Disconnectable Counter Shaft Patents (Class 74/329)
  • Patent number: 8635923
    Abstract: A vehicle drive system includes an input shaft to which a driving force of a first driving source is inputted, a first shaft idly rotating relative to the input shaft and being connectable with the input shaft, the first shaft being provided with a plurality of drive gears, a single drive gear idly rotating relative to the input shaft and being connectable with the input shaft, a second shaft arranged parallel to the input shaft and being provided with a first idler gear and a second idler gear, an output shaft arranged parallel to the input shaft and outputting the driving force to a wheel, and a plurality of driven gears idly rotating relative to the output shaft and being connectable with the output shaft, the plurality of driven gears engaging with the plurality of drive gears, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takahiro Misu, Kyosuke Mori, Wataru Hagimoto
  • Patent number: 8635925
    Abstract: An embodiment provides a shift inhibitor apparatus for a multiple speed transmission main section. The transmission includes an input shaft and an output shaft The transmission main section has a plurality of selectively engageable ratios. The transmission also has a range section shiftable between a range high ratio and a range low ratio. The shift inhibitor includes an interlock moveable between a locked condition and a released condition, wherein the interlock selectively prevents a gear shift in the transmission main section. The shift inhibitor also includes a range sensor valve. The range sensor valve selectively detects a range shift of the range section. The range sensor valve selectively causes the interlock to be positioned in the released condition upon detection of a completed range shift. The interlock is selectively positioned by a fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Kurt Gerlofs, Dave Stevens, Mark Hirsch, Charles Bradley, Michael J. Huggins
  • Patent number: 8627736
    Abstract: A variable speed transmission for motor vehicles includes multiple drive gears which are switchable by means of at least one gear changing device, in particular by means of synchronous shifting clutches, in particular multiple forward gears and a reverse gear. The variable speed transmission is subdivided or divided into at least two part-transmissions each with multiple gears, by at least one shifting device in particular least one shifting clutch in such a manner that at least one of the part-transmissions is engaged and at least one of the part-transmissions is disengaged as a function of one of the drive gears as selected by the gear changing device and/or as a function of defined shifting states of the shifting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventor: Johann Maerkl
  • Patent number: 8590409
    Abstract: A change-speed gearbox of a motor vehicle having a drive input and a drive output shaft which are mounted in a main chamber of a gearbox housing and by which a power flow can be transmitted by the selective actuation of clutches such that, parallel to the drive input and output shafts, an intermediate shaft with an intermediate gearwheel is arranged in an auxiliary chamber of the gearbox housing which communicates with the main chamber, so that when the shifting device is appropriately actuated, a power flow is directed from the drive input shaft, via the intermediate gearwheel of the intermediate shaft, to the drive output shaft to produce a reverse rotation direction of the drive output shaft. The auxiliary chamber, accommodating the intermediate shaft, has a bell-shaped longitudinal section with an oval cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Hermann Lanz
  • Publication number: 20130291670
    Abstract: A dual clutch transaxle provides eight forward gear ratios and two reverse gear ratios. The gears are arranged in seven gear planes. Four coupler assemblies are arranged to selectively sequentially engage each adjacent pair of the eight forward gear ratios to permit shifting among the eight forward gear ratios with continuous transmission of torque through the transaxle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Reid Alan Baldwin
  • Patent number: 8567273
    Abstract: A dual clutch transmission having improved packaging and reduced spin losses provides a five, six or seven forward speeds and reverse. An input shaft includes two or three gears which are in constant mesh with and directly drive associated gears freely disposed on a pair of parallel quills. Synchronizer clutches associated with these driven gears selectively synchronize and connect the gears to the quills which are, in turn, connected to countershafts residing within the quills. Additional gears which are in constant mesh with a pair of ring (output) gears are synchronized and connected to the countershafts by additional synchronizer clutches. Activation of two synchronizer clutches and one input clutch provides a selected gear ratio and transfers torque from the input shaft to the output ring gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, James B. Borgerson
  • Publication number: 20130192397
    Abstract: A transmission capable of triple overdrive includes a main box section connected to a first input shaft. The main box section comprises clutch collars which are connected to the main shaft and axially movable by an operator to selectively couple one main shaft gear to a main shaft via a countershaft gear fixed on a countershaft. An auxiliary section is connected to the main box section and contains a splitter section and a range section. An output shaft is connected to the auxiliary section The transmission is selectively configured to operate in a plurality of gear combinations. At least three of the gear combinations are configured for overdrive. The main box section is connected directly to the splitter section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2010
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: MACK TRUCKS, INC.
