Plural Planetary Units Patents (Class 475/330)
  • Patent number: 7731620
    Abstract: The transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission includes four planetary gear sets, five torque-transmitting devices, a grounded member and three fixed interconnections. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The five torque-transmitting devices provide interconnections between various gear members, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of two to establish eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Hukill, James M. Hart, Andrew W. Phillips, Scott H. Wittkopp, Clinton E. Carey
  • Patent number: 7731625
    Abstract: The transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide nine forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission includes four planetary gear sets, six torque-transmitting devices, and four fixed interconnections. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The six torque-transmitting devices provide interconnections between various gear members, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of three to establish nine forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew W. Phillips, Scott H. Wittkopp, James M. Hart, Clinton E. Carey
  • Patent number: 7727102
    Abstract: The transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission includes four planetary gear sets having five torque-transmitting devices, two fixed interconnections and two grounded members. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to at least one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The five torque-transmitting devices provide interconnections between various gear members, and are operated in combinations of three to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew W. Phillips, Clinton E. Carey, James M. Hart, Scott H. Wittkopp, Madhusudan Raghavan
  • Patent number: 7713161
    Abstract: A transmission having input and output shafts, planetary gearsets (RS1, RS2, RS3, RS4), and additional shafts and shifting elements. A ring gear of set (RS4) and the input shaft define shaft (1). A carrier of (RS3) and the output define shaft (2). The sun gears of (RS1, RS4) define shaft (3). A ring gear of (RS1) forms shaft (4). A ring gear of (RS2) and a sun gear of (RS3) define shaft (5). A carrier of (RS1) and a ring gear of (RS3) form shaft (6). A sun gear of (RS2) and a carrier of (RS4) define shaft (7). A carrier of (RS2) forms shaft (8). A first element (A) couples shaft (3) to the transmission housing. A second element (B) couples shaft (4) to the housing. A third element (C) couples shafts (1, 5) to one another. A fourth element (D) couples shafts (2, 8) or (6, 8) to one another. A fifth element (E) couples shafts (5, 7), (7, 8) or (5, 8) to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Michael Kamm, Gabor Diosi, Josef Haupt, Gerhard Gumpoltsberger, Peter Ziemer, Martin Brehmer
  • Publication number: 20100113209
    Abstract: A transmission for a vehicle includes an input shaft, a carrier sun shaft, and an output shaft. A planetary gear set includes a sun gear coupled with the carrier sun shaft, a ring gear coupled with the output shaft, and a plurality of planetary gears enmeshed between the sun gear and the ring gear. A plurality of shift elements each include a first gear coupled with the input shaft, and a second gear coupled with the carrier sun shaft and enmeshed with the first gear. A plurality of shift clutches are each selectively coupled between a corresponding shift element and the input shaft or carrier sun shaft. A low range clutch is selectively coupled between the input shaft and the plurality of planetary gears. A high range clutch is selectively coupled between the carrier sun shaft and the output shaft. A reverse range clutch is selectively coupled between an immovable feature and the plurality of planetary gears.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventor: Douglas Rene Johnson
  • Patent number: 7699744
    Abstract: A multi-speed automatic transmission for private cars or commercial vehicles includes input and output shafts, two power paths, a double planetary gear train, first and second brakes. The first power path has a first speed ratio and includes first and second clutches. The second power path has a second speed ratio, which is greater than the first speed ratio and in the same direction, with third and fourth clutches. The transmission has eight forward and two reverse speeds and is highly flexible. In one embodiment, the transmission is reduced to six forward and one reverse speed without the second clutch. In another embodiment, the input and output shafts are aligned and the ratios are supplied respectively by a planetary gear train and a direct drive. In another embodiment, the input and output shafts are parallel and the ratios are supplied respectively by two parallel gear trains including constant mesh gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: SC Brevets Lepelletier
    Inventor: Pierre Lepelletier
  • Patent number: 7699741
    Abstract: A transmission is disclosed having an input member, an output member, a plurality of planetary gear sets, a plurality of interconnecting members and a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms. The plurality of planetary gear sets has first, second and third members. The input member is continuously interconnected with a member of the planetary gear sets. The output member is continuously interconnected with another member of the planetary gear sets. At least eight forward speeds and one reverse speed are produced by the selective engagement of the five torque-transmitting mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Hart, James B. Borgerson, Scott H. Wittkopp, Andrew W. Phillips, Clinton E. Carey, Madhusudan Raghavan
