Plural Power Paths To Planetary Gearing Patents (Class 475/329)
  • Patent number: 10625605
    Abstract: A vehicular power unit downsized using a speed reducing mechanism of high speed reduction ratio. In a vehicular power unit, a torque applied to an input shaft from an actuator is multiplied by a speed reducing mechanism to be transmitted to an axle. The speed reducing mechanism includes: an external gear of a ring gear; a first pinion that engages with the external gear; a second pinion that rotates integrally with the first pinion; a pinion shaft that rotates integrally with the first pinion and the second pinion; a center gear that rotates integrally with a sun gear; a counter gear that engages with both of the center gear and the second pinion; and a carrier shaft that rotates integrally with a carrier. The pinion shaft is coupled to the input shaft, and the carrier shaft is coupled to the axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hiroshi Isono
  • Patent number: 9702438
    Abstract: Multi-speed transmission for electric vehicles (EVs) can reduce the size of the electric motor and provide an appropriate balance between efficiency and dynamic performance. Currently used multi-speed transmissions for EVs were initially designed for internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. Since ICEs cannot operate below certain speeds and their speed control during gear changes is not an easy task, the presence of clutches or torque convertors is inevitable for start-ups, idle running and gear changing. This, however, is not the case for EVs as electric motors are speed controllable in a wide range of operating speeds. Accordingly, transmissions without clutches or torque converters are established for EVs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: THE ROYAL INSTITUTION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF LEARNING/MCGILL UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Benoit Boulet, Mir Saman Rahimi Mousavi, Hossein Vahid Alizadeh, Ali Pakniyat
  • Publication number: 20150141191
    Abstract: A two-speed transmission is provided. The transmission comprises a planetary gear train (8) having a sun gear, a fixed annular gear (8b), at least one planet gear (8c) and a planet carrier (8d). A dual clutch (10) is disposed between the planetary gear train and a prime mover which outputs rotational movement. The dual clutch is configured to be driven into a first clutching mode in which it kinematically couples the sun gear with the prime mover, and a second clutching mode in which it kinematically couples the planet carrier with the prime mover. And an actuator is configured to selectively drive the dual clutch into one of its first and second clutching modes. An electric vehicle comprises the two-speed transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: MingLiang Zhang, Futang Zhu, Jie Shu, Chengliang Yin
  • Patent number: 8991531
    Abstract: A hybrid drive module includes an electric machine with a stator arrangement and with a rotor arrangement which is coupled to a torsional vibration damping arrangement. The torsional vibration damping arrangement comprises an input region and an output region. A first torque transmission path and parallel thereto a second torque transmission path and a coupling arrangement for superposing the torques transmitted via the torque transmission paths are provided between the input region and the output region. The torsional vibration damping arrangement further includes at least in the first torque transmission path a phase shifter arrangement for generating a phase shift of rotational irregularities transmitted via the first torque transmission path relative to rotational irregularities transmitted via the second torque transmission path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Thomas Dögel
  • Patent number: 8932176
    Abstract: A method of locking a linear output member in a retracted position within a linear actuator, where the linear output member is capable of axial motion within a housing of the linear actuator, includes rotating a generally tubular rotor disposed within a rotary lock assembly of the actuator to a first rotor position, and shifting a lock capable of radial displacement within the rotary lock assembly based on rotating the rotor to the first position. The lock engages a radial groove of the linear output member when the linear output member is in a retracted position. The rotary lock assembly is constrained from axial motion. The radial groove of the linear output member includes an axially angled, substantially planar surface. The lock is configured to include an axially angled surface shaped complimentary to the axially angled, substantially planar surface of the radial groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Woodward HRT, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Thomas Kopecek
  • 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.
