
  • Patent number: 8790211
    Abstract: A gear assembly for a motor vehicle includes first clutch configured to selectively couple an input shaft to an output shaft and a second clutch configured to selectively couple the input shaft to a planetary gear train. When the first clutch is activated and the second clutch is not activated, the input torque is transmitted from the input shaft to the output shaft such that the output torque relative to the input torque is a first gear ratio. When the second clutch is activated and the first clutch is not activated, the input torque is transmitted from the input shaft to the output shaft through the planetary gear train such that the output torque relative to the input torque is a second gear ratio. When neither the first clutch nor the second clutch are activated, the input torque is not transmitted from the input shaft to the output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: GKN Driveline Newton, LLC
    Inventors: Martin Burgbacher, Bahman Haghshanas, Hans-Peter Nett, Albert John Nielsen, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8747274
    Abstract: A transmission is disclosed having a planetary gear set with three input torque-transmitting mechanisms, such as friction clutches, to achieve torque flow through the planetary gear set to a countershaft gearing arrangement. The transmission includes an input member, an output member, a planetary gear set, an input clutch assembly having three input clutches and a countershaft gearing arrangement. The countershaft gearing arrangement is operatively connected with the planetary gear set and includes: a pair of co-planar intermeshing gears, first and second countershafts, a first intermediate shaft and a second intermediate shaft concentric with the first intermediate shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventor: Andrew W. Phillips
  • Patent number: 8721483
    Abstract: An arrangement which comprises at least one claw clutch that can be connected to at least one component of a transmission, such that the claw clutch is arranged substantially within a bearing support (1) of the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Peter Ziemer, Peter Tiesler, Thilo Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20140128205
    Abstract: A transmission has a first and a second planetary gear set with four input torque-transmitting mechanisms, such as friction clutches, to achieve torque flow through the planetary gear sets to a countershaft gearing arrangement. The transmission includes an input member, an output member, a pair of planetary gear sets, an input clutch assembly having four input clutches and a countershaft gearing arrangement. The countershaft gearing arrangement is operatively connected with the planetary gear sets and includes: three co-planar intermeshing gear sets, first and second countershafts, a first intermediate shaft, a second intermediate and a third intermediate shaft concentric with the input shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Andrew W. Phillips, Clinton E. Carey
  • Patent number: 8696513
    Abstract: A racing transmission that is lightweight and simplistic. The racing transmission features a low gear, reverse gear, neutral and a direct drive gear. The transmission utilizes a drive shaft, a set of planetary and sun gears. The transmission disclosed herein does not use a countershaft to accomplish low and reverse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Inventor: Herbert P. Brinn
  • Patent number: 8517888
    Abstract: A mechanical power transmission system for transforming and delivering power effectively and efficiently using external pressure to propel a vehicle. The mechanical power transmission system includes a case; rotational members; a gear set being in operable communication to at least one of the rotational members; and a clutch system being in operable communication to the gear set and using external fluid pressure from a fluid source to effectively change speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Inventor: Ernie Brookins
  • Patent number: 8500601
    Abstract: A method of operating a transmission of a vehicle drive train with at least one drive machine. The transmission is formed with at least one interlocking shift element and a plurality of frictional shift elements in order to obtain various gear ratios. During an engaging process of the interlocking shift element, starting from a disengaged operating condition, in which halves of the interlocking shift element are out of engagement, to an engaged operating condition, in which the shift element halves are interlocked in a rotationally fixed manner, when interlock between the shift element halves is obstructed, a rotational speed difference is produced at least temporarily between the shift element halves, at which the interlock in the area of the interlocking shift element can be engaged. To produce the speed difference between the shift element halves, the transmission capacity of at least one frictional shift element is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Jorg Arnold, Klaus Steinhauser, Valentine Herbeth, Christian Popp
  • Publication number: 20130196813
