Plural Speed Ranges Patents (Class 475/80)
  • Patent number: 11493119
    Abstract: Methods and systems for a hydromechanical transmission are provided herein. In one example, the transmission system includes a hydrostatic assembly and a mechanical assembly coupled in parallel to a first and second planetary gear sets. The transmission system further includes a plurality of clutches designed to shift between two drive ranges in a set of drive ranges that includes a reverse drive range and two forward drive ranges to adjust the input to output speed ratio of the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: DANA ITALIA S.R.L.
    Inventors: Giovanni Profumo, Lorenzo Dalla Palma
  • Patent number: 11480238
    Abstract: Methods and systems for a hydromechanical transmission are provided herein. In one example, the transmission system includes a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic motor rotationally coupled in parallel with a first planetary gear set and a second planetary gear set. In the system, sun gears of the planetary gear sets are rotationally coupled to the hydraulic motor, a carrier of the first planetary gear set is rotationally coupled to a first clutch and a second clutch, and a ring gear of the second planetary gear set is rotationally coupled to a third clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: DANA ITALIA S.R.L.
    Inventors: Giovanni Profumo, Lorenzo Dalla Palma
  • Patent number: 11408496
    Abstract: A gear-hydraulic-metal belt integrated multi-mode hydro-mechanical hybrid transmission device includes an input assembly, an output assembly, a metal belt transmission mechanism, a planetary gear assembly, a hydraulic transmission mechanism, a clutch assembly and a brake assembly. The input assembly is connected to the metal belt transmission mechanism, the planetary gear assembly and the hydraulic transmission mechanism. The metal belt transmission mechanism and the hydraulic transmission mechanism are connected to the planetary gear assembly. The planetary gear assembly is connected to the output assembly. The clutch assembly connects the input assembly to the metal belt transmission mechanism and the planetary gear assembly, and connects each of the metal belt transmission mechanism and the hydraulic transmission mechanism to the planetary gear assembly. The clutch assembly and the brake assembly provide a continuous transmission ratio between the input assembly and the output assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Jiangsu University
    Inventors: Zhen Zhu, Yingfeng Cai, Long Chen, Xiang Tian, Changgao Xia, Falin Zeng, Chaochun Yuan, Jiajia Wang, Xiaodong Sun, Dehua Shi
  • Patent number: 11300187
    Abstract: A hydro-mechanical hybrid transmission device with two hydraulic transmission mechanisms includes an input member, a second hydraulic transmission mechanism, a rear planetary gear mechanism, an output member, a first hydraulic transmission mechanism, a front planetary gear mechanism, a clutch assembly, and a brake assembly. The clutch assembly connects the input member to the front planetary gear mechanism, the second hydraulic transmission mechanism, and the first hydraulic transmission mechanism, connects an output end of the first hydraulic transmission mechanism to the front planetary gear mechanism, connects the rear planetary gear mechanism to an output end of the second hydraulic transmission mechanism and the front planetary gear mechanism, and connects the rear planetary gear mechanism to the output member. The clutch assembly and the brake assembly provide a continuous transmission ratio between the input member and the output member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: JIANGSU UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Zhen Zhu, Long Chen, Yingfeng Cai, Changgao Xia, Rong Zou, Lingxin Zeng, Yulin Deng, Shaohua Wang, Xing Xu, Dehua Shi
  • Patent number: 11052747
    Abstract: A powertrain has an engine, a continuously variable power source (CVP), an output shaft and a transmission configured to provide selection between a plurality of transmission modes. The transmission includes a variator, with first and second output members, that is operably connected to the engine and the CVP and forward, reverse, first speed and second speed transmission components, each having an engaged position and a disengaged position. The transmission configured to provide at least first and second forward transmission modes and a reverse transmission mode in each of which combined power from the engine and the CVP rotates the output shaft. The forward, first speed and second speed transmission components are substantially coaxial with the output members of the variator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventor: Thomas G. Ore
  • Patent number: 11047477
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the disclosure provide a three-section hydraulic mechanical compound stepless transmission device which utilizes the compounding of a hydraulic speed control circuit and a mechanical circuit. According to an embodiment, a three-section hydraulic mechanical stepless transmission device for a loader includes a casing, a hydraulic speed control circuit, an ahead and astern mechanism, a split-collecting mechanism, a hydraulic section fixed shaft gear transmission system, a first hydraulic mechanical section fixed shaft gear transmission system, a second hydraulic mechanical section fixed shaft gear transmission system, and an output portion. According to another embodiment, the three-section hydraulic mechanical compound stepless transmission device includes a hydraulic circuit which transmits only part of power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Beijing Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Zengxiong Peng, Jibin Hu, Chongbo Jing, Wei Wu, Junjie Zhou, Chao Wei
  • Patent number: 11015522
    Abstract: A gearbox for an aircraft engine including first and second gears in driving engagement through planet gears supported by a carrier. Selective application of a brake and a blocking member permit operation in a speed change configuration and a direct drive configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.