  • Publication number: 20140128211
    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: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Andrew W. Phillips
  • Publication number: 20140128212
    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: at least three co-planar intermeshing gears, first and second countershafts, a first intermediate shaft and a second intermediate shaft concentric with the first intermediate shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operation LLC
    Inventor: Andrew W. Phillips
  • Patent number: 8715132
    Abstract: A linear actuator is disclosed. The linear actuator includes a housing, a linear output member, and a rotary lock assembly. The linear output member includes a radial groove and is axially movable from a retracted position within the housing. The rotary lock assembly is constrained from axial motion within the housing and includes a rotor and a lock. The rotor is capable of rotation from a first to a second position. When the linear output member is in the retracted position, the rotor surrounds the radial groove. When the rotor rotates to the first position, the lock engages the radial groove and prevents axial motion of the output member from the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Woodward HRT, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Thomas Kopecek
  • Patent number: 8696509
    Abstract: A transmission has a directional mechanism, a planetary gear mechanism, a stepped transmission and a continuously variable ratio device. The directional mechanism has at least one direction clutch. The planetary gear mechanism is connected to the direction mechanism and has at first planetary gear set and a second planetary gear set. The stepped transmission is connected to the planetary gear mechanism and has at least one speed clutch. The planetary gear mechanism is connected to a hydrostatic motor of the continuously variable ratio device. The motor is connected to a variable displacement pump of the continuously variable ratio device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Dana Italia SpA
    Inventors: Fabrizio Panizzolo, Ettore Cosoli
  • Patent number: 8696512
    Abstract: An apparatus includes an electro-mechanical transmission including a transmission output shaft and first and second transmission input shafts selectively coupleable for rotation with a first torque generative device. A planetary gear set including first, second and third members and a reduction gear set selectively coupling the first transmission input shaft for rotation with the first member and selectively coupling the second transmission input shaft for rotation with the third member. A first gear set input shaft is selectively coupled for rotation with the first transmission input shaft and coupled for rotation with the reduction gear set. A second gear set input shaft is selectively coupleable for rotation with the second transmission input shaft and coupled for rotation with the reduction gear set. A second torque generative device is coupleable for rotation with one of the first and second gear set input shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Ethiraj Shivashankar Goutham
  • Patent number: 8585533
    Abstract: An independently controllable transmission mechanism includes a first planetary gear train and a second planetary gear train. The first planetary gear train and the second planetary gear train are mechanically connected in parallel to form a parallel type. The controllable transmission mechanism has a first power output end, a transmission control end, a first power input end and a free-transmission end. The first power output end is provided on the first planetary gear train and the transmission control end is provided on the second planetary gear train. When the first power input end is provided on the first planetary gear train or the second planetary gear train, the free-transmission end is provided on the second planetary gear train or the first planetary gear train. The transmission control end controls the free-transmission end to be functioned as a second power input end or a second power output end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: National Sun Yat-Sen University of Kaohsiung
    Inventors: Guan-Shyong Hwang, Der-Min Tsay, Jao-Hwa Kuang, Tzuen-Lih Chern
  • Patent number: 8585530
    Abstract: An independently controllable transmission mechanism includes a first planetary gear set, a second planetary gear set, a first transmission-connecting set and a second transmission-connecting set. The first planetary gear set includes a first power output end, the second planetary gear set includes a transmission control end, the first transmission-connecting set includes a first power input end and the second transmission-connecting set includes a free transmission end. The transmission control end controls the free transmission end to function as a second power input end or a second power output end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: National Sun Yat-Sen University of Kaohsiung
    Inventors: Guan-Shyong Hwang, Der-Min Tsay
  • Patent number: 8585531
    Abstract: An independently controllable transmission mechanism with an identity-ratio series type includes a first planetary gear train and a second planetary gear train mechanically connected therewith. The transmission mechanism has a power output end, a transmission control end, a power input end and a free transmission end. The power output end and the transmission control end are provided on the first planetary gear train and the second planetary gear train, respectively. The power input end is provided on the first planetary gear train or the second planetary gear train while the free transmission end is provided on the second planetary gear train or the first planetary gear train. The transmission control end is operated to freely shift the free transmission end as a power input end or a power output end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: National Sun Yat-Sen University
    Inventors: Guan-Shyong Hwang, Der-Min Tsay, Chung-Chi Lin, Jao-Hwa Kuang, Tzuen-Lih Chern
  • Patent number: 8585532