    Abstract: A transmission comprising at least four planetary gear sets and at least six coupling elements which are all disposed coaxially with each other, and an input rotary member which is disposed on one of opposite axial sides of the transmission and which receives an input rotary motion, the transmission having a plurality of speed positions which have respective different speed ratios and which are established by engaging actions of respective combinations of coupling elements selected from the at least six coupling elements and releasing actions of respective combinations of the other coupling elements selected from the at least six coupling elements, wherein an improvement includes: the at least six coupling elements including at least two input clutches which are all connected to the input rotary member and which are all disposed on one of opposite axial sides of the at least four planetary gear sets, which one side corresponds to the one of the opposite axial sides of the transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventors: Shinji OITA, Masaru MORISE, Satoru KASUYA, Nobukazu IKE, Hiroshi KATOU, Toru SOUDA, Masahiro OTAKE
  • Patent number: 8449430
    Abstract: A transaxle can include a housing, a low range gear assembly, and a differential gear assembly. The low range gear assembly can be mounted in the housing and can include a ring gear, a carrier, planet gears, a sun gear, and a clutch. The ring gear, the carrier, and the sun gear can be mounted in the housing. The planet gears can be rotatably mounted on the carrier and can engage the ring gear while the sun gear can engage the planet gears. The clutch can be selectively movable between a first position where the clutch engages each of the sun gear and the carrier and permits rotation of the sun gear relative to the housing and a second position where the clutch engages each of the sun gear and the housing and rotationally fixes the sun gear relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Bobbie Burke, Andrew J. Fox, Shoji Tokushima
  • Patent number: 8439792
    Abstract: A planetary gear mechanism for a bicycle, and more particularly to a planetary gear mechanism comprising a first planetary mechanism connected coaxially in series to a second planetary mechanism, which second planetary mechanism is connected coaxially in series to a third planetary mechanism, the second planetary mechanism output is a step up in speed from the first planetary mechanism output, the third planetary mechanism output is a step up in speed from the second planetary mechanism output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: The Gates Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander Serkh, Dean Schneider
  • Patent number: 8221282
    Abstract: An electro-mechanical transmission includes a plurality of transmission components and at least one synchronizer configured to selectively engage and disengage at least two of the transmission components to effect operation in a speed range in the transmission. The synchronizer further includes a plurality of input components associated with one of the transmission components and a plurality of output components including a clutching mechanism configured to engage to at least one of the input components when the synchronizer is activated and disengage from the input component when the synchronizer is deactivated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Farzad Samie, Alexander Millerman, Chunhao J. Lee
  • Patent number: 8206257
    Abstract: A multi-speed transmission having four gearsets, eight shafts and six shifting elements. The sun gear of gearset (P2) couples, via shaft (5) and brake (05), the housing (G), and, via clutch (15) the drive shaft. The carriers of gearsets (P2, P3) communicate, via shaft (4) and brake (04), with housing (G), and the sun gear of gearset (P3) communicates, via shaft (8) and clutch (18), with the drive shaft. The ring gears of gearsets (P2, P3) communicate, via shaft (6), with the ring gear of gearset (P4) and the sun gear of gearset (P1). The ring gear of gearset (P4) and the sun gear of gearset (P1) are connected with one another. The sun gear of gearset (P4) communicates, via shaft (3) and brake (03), with housing (G). The carriers of gearsets (P1, P4) communicate, via shaft (7) and clutch (17), with the drive shaft and the output shaft couples the ring gear of gearset (P1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Gerhard Gumpoltsberger, Martin Brehmer, Peter Ziemer, Peter Tiesler, Gabor Diosi, Josef Haupt
  • Patent number: 8096916
    Abstract: The forward/reverse travel changeover mechanism includes a projection formed by causing an output power shaft for outputting the power from a main transmission to project to the outside of a case, a carrier rotatably supported around the projection relative to a sun gear provided rotatably integrally with the projection, a planetary gear, an internal gear held in meshing engagement with the planetary gear, an output sprocket rotatably supported integrally with the internal gear and rotatable around the projection adjacent the main transmission with respect to the sun gear, and a shifter for selectively changing over the position of the carrier and the internal gear between a forward travel position at which the carrier and the internal gear are connected against relative rotation and a reverse travel position for preventing rotation of the carrier around the projection, and is disposed outside the main transmission case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinya Matsumoto
  • Patent number: 8079928