    Inventor: Martin Poulin
  • Patent number: 10718418
    Abstract: A method of driving an integrated drive generator is provided. The method includes driving a carrier shaft of an epicyclic differential and a variable component of a hydraulic trimming device that is operably coupled to a sun gear of the epicyclic differential. The method also includes driving a generator with an output ring gear that is maintained at a constant output frequency. The method further includes maintaining the constant output frequency by controllably manipulating the speed of the sun gear that is in operable communication with the output ring gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: HAMILTON SUNSTRAND CORPORATION
    Inventors: Andrew P. Grosskopf, Glenn C. Lemmers, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10495204
    Abstract: The invention relates to a power split gearbox for a motor vehicle. The power split gearbox comprises a drive shaft which can be connected to an internal combustion engine in order to feed in torque, a first mechanical branch with a planetary gear mechanism arrangement, an infinitely variable second branch which can be connected to the first branch and comprises two adjustable energy converters which can be coupled to one another in energy terms and can be operated in each case in both directions, and at least one output shaft which can be coupled to the drive shaft via the first and the second branch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Naf Neunkirchener Achsenfabrik AG
    Inventors: Peter Dziuba, Josef Haglsperger, Josef Bauer, Bernhard Schnabel
  • Patent number: 9772017
    Abstract: A transmission includes an input shaft, an output shaft, at least four planetary gearsets, a variable-ratio unit, and at least four clutches. The input shaft is configured to receive torque from a drive unit. The output shaft is configured to transmit torque to a load. The at least four planetary gearsets, the variable-ratio unit, and the at least four clutches are arranged between the input shaft and the output shaft. The at least four clutches are selectively engageable in combination with one another to select one of at least four operating modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Schoolcraft
  • Patent number: 9493062
    Abstract: A vehicle drive device comprising: an engine, a first electric motor, and a second electric motor disposed on a first axis; a first axis output portion outputting power of the first axis; a second axis input portion that is an input portion of a second axis to which power from the first axis output portion is input, the second axis being parallel to the first axis; a second axis output portion outputting power of the second axis; a transmission changing speed between the second axis input portion and the second axis output portion, the transmission being disposed on the second axis; and a third axis input portion that is an input portion of a third axis to which power from the second axis output portion is input, the third axis being parallel to the first axis, the first axis output portion, the second axis input portion, the second axis output portion, and the third axis input portion all being disposed between the first electric motor and the second electric motor in a direction of the first axis, the trans
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Koichi Okuda, Makoto Funahashi, Atsushi Tabata, Keita Imai, Sho Mizushino
  • Patent number: 9453566
    Abstract: A hydromechanical transmission 11 includes a hydraulic unit 23 and a gear unit 24. The gear unit 24 includes a first gear unit housing 29a defining a first sump 37a having a first set of gears 71. A second gear unit housing 29b defines a substantially smaller second sump 37b having a second set of gears 78, 79. An input shaft 62 extends longitudinally into the first sump 37a, and an output shaft 63 extends longitudinally from the second sump 37b. The longitudinal axes of the input and output shafts are substantially coaxial. A first hydraulic pump motor unit drive shaft 44 extends into the first sump 37a and is drivingly connected with the first set of gears, and a second hydraulic pump motor unit drive shaft 45 extends through the first sump 37a and into the second sump 37b and is drivingly connected with the second set of gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Parker-Hannifin Corporation
    Inventors: John Loeffler, Daniel Paisley, Nabil Imam, Matthew Rommel
  • Patent number: 9394983
    Abstract: Disclosed is a transmission device for work vehicles, said transmission device being capable of being used with high-horsepower engines, without an accompanying loss of power transmission efficiency or fuel economy. The transmission device is provided with: an input shaft that transmits power from an engine; a continuously-variable transmission that is disposed on the input shaft and outputs power transmitted from the input shaft, steplessly converting the speed thereof; and a reversing clutch device that outputs, either in a forward rotational direction or a reverse rotational direction, power outputted from the continuously-variable transmission. The reversing clutch device can be selectively switched, and the gear ratio can be steplessly changed by the continuously-variable transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Yanmar Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shuji Shiozaki, Takeshi Ouchida
