Double Clutch And Interposed Transmission Patents (Class 74/340)
  • Patent number: 8038564
    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: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: David Earl Earhart, James A. Raszkowski
  • 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: 7891263
    Abstract: A two speed transmission system mounted for driving a marine craft comprising: an input shaft coupled in direct connection with a driveshaft of an engine of the marine craft; an output shaft coaxial with the input shaft coupled in direct connection with a driveline of the marine craft; a first gear train for transmitting drive at a fixed first gear ratio; a second gear train for transmitting drive at a fixed second gear ratio; a first friction clutch operable to engage/disengage the first gear train; and a second friction clutch operable to engage/disengage the second gear train, wherein in shifting between the first gear ratio and the second gear ratio one of the friction clutches is disengaged using controlled slippage while the other friction clutch is engaged using controlled slippage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: NT Consulting International Pty Limited
    Inventors: Graham Mowbray, Richard Terrence Tamba, Stephen Tapper, Paul Donnelly
  • Patent number: 7886626
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Per-Gunnar Bjorck, Mikael Mohlin, John A. Diemer, Patrick S. Portell, Henryk Sowul
  • Patent number: 7878083
    Abstract: A dual clutch transmission has a housing, a drive shaft arrangement, an output shaft and a countershaft. A plurality of gear sets is supported on the drive shaft arrangement and the countershaft, respectively. The gear sets are shifted by means of respective shifting clutches in order to engage different gears. The countershaft is connected to the output shaft via a constant output gear set. The gear sets are divided between two gear trains. A first forward gear and a reverse gear are each assigned to a different gear train. The gear set for the reverse gear is driven via an auxiliary shaft, which is in turn driven via a specific gear set. The specific gear set is assigned to the same gear train as the reverse gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: GETRAG Getriebe-und Zahnradfabrik Hermann Hagenmeyer GmbH & Cie KG
    Inventors: Oliver Nicklass, Andreas Mueller
  • Patent number: 7845246
    Abstract: A twin-clutch transmission system in a power unit for a vehicle includes a clutch system with a pair of hydraulic clutches, which respectively include clutch pistons. A gear transmission includes a first main shaft, which has a first end portion linked to a first one of the two hydraulic clutches. The gear transmission also includes a second main shaft, which has a first end portion linked with the other one of the two hydraulic clutches. A pair of hydraulic passages are concentrically formed inside the second main shaft, and apply hydraulic pressure respectively to the clutch pistons. An operating fluid is supplied from a second end side of the second main shaft. The resulting configuration enables the protrusion of the power unit toward the clutch system to be minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Tsukada, Masahiro Kuroki
  • 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: 20100251844
    Abstract: A transmission connectable to an input member and has 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: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Craig S. Ross, Scott H. Wittkopp, Edward W. Mellet
  • Patent number: 7779712
    Abstract: The transmission comprises a gearbox having first and second input shafts coaxial to one another, wherein the second input shaft carries driving gearwheels associated to the even gears (second, fourth and sixth) and to the highest gear (sixth or seventh); and a clutch unit having first and second dry friction clutches arranged to couple a drive shaft of the motor vehicle respectively to the first and second input shafts of the gearbox. The first friction clutch associated to the first input shaft is normally disengaged, whereas the second friction clutch associated to the second input shaft is normally engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: CRF Societa Consortile per Azioni
    Inventors: Domenico Mesiti, Dario Caenazzo
  • Patent number: 7765886
    Abstract: An automatic transmission that includes oil passages with a simple structure provided for twin clutches can allow the number of production steps to be reduced. The automatic transmission includes a number of gear trains equal to the number of speeds between a primary shaft and a countershaft. The automatic transmission performs connection and disconnection of a rotational driving force between a crankshaft and a gearbox by means of twin hydraulic clutches including first and second clutches, which are made of the same components and disposed on the axis of the primary shaft back to back. Oil passages can be formed into a more simple shape and can be configured to have the same total length. The first clutch performs connection and disconnection for first and third speeds, and the second clutch performs connection and disconnection for second and fourth speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Hori, Toshiyuki Sato, Eiji Kittaka
  • Publication number: 20100180704