    Inventors: John Jerwick, Michael E. Kahl
  • Patent number: 8403792
    Abstract: The present invention comprehends a plurality of embodiments of a hydraulic control system for various configurations of dual clutch transmissions. The hydraulic control systems all include a regulated source of pressurized hydraulic fluid including an electric pump, a filter and an accumulator, a pair of pressure control valves and a branching hydraulic circuit including pressure or flow control valves, spool or logic valves and two position valves which collectively supply and exhaust hydraulic fluid from a plurality of shift actuators. The actuators are connected to shift rails which include shift forks and are slidable to engage synchronizers and positive clutches associated with the various gear ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Philip C. Lundberg, Bret M. Olson
  • Patent number: 8360919
    Abstract: A transmission includes an input member, an output member, an intermediate member, and a simple planetary gear set, all of which are coaxial. A first and a second layshaft are arranged to define a second axis of rotation and a third axis of rotation, respectively. Five sets of intermeshing gears are provided, some of which are arranged to transfer torque from the input member to the layshafts, and others of which are arranged to transfer torque from the layshafts to one of the intermediate member and the simple planetary gear set. Seven torque-transmitting mechanisms are each selectively engagable to connect a different respective gear of the sets of intermeshing gears to a respective one of the layshafts or to a stationary member. The torque-transmitting mechanisms are engagable in different combinations to establish multiple forward speed ratios and a reverse speed ratio between the input member and the output member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Alexander Filippovich Kraynev, Vladimir Konstantinovich Astashev, Konstantin Borisovich Salamandra, Madhusudan Raghavan
  • Patent number: 8364364
    Abstract: A control system for a vehicle having a dry dual clutch transmission (DCT) includes a launch condition detection module, a vehicle stop module, and a vehicle launch module. The launch condition detection module detects a launch condition based on whether (i) the vehicle is on an uphill grade and (ii) a driver of the vehicle has requested power via an accelerator. The vehicle stop module stops the vehicle when the launch condition is detected by (i) commanding an on-coming clutch of the dry DCT to a predetermined position and (ii) applying brakes of the vehicle. The vehicle launch module launches the vehicle after the vehicle is stopped by (i) fully engaging the on-coming clutch of the dry DCT and (ii) opening a throttle to a desired position corresponding to the power request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Inventors: Xuefeng Tim Tao, John William Boughner, Ronald F. Lochocki, Jr., Jonathan P. Kish, Jayson S. Schwalm
  • Patent number: 8359948
    Abstract: A transmission for an industrial vehicle has an input shaft, first and second transmission mechanisms, a clutch mechanism, a rotation direction switching gear train, a speed change gear train, and an output shaft. The first and second transmission mechanisms change the speed among a plurality of speeds of rotation from the input shaft. The clutch mechanism is disposed on the input side of the transmission mechanisms and includes forward and reverse clutches and first and second snap clutches for selecting which of the first and second transmission mechanisms will receive rotational input from the engine. The rotation direction switching gear train inputs rotations for forward and reverse travel to the forward and reverse clutches. The speed change gear train inputs to the first snap clutch and the second snap clutch the output from the forward clutch and the reverse clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroaki Takeshima
  • Patent number: 8356528
    Abstract: A transmission for an industrial vehicle has an input shaft; first and second transmission mechanisms each having a plurality of speed-change steps; a second transmission mechanism; a clutch mechanism; a rotation direction switching mechanism; and an output shaft. The clutch mechanism is disposed on the input side of the first and second transmission mechanisms and is provided with a forward clutch and a reverse clutch for switching between forward and reverse travel, and is further provided with first and second snap clutches for selecting which of the first and second transmission mechanisms will receive rotational input from the engine. The rotation direction switching mechanism is a mechanism for switching the direction of rotation inputted to the first transmission mechanism or the second transmission mechanism to the direction of rotation for forward travel or the direction of rotation for reverse travel in accordance with the switching of forward and reverse travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaaki Kuma, Hiroaki Takeshima