  • Patent number: 9382987
    Abstract: The present invention provides an infinitely variable transmission for a powered vehicle which includes a power source. The transmission includes an input shaft and an output shaft, the output shaft being spaced from the input shaft. The transmission further includes a variator coupled between the input shaft and output shaft. In addition, at least two planetary gearsets are disposed adjacent to the variator and an input coupler is configured to selectively couple the variator to the power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: Glen S. Hawkins, Jr., Brian Schoolcraft, James A. Raszkowski, David E. Earhart, Gary Reichanadter
  • Patent number: 9261180
    Abstract: A power-split transmission for a vehicle comprises a forward-reverse transmission module, an epicyclic module and a secondary power branch. The forward-reverse power shuttle module (12) comprises an input shaft (22) coupled to a primary motor (20) and an output shaft (38). Also included, first and second clutches (30,48) are alternatively engageable to close respective forward and reverse drive paths between the input shaft and output shaft. Engagement of the first clutch couples the input shaft directly to the output shaft. Engagement of the second clutch couples the input shaft to the output shaft via first and second gear sets (32, 34, 36, 42, 44) which each comprise a plurality of meshed gears. One of the gear sets (32, 34, 36) comprises an odd number of gears and the other gear set (42, 44) comprises an even number of gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Valtra Oy Ab
    Inventor: Mikko Rintoo
  • Patent number: 9217505
    Abstract: In one aspect, a computer-implemented method for enhancing the performance of a continuously variable transmission of a work vehicle may include engaging a range clutch of the continuously variable transmission, cycling a directional clutch of the continuously variable transmission between an engaged state and a disengaged state while the range clutch is engaged and controlling a position of a swash plate of the continuously variable transmission such that a ground speed of the work vehicle is maintained substantially at zero while the directional clutch is cycled between the engaged and disengaged states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Pawel Kuros, Peter Dix
  • Patent number: 9109289
    Abstract: A coating system includes a coating source and a planetary manipulator assembly that includes a first driveshaft capable of receiving rotational input, a sun gear rotationally fixed to the first driveshaft, a planetary gear engaged with the sun gear, a second driveshaft rotationally fixed to the planetary gear such that torque is transmitted from the sun gear to the planetary gear, a support shaft operatively engaged with the second driveshaft, a carrier body supporting the planetary gear relative to the sun gear, a third driveshaft capable of receiving rotational input, and a drive gear rotationally fixed to the third driveshaft. The support shaft is arranged substantially perpendicular to the second driveshaft. The carrier body is rotatable by the drive gear about a common axis with the sun gear, and rotation of the carrier body rotates the planetary gear and the second driveshaft about the sun gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: James W. Neal
  • Patent number: 8958959
    Abstract: The invention relates to a self-propelling construction machine which has a chassis 1 which has wheels or crawler track units 1A, 1B. The construction machine according to the invention is distinguished by the fact that the gear mechanism system 6 for transmitting the drive power from the drive unit 5, which comprises at least one internal combustion engine 5A, to the working unit 4, which comprises at least one working assembly 4A, does not have a conventional clutch with which the working unit can be activated but instead has a hydrodynamic gear mechanism 10 which has a drive shaft 10A and an output shaft 10B.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Wirtgen GmbH
    Inventors: Winfried von Schönebeck, Sascha Schwippert, Cyrus Barimani, Günter Hähn
  • Patent number: 8840503
    Abstract: A hydrostatic mechanical transmission according to the disclosure includes: a hydrostatic transmission which transmits power generated in an engine using a pump and a motor; a main transmission unit which transmits the engine power to a final driving unit through a driving shaft; a complex planetary gear which synthesizes and transmits the engine power transmitted from the hydrostatic transmission and the main transmission unit; and an automatic manual sub-gearshift which receives the synthesized engine power from the complex planetary gear so as to perform a transmission function and transmits the engine power to the final driving unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: LS Mtron Ltd.