    Abstract: A double clutch of a double clutch transmission is described and illustrated, and can include an inner clutch which is connected to an inner shaft and has an inner disk carrier for inner disks; an outer clutch which is connected to a hollow shaft arranged co-axially with respect to the inner shaft and has an outer disk carrier for outer disks; and a drive member arranged on a drive shaft and having inner and outer drive disks which can be operatively connected to the inner or outer disks and which form an inner clutch pack or an outer clutch pack together with the disks; wherein a common disk carrier for both clutch packs is attached to the drive member; the disk carrier includes two hubs associated with the clutch packs and engaged within one another; and each hub comprises a plurality of teeth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Inventors: Johann Oswald, Filip De Maziere, Didier Genouw, Hendrik Pecceu
  • Patent number: 7752934
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having a dual clutch, to achieve torque flow through a countershaft gearing arrangement. The countershaft gearing arrangement includes a plurality of co-planar gear sets having gears that are selectively connectable to a first and second countershaft. A transfer gear set transfers torque from the countershaft to an output shaft. 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: February 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Tejinder Singh, James D. Hendrickson, Henryk Sowul
  • Patent number: 7748287
    Abstract: A dual clutch transmission apparatus includes a first input shaft, a second input shaft arranged coaxially with the first input shaft and freely rotatable, a first counter shaft and a second counter shaft arranged in parallel with the first and the second input shafts, a dual clutch including a first clutch and a second clutch, the first and the second clutches transmitting rotational torque from a power source to the first and the second input shafts respectively, a first gear change mechanism provided between the first and the second input shafts and the first counter shaft, a second gear change mechanism provided between the first and the second input shafts and the second counter shaft and an output shaft connected to the first and the second counter shafts via a first reduction gear train and a second reduction gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Aisin Ai Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroki Hatori, Yuichi Fukuhara, Toshio Tanba, Shiro Ogami
  • 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: 7669497
    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: August 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, INC.
    Inventors: James B. Borgerson, Simon P. Fitzgerald
  • Patent number: 7665376
    Abstract: An automated dual-clutch multi-speed transmission is adapted to transfer power from an engine to the driveline of a motor vehicle. The transmission includes an output shaft adapted for connection to the driveline, an input shaft continuously driven by the engine and offset from a position substantially parallel to the output shaft. A countershaft is in constant driving engagement with the output shaft and is offset from and positioned substantially parallel to the input and output shafts. A first clutch is operable for establishing a releasable drive connection between the input shaft and a first driven shaft. A second clutch is operable for establishing a releasable drive connection between the input shaft and a second driven shaft. First and second gearset clutches are operable to releasably drivingly couple first and second gearsets to the countershaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.
    Inventor: John R. Forsyth
  • Patent number: 7644639
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having a dual clutch, to achieve torque flow through a countershaft gearing arrangement. The countershaft gearing arrangement includes a plurality of co-planar gear sets having gears that are selectively connectable to a plurality of countershafts. At least one transfer gear set transfers torque from the counter shafts to an output shaft. 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: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Hendrickson, John A. Diemer, Patrick S. Portell, Henryk Sowul, Ted T. Selever, Tejinder Singh, Craig S. Ross
  • Patent number: 7640818
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having a dual clutch, to achieve torque flow through a countershaft gearing arrangement. The countershaft gearing arrangement includes a plurality of co-planar gear sets having gears that are selectively connectable to a plurality of countershafts. At least one transfer gear set transfers torque from the counter shafts to an output shaft. 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: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Clinton E. Carey, Michael B. Solt, Boris I. Burgman, Henryk Sowul
  • Patent number: 7630811
    Abstract: The present invention relates to launch control of a vehicle having an automated manual transmission and an automated clutch selectively engaging an output of an engine to an input of the transmission. When a request for vehicle launch is detected, an output speed of the automated clutch and a desired clutch output torque are obtained. The automated clutch is partially engaged to allow for slip between an input to the clutch and an output from the clutch, and a desired amount of the slip between the input to the clutch and the output from the clutch is determined. A desired engine speed is calculated based on the desired amount of slip, with the engine torque automatically adjusted to obtain the desired engine speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Hong Jiang
  • Publication number: 20090272211