  • Patent number: 7699736
    Abstract: A multi-speed automatic planetary transmission for a motor vehicle having an input shaft (AN), an output shaft (AB), four planetary gearsets (RS1, RS2, RS3, RS4), at least eight rotatable shafts (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8), and five shifting elements (A, B, C, D, E), the selective engagement of which produces different transmission ratios between the input shaft (AN) and the output shaft (AB), such that eight forward gears and at least one reverse gear are possible. Further, it is possible to connect an electric machine (12) as generator and/or drive, to the fifth shaft (5) by means a drive connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Gabor Diosi, Josef Haupt, Peter Ziemer, Pedro Casals, Martin Brehmer
  • Publication number: 20100093484
    Abstract: A power transmission device is provided. The power transmission device includes a motor, an intermediate gearset, and a planetary gearset assembly. The motor includes a motor output shaft. The intermediate gearset has an input gear connected to the motor output shaft. The motor drives an intermediate gear output shaft of an output gear of the intermediate gearset. The planetary gearset assembly has an input end connected to the intermediate gear output shaft. The intermediate gear output shaft drives a planetary gear output shaft of an output end of the planetary gearset assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventors: Guang-Miao Huang, Guo-Jhih Yan, Hsin-Te Wang
  • Patent number: 7691024
    Abstract: The transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide ten forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission includes four planetary gear sets having six torque-transmitting mechanisms and four fixed interconnections. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to at least one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The six torque-transmitting mechanisms provide interconnections between various gear members, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of three to establish at least ten forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew W. Phillips, Clinton E. Carey, James M. Hart, Scott H. Wittkopp
  • Patent number: 7691023
    Abstract: The transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission includes four planetary gear sets, five torque-transmitting devices, three fixed interconnections and a grounded member. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The five torque-transmitting devices provide interconnections between various gear members, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of two to establish eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Hart, Andrew W. Phillips, Clinton E. Carey, Scott H. Wittkopp
  • Patent number: 7686732
    Abstract: The transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least seven forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission includes three planetary gear sets having seven torque-transmitting mechanisms and two fixed interconnections. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to at least one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The seven torque-transmitting mechanisms provide interconnections between various gear members and with the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of three to establish at least seven forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Madhusudan Raghavan, Norman K. Bucknor
  • Patent number: 7686731
    Abstract: The transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission includes four planetary gear sets having seven torque-transmitting mechanisms and tree fixed interconnections. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to at least one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The seven torque-transmitting mechanisms provide interconnections between various gear members and with the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of two to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Madhusudan Raghavan
  • 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: 7678010
    Abstract: The transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio. The transmission includes four planetary gear sets having five torque-transmitting devices, four fixed interconnections and a grounded member. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to at least one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The five torque-transmitting devices provide interconnections between various gear members, and with a stationary member, and are operated in combinations of two to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew W. Phillips, Scott H. Wittkopp, James M. Hart, Clinton E. Carey
  • Patent number: 7678011
    Abstract: The transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio. The transmission includes four planetary gear sets having five torque-transmitting devices and five fixed interconnections. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to at least one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The five torque-transmitting devices provide interconnections between various gear members, and with a stationary member, and are operated in combinations of two to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Hart, Andrew W. Phillips, Clinton E. Carey, Scott H. Wittkopp
  • Patent number: 7674202