  • Patent number: 8316730
    Abstract: A multistage transmission includes a swing claw member having a pin-receiving portion adapted to receive a pin member and an engaging claw portion on respective sides opposite to each other with respect to swing center, and swung by the advancement and retraction of the pin member to allow the engaging claw portion to establish engagement and release the engagement; and biasing means for biasing the swing claw member in a swing direction of bringing the engaging claw portion into engagement. The biasing means is a compression spring interposed between the inner surface of the engaging claw portion of the swing claw member and the opposing surface of the gear shaft. The multistage transmission uses multiple swing claw members of the same kind, instead of swing claw members of different kinds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinya Matsumoto
  • Publication number: 20120266704
    Abstract: A power transmission device is comprised of a first shaft having a first gear and a second gear and capable of being drivingly coupled with the engine; a second shaft drivingly coupled with the electric motor and the first shaft; a third gear meshing with the first gear to form a first gearing having a first gear ratio; a fourth gear coaxial with the third gear, the fourth gear meshing with the second gear to form a second gearing having a second gear ratio; a third shaft coaxial with both the third gear and the fourth gear, the third shaft being drivingly coupled with the axles; a first clutch configured to selectively connect and disconnect the third gear with the third shaft; and a second clutch configured to selectively connect and disconnect the fourth gear with the third shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: GKN Driveline Japan Ltd
    Inventor: Masayuki SAYAMA
  • Patent number: 8291784
    Abstract: A transmission system including first and second shafts (4, 2; 104, 102), a plurality of gear trains arranged to transfer drive between the first and second shafts, an instantaneous selector mechanism (46; 146), and at least one non-instantaneous selector mechanism (40, 44; 140, 144, 153, 157), wherein the instantaneous selector mechanism (46; 146) and the or each non-instantaneous selector mechanism (40, 44; 140, 144, 153, 157) are arranged to create torque paths between the first and second shafts (4, 2; 104, 102) via the gear trains, wherein each gear train is selectable when one other gear train is transmitting torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Zeroshift Limited
    Inventors: William Wesley Martin, Richard John Evan Thompson
  • Publication number: 20120247241
    Abstract: A dog-clutch transmission system having dog-clutches is provided that can effectively lower the sound resulting from the engagement of dogs during the meshing of gears. A dog-clutch transmission system includes first gears installed adjacent to each other on respective shafts so as not to be rotatable relatively to the respective shafts and to be axially slidable; and second gears installed so as to be rotatable relatively to the respective shafts and not to be axially slidable. Each of the first gears has dog-teeth projecting in the axial direction and each of the other gears has dog-holes recessed in the axial direction. Speed-stages are switchable by bringing the dog-teeth and the dog-holes into engagement and disengagement. A speed-change ratio proportion of a change-speed ratio at an arbitrary n-speed speed-stage to a speed-change ratio at a (n+1)-speed speed-stage is set at 0.725 or more.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kosaku TAKAHASHI, Dai Arai, Junya Watanabe, Masataka Tanaka, Masahiko Tsuchiya, Satoru Nojima
  • Publication number: 20120216638
    Abstract: A transmission and components thereof that consists of three forward speed ratios for an electric vehicle market is brought forth. The transmission has an input shaft for receiving torsional energy from an electric motor. A counter shaft is provided which is powered from the input shaft. A first normally closed clutch is provided for powering the first and third gears. A second normally open clutch is provided for powering the second gear. A synchronizer rotatably is provided for selectively torsionally connecting the first of third gears.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: BORGWARNER INC.