    Abstract: A multi-group transmission of a motor vehicle which includes at least two transmission groups arranged in a drivetrain and a way for supporting traction force during gearshifts such that traction-force gearshifts are maintained with improved shifting comfort at comparatively low cost, little design effort and compact installation space demands. At least one electromagnetic clutch is a change-under-load unit by which, bypassing the force flow of at least one main group made as a gear-change transmission, an active connection can be formed between a driveshaft and a main transmission shaft or a transmission output shaft. During a gearshift operation, an active connection is temporarily made between a driveshaft and a main transmission shaft or a transmission output shaft by way of at least one electromagnetic clutch designed as a change-under-load unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Rayk HOFFMANN, Alan DITTRICH
  • Patent number: 7610825
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having a dual clutch, to achieve torque flow through a countershaft gearing arrangement. The countershaft gearing arrangement includes a plurality of co-planar gear sets having gears that are selectively connectable to a plurality of countershafts. At least one transfer gear set transfers torque from the counter shafts to an output shaft. 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: February 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Hendrickson, Tejinder Singh, Henryk Sowul
  • Patent number: 7607367
    Abstract: A twin clutch gear transmission for a vehicle is provided for improving speed change control. The twin clutch gear transmission includes an even-numbered-gear-change gear transmission mechanism having a plurality of even-numbered gear-change gear trains which can be selectively established, and an odd-numbered-gear-change gear transmission mechanism having a plurality of odd-numbered gear-change gear trains which can be selectively established. The pair of clutches are capable of individually changing over the disconnection and the connection of power transmission between input shafts, which both gear transmission mechanisms include respectively, and a power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshimasa Mitsubori, Yoshiaki Tsukada, Masahiro Kuroki
  • Publication number: 20090249907
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having a dual clutch to achieve torque flow through a dual countershaft gearing arrangement. The countershaft gearing arrangement includes a plurality of co-planar gear sets having gears that are selectively connectable to a first countershaft and a second countershaft. A transfer gear set transfers torque from the countershafts to an output shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Tejinder Singh, Henryk Sowul, James D. Hendrickson
  • Patent number: 7581461
    Abstract: A transmission for vehicles is composed of an input shaft provided with a plurality of drive gears and connected to a drive shaft of an engine, an output shaft disposed parallel to the input shaft, driven gears which mesh with the drive gears, individually, and are rotatably disposed on the output shaft, a synchromesh mechanism which includes a sleeve axially movable relative to the output shaft and engages with a side of the driven gears, thereby connecting the driven gears to the output shaft, and a parking gear formed integrally on a hub of the synchromesh mechanism, the parking gear radially overlapping a bearing from outside. Thus, there may be provided a transmission for vehicles that requires less component parts and has a small transverse dimension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignees: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Mitsubishi Jidosha Engineering Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masahiro Matsushita
  • Patent number: 7510506
    Abstract: In a parallel manual transmission, an upshifting under power is executed based upon preset operating conditions, for example with a fully depressed accelerator pedal, without an electronically controlled, load-reducing ignition retard. When shifting to a higher gear, the engine output is used for increasing the speed of the engine and for the propulsion of the vehicle, based upon the operating condition of the drive train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Luk Lamellen und Kupplungabau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Klaus Kupper, Georg Schneider
  • Patent number: 7487691
    Abstract: An actuator arrangement for a twin-clutch transmission has a first and a second partial transmission. The first partial transmission contains odd forward gear stages and the second partial transmission contains even forward gear stages. At least one first and one second selector drum have in each case one controllable drive motor and at least one control cam. Each control cam is assigned at least one cam follower. The control cam of at least one selector drum encircles through at least 360°. The associated drive motor is designed to drive said selector drum through at least 360°. The gear stages are distributed on the two selector drums, and arranged on the control cams, in such a way that at least one direct multiple shift can be carried out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Getrag Getriebe- und Zahnradfabrik Hermann Hagenmeyer GmbH & Cie KG
    Inventors: Stefan Kapp, Reinhard Schaarschmidt, Georg Burgardt, Oliver Eppler
  • Patent number: 7487025