    Inventors: Su Chul Kim, Sang Heon Lee, Sang Hyun Kim
  • Patent number: 8622871
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a method for use in a machine having a transmission having an operational mode, and including first and second power source paths, and a combined power output. The first power source path includes a variator. The method of controlling the transmission includes operating the first power source path, providing a signal indicative of the operational mode of the transmission to a controller, and at least partially neutralizing the variator if the signal indicates that the transmission is in neutral for at least a preset period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Brian D. Hoff
  • Patent number: 8608606
    Abstract: A transmission device having power splitting. In the first driving range, the mechanical power branch transmits torque from the ring gear to the additional fixed gear by the fixed gear. In this case, power branches from the ring gear. The hydrostatic power branch branches from the second sun gear. The hydrostatic branch transmits power from the first to the second hydraulic unit. The first and second hydraulic units act respectively as a pump and a motor. On one of the hydrostatic shafts, the mechanical and hydrostatic powers are added and transmitted to the output. In the second driving range, power from the planet carrier partially branches to the ring gear and passes to the hydrostatic shaft for the second hydraulic unit. An auxiliary shaft can be coupled by a gear to a fixed gear operatively connected to a shaft of the power splitting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Roland Fischer, Michael Siber, Robert Morrison
  • Patent number: 8585524
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling a drive system (1) and to a drive system (1) having a drive machine (2) which is connected to a first element (6) of an epicyclic gearing (5). The drive system (1) also comprises a shift gearing (4) which is connected to a third element (9) of the epicyclic gearing. Also provided is a hydrostatic machine (3) which is connected to a second element (7) of the epicyclic gearing (5). The hydrostatic machine (3) is set to a negligible displacement volume (VhM) A gear stage of the shift gearing (4) is engaged. The displacement volume (VhM) of the hydrostatic machine (3) is increased and the hydrostatic machine (3) charges a hydraulic accumulator (26). After moment equilibrium is reached in the epicyclic gearing (5), the displacement volume (VhM) of the hydrostatic machine (3) is supplied to the epicyclic gearing (5). In the event of synchronization of the epicyclic gearing (5), a clutch (12) for blocking the epicyclic gearing (5) is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Mueller, Steffen Mutschler
  • Patent number: 8571774
    Abstract: One disclosed embodiment relates to a propulsion system for a machine. The propulsion system may include a prime mover operatively connected through a continuously variable transmission to a propulsion device. The propulsion system may also include propulsion-system controls that control an operating parameter of the continuously variable transmission, which may include adjusting the operating parameter based on operator input. Controlling the operating parameter may also include determining an adjustment limit for the operating parameter based on one or more operating conditions and applying the adjustment limit to the operating parameter to modify at least one of acceleration and jerk of the machine based on the one or more operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Kristofor Lee Dahl, Brian Douglas Hoff, Richard George Ingram, Michael Anthony Spielman, Jr., Benjamin B. Schmuck, Alberto Martinez, Jr., Yaang Zhao
  • Patent number: 8548705
    Abstract: A method for controlling an automated clutch, which comprises a hydraulic clutch actuating system having a hydrostatic actuator, the pressure of which is detected. The method includes using the pressure of the hydrostatic actuator to adapt the characteristic curve of the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Juergen Eich, Markus Baehr
  • Patent number: 8535190
    Abstract: A transmission with power branching, and the transmission, in a first drive range, transmits torque from the ring gear to a fixed wheel. In one branch, power is transmitted from a first to a second hydraulic unit which respectively operate as a pump and a motor. At one of the hydrostatic shafts, the mechanical and hydrostatic power are summed and transmitted to the drive output. In a second drive range, power coming from the planetary carrier is partially branched off to the ring gear and transmitted, via the gear wheels of the hydrostatic shaft, to the second hydraulic unit. From the second hydraulic unit, hydraulic power passes to the first hydraulic unit. In the process, the first hydraulic unit operates as a motor and the second hydraulic unit as a pump. From the second sun gear, power is transmitted to the double planetary gear and summed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Roland Fischer, Michael Siber, Robert Morrison