    Inventors: Larry A. Pritchard, Matthew A. Rahaim, Mark R. Buchanan
  • Patent number: 8240224
    Abstract: A transmission is connectable to an input member and includes an output member, first and second shafts, first and second countershafts, a plurality of co-planar gear sets, and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. The torque transmitting devices include a plurality of synchronizer assemblies and a dual clutch assembly. The transmission is operable to provide at least one reverse speed ratio and a plurality of forward speed ratios between the input member and the output member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, Craig S. Ross, Scott H. Wittkopp
  • Patent number: 8234945
    Abstract: A transmission is provided in which gear trains for multiple shift stages are provided between a countershaft and a first main shaft and second main shaft running coaxially and relatively rotatably through the first main shaft so that the gear trains can be alternatively established, wherein a plurality of odd number stage gear trains (G1, G3, G5) are provided between the second main shaft (27) and the countershaft (28) so that the first speed gear train (G1) is disposed on the opposite side to the first and second clutches (37, 38), an end part of the second main shaft (27) on the first speed gear train (G1) side is rotatably supported on an engine main body via a main shaft side ball bearing (31) having a larger diameter than an outer diameter of a first speed drive gear (89) provided integrally with the second main shaft (27), and an outer race (31a) of the main shaft side ball bearing (31) is fixed to the engine main body via a fixing plate (95) engaging with an outer peripheral part of the outer race (31
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoo Shiozaki, Yoshihisa Kanno, Yoshiaki Tsukada
  • Publication number: 20120180585
    Abstract: A transmission includes an input member, an output member, and an intermediate member coaxially aligned with the input member and the output member. The transmission further includes at least one countershaft substantially parallel with the input member, output member and the intermediate member, and at least one gear associated with each of the input member, the output member, intermediate member, at least one countershaft. The transmission also includes a planetary gear set to operatively couple a gear of the at least one gear associated with the intermediate shaft with the output shaft, and a plurality of clutches to selectively define a torque transfer path from the input member to the output member via one or more of the intermediate member, first countershaft, second countershaft, and the at least one associated gears therewith. The plurality of clutches include a direct drive clutch to selectively couple the input member directly to the intermediate member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventor: James A. RASZKOWSKI
  • Patent number: 8201469
    Abstract: A dual clutch transmission having two input shafts respectively connected to clutches, and an intermediate shaft, preventing the intermediate shaft from rotating idle when the vehicle is traveling at high speeds and avoiding excess stirring of lubricating oil in the transmission and increase in noise. In the dual clutch transmission, a direct connection clutch C3 is provided between one input shaft S2 and an output shaft S4, and an intermediate shaft connection clutch C4 for interrupting the transmission of power is provided between the intermediate shaft S3 and the output shaft S4. When the power is directly transmitted from the input shaft S2 to the output shaft S4 via the direct connection clutch C3, the intermediate shaft connection clutch C4 is disconnected to stop the rotation of the intermediate shaft S3 and to prevent the lubricating oil from being excessively stirred by the idle rotation of the intermediate shaft S3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Isuzu Motors Limited
    Inventors: Kouhei Akashi, Tadashi Ikeda
  • Patent number: 8201470
    Abstract: A vehicle transmission can comprise a plurality of gears, and a shift cam coupled to the gears to at least partly control shifting of the gears. The shift cam comprise a plurality of grooves each with respective positions corresponding to gear speeds, and further including a neutral position, wherein the neutral position is below a position corresponding to a lowest gear speed in a view of at least a portion of the shift cam. A rotation angle of the shift cam between the neutral position and a lowest step corresponding to the lowest gear speed can be different from that between any adjacent shift steps, respectively corresponding to other gear speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Makoto Kosugi
  • Patent number: 8197380
    Abstract: The invention concerns an automated motor vehicle shift transmission (1) with an input shaft, an output shaft and several selectively engaged gears, the input shaft (W1) being connected to a drive motor (M) via an engine clutch (K) that can be engaged and disengaged. To avoid an interruption of the traction force during a shift process, a controllable friction clutch is provided as a change-under-load clutch (K5) to connect the input shaft (W1) directly to the output shaft (W3, W4) when necessary. The invention also concerns a method for controlling the gearshifts of an automated motor vehicle shift transmission comprising an input shaft, an output shaft and several selectively engaged gears, and in which the input shaft is connected to a drive motor via an engine clutch that can be engaged or disengaged, such that in a shift process between a loaded gear that is engaged and a target gear to be engaged, the engine clutch remains closed during the gear change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Karl-Fritz Heinzelmann