    Abstract: An eight speed automatic transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, three planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include three clutches and three brakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott H. Wittkopp, Madhusudan Raghavan, James M. Hart
  • 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: 7670247
    Abstract: The transmission has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide eight forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission includes four planetary gear sets having five torque-transmitting devices, four fixed interconnections and a grounded member. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to at least one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with another one of the planetary gear members. The five torque-transmitting devices provide interconnections between various gear members, and are operated in combinations of two to establish at least eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew W Phillips, James M Hart, Scott H Wittkopp, Clinton E Carey
  • Patent number: 7670251
    Abstract: A bicycle hub gearbox is provided for a multi-speed hub with a coaster brake mechanism. The bicycle hub gearbox basically has a first planetary gear mechanism, a second planetary gear mechanism, a braking mechanism and a clutch mechanism. The second planetary gear mechanism is operatively coupled with the first planetary gear mechanism. The braking mechanism is selectively coupled to the first planetary gear mechanism. The clutch mechanism selectively couples an output side of the first planetary gear mechanism to an input side of the second planetary gear mechanism to selectively transmit either a driving torque applied by a rider in a driving direction depending on a selected gear ratio or a braking torque applied by the rider in a braking direction to the braking mechanism independent of a selected gear ratio via one path such that a resulting braking effect is substantially equal independent of the selected gear ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Okochi
  • Patent number: 7651430
    Abstract: The ring gear of the second gearset (RS2) and the input shaft couple to form a first shaft (1). The carrier of third gearset (RS3) and the output shaft form a second shaft (2). The sun gears of first and fourth gearsets (RS1, RS4) form a third shaft (3). The carrier of first gearset (RS1) forms a fourth shaft (4). Sun gears of second and third gearsets (RS2, RS3) form a fifth shaft (5). Ring gears of first and third gearsets (RS1, RS3) form a six shaft (6). The carriers of second and fourth gearsets (RS2, RS4) form a seventh shaft (7). A ring gear of fourth gearset (RS4) forms an eighth shaft (8). In the direction of power flow, First and second shifting elements (A), (B) are located between shafts (3, 4) and a transmission housing, third shifting element (C) is between two of shafts (1, 5, 7), fourth and fifth shifting elements (D), (E) are between shafts (6, 8), (5, 8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Michael Kamm, Gabor Diosi, Josef Haupt, Gerhard Gumpoltsberger, Peter Ziemer, Martin Brehmer
  • Patent number: 7637839
    Abstract: A multi-speed automatic transmission includes a first planetary gear set and a second planetary gear set, which are arranged in parallel on a first output shaft and a second output shaft, respectively. An input shaft is connectable with a first ring gear through first input drive and driven gears of the input shaft and the first output shaft, being connectable with a second pinion carrier through a second input drive and driven gears of the input shaft and the second output shaft. The first output shaft is connectable with a first pinion carrier, the second output shaft being connectable with a second ring gear. A second pinion carrier is fixable to a transmission case. The first and second sun gears are connectable with the input shaft through the first input drive and driven gears and through the intermediate gear, being fixable to the transmission case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Kyowa Metal Works, Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuyoshi Hiraiwa
  • Patent number: 7621842
    Abstract: A multi-speed internal bicycle hub transmission assembly includes a hub axle, a driver, a hub shell, a power transmission mechanism, a pawl and a pawl retracting mechanism. The driver is rotatably supported to the hub axle. The hub shell is rotatably supported to the hub axle. The power transmission mechanism is disposed between the driver and the hub shell for transmitting rotational power from the driver to the hub shell through at least a first power transmission path and a second power transmission path. The pawl is configured to transfer torque between the driver and the hub shell with torque being transferred along the first power transmission path. The pawl retracting member is configured to restrict movement of the pawl with torque transmitted along the second power transmission path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Mitsuru Kamiya, Tetsuya Hino
  • Patent number: 7621841
    Abstract: An eight speed gear train of an automatic transmission includes first and second planetary gear sets as simple planetary gear sets, a third planetary gear set as a compound planetary gear set, and a plurality of friction members. The first planetary gear set reduces engine speed from an input shaft through a first input path and outputs the reduced speed through a first intermediate output path. The second planetary gear set receives the reduced speed through first and second intermediate input paths, and outputs a further reduced speed or a reversed speed through a second intermediate output path. The third planetary gear set selectively receives the engine speed from the input shaft through a second input path, selectively receives input speeds from the first and second planetary gear sets through third and fourth intermediate input paths, and outputs a plurality of speeds through a final output path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Woo Yeol Kim