  • Patent number: 8323138
    Abstract: A power split transmission for a working machine, such as a wheel loader, for example, has a hydrostatic and a mechanical power branch which are summed with one another via a summation gear (12). A reversing gear (7) is connected downstream of the summation gear (12) and a gear shifting mechanism (20) is connected downstream of the summation gear (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Jurgen Legner
  • Patent number: 8308597
    Abstract: In order to provide a speed change transmission system which can be obtained compactly, while obtaining output at steplessly varied speeds over a large speed change range only by carrying out a simple shifting operation, the speed change transmission system has a hydrostatic stepless transmission to which engine drive is inputted. A planetary transmission device (P) has a plurality of planetary transmission mechanisms, for combining output of the stepless transmission and engine drive not undergoing speed change action by the hydrostatic stepless transmission. A plurality of transmission shafts are provided with a plurality of speed range setting clutches switchable for converting the combined driving force from the planetary transmission device (P) to a driving force in a plurality speed ranges, and transmitting it to an output rotary member. The plurality of transmission shafts are juxtaposed and arranged in parallel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Minoru Hiraoka, Satoshi Machida, Yoshiyuki Katayama
  • Patent number: 8262525
    Abstract: A hydrostatic-mechanical power split transmission with at least two continuous operating ranges for use in agricultural and construction machines. The transmission has a summation planetary gear and a clutch for forward drive (7) and a clutch for reverse drive (6) that are arranged upstream of the summation gear. The transmission has a first sun gear (13) and a second sun gear (14) and a ring gear such that the ring gear (15) can be connected to an output drive shaft (22), via a clutch for the first driving range (23), and the second sun gear (14) can be connected to the output drive gear (22), via a clutch for the second operating range (27).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Jurgen Legner, Roland Fischer, Michael Siber
  • Patent number: 8224540
    Abstract: An agricultural vehicle and method of operating the same, where the agricultural vehicle has an engine, a continuously variable transmission, a processor, an inching controller, and a speed controller. The speed controller sends a first signal to the processor, and the processor controls the transmission to operate the vehicle at a first speed based on the first signal. The inching controller sends a second signal to the processor, and the processor controls the transmission to move the agricultural vehicle in a forward or reverse direction, depending on the second signal. If the first speed based on the first signal is zero, the second signal triggers the processor to control the transmission to move the agricultural vehicle in the forward or reverse direction a predetermined first distance. The control of the vehicle to be at zero speed or to be in a particular position is effectuated by a position control mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Inventors: Peter John Dix, Garth H. Bulgrien, Brian A. Hartman
  • Patent number: 8206253
    Abstract: A method is provided for adjusting the displacement angles of two hydrostatic units in an infinitely variable hydro-mechanical transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Ryan P. Lindsay, Trent L. Goodnight, Craig A. Puetz, Chad W. Seuser
  • Patent number: 7892130
    Abstract: A power split transmission concept for two or three or four modes is provided with two variable hydrostatic units, an engine mechanically connected to the row 1 sun of a planetary gear set with at least two planetary rows, the second row of the planetary rows being connected to a row 2 sun, whereby both hydrostatic units stay connected with the same planetary element through all modes, one hydrostatic unit being connected to the sun of row 2 and the other hydrostatic unit being connected to a ring gear of planetary row 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Sauer-Dafoss Inc.