  • Patent number: 8166842
    Abstract: A dual-clutch transmission comprising clutches with input sides coupled to an input shaft and output sides respectively coupled to two transmission input shafts. Toothed idler gearwheels are mounted to rotate on countershafts while toothed fixed gearwheels are connected to the first and the second transmission input shafts and engage with the idler gearwheels. Coupling devices are provided for connecting the idler gearwheels to the countershaft, and drive output gearwheels are fixed to the countershafts and couple an output shaft, while a shifting element couples the input shafts such that eight forward gears and at least one reverse gear can be engaged. Four wheel planes are arranged in the transmission such that at least one winding gear can be engaged by the shifting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Wolfgang Rieger
  • Patent number: 8117932
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, a dual clutch assembly, a countershaft, a plurality of co-planar gear sets, a plurality of interconnecting members, and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. The torque transmitting devices include synchronizer assemblies. The output shaft is connected to a final drive unit that has a final drive unit output shaft that is transverse to an input member connected at one end to a torque converter and at the other end to the dual clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Per-Gunnar Bjorck, Mikael Mohlin, John A. Diemer, James D. Hendrickson, Patrick S. Portell, Henryk Sowul
  • Patent number: 8082085
    Abstract: A method for shifting a gear into a gear position in an automated shift transmission with several gears and an automated shift transmission adapted to perform said method are suggested. Via a shifting fork, a shifting sleeve can be shifted from a neutral position into respective gear positions and reaches on its way a pull-in position where the shifting sleeve is automatically forced in direction of the gear position. It is achieved that the pull-in position is safely reached by checking whether the shifting fork has reached a first threshold value, a second threshold value, and whether it has come to a standstill therebetween. Accordingly, an increased shifting force can be applied. Albeit allowing production tolerances in the transmission, the respective gear position is safely reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Getrag Ford Transmissions GmbH
    Inventor: Helmuth Bosch
  • Publication number: 20110303048
    Abstract: This invention provides a common means of coupling an alternative power source to a vehicle's drive wheels which is particularly well suited for use with a countershaft-type transmission. This invention also addresses clutch wear by eliminating the need to engage the frictional clutch to launch the vehicle. This invention also improves the acceleration of the vehicle compared to a typical dry friction clutch launch by relying on a supplemental motor and associated control system to transfer more power to the drive wheels more quickly than would be transferred by a typical launch engagement of a dry friction clutch in a commercial vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: EATON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Thomas A. Genise
  • Patent number: 8051735
    Abstract: In an automated split path transmission with at least six forward speeds and three characteristic transmission steps (sI, sII, sIII), which decrease with the height of the forward speed, one of the forward speeds is a direct gear and the power of a further forward speed passing through two constant gearsets of the split path group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Dalmler AG
    Inventors: Helmut Bender, Carsten Gitt, Detlef Schnitzer
  • Patent number: 8050830
    Abstract: A driving apparatus includes a first transmission mechanism receiving mechanical power from an engine output shaft by a first input shaft, a second transmission mechanism receiving the mechanical power from the engine output shaft and a motor by a second input shaft, and a first clutch capable of engaging the engine output shaft with the first input shaft. When performing cranking of an internal-combustion engine, an ECU selects a gear position of the first transmission mechanism and the second transmission mechanism to reduce speed of the mechanical power received by the second input shaft and transmit the power to the first input shaft, and puts the first clutch into an engaging state. The speed of the mechanical power from the motor is reduced by the first and second transmission mechanisms to increase torque, and power is transmitted to the engine output shaft through the first clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Osamu Komeda, Mitsuhiro Tabata, Sachio Toyora, Hiroshi Sato, Koji Murakami, Junichi Morimura
  • Patent number: 8015891
    Abstract: To lower the center of gravity of the entire engine including a speed-change actuator for realization of the lowered center of gravity of a vehicle in which the engine is mounted and to suppress the effect on an arrangement space for components above the engine. In an engine including a transmission which is provided in a power transmission pathway to a drive wheel, a counter shaft which is an output shaft of the transmission, an engine case in which a crankshaft and the transmission are accommodated, and a speed-change actuator which is attached to the engine case, the speed-change actuator is arranged below relative to the counter shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Atsushi Ogasawara
  • Patent number: 8001862