    Abstract: A transfer case includes an input shaft and first and second output shafts. An overdrive unit is driven at an increased speed relative to the input shaft. A clutch is operable in a first position to establish a drive connection between the input shaft and the first output shaft. The clutch is further operable in a second position to establish a drive connection between the overdrive unit and the first output shaft. An actuator is driven by a motor for moving the clutch between its first and second positions. The actuator includes an axially movable fixed disk fixed for rotation with an output member of the overdrive unit. The shift engages an axially movable sleeve of the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: MAGNA Powertrain USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Ronk, Matt Phalen, Christopher J. Decker, Nancy Mintonye, John D. Zalewski
  • Patent number: 8047958
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, two 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, centrifugal clutches, and synchronizers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Scott H. Wittkopp, Edwin T. Grochowski, James M. Hart
  • Publication number: 20110082004
    Abstract: A driving-force transmitting device includes a first disengaging mechanism that disengages a driving force from an engine to a driving-force transmitting unit and a second disengaging mechanism having a synchronizing mechanism that disengages the driving force from a driving-force transmitting unit to a right-rear-wheel driving shaft. A change gear ratio between front wheels and rear wheels is constructed so that a driving-force transmitting unit side of the first disengaging mechanism rotates at a speed higher than that of an opposing side at the time of completion of synchronization of the second disengaging mechanism. In switching from a two-wheel drive mode to a four-wheel drive mode, synchronization of the second disengaging mechanism first starts to increase the rotation speed of the driving-force transmitting unit, and next connects the first disengaging mechanism when a rotation speed of the driving-force transmitting unit side of the first disengaging mechanism matches that of an opposing side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventors: Tadahiko KATO, Toshiyuki Miyachi
  • Publication number: 20110059824
    Abstract: A device for changing the mode of a power-branching transmission, that includes a casing to be connected to the transmission, an epicyclic train with three inputs, a mechanism blocking a first input relative to the casing that can be selectively actuated to establish a first operation mode of the transmission, and a kinematic chain provided with a connection mechanism connecting the first input with a second input, when the connection mechanism is actuated, to establish a second operation mode of transmission. The kinematic chain includes at least one meshing between two gears.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: RENAULT S.A.S.
    Inventors: Michel Buannec, Paulo Da Silva
  • Patent number: 7837589
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, a split dual clutch assembly, two countershaft gearing arrangements, one planetary gear set, a plurality of interconnecting members, and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the countershaft gearing arrangements includes a plurality of co-planar gear sets. The torque transmitting devices include a combination of clutches, brakes, and synchronizers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: David Earl Earhart
  • Publication number: 20100248884
    Abstract: A simple, lightweight transmission for use in an electrically powered vehicle is disclosed. The transmission is symmetric in both weight and power distribution, and provides two input-to-output gear ratios, a neutral setting, and a park setting. A single “dog” clutch operates in splined relationship with a first shaft, and a single planetary gear assembly is connected to a second shaft. Sliding the dog clutch among four positions serves to shift the transmission among direct shaft engagement for direct drive, engagement through the planetary gear assembly for overdrive, disengagement for neutral, and double engagement for park. Preferred embodiments include reduction gears in the planetary gear assembly. Other embodiments include a synchronizer so as to synchronize the shaft rotation speeds when they are not exactly matched. Further embodiments include a dual-servo shift mechanism that prevents shifting into park unless a park servo is in its park position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventor: Richard Tremblay
  • Publication number: 20100190602
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, two 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, centrifugal clutches, and synchronizers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Scott H. Wittkopp, Edwin T. Grochowski, James M. Hart
  • Publication number: 20100081536
    Abstract: A dual clutch transmission is provided which in a preferred embodiment includes a first and second input gears rotatable along a first axis and first and second clutches torsionally connected with the respective first and second input gears. First and second coaxial input shafts are provided having a plurality of selectively synchronized ratio defining gears rotatable along a second axis parallel with the first axis, the first and second input shafts are torsionally associated with the first and second input gears. An output shaft is provided that is rotatable along the first axis. The output shaft has gears meshing with the ratio defining gears of the first and second gear input shafts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Applicant: BORGWARNER INC.
    Inventor: Thomas E. Braford, JR.