    Inventors: Wilhelm Gollner, Eric R. Jacobson
  • Publication number: 20100184551
    Abstract: In order to provide a speed change transmission system which can be obtained compactly, while obtaining output at steplessly varied speeds over a large speed change range only by carrying out a simple shifting operation, the speed change transmission system has a hydrostatic stepless transmission to which engine drive is inputted. A planetary transmission device (P) has a plurality of planetary transmission mechanisms, for combining output of the stepless transmission and engine drive not undergoing speed change action by the hydrostatic stepless transmission. A plurality of transmission shafts are provided with a plurality of speed range setting clutches, switchable for converting the combined driving force from the planetary transmission device (P) to a driving force in a plurality speed ranges, and transmitting it to an output rotary member. The plurality of transmission shafts are juxtaposed and arranged in parallel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Minoru Hiraoka, Satoshi Machida, Yoshiyuki Katayama
  • Patent number: 7744499
    Abstract: A hydro-mechanical transmission system. The system includes an engine having a drive shaft that extends into and supplies power to a gear box having a first and second planetary gear set, wherein the first and second planetary gear set includes a sun with a first ring gear fixed and a carrier coupled to the drive shaft through a double clutch, a hydraulic pump driven by the engine and hydraulically coupled to a hydraulic motor, a low pressure accumulator coupled to the motor and the pump, a high pressure accumulator coupled to the motor and the pump, wherein the hydraulic motor couples to the suns of both planetary gear sets, wherein the engine drives the carrier of the second planetary gear set with the ring of the second planetary gear set coupled to the drive shaft through a double clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventor: Gary Lee Stecklein
  • Patent number: 7722493
    Abstract: A power-branched transmission, particularly for agricultural vehicles such as tractors or similar, includes a stepped planetary gear which is disposed between an input shaft and an output shaft and is used for dividing the power supplied at the input shaft onto a mechanical power branch and a hydraulic power branch. The hydraulic power branch is formed by two hydraulically interconnected, identical hydrostatic axial piston engines which can be selectively operated as a pump or an engine, can be swiveled within a predefined pivoting angle, and can be connected to the input shaft or the stepped planetary gear in a different manner via two respective clutches so as to cover different operating ranges or running steps. In order to obtain better efficiency in such a power-branched transmission, the two hydrostatic axial piston engines are configured as wide-angle hydrostats that are provided with a minimum pivoting angle range of 45°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Mali Holding AG
    Inventors: Markus Liebherr, Josef Häglsperger, Peter Dziuba, Josef Bauer, Manfred Kirchhoff
  • Publication number: 20100093476
    Abstract: Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for infinitely variable transmissions (IVT) having a variator provided with a plurality of tilting spherical planets. In one embodiment, a variator is provided with multiple planet arrays. In another embodiment, a hydraulic system is configured to control the transmission ratio of the IVT. Various inventive idler assemblies and planet-pivot arm assemblies can be used to facilitate adjusting the transmission speed ratio of an IVT. Embodiments of a transmission housing and bell housing are adapted to house components of an IVT and, in some embodiments, to cooperate with other components of the IVT to support operation and/or functionality of the IVT. Various related devices include embodiments of, for example, a control feedback mechanism, axial force generation and management mechanisms, a control valve integral with an input shaft, and a rotatable carrier configured to support planet-pivot arm assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: FALLBROOK TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Jeremy Carter, Charles Lohr, Brad Pohl, Daniel J. Dawe
  • Publication number: 20090280943
    Abstract: A hydromechanical powertrain for a ground vehicle. The powertrain, more specifically a transmission, includes an input shaft that is coupled to a rotational power source and an output shaft that is coupled to a load. A first hydrostatic unit coupled to a first gear, while a second hydrostatic unit is selectively coupled to one of a pair of clutches. The first of the clutches has a first clutch gear that is selectably coupled to a first mode gear, which is in turn rotationally fixed to the output shaft. The second of clutches has a second clutch gear that is selectively coupled to a second mode gear, which is in turn rotationally fixed to the input shaft. Also coupled to the input shaft is a planetary gear set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: Werner Stettler, JR., Douglas Rene Johnson
  • Patent number: 7465245
    Abstract: The transmission comprises: an input shaft coupled to a prime mover of the tractor; an output shaft; a hydrostatic unit including a pump driven by the prime mover shaft and a motor driven by the pump; an epicyclic torque splitter unit, including a first and a second input shaft and a first and a second output shaft, the rotational speeds of the first and second output shafts varying, respectively, in a first and a second range adjacent to each other as the rotational speed of the first input shaft varies between a maximum value and a minimum value; a clutch unit, arranged to couple the output shaft of the transmission selectively to the first or second output shaft of the torque splitter unit to provide a pair of forward operating ranges, at high and low speed respectively; and a reversing unit, arranged to provide a reverse operating range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Same Deutz-Fahr Group S.p.A.