  • Patent number: 7618342
    Abstract: An eight speed gear train of an automatic transmission includes first and second planetary gear sets as simple planetary gear sets, a third planetary gear set as a compound planetary gear set, and a plurality of friction members. The first planetary gear set reduces engine speed from an input shaft through a first input path and outputs the reduced speed through a first intermediate output path. The second planetary gear set receives the reduced speed through first and second intermediate input paths, and outputs a further reduced speed or a reversed speed through a second intermediate output path. The third planetary gear set selectively receives the engine speed from the input shaft through a second input path, selectively receives input speeds from the first and second planetary gear sets through third and fourth intermediate input paths, and outputs a plurality of speeds through a final output path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Woo Yeol Kim
  • 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: 7600935
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus has a planetary gear mechanism that transmits driving force from a driving motor to a resist roller when a cover is closed, and that stops transmitting the driving force to the resist roller when the cover is opened. The planetary gear mechanism includes a first gear to which the driving force from the driving motor is transmitted; a second gear that transmits the driving force to the resist roller; a planetary gear provided between the first and second gears; and a third gear that transmits the driving force from the first gear to the second gear via the planetary gear when the ratchet gear is locked by a lever, and that disconnects the transmission of the driving force to the resist roller when the ratchet gear is not locked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Eiji Koba, Shinichiro Tsunematsu, Hirofumi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7591753
    Abstract: The multi-speed transmission with one reverse and six forward gears has input and output shafts, planetary gear sets, six shafts, and five control elements. The input shaft couples the sun gear of gear set (P2) and detachably connected to shaft (3) or to shaft (6) and via clutch (14) to shaft (4). Shaft (3) couples the carrier of gear set (P1) and the ring gear of gear set (P2) and is connectable to the housing. Shaft (4) couples the sun gear of gear set (P1) and is connectable to the housing. Shaft (5) couples the ring gear of gear set (P1) and the carrier of gear set (P3). Shaft (6) couples the carrier of gear set (P2) and is connectable to the output shaft. The output shaft (2) couples the ring gear of gear set (P3) and the sun gear of gear set (P3) is non-rotatably coupled to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Gerhard Gumpoltsberger
  • Patent number: 7582040
    Abstract: An eight-gear gearbox comprises an input shaft, an output shaft, four planetary gear sets, eight rotatable shafts and five shifting elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Michael Kamm, Gabor Diosi, Josef Haupt, Gerhard Gumpoltsberger, Peter Ziemer, Martin Brehmer
  • Patent number: 7566288
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a vehicular drive system including a continuously-variable transmission portion operable as an electrically controlled continuously variable transmission having a differential mechanism operable to distribute an output of an engine to a first electric motor and a power transmitting member, and a second electric motor disposed in a power transmitting path between the power transmitting member and a drive wheel of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Tabata, Yuji Inoue, Atsushi Kamada
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7549943
    Abstract: A multi-speed transmission with reverse and forward gears has input and output shafts, planetary gearsets, six shafts and six shifting elements. The input shaft couples the sun gear of gearset (P2) and detachably couples, via clutches (13, 14), respective shafts (3, 4). Shaft (3) couples the carrier of gearset (P1), and detachably couples, via brake (03), the housing and, via clutch (36), shaft (6). Shaft (6) couples the ring gear of gearset (P2). Shaft (4) couples the sun gear of gearset (P1) and detachably couples, via brake (04), the housing. Shaft (5) couples the ring gear and the carrier of respective gearsets (P1, P3). The output shaft couples the carrier and the ring gear of respective gearsets (P2, P3). The sun gear of gearset (P3) is rotationally fixed to the housing. Either shaft (5) is connectable to shaft (6) or shaft (3), or shaft (3) is connectable to shaft (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Gerhard Gumpoltsberger
  • Patent number: 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
  • Publication number: 20090082167
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, three planetary gear sets, four external gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. Each of the external gear sets includes first and second gears. The torque transmitting devices may include clutches and brakes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: SCOTT H. WITTKOPP, Andrew W. Phillips, James M. Hart, Clinton E. Carey