    Abstract: An independently controllable transmission mechanism includes a first planetary gear train, a second planetary gear train, a first transmission-connecting set and a second transmission-connecting set. The first planetary gear train and the second planetary gear train are serially connected to form a series type. The independently controllable transmission mechanism has a first power output end, a transmission control end, a first power input end and a free-transmission end. The first power output end is provided on the first planetary gear train and the transmission control end is provided on the second planetary gear train. The first power input end is provided on the first transmission-connecting set and the free-transmission end is provided on the second transmission-connecting set. The transmission control end controls the free-transmission end to be functioned as a second power input end or a second power output end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: National Sun Yat-Sen University of Kaohsiung
    Inventors: Guan-Shyong Hwang, Der-Min Tsay, Jao-Hwa Kuang, Tzuen-Lih Chern
  • Patent number: 8540600
    Abstract: A multi-speed transmission includes an input member, an output member, a stationary member, and a first and a second compound planetary gear set. The first compound planetary gear set has a first, a second, a third, a fourth, and a fifth member. The second compound planetary gear set has a first, a second, a third, and a fourth member. The first member of the second compound planetary gear set is continuously connected for common rotation with the output member. An interconnecting member continuously connects the first member of the first compound planetary gear set for common rotation with the second member of the second compound planetary gear set. The transmission has seven torque-transmitting mechanisms, including three brakes and four rotating-type clutches, that are engagable to establish up to fourteen forward speed ratios between the input member and the output member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Alexander Filippovich Kraynev, Vladimir Konstantinovich Astashev, Konstantin Borisovich Salamandra, Madhusudan Raghavan
  • Patent number: 8388488
    Abstract: An automatic transmission includes four planetary gear sets, a plurality of friction and synchronizing clutches and two drive assemblies. Input torque is provided to four clutches which selectively provide torque to various elements of the first and second planetary gear assemblies. Similarly, various elements of the first and second planetary gear assemblies provide power to the two drive assemblies which may either be chain drive or gear assemblies. The outputs of the drive assemblies drive sun gears of the third and fourth planetary gear assemblies. The transmission output is connected to and driven by the planet carriers of the third and fourth planetary assemblies. Sequenced operation of the friction and synchronizing clutches provides eight, nine or ten forward speeds or gear ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Andrew W. Phillips, Clinton E. Carey
  • Patent number: 8303456
    Abstract: A gear train of an automatic transmission includes eight forward speeds and two reverse speeds to improve power delivery performance and to reduce fuel consumption, by controlling two simple planetary gear sets and one compound planetary gear set through four clutches and two brakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Woo Yeol Kim
  • Patent number: 8287416
    Abstract: A transmission includes an input member, an output member, an intermediate member, and a planetary gear set, all of which are coaxial. A first and a second layshaft are arranged to define a second axis of rotation and a third axis of rotation, respectively. At least three sets of intermeshing gears are provided, some of which are arranged to transfer torque from the input member to the layshafts, and another of which is arranged to transfer torque from the layshafts to the intermediate member via engagement of different respective ones of seven torque-transmitting mechanisms. The seven torque-transmitting mechanisms are engagable in different combinations to establish up to eight forward speed ratios and a reverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Alexander Filippovich Kraynev, Vladimir Konstantinovich Astashev, Konstantin Borisovich Salamandra, Madhusudan Raghavan
  • Patent number: 8251158
    Abstract: A power tool with a housing, a transmission and a switch mechanism. The switch mechanism has an actuator, a rail, a switch and first and second springs. The actuator is non-rotatably but slidably coupled to the housing for movement along a longitudinal axis of the transmission between a plurality of positions to selectively engage one or more members of the transmission at each of the positions such that the transmission operates in one of a plurality of different overall speed ratios. The rail is fixedly coupled to the actuator and is received through the switch such that the switch is slidably mounted on the rail. The first and second springs are configured to bias the switch relative to the actuator in different directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: David C. Tomayko, Qiang Zhang, Mark R. Poetzl, Stephen A. Debellius
  • Patent number: 8226517
    Abstract: A speed change mechanism in which the gear ratio is selected by changing the direction of rotation of the power input includes first and second planetary gear sets enclosed within a hub shell. A DC electric motor is coupled to the sun gears of both gear sets and drives them simultaneously in the same rotary direction. In one of the gear sets the carrier arm is fixed and the ring gear is the output and in the other gear set the ring gear is fixed and the carrier arm is the output. A first one-way clutch transmits drive from an output of the first gear set to the hub shell and second one-way clutch transmits drive from an output of the second gear set to the hub shell, both clutches operating in the same direction. The outputs of the gear sets are driven in opposite rotary directions so that drive is transmitted to the hub shell either through the first gear set or the second gear set depending on the direction of rotation of the power input to provide two different gear ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Sun Race Sturmey-Archer, Inc.