    Abstract: An automatic gearshifting process and/or disengagement process of a coupling-dependent power take off for a vehicle with the power take off engaged and when the vehicle is in motion. The power tapping at the power take off is minimized before a gearshift and/or disengagement of the claw clutch of the power take off takes place. One advantage is that gearshifting can be realized with engaged coupling-dependent power take off. Comfort is increased and coupling teeth wear is minimized, whilst, at the same time, a gear and the claw clutch of the power take off are able to be securely disengaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnor AB
    Inventors: Marcus Steen, Svante Karlsson, Erik Lauri
  • Patent number: 7478572
    Abstract: A transmission is provided with torque sensors on each of the power flow paths through the transmission so that actual torque data may be used in place of estimated data in controlling various vehicle operating characteristics, such as clutch apply or release, traction control, stability control and grade control, all of which are affected by the actual torque carried by the transmission. A method of controlling an automatic, multi-speed transmission includes operatively connecting the first torque sensor to the first shaft that partially establishes the first power flow path for a speed ratio of the transmission, sensing torque carried by the first shaft and controlling at least one vehicle operating characteristic based at least partially on the sensed torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Maten, Casie M. Bockenstette
  • Patent number: 7472617
    Abstract: A step-by-step variable transmission has a housing, a drive input shaft device, a drive output shaft and a countershaft. A plurality of gearwheel sets are mounted on the drive input shaft and on the countershaft. The gearwheel sets can be shifted so as to establish different gear stages by means of respective shift clutches. The countershaft is connected to the drive output shaft by means of a drive output constant wheel set. The drive output shaft is rotatably mounted in the region of its opposite ends on the housing by means of two bearings. At least one of the gearwheel sets is mounted in the region in the axial direction between the two bearings of the drive output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Getrag Getriebe- und Zahnradfabrik Hermann Hagenmeyer GmbH & Cie KG
    Inventor: Oliver Nicklass
  • Patent number: 7472616
    Abstract: A method for controlling an automated step-by-step variable transmission which has a plurality of gear stages which set up a different transmission ratio in each case. The method comprises the steps: a) detecting whether a gear stage is to be engaged, b) detecting an input actual variable which is substantially proportional to an input rotational speed of the step-by-step variable transmission, and an output actual variable which is substantially proportional to an output rotational speed of the transmission, c) checking as to whether a difference between a ratio of the input and the output actual variables and the transmission ratio which would be set up by the gear stage is smaller for a predefined timespan than a predefined tolerance range, and d) determining a fault state if the difference does not lie within the tolerance range for the predefined timespan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: GETRAG Getriebe- und Zahnradfabrik Hermann Hagenmeyer GmbH & Cie KG
    Inventors: Patrick Dreher, Martin Seufert, Frank Nageleisen
  • Patent number: 7469613
    Abstract: A twin-clutch transmission, in particular for a motor vehicle, with a twin-clutch arrangement comprising a first and a second clutch, and a first and a second drive unit designed as an electric machine with a stator and a rotor. The rotor of the first drive unit is fixed to an input side of the transmission that is connected to an engine so that it rotates always at the rotational speed of the engine. The twin-clutch transmission can be switched back and forth between a serial and a parallel hybrid mode, these modes being established by means of the first and second drive units. The drive shaft of the second drive unit and the clutches have different rotational axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Getrag Ford Transmissions GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Krauss, Ulrich Eggert, Martin Leibbrandt
  • Patent number: 7467564
    Abstract: A system for actuating gear changes in a motor vehicle transmission includes an electric motor including a motor shaft supported for rotation about an axis, first and second actuator drums supported for rotation substantially parallel to the axis, and a drive mechanism including a first power path driveably connecting the motor shaft and the first drum, and a second power path driveably connecting the motor shaft and the second drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Reid Baldwin, David Janson
  • Patent number: 7464618
    Abstract: A hydraulic control apparatus and method of controlling it for an automatic dual clutch transmission, which includes a first clutch with a first partial transmission and a second clutch with a second partial transmission, as well as a shifting system for engaging/releasing gears of the two partial transmissions. A first switching valve in a first position AI connects a first pressure regulator to the first clutch and disconnects it from the shifting system and in a second position BI connects the first pressure regulator to the shifting system and disconnects it from the first clutch, and that a second switching valve in a first position AII connects a second pressure regulator to the second clutch and disconnects it from the shifting system and in a second position BII connects the second pressure regulator to the shifting system and disconnects it from the second clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Getrag Ford Transmissions GmbH