    Inventors: Angelo Ripamonti, Giovanni Rivoltella
  • Publication number: 20080214348
    Abstract: A working vehicle transmission system comprises a PTO device for driving an external working device by power of a prime mover, and a multistage transmission for transmitting power from the prime mover to an axle. The multistage transmission includes a main speed-change mechanism and a sub speed-change mechanism. The main speed-change mechanism has plural drive trains for setting respective different speed stages. The sub speed-change mechanism is disposed downstream of the main speed-change mechanism and has plural drive trains for setting respective different speed stages. The main speed-change mechanism includes a first clutch and a second clutch. The main speed-change mechanism drive trains used for setting odd-numbered speed stages are activated by engaging the first clutch. On the other hand, the main speed-change mechanism drive trains used for setting even-numbered speed stages are activated by engaging the second clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Hasegawa, Tomoyuki Ebihara, Norihiro Ishii, Kazunari Koga
  • Patent number: 7344465
    Abstract: A machine, including a hydraulic pump and one or more hydraulic implements connected to the hydraulic pump. The machine may also include a hydraulic motor connected to the hydraulic pump and one or more propulsion devices. Additionally, the machine may include drive-system controls operable to selectively cause the hydraulic motor to supply power to one or more of the propulsion devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: William Christopher Swick, Jerry Dwight Marr, Friedrich Konrad Diecke
  • Patent number: 7063638
    Abstract: A transmission for use with a power source and a load includes a primary sun gear adapted to be coupled to the power source, a hydrostatic power unit including a pump coupled to a motor, a ring gear driven by the motor, a secondary sun gear coupled to a first output shaft, a compound planetary gear carrier coupled to a second output shaft and a compound planetary gear carried by the compound planetary gear carrier and in engagement with the ring gear and the secondary sun gear. The first output shaft and the second output shaft are adapted to be selectively coupled to the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventor: Cecil A. Weeramantry
  • Patent number: 6997838
    Abstract: An axial piston pump and an axial piston motor, mounted in a housing each have a rotating element and a non-rotating element. Each non-rotating element is mounted for tilting movement about axes transverse to the axes of rotation of the rotating element, on trunnions in its own respective pair of mounting journals in the housing for controlling the transmission ratio. The pump and the motor are disposed side-by-side in the housing with the axes of rotation approximately parallel to each other. A stationary manifold, fixed to the housing, has surfaces in contact with the rotating pump element and the rotating motor element. Fluid passages open in the surfaces in fluid communication with the pump and motor cylinders through a pump/manifold interface. Internal fluid passages in the stationary manifold convey fluid pressurized in the pump directly to the motor, and convey spent fluid displaced from the motor back to the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Folsom Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence R. Folsom, Clive Tucker
  • Patent number: 6939261
    Abstract: A small engine transmission having a hydromechanical transmission unit providing a first power path, and a mechanical power transmission unit providing a second power path. The mechanical power transmission is a planetary gear system having a planetary carrier. The hydromechanical transmission is associated with the mechanical transmission to decrease average hydraulic power flow of the engine transmission to thereby increase operating efficiency and to permit the reduction of an output speed range to reduce transmitted power for the use of multiple modes to achieve a full torque and speed range of the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Sauer-Danfoss, Inc.