    Inventors: Ming-Chih Tsai, Hsin-Yang Su
  • Publication number: 20120172174
    Abstract: A linear actuator is disclosed. The linear actuator includes a housing, a linear output member, and a rotary lock assembly. The linear output member includes a radial groove and is axially movable from a retracted position within the housing. The rotary lock assembly is constrained from axial motion within the housing and includes a rotor and a lock. The rotor is capable of rotation from a first to a second position. When the linear output member is in the retracted position, the rotor surrounds the radial groove. When the rotor rotates to the first position, the lock engages the radial groove and prevents axial motion of the output member from the retracted position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventor: Joseph Thomas KOPECEK
  • Publication number: 20110281681
    Abstract: A driving mechanism has a drive source which is coupled via a clutch to an oil lubricated transmission, and a transmission module which is present parallel to the transmission. The transmission module has a planetary gearing of which a first rotational member is bearing supported on an insert sleeve attached to an operating cylinder for the clutch and is connected to a connecting plate which is attached to a first clutch portion of the clutch. A second rotational member is connected to a connecting gear. A third rotational member is formed by a ring gear which has side guards maintain grease inside the planetary set of gears.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventors: Roell Marie Van Druten, Bas Gerard Vroemen, Alexander Franciscus Anita Serrarens
  • Patent number: 8025603
    Abstract: The present invention broadly comprises a transmission for a vehicle, including two dual planetary gearsets arranged to transmit torque, independent of each other, from an input shaft for the transmission to an output for the transmission. In a gear for the transmission, one of the dual gearsets is arranged to transmit the torque to the output and the other of the dual gearsets is arranged to be ungrounded. The transmission includes first and second brakes arranged to ground a respective portion of the dual planetary gearsets. In some aspects, the dual planetary gearsets each include a planetary gearset connected to a respective brake and the output, and switches arranged to control the connection of the gearsets to the first and second brakes. In some aspects, the dual gearsets each include a planetary gearset connectable to the input shaft and switching assemblies for the planetary gearsets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Jeffrey Hemphill
  • Patent number: 7967717
    Abstract: A device for the variable driving of a hollow shaft and an inner shaft or spindle that is supported on the latter and lies inside it, is particularly suited for moving component parts of a tire building machine, using driving devices. The hollow shaft is coupled to the inner shaft or spindle by way of a planetary gear mechanism or a harmonic-drive gear mechanism, which is respectively constructed as a differential-speed gear mechanism. The hollow shaft and the shaft or spindle are made to run synchronously by way of a single driving device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Continental Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Stefan Linne
  • Publication number: 20110124456
    Abstract: A torque split type automatic transmission which transmits torque output from an engine through two paths, adds the torque passing through and increased in each path, and outputs a final torque, may be provided wherein the torque of the engine is dividedly transmitted to first and second power delivery paths, a launching device for converting the torque and a transmission device for achieving multiple-shift are disposed on the first power delivery path in series, and a torque combining device is disposed on the second power delivery path, and wherein the first power delivery path is connected to the torque combining device such that output torque of the first power delivery path is added to output torque of the second output path to output the final torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Duk Hwan SUNG
  • Publication number: 20110124464
    Abstract: A torque split type automatic transmission which transmits the torque output from an engine through two paths, adds the torque passing through and increased in each path, and outputs a final torque is provided, wherein the torque of the engine is divided into two portions and each portion of the torque is transmitted respectively through first and second power delivery paths, and wherein the first power delivery path is connected to a launching device, the second power delivery path is connected to a transmission device, and outputs of the launching device and the transmission device are met at a torque combining device such that each torque increased through each power delivery path is added and the final torque is output through the torque combining device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Duk Hwan Sung
  • Publication number: 20110124457
    Abstract: A torque split type automatic transmission which transmits the torque output from an engine through two paths, adds the torque passing through and increased in each path, and outputs a final torque, wherein the torque of the engine is divided into two portions by a torque split device and each portion of the torque is transmitted respectively to first and second power delivery paths and wherein the first power delivery path is connected to a launching device, the second power delivery path is connected to a transmission device, and outputs of the launching device and the transmission device meet such that the torques increased at each power delivery path is added to each other and the final torque is output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventor: Duk Hwan Sung
  • Publication number: 20110053723