  • Publication number: 20090082168
    Abstract: A cylindrical, high speed change ratio type peed change gear mechanism is disclosed to include a driving wheel rotatable by a crank handle, a first rotating wheel coupled to the driving wheel for synchronous rotation at the same speed and having pivoted small gears spaced around the border and meshed within a first gear ring, a second rotating wheel coupled to the small gears of the first rotating wheel for rotation with the small gears of the first rotating wheel and having pivoted small gears spaced around the border and meshed within a second gear ring, a third rotating wheel coupled to the small gears of the second rotating wheel for rotation with the small gears of the second rotating wheel and having pivoted small gears spaced around the border and meshed with a pinion of a power generating device, and a fixed third gear ring meshed with the small gears of the third rotating wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2007
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventor: Jen-Yen Yen
  • Patent number: 7507179
    Abstract: A multi-speed transmission with six forward gears and one reverse gear having an input and output shaft, three planetary gear sets (P1, P2, P3), six rotatable shafts and five control elements. The input shaft communicates with the gear set (P2), the shaft (3), and the shaft (4). The shaft (3) communicates with the carrier of the gear set (P1), the housing and the shaft (6). The shaft (4) communicates with the gear set (P1) and the housing. The shaft (5) communicates with the gear set (P1) and the gear set (P3). The shaft (6) communicates with the gear set (P2). The output shaft communicates with the gear set (P3) and the gear set (P2), and the gear set (P3) communicates with the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Gerhard Gumpoltsberger
  • Patent number: 7503870
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a vehicular drive system including a continuously-variable transmission portion, and a step-variable transmission portion, the continuously variable transmission portion having a differential mechanism operable to distribute an output of an engine to a first electric motor and a power transmitting member, and a second electric motor disposed in a power transmitting path between the power transmitting member and a drive wheel of a vehicle, the step-variable transmission portion constituting a part of the power transmitting path, the control apparatus includes a differential-state limiting device provided in the differential mechanism for limiting an operation of the continuously-variable transmission portion, and an electric-motor control device to control a drive-force assisting operation to drive the vehicle during a shifting action of the step-variable transmission portion, differently depending upon whether the continuously-variable transmission portion is placed in a continuously-v
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Tabata, Yuji Inoue, Atsushi Kamada
  • 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: 7485069
    Abstract: A power train of an automatic transmission includes a Ravigneaux planetary gear set having a Ravigneaux ring gear, which always acts as an output member; a Ravigneaux planet carrier; and first and second Ravigneaux sun gears. The power train further includes a simple planetary gear set including an input member connected to an input shaft, a member fixedly connected to the Ravigneaux planet carrier, and a member variably connected to the Ravigneaux ring gear. The power train further includes a first brake variably stopping the Ravigneaux planet carrier, a second brake variably stopping the first Ravigneaux sun gear, a first clutch rotating the simple planetary gear set, a second clutch variably connecting the second Ravigneaux sun gear to the input shaft, a third clutch variably connecting the first Ravigneaux sun gear to the input shaft, and a fourth clutch variably connecting the variably connected member to the Ravigneaux ring gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Wookjin Jang, Kunsoo Jung
  • Patent number: 7479080
    Abstract: The electrically variable transmission family of the present invention provides low-content, low-cost electrically variable transmission mechanisms including first and second differential gear sets, a battery, three electric machines serving interchangeably as motors or generators and up to three brakes. The three motor/generators are operable in a coordinated fashion to yield an EVT with a continuously variable range of speeds (including reverse). One of the brakes enables series hybrid operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick B. Usoro
  • Patent number: 7473203
    Abstract: A transmission apparatus can perform a shift operation quickly without generating tooth contact and gear noise when shifting to a nonsynchronized gear train. The apparatus includes a first clutch; a first and a second input shaft; an output shaft; a planetary gear mechanism having a first and a second planetary gear train, a band brake and a direct clutch; a selection type gear train unit having a nonsynchronized gear train; a second rotation speed detector for detecting the rotation speed of the second input shaft as a second rotation speed; actuators; and a gear shift control part for controlling the actuators. When a request for shift to the nonsynchronized gear train is generated, the first clutch is released, the band brake is tightened, and the direct clutch is connected to reduce the second rotation speed. When the second rotation speed becomes equal to or less than a predetermined speed, a gear shift is executed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Tomoaki Ogata