    Abstract: A reverse drive assembly for a motorcycle that includes a transmission assembly having a main shaft and a counter shaft. The reverse drive assembly includes a first drive member configured to be coupled to an opposite end of the main shaft, a second drive member configured to be coupled to a second end of the counter shaft, and an engagement member operatively positioned between the second drive member and the counter shaft. The engagement member is movable between a first position out of engagement with the second drive member and the counter shaft, and a second position in engagement between the second drive member and the counter shaft to drive the counter shaft in a reverse direction. In some constructions, the engagement member is operatively positioned between the first drive member and the main shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Harley-Davidson Motor Company Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay Albulushi, Seth Cooley, Richard G. Dykowski
  • Patent number: 8001863
    Abstract: An arrangement of bearings for transmission shafts of a twin-clutch transmission having a first input shaft connected with a first clutch, a hollow second input shaft co-axially supported on the first input shaft and connected with a second clutch and a main shaft, which is parallel to and connected with the input shafts a drive constant via gear stages comprising fixed and loose gear wheels and a shift clutch. The drive constant is connected with an output shaft, which is parallel to the main shaft. The transmission shafts are supported by bearings, which are arranged in bearing planes, one of which is formed by an inner wall of the transmission housing and is axially adjacent the drive constant. This bearing plane includes one bearing supporting the main shaft, one bearing supporting the second input shaft and one bearing supporting the first input shaft within the second input shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignees: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Jens Patzner
  • Patent number: 7963184
    Abstract: To reduce the engaging sound to a low level, generated at the time of changing over the change gear stage by sliding a shifter, an intermittent feed mechanism includes a drum shifter, a pair of pawls symmetrically mounted to the drum shifter and energized in tilting-up directions, engaging recesses provided at regular intervals along the circumferential direction at the inner periphery of a shift drum center so as to be capable of engagement with both the pawls, and a fixed guide plate for guiding the tilted conditions of both the pawls. The guide plate is provided with a large-diameter arcuate part, a small-diameter arcuate part, and connecting parts. The pawls are engaged with the engaging recesses by the connecting parts, in the course of turning of the drum shifter by a turning amount necessary for changing over the establishment conditions of a plurality of change gear stages of gear trains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasushi Fujimoto, Kinya Mizuno, Hiroshi Sotani, Hiromi Sumi
  • Publication number: 20110126652
    Abstract: This invention provides a common means of coupling an alternative power source to a vehicle's drive wheels which is particularly well suited for use with a countershaft-type transmission. This invention also addresses clutch wear by eliminating the need to engage the frictional clutch to launch the vehicle. This invention also improves the acceleration of the vehicle compared to a typical dry friction clutch launch by relying on the HLA system to transfer more power to the drive wheels more quickly than would be transferred by a typical launch engagement of a dry friction clutch in a commercial vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: EATON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thomas A. Genise, Mihai Dorobantu
  • Patent number: 7938036
    Abstract: A motorcycle in which the clutch on-off operation and the gear-shift operation of the transmission are automated that can be driven when the actuator fails without complication of the structure and upsizing of the power unit. A crankcase of a power unit accommodates a transmission including a plurality of gears, a gear-shift clutch that is engaged or disengaged at gear-shift operation, and a shift shaft that engages or disengages the clutch and provides gear change of the transmission. Part of the shift shaft projects from the crankcase. A projecting portion of the shift shaft and an output shaft of an actuator are connected together on the outside of the crankcase with a connecting device. The connecting device is detachably connected to the projecting portion of the shift shaft or the output shaft of the actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kan Mochizuki, Takaaki Imamura
  • Publication number: 20110054745
    Abstract: A vehicle driving apparatus that can execute cranking of an internal combustion engine by transmitting a mechanical power from a rotor of a motor to an engine output shaft without executing an engaging/disengaging operation of a clutch. A driving apparatus of a hybrid vehicle includes a first speed change mechanism capable of receiving mechanical power from an engine output shaft by a first input shaft and transmitting the mechanical power to drive wheels, a second speed change mechanism capable of receiving the mechanical power from the engine output shaft and a rotor by a second input shaft engaged with the rotor and transmitting the mechanical power to the drive wheels, a first clutch capable of engaging the engine output shaft with the first input shaft, and a second clutch capable of engaging the engine output shaft with the second input shaft, wherein the second clutch is placed in an engaged state when operation force for executing an engaging/disengaging operation is not applied to the second clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroshi Sato, Osamu Komeda, Sachio Toyora, Mitsuhiro Tabata, Koji Murakami, Junichi Morimura