    Abstract: An actuation system includes a prime mover, a mechanical option module, an actuator, and a controller. The prime mover includes a drive shaft. The mechanical option module includes a housing, an input shaft coupled to the drive shaft, an output shaft, and a planetary gear module. The planetary gear module includes a sun gear coupled to the input shaft, a planet carrier coupled to the output shaft, an outer ring, and planet gears meshed with the sun gear and the outer ring. The application-specific module is connected to the housing and configured to selectively influence movement of the outer ring of the planetary gear module. The actuator includes an actuator input shaft coupled to the output shaft of the mechanical option module. The controller controls an operation of at least one of the prime mover, the mechanical option module, and the actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: Timothy A. Erhart, William J. Zerull, Terrance L. Thompson, James H. Sandlin
  • Patent number: 7867123
    Abstract: A drive apparatus for an extruder includes a speed reduction mechanism unit and an output distributing mechanism unit separated from each other. The speed reduction mechanism unit is a planetary gear speed reduction mechanism including a hollow gear connected in mesh with a main input shaft through a plurality of gears giving a selectively variable speed change ratio and located on the outer periphery, a supporting shaft of a sun gear which constitutes an auxiliary input shaft, and a planetary frame of planetary gears which constitutes an output shaft, wherein the speed reduction mechanism unit and the output distributing mechanism unit are connected to each other by only an output shaft joint, and the main motor or auxiliary motor is selected by a switching lever to widen the running range of the motors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: The Japan Steel Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasufumi Fujita, Yukio Fukuchi, Junichi Iwai
  • 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: 20100173741
    Abstract: A method of altering a drive ratio on a driven wheel includes providing a drive wheel, a driven wheel, and a planetary gear assembly having a sun gear, planetary gears, and a ring gear. Alternative inputs are provided to couple the drive wheel to the driven wheel in a first configuration and in a second configuration. At least one of the first configuration and the second configuration couples the drive wheel to the sun gear, planetary gears, and the ring gear as an input, and couples the driven wheel to another of the sun gear, planetary gears, and ring gear as an output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventor: Richard BAK
  • Patent number: 7682281
    Abstract: A dual-clutch planetary transmission comprising a plurality of planetary gearsets, two frictionally engaged gearshifting element for connecting various power trains to a power flux and a plurality of form-fit gearshifting elements for adjusting various gear ratios in the power trains. The frictionally engaged gearshifting elements and the form-fit gearshifting elements are arranged between the shafts of the planetary gearsets, a housing and a transmission input shaft and a transmission output shaft so that the gear ratio can be changed in a lower gear ratio range, via the frictionally engaged gearshifting elements, without any interruption of tractive force. At least one of the frictionally engaged gearshifting elements is a clutch. The form-fit gearshifting element, the frictionally engaged gearshifting elements and the planetary gearsets are positioned within the housing and can be interlinked so that the form-fit gearshifting elements can be actuated without insertion through rotating parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Peter Ziemer
  • Patent number: 7674200
    Abstract: A power train for eight forward and one reverse speeds may include input shaft, output gear, transmission case, speed shift unit, output unit, four clutches and two brakes. The speed shift unit includes a first operational member fixedly connected to the input shaft, a second operational member selectively coupled to the input shaft; a third operational member fixedly connected to the transmission case; a fourth operational member selectively coupled to the sixth operation member; and a fifth operational member selectively coupled to the fourth operational member. The output unit includes a sixth operational member fixedly connected to the fifth operational member, a seventh operational member selectively coupled to the input shaft and the transmission case, an eighth operational member selectively coupled to the input shaft, and a ninth operational member connecting the output gear. The four clutches and two brakes control pertinent operation members to change the rotational speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Hyu Tae Shim
  • Patent number: 7611432
    Abstract: A powertrain is provided, comprising: an internal combustion engine and an electro-mechanical transmission. The internal combustion engine has two torque output nodes operatively connected to two torque input nodes of the electro-mechanical transmission. The transmission comprises first and second electrical machines operatively connected to first and second planetary gear sets that are selectively operative to transmit torque to an output shaft. The two torque output nodes of the engine comprise an engine block comprising a cylinder with a pair of opposed pistons inserted therein, and each piston operatively connected to one of a first and a second crankshaft. The first and second crankshafts are operatively connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Joel M. Maguire, Norman K. Bucknor, Madhusudan Raghavan, Paul M. Najt
  • Patent number: 7537539
    Abstract: The transmission device (1) comprises two power paths (8a, 8b) mounted in parallel, permanently connected to the upper shaft (2) of the engine (3) and the lower shaft (4) to control the differential (6). In each path (8a, 8b), each gear ratio Ia, IIa, IIIa or Ib, IIb, IIIb is obtained by activating a single activator capable of adapting the rotating speed between the two shafts 2 and 4 during gear ratio changes. A control device (17) synchronizes the activations/deactivations during gear ratio changes, whether the newly activated gear ratio is in the same path or a different path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Antonov Automotive Technologies B.V.