  • Patent number: 7686733
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a manual transmission and a shift lug structure thereof where a direct shifting from a first speed to a reverse speed can be is possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Kim Myung Hun
  • Patent number: 7637840
    Abstract: A dual clutch planetary transmission (1) having at least four planetary gear sets (P1 to P4), at least two frictional shifting elements (K1, K2) for the shifting into different power paths in a power flow, and a plurality of shape-fit, shifting elements (A, B1, B2, D, E1, E2, F) for the attainment of various ratio stages for the power paths. The frictional shifting elements (K1, K2) and the shape-fit, shifting elements (A, B1, B2, D, E1, E2, F) are so positioned between shafts (S1, ST1, HR1, S2, ST2, HR2, S3, ST3, HR3, S4, ST4, HR4) of the planetary gear sets (P1 to P4), a housing (2), a transmission input shaft (3) and a transmission output shaft (4) that gear stage change, at least in a lower gear range (1 to 6), can be accomplished free of interruption in traction. At least one of the frictional shifting elements (K1, K2) is a clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Peter Ziemer
  • Publication number: 20090280942
    Abstract: A dual clutch transmission for a front-transverse arrangement including a dual clutch and two partial transmissions (PG1, PG2). Each of the two clutches (K1, K2) of the dual clutch acts on one coaxial transmission input shaft (AW1, AW2), which acts upon a partial transmission (PG1, PG2). The partial transmissions are designed as planetary transmissions (PG1, PG2) that are to be shifted in a positive manner. The output is located on the same side of the transmission as the input and is axially parallel to the input in the same rotational direction. Torque is transmitted through the dual clutch transmission to the output shaft (Ab) by way of at least one intermediate shaft (W1, W2) that is parallel to the transmission input shafts (AW1, AW2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2007
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: Gerhard Gumpoltsberger
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7591747
    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, six 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 at least 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 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Madhusudan Raghavan, Norman K. Bucknor
  • Patent number: 7566286
    Abstract: A power shift gear for motor vehicles with a first subgear that has a first planetary gear. The first planetary gear has at least one sun wheel, at least one ring gear, several planet wheels and at least one planet carrier. The at least one sun wheel has a toothing for engagement in toothings of planet wheels and with several speed clutches for the engagement and disengagement of speeds in the first subgear. The power shift gear includes a second subgear with several speed clutches for the engagement and disengagement of speeds in the second subgear. The second subgear is connected parallel to the first subgear. The speed clutches for the first subgear are arranged radially outside the toothing of at least one sun wheel of the first subgear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Jeffrey Hemphill, Philip George, William Brees, Geir Huseby, Oswald Friedmann
  • Publication number: 20090137358
    Abstract: A transmission mechanism with a pair of selectively engageable clutch systems is disclosed that has an upstream gear ratio and a downstream gear ratio that combine to provide an effective gear ratio. A different clutch drive member is associated with an input side of each of the pair of clutch systems. The clutch drive members are driven for rotation by an engine input member. The upstream gear ratio is determined by the gear ratio between the engine input member and one of the clutch drive members. Output sides of each of the clutch systems drive an associated one of a pair of non-coaxial layshafts. Pinions are located on and selectively driven by the layshafts. A countershaft is spaced from both of the layshafts, and has a plurality of gears. Each of the gears is driven for rotation by one of the pinions of the layshafts. The downstream gear ratio is determined by the gear ratio between the selected pinion and the intermeshed gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: BORGWARNER INC.
    Inventor: Thomas E. Braford
  • Patent number: 7507174
    Abstract: The electrically variable transmission family of the present invention provides low-content, low-cost electrically variable transmission mechanisms including three or four differential gear sets, a battery, two electric machines serving interchangeably as motors or generators, seven or eight 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 six 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: July 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Madhusudan Raghavan, Norman K. Bucknor, Alan G. Holmes
  • Patent number: 7506559
    Abstract: The present invention provides a shift mechanism disposed in a housing for providing operable communication between a shift actuator and a shift sleeve. The shift mechanism generally includes a shift rail, a shift fork, a first biasing member, and a second biasing member. The shift rail is slidably supported by the housing. The shift fork is slidably disposed on the shift rail and engages the shift sleeve. The first biasing member is disposed between the shift actuator and the shift rail for selectively biasing the shift rail in a first direction upon actuation of the shift actuator. The second biasing member is disposed between the housing and the shift fork for biasing the shift fork in a second direction that is substantially opposite the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Swanson, Carl H. Vonnegut
  • 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