    Inventor: Frederic W. Pollman
  • Patent number: 6821226
    Abstract: The method serves for the shift sequence control of a continuous automatic transmission, especially of a motor vehicle, having gear-stage switchover. The transmission ratio of the automatic transmission is adjustable within a set gear stage by means of an adjusting unit. Here, it is provided that a coordinated, data-dependent control of the gear stage switchover and the continuous transmission ratio adjustment takes place with the aid of a common shift sequence control system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf Lehmann, Uwe Maienberg, Marko Poliansek
  • Patent number: 6773368
    Abstract: A power dividing device for a vehicle transmission to provide two rotating outputs having variable relative speed of rotation from a single rotatable input. The device includes a first rotational element and a second rotational element housed within the first element and rotatable about the same axis as the second rotational output. A first fluid chamber associated with the first rotational element and first regulating means to varies the volume of the first chamber in response to rotation of the first rotational element. A second fluid chamber associated with the second rotational element and second regulating means likewise varies the volume to the flow between the first and second chambers the relative timing of variation of the volumes of the first and second chambers determines the speed of the second rotational element in response to rotation of the first rotational element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Inventor: Geoffrey Allan Williames
  • Patent number: 6761658
    Abstract: An infinitely variable four mode hydro-mechanical transmission has a planetary system including three planetary gear sets, four clutches and a reverse brake. A first hydrostatic unit is geared to the second row ring of the planetary system. A second hydrostatic unit is geared to the planet carrier via a first clutch in Modes One and Four. The second hydrostatic unit is geared to the second row sun of the planetary system via a second clutch in Modes Two and Three. A third clutch connects the planet carrier to the output in Modes One and Two. A fourth clutch connects the second planetary row sun gear to the output in Modes Three and Four. A reverse brake is attached to the third planetary row. When the reverse brake is engaged and both the third and fourth clutches are disengaged the third row sun and thus the transmission output is driven in reverse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Werner Stettler, Jr.
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6565471
    Abstract: A continuously variable hydro-mechanical transmission. The transmission includes a transmission housing and a hydrostatic power unit associated with the housing. The hydrostatic power unit includes a pump coupled to a motor with the hydrostatic power unit coupled to a first input shaft and a first output shaft. The hydrostatic power unit is selectively coupled to a synchronous lockup clutch with the first output shaft, wherein a hydrostatic input speed range is selected. A compound planetary gear unit is mounted in the housing with the compound planetary gear unit including a second input shaft, a third input shaft, a fourth input shaft and a second output shaft. The compound planetary gear unit is selectively coupled to the load, selectively coupled to the hydrostatic power unit and coupled to the power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Case Corporation
    Inventors: Cecil A. Weeramantry, Thomas H. Vu
  • Publication number: 20030078128
    Abstract: The method serves for the shift sequence control of a continuous automatic transmission, especially of a motor vehicle, having gear-stage switchover. The transmission ratio of the automatic transmission is adjustable within a set gear stage by means of an adjusting unit. Here, it is provided that a coordinated, data-dependent control of the gear stage switchover and the continuous transmission ratio adjustment takes place with the aid of a common shift sequence control system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: Ralf Lehmann, Uwe Maienberg, Marko Poliansek
  • Patent number: 6530855
    Abstract: A parallel hydromechanical continuously variable transmission has a housing (107) that holds a make-up pump (52), and has internal cavities for holding operating assemblies of the transmission, including an axial piston pump (50) and an axial piston motor (60). The pump (50) and motor (60) each has a rotating element (206) and a non-rotating element (258). Each non-rotating pump element is mounted for tilting movement on trunnions (258P) in its own respective pair of mounting journals in the housing (107). The tilting axes of the non-rotating elements (258) lie transverse to the axes of rotation of the rotating elements (206). The pump (50) and the motor (60) are disposed side-by-side in the housing (107) with the axes of rotation approximately parallel to each other. A stationary manifold (70), fixed to the housing (107), has one surface in contact with the rotating pump element (206P) and a second surface in contact with the rotating motor element (206M).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Folsom Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence R. Folsom, Clive Tucker
  • Publication number: 20030036451
    Abstract: A continuously variable hydro-mechanical transmission. The transmission includes a transmission housing and a hydrostatic power unit associated with the housing. The hydrostatic power unit includes a pump coupled to a motor with the hydrostatic power unit coupled to a first input shaft and a first output shaft. The hydrostatic power unit is selectively coupled to a synchronous lockup clutch with the first output shaft, wherein a hydrostatic input speed range is selected. A compound planetary gear unit is mounted in the housing with the compound planetary gear unit including a second input shaft, a third input shaft, a fourth input shaft and a second output shaft. The compound planetary gear unit is selectively coupled to the load, selectively coupled to the hydrostatic power unit and coupled to the power source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Inventors: Cecil A. Weeramantry, Thomas H. Vu