    Inventors: Roumen Antonov, Frédéric Toutain, Cyrille Benais
  • Patent number: 7524257
    Abstract: A small-sized vehicular planetary gear type step-variable transmission having seven or more forward drive gear positions with a wide range speed ratio and suitable for use on a vehicle. A transmission includes three planetary gear sets, four clutches, and two brakes to provide seven or more forward drive gear positions with a wide range speed ratio. A counter gear pair is constituted by an output gear disposed between a first transmission portion and a second transmission portion, and a driven gear which is mounted on a counter shaft rotatably about a second axis parallel to a first axis and which is held in meshing engagement with the output gear. A fourth clutch reduces an amount of increase of an axial length of the transmission, so that the transmission is small-sized and used on the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabuhsiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Tabata, Terufumi Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 7488269
    Abstract: An automatic transmission having first and second groups of successive forward-drive positions for outputting a rotary motion a speed of which is higher than the speed of a rotary motion received from an input member, the first group being established by an engaging action of a first input clutch while the second group being established by an engaging action of a second input clutch, or first and second groups of successive forward-drive positions for reducing the speed of the rotary motion received from the input member, the first and second groups being established by an engaging action of a first and second input clutches respectively. The successive operating positions of the first group have respective speed ratios different from those of the second group. The automatic transmission is shiftable to a selected one of the successive operating positions of a selected one of the first and second groups.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Tabata, Akira Hoshino, Terufumi Miyazaki, Atsushi Honda, Akiharu Abe, Hirofumi Ota
  • Patent number: 7422537
    Abstract: A power transmission system coupling (100) configured to provide a responsive and controllable clutch (110) using a torque split arrangement including a planetary gear set (106) for torque modulation, together with a locking device (134) to maximize torque transfer capability when modulation is not required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: The Timken Company
    Inventor: Mircea Gradu
  • Patent number: 7384361
    Abstract: The transmission is constructed so that the rotation of the input shaft is outputted to the second transmission portion via the first intermediate output path and the second intermediate output path accelerated and rotated with respect to the first intermediate output path, and the first rotary element is selectively connected to the first driven gear via the first clutch and is selectively connected to the second driven gear via the third clutch, the second rotary element are selectively connected to the first driven gear via the second clutch and are selectively connected to the transmission case operating as a non-rotating member via the first brake, the third rotary element is connected to the output gear, the fourth rotary element is selectively connected to the transmission case via the second brake, and the fifth rotary element is selectively connected to the second driven gear via the fourth clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Tabata, Akira Hoshino, Terufumi Miyazaki, Atsushi Honda, Akiharu Abe, Hirofumi Ota
  • Patent number: 7371201
    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 and three electric machines serving interchangeably as motors or generators. The three motor/generators are operable in a coordinated fashion to yield an EVT with a continuously variable range of speeds (including reverse).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick B. Usoro
  • Patent number: 7186203
    Abstract: The transmission 10 is constructed so that, in the first transmission portion 36, the rotation of the input shaft 16 is outputted to the second transmission portion 38 via the first intermediate output path M1 and the second intermediate output path M2 accelerated and rotated with respect to the first intermediate output path M1, and, in the second transmission portion 38, the first rotary element RE1 (S2 and S3) is selectively connected to the first driven gear CG1B via the first clutch C1 and is selectively connected to the second driven gear CG2B via the third clutch C3, the second rotary element RE2 (CA1 and CA2) are selectively connected to the first driven gear CG1B via the second clutch C2 and are selectively connected to the transmission case 12 operating as a non-rotating member via the first brake B1, the third rotary element RE3 (R1, R2 and CA3) is connected to the output gear 28 operating as an output rotating member, the fourth rotary element RE4 (S1) is selectively connected to the transmission
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Tabata, Akira Hoshino, Terufumi Miyazaki, Atsushi Honda, Akiharu Abe, Hirofumi Ota
  • Patent number: 7112157