  • Patent number: 7462126
    Abstract: A vehicular automatic transmission is provided with a reduction planetary gear for reducing and outputting an inputted rotation of an input shaft, first and third clutches for enabling the transmission of a reduced rotation reduced through the reduction planetary gear, a planetary gear unit having second and third sun gears to which the reduced rotation is transmitted by the first and third clutches and a fourth clutch for enabling the transmission of the inputted rotation to the second sun gear. The fourth clutch is linked to the second sun gear of the planetary gear unit via output side members, i.e., a clutch drum and a link member, of the third clutch to commonly use as the output side members. Thereby, the automatic transmission may be compactly built.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Fukuyama, Toshihiko Aoki, Minoru Todo, Kazuhisa Ozaki, Takuya Fujimine, Takuya Ishii, Tomochika Inagaki, Yousuke Andoh
  • Patent number: 7452304
    Abstract: A power tool with a housing, a motor, an output spindle and a transmission assembly with a transmission and a speed selector. The transmission includes a plurality of planetary transmission stages that couple the motor to the output spindle. The speed selector includes only one switch member that is slidably movable between three positions to cause the transmission to operate in a corresponding number of speed ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Todd A Hagan, Christine Potter, Rodney Milbourne
  • Patent number: 7448975
    Abstract: A transmission device (3) for a vehicle with an electric machine (26) that is arranged in a housing (11) is described. The electric machine (26) can be placed in active connection with a rotating component (13, 28) that can be guided in the power flow of the transmission device such that a level of torque that can be generated by the electric machine (26) can be transmitted to the component (13, 28). At least one electric component (45; 45Y) that comprises power electronics for the electric machine (26) is arranged in a cross-sectional area inside the housing (11) that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the electric machine (26) and is located directly adjacent to the electric machine (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Matthias Reisch, Martin Grumbach, Ralf Dreibholz, Wolfgang Schön, Jürgen Kett
  • Publication number: 20080207388
    Abstract: A high ratio epicyclic gear assembly comprising two high torque planetary trains through which power flows via two parallel paths in one or other of which is an intermediate star train (7) with a low torque differential train or gear which transmits the combined power in such a way that the high torque planetary trains share the total torque in a predetermined ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventor: Raymond J. Hicks
  • Patent number: 7410441
    Abstract: A portable power tool having a relatively compact multi-stage, three-speed transmission and a related method for operating a power tool with a multi-stage, three-speed transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney Milbourne, Christine Potter, Todd A Hagan, Michael C Bowers
  • Patent number: 7404781
    Abstract: A method for operating a portable power tool having a multi-stage, three-speed transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney Milbourne, Christine Potter, Todd A. Hagan, Michael C. Bowers
  • Patent number: 7387585
    Abstract: The electrically variable transmission family of the present invention provides low-content, low-cost electrically variable transmission mechanisms including first, second and third differential gear sets, a battery, two electric machines serving interchangeably as motors or generators, up to five selectable torque-transfer devices and possibly a dog clutch. The selectable torque transmitting devices are engaged to yield an EVT with a continuously variable range of speeds (including reverse) and up to four mechanically fixed forward speed ratios. The torque transmitting devices and the first and second motor/generators are operable to provide five operating modes in the electrically variable transmission, including battery reverse mode, EVT reverse mode, reverse and forward launch modes, continuously variable transmission range mode, and fixed ratio mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Norman K. Bucknor, Madhusudan Raghavan
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20080125280
    Abstract: An output side transfer member 103 of a second clutch C-2 extends around the outer circumferences of the output side transfer members 101, 102 of the third and first clutches C-3, C-1, the output side transfer member 104 (or 13, 101) of a fourth clutch C-4 and the output side transfer member 101 of a third clutch C-3 are linked to a sun gear S2, the output side transfer member 104 (or 13, 101) of a fourth clutch C-4, an output side transfer member 101 of a third clutch C-3, and a sun gear S2, which rotate integrally, are disposed radially inward with respect to the output side transfer member 102 of the first clutch C-1. Thereby, it becomes possible to reduce the diameter of the output side transfer member 104 (or 13, 101) of the fourth clutch C-4, to reduce the weight and inertia, and to improve the controllability of the automatic transmission 1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventors: Toshihiko Aoki, Minoru Todo, Kazuhisa Ozaki, Takuya Ishii, Satoshi Fukuyama, Tomochika Inagaki, Yousuke Andoh