  • Patent number: 7896770
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, a dual clutch assembly, two countershaft gearing arrangements, one planetary gear set, a plurality of interconnecting members, and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the countershaft gearing arrangements includes a plurality of co-planar gear sets. The torque transmitting devices include a combination of clutches, brakes, and synchronizers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: David Earl Earhart, James A. Raszkowski
  • Patent number: 7866232
    Abstract: In a commercial vehicle transmission with a main group and a downstream group including a downstream group countershaft, the downstream group includes means for decoupling the downstream group countershaft in direct through drive so that in direct through-drive the countershaft does not run in an oil sump and no churning losses occur thereby increasing vehicle transmission efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Carsten Gitt, Detlef Schnitzer
  • Patent number: 7832298
    Abstract: A low inertia clutch and gear assembly for disposition on a countershaft of a dual clutch automatic transmission (DCT) includes a gear which is in constant mesh with a gear secured to the input shaft of the transmission and which is freely rotatably disposed on one of the countershafts or lay shafts. The lower inertia components of the clutch, i.e., the clutch hub and the smaller diameter friction plates are secured to the countershaft whereas the higher inertia components, i.e., the clutch housing, the larger diameter friction plates, the reaction plate, the piston and the return springs, rotate with the gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. Raszkowski
  • Patent number: 7832299
    Abstract: A gear-type transmission apparatus includes a first input shaft, a second input shaft provided coaxially and rotatably relative to the first input shaft, a first counter shaft and a second counter shaft arranged in parallel to the first and the second input shafts, an output shaft, a dual clutch mechanism having a first clutch and a second clutch for transmitting a rotation of a driving shaft driven by a power source to the first and the second input shafts, a first gear change mechanism, a second gear change mechanism, a reverse gear set having a reverse shift stage driving gear, a reverse shift stage intermediate gear, and a reverse shift stage driven gear, and a switching clutch having a reverse shift stage engaging member for establishing/interrupting a torque transmission from the driving shaft to the output shaft via the reverse shift set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Aisin Ai Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazutaka Kobayashi, Shiro Ogami, Yuichi Fukuhara
  • Publication number: 20100257953
    Abstract: A double clutch transmission with two clutches whose input sides are connected to a drive shaft and whose output sides are each connected to one of two transmission input shafts positioned coaxial with respect to one another. At least two countershafts provided and support toothed idler gearwheels while the two transmission input shafts support toothed fixed gearwheels such that it is possible to shift at least a plurality of power shift forward gears and/or at least one reverse gear. Five gear planes are provided so that at least one winding path gear is shiftable when at least one coupling device, assigned to the output gear, is disengaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang RIEGER, Matthias REISCH, Juergen WAFZIG, Gerhard GUMPOLTSBERGER
  • Publication number: 20100257952
    Abstract: A double clutch transmission with two clutches whose input sides are connected to a drive shaft and whose output sides are each connected to one of two transmission input shafts arranged coaxially with respect to one another. At least two countershafts are provided on which toothed idler gearwheels are rotatably supported, and toothed fixed gearwheels are positioned on the two transmission input shafts in a rotationally fixed manner such that it is possible to shift at least a plurality of power shiftable forward gears and at least one reverse gear. A maximum of six gear planes are provided so that at least one winding path gear is shiftable when a coupling device of the second countershaft, associated with the output gear, is disengaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang RIEGER, Matthias REISCH, Juergen WAFZIG, Gerhard GUMPOLTSBERGER
  • Patent number: 7798937
    Abstract: In a utility vehicle transmission having an input shaft, a main shaft and an output shaft, a countershaft is provided which can be decoupled in direct gear, a high number of gears wherein power is transmitted from the input shaft to the output shaft directly via the main shaft while providing for a high number of gears by two shiftable input constants with different transmission ratios which are selectively engageable with either of the various forward transmission stages and the reverse transmission stage but which also permit the return flow of power from the input shaft to the main shaft via the input constants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventor: Carsten Gitt
  • Patent number: 7775132