    Abstract: A gear unit for the drive of a rotating tube is provided with a drive shaft and a power distributing gear unit stage that is configured as a helical gear unit with an intermediate shaft having mounted thereon two helical pinions. A load-summing gear unit stage with a take-off shaft is operated downstream of the gear unit stage. In this connection, the take-off shaft is on the central axis of the driven rotating tube. The load-summing gear unit stage is comprised of two parallel operated planetary gear units each having a sun gear, planetary gears each disposed on a respective planetary axle, a hollow gear and a common planet carrier that is configured as a single piece and connected with the take-off shaft. The planetary axles of both planetary gear units in the common planet carrier are spaced from one another and offset from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: A. Friedr. Flender Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Dietmar Uebbing
  • Patent number: 7104917
    Abstract: A multi-speed power transmission includes a countershaft portion and a planetary gearset portion. The countershaft portion is controlled by synchronizer torque-transmitting mechanisms, and the planetary gearset portion is controlled by selectively engageable friction-type torque-transmitting mechanisms. The selective operation of these torque-transmitting mechanisms permit eight forward speed ratios and three reverse speed ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Donald Klemen, Arthur Hall, III
  • Patent number: 6988973
    Abstract: A multi-speed gear hub that includes a hub shaft, a hub sleeve mounted about the hub shaft and at least one planetary gear mechanism for providing a plurality of transmission paths. A bearing is mounted about the hub shaft such that an annular gap is created between the bearing and the hub shaft. A transmission sleeve is disposed in an annular gap for introducing a rotational shift movement into the interior of the gear hub. The configuration of the transmission element does not limit the rotation of the transmission and thus the shifting travel or the shifting angle for each gear ratio is not limited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: SRAM Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Werner Steuer
  • Patent number: 6958029
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission apparatus, has: an input shaft; a toroidal-type continuously variable transmission; a first rotation transmission shaft; a first planetary-gear-type transmission; a second planetary-gear-type transmission; a second rotation transmission shaft; an output shaft; a first power transmission mechanism; a second power transmission mechanism; and a switching mechanism, wherein, in a state where the power transmission through the first power transmission mechanism is allowed and the power transmission through the second power transmission mechanism is cut off, in accordance with the control of the transmission ratio of the toroidal-type continuously variable transmission, the output shaft be stopped while leaving the input shaft rotating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventor: Eiji Inoue
  • 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: 6808468
    Abstract: A composite power transmission mechanism 10, comprising the combination of a planetary gear unit 15 and a differential planetary gear mechanism 16, wherein a planetary gear is connected with a drive shaft of a vehicle, while other three gears let the shafts of the motor 12, a motor 13 and an engine 11 rotate respectively. The drive shaft of the vehicle is made to rotate by means of the planetary gear of the composite power transmission mechanism; since the rotation of different sources of a driving force, i.e., those of the motor 12, the motor 13 and the engine 11, can be transmitted to one another by only one meshing of the gears, the mechanical loss that is dependent on the number of times of the meshing of the gears can be reduced to a minimum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Taizo Miyazaki, Tomoyuki Haniu, Ryoso Masaki, Masahiko Amano, Yasuo Morooka
  • Patent number: 6712730
    Abstract: A torque coupling connects the secondary driving wheels of an automotive vehicle indirectly to the power unit of the vehicle through a variable torque coupling, while the primary driving wheels on the vehicle are connected directly to the power unit. The coupling compensates for variations in the angular velocity of the primary and secondary wheels while still transferring torque to the secondary wheels. The coupling includes a magnetic particle clutch organized about an axis and a planetary gear set organized about the same axis. The coupling has two paths through which the torque is transferred, one a mechanical path and the other a clutch path. Most of the torque is transferred through the mechanical path, while the clutch path accommodates for slippage and controls the proportion of torque delivered to the secondary wheels, with the control being solely dependent on the magnitude of the current directed through the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: The Timken Company
    Inventor: Mircea Gradu
  • Patent number: 6616559
    Abstract: A hydraulic and mechanical composite continuously variable transmission (HMT) is disclosed. The HMT includes a hydraulic continuously variable transmission (HST) and a mechanical speed change mechanism using a group of planetary gears as the differential part. The output rotation of the HST and the rotation of the input part of the mechanical speed change mechanism that receives power from the engine are transmitted to the differential part which translates the rotation to a speed change output shaft. The speed change input part is formed at one end of a pump shaft and the differential input part is coaxially formed at the other end thereof. Further, the operator may manually set the speed ratio via electrical means on the mechanical speed chance mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Yanmar Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiko Hori, Junichi Hitachi, Yukio Kubota, Kunihiko Sakamoto