    Inventors: Reinhard Mohlmann, Martin Leibbrandt, Ulrich Eggert
  • Patent number: 7464617
    Abstract: A control system including: first and second actuator devices for controlling the engagement of first and second sets of gears by selection and engagement movements, respectively; a first solenoid valve arranged to put the first or the second actuator device alternatively into communication with a fluid supply; a second solenoid valve arranged to control the selection movements of the actuator device which is in communication with the fluid supply; a distributor interposed between the fluid supply and the actuator devices and displaceable under the control of the first solenoid valve between a first position in which it puts the fluid supply into communication with the first actuator device and a second position in which it puts the fluid supply into communication with the second actuator device; third and fourth proportional pressure solenoid valves arranged to control the engagement movements of the actuator device which is in communication with the fluid supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: CRF Societa Consortile per Azioni
    Inventors: Filippo Baldascini, Dario Caenazzo, Domenico Mesiti, Gianluigi Pregnolato
  • Patent number: 7448291
    Abstract: To improve the safety of automated gearboxes, it is proposed that terminal positions of internal gearshift members and external actuation members be so defined separately from each other that one can recognize whether the engagement of a speed is accompanied by the attainment of a terminal position of an internal gearshift member or an external actuation member. Error analysis is possible in this way. For dual clutch gears, it is additionally proposed that one can, at least in gearshift operations that are critical in terms of safety, disengage on speed of a subgear in a separate procedure, before a new speed of this subgear can be engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Frank Stengel, Alexander Schweizer, Martin Zimmermann, Behzad Nazari, Joachim Hirt, Martin Fuss, Matthias Ehrlich, Jens Martin
  • Patent number: 7448290
    Abstract: In a twin-clutch transmission, in a first forward gear, the drive torque is transferred by an interconnection of a first transmission part having one countershaft and a second part transmission having another countershaft by means of an intermediate stage whose gearwheels can be used multi-functionally in connection with additional forward gears of the transmission thereby providing for a relatively small transmission with a relatively large number of transmission ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventor: Carsten Gitt
  • Patent number: 7437963
    Abstract: A synchronizer-controlled transmission has a plurality of input shafts, which are selectively connectible with a transmission input shaft, at least one countershaft, which rotatably supports a plurality of ratio gears, and an output shaft. A plurality of synchronizers is disposed along the countershaft and at least one input shaft to provide power transmission connections between the countershaft and the ratio gears disposed thereon. At least one ratio is established through direct connection between at least one input shaft and the output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond J. Haka, Hamid Vahabzadeh
  • Patent number: 7434487
    Abstract: A twin-clutch manual gearbox has a first input shaft and a second input shaft to which engine rotation is selectively input via individual clutches. The second input shaft is rotatably fitted onto the first input shaft so that the first input shaft protrudes from an end of the second input shaft farthest from the engine. First gearsets are located between the protruding end of the first input shaft and a layshaft located between the first and second input shafts. Second gearsets are located between the second input shaft and the layshaft. The second gearsets are positioned such that the gearset of the lowest gearbox speed which is capable of providing a bearing retaining space between the first input shaft and the second input shaft is positioned farthest from the engine, and the gearset of the highest gearbox speed is positioned closest to the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiromu Terai
  • Publication number: 20080245166
    Abstract: A multiple speed power transmission comprises: an input; an output; first and second input shafts releasably coupled to the input by first and second friction clutches, respectively; a countershaft disposed parallel to the first and second input shafts; an output pinion fixed to the countershaft; an output ring gear fixed to the output and meshing with the output pinion; an intermediate shaft disposed coaxially with the countershaft; a first input pinion fixed to the first input shaft and meshing with a first gear fixed to the intermediate shaft; a second input pinion fixed to the second input shaft; a second gear disposed coaxially with the intermediate shaft; an idler gear meshing with the second input pinion and the second gear; a first coupler for releasably coupling the first countershaft to the intermediate shaft; and a second coupler for releasably coupling the intermediate shaft to the second gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: Reid Alan Baldwin
  • Publication number: 20080236317