    Abstract: A transaxle for a vehicle comprises a transaxle casing; an input shaft housed in the transaxle casing and configured to receive as an input a driving power from an engine of the vehicle; an intermediate shaft housed in the transaxle casing; an axle housed in the transaxle casing and configured to drive a rear wheel of the vehicle; a rearward travel gear mechanism which is mounted between the input shaft and the intermediate shaft and is configured to transmit the driving power for moving the vehicle rearward from the input shaft to the intermediate shaft; a forward travel chain mechanism configured to transmit the driving power for moving the vehicle forward from the input shaft to the intermediate shaft; and a transmission gear mechanism which is mounted between the intermediate shaft and the axle and is configured to transmit the driving power from the intermediate shaft to the axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kaoru Oda, Taisuke Morita, Izumi Takagi
  • Patent number: 7743677
    Abstract: A powertrain having a torque converter, friction input shifting clutches and shared driving gears has an axially compact design, packages a transmission pump between the torque converter and a clutch hub and achieves seven forward speed ratios utilizing four back-to-back synchronizers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: James B. Borgerson, Simon P. Fitzgerald
  • Patent number: 7735389
    Abstract: An input system includes an input shaft portion, including a first and second input shafts, bearings, rotatably supporting the input shaft portion; and clutches, for transmitting rotational power to the first or second input shafts. An output system includes a first and second output shafts, and a plurality of driven gearwheels, which mesh with drive gearwheels of the first and second input shafts. Driven gearwheels for low gears disposed on the second output shaft are submerged in lubricating oil in an oil reservoir provided below the second output shaft. Drive gearwheels for low gears are disposed adjacent to the bearings. Tooth width dimensions of the drive gearwheels for the low gears are larger than tooth width dimensions of the driven gearwheels for the low gears. Exposed tooth width portions of the drive gearwheels constitute oil splashing portions which splash lubricating oil splashed by the driven gearwheels on to the bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignees: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Mitsubishi Jidosha Engineering Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Katsuhiro Komori
  • Patent number: 7730800
    Abstract: A small center distance is provided between a crankshaft and a gearshift shaft disposed in parallel. A power unit is built compactly in a direction of arrangement of the crankshaft and the gearshift shaft for supporting reliably the gearshift shaft on which heavy, first and second gearshift clutches are supported. A transmission includes a main shaft, disposed in parallel with a crankshaft and rotatably supported in a crankcase, and first and second gearshift clutches. The first and second gearshift clutches change a gearshift position in a first gearshift portion and a gearshift position in a second gearshift portion, respectively. The main shaft includes an outer shaft portion that extends from the crankcase and supports the first and second gearshift clutches. The outer shaft portion is supported by a bearing portion disposed in a front cover on a side opposite to the crankcase across the first and second gearshift clutches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Sorani, Kinya Mizuno, Yasushi Fujimoto, Ken Oike
  • Patent number: 7730799
    Abstract: A gear transmission mechanism (2) for motor vehicles having a main shaft (10, 12) and a countershaft (14) parallel to one another, on which different gears for different gear ratios are arranged. The countershaft (14) is arranged above a horizontal plane (X-Y axis) containing a main shaft axis (16) with respect to the axle system of the vehicle so that installation space for the functional components (gearshift elements 18, a hydraulic system 20) of the transmission is available below the gearset formed by the gearbox wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Michael Drabek
  • Patent number: 7707910
    Abstract: A gearbox module having a gearbox input and at least one gearbox output; having a starting element coupled to the gearbox input, having an input and an output that can be coupled at least indirectly to the gearbox output; having a gear-shifting device, having at least two inputs and one output, which can be connected to the gearbox output; a first input of the gear-shifting device is connected to the output of the starting element and a second input is connected to the input of the starting element; each input of the gear-shifting device is selectively connected by means of a synchronously shiftable coupling, thereby producing a first power branch and a second power branch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Voith Turbo GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Werner Klement
  • Patent number: 7685899
    Abstract: A two speed transmission including an input shaft; a lay shaft spaced from the input shaft; a first gear train connecting the input shaft to the lay shaft; a second gear train connecting the lay shaft to an output shaft, the gear train including a one way clutch or similar; and a clutch for engaging the input shaft with the output shaft. When the clutch is disengaged, power is transmitted from the input shaft via the gear trains and the lay shaft via the one way clutch to the output shaft which typically provides first or low gear for use in low speed maneuvering or where greater torque is required. With the clutch engaged, power may be transmitted from the input shaft directly to the output shaft to provide a second gear for when the watercraft is cruising.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Nautitech Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Graham Mowbray, Ric Tamba, Steve Tapper