    Abstract: In a double-clutch transmission, a clutch of an input shaft which is not synchronously rotated with a output shaft is connected to synchronize the speed of rotation of the input shaft with that of the engine, and the rotational speed of the input shaft is measured to thereby detect a engine rotational speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Masahiro MATSUSHITA, Katsuhiro Komori, Takao Kimura
  • Patent number: 7428852
    Abstract: A system for actuating couplers to produce gear changes in a motor vehicle transmission includes first and second actuator drums supported for rotation, and first and second shift forks. Each first shift fork is driveably connected to a first actuator drum, secured to a first coupler, and displaced in response to rotation of a first actuator drum between a neutral state, wherein no gear is engaged, and at least one first drive state, wherein a gear of a first gear group is engaged. Each second shift fork is driveably connected to a second actuator drum, secured to a second coupler, and displaced in response to rotation of a second actuator drum between a neutral state, wherein no gear is engaged, and at least one second drive state, wherein a gear of the second gear group is engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Reid Baldwin, David Janson
  • Patent number: 7421919
    Abstract: A double clutch transmission with a double clutch, the input side of which can be driven and the output sides each communicate with one of two transmission input shafts that are arranged coaxially relative to one another, with an intermediate shaft and with fixed or idler gears that are mounted or rotatably supported on the shafts, and with shifting units that are allocated to the idler gears, with which the idler gears can be non-rotatably connected to the properly allocated shaft for the purpose of realizing gear ratio. To allow a more cost-effective production of this type of transmission, the fixed gears for the reverse gear and first gear are arranged axially directly in front each other on the same transmission input shaft, or that the fixed gears for the reverse gear and for the first gear are designed as a single common fixed gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Gerhard Gumpoltsberger, Jens Patzner
  • Patent number: 7418883
    Abstract: An automatic transmission includes a transmission case, a parking gear fixed to the transmission case, and a meshing mechanism, such as a synchromesh mechanism. The meshing mechanism includes a coupling sleeve to engage with the parking gear and hold a transmission output member unrotatable in a park lock state when the coupling sleeve is shifted axially toward the parking gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomoyuki Hara
  • Publication number: 20080202265
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having a dual clutch and a countershaft gearing arrangement. The countershaft gearing arrangement includes a plurality of co-planar gears sets having gears that are selectively connectable to at least two countershafts. Moreover, one of the gears of the plurality of co-planar gears sets that provides a reverse gear ratio is selectively connectable to a first countershaft and is in mesh with only one other gear of the plurality of co-planar gears sets that is selectively engagable to a second countershaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventors: James D. Hendrickson, John A. Diemer, Douglas John Dwenger
  • Patent number: 7409886
    Abstract: The invention relates to a twin clutch transmission of high efficiency which is compact in every dimension. This twin clutch transmission can be used particularly in vehicles having a longitudinally installed engine. For this purpose, the transmission input shaft and the transmission output shaft are arranged coaxially with respect to one another, whereas the two countershafts are arranged parallel to one another. Furthermore, the shift sleeves are arranged in a special way, thus making seven forward gears and a plurality of reverse gears possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventor: Carsten Gitt
  • Patent number: 7409885
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method of controlling a twin-clutch transmission (10). When the torque transmitted in a first transmission path (C1, E2, Z8, Z9, S2, Z3, Z4) reaches an upper limit given by the torque transmission capacity of that path further additional torque produced by an engine at the drive shaft (I) is transmitted by closure of the second clutch (C2) to the output shaft (O) in parallel relationship by way of a second transmission path (C2, E1, Z1, Z2, S1, Z3, Z4). That permits the output of the engine to be better utilised and makes it possible to achieve better travel characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Getrag Ford Transmissions GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Krauss, Michael Schwekutsch
  • Publication number: 20080141808
    Abstract: A transmission structure for a transmission (1, 48) having at least one starting element (2, 49), at least one transmission input shaft (4, 5, 50), one countershaft (22), at least one output shaft (41), fixed and idler gear wheels fastened or rotatably supported on the shaft, shifting sets (20, 21, 37, 39) coordinated with the idler gears, the same as roller bearings for support of the shafts, roller bearings (18, 24) being situated in a central bearing plane (D) which divides the fixed and idler gears coordinated with them in two gear groups. For further development of such a transmission, it is proposed that directly close to the roller bearings (18, 24) of the central bearing plane (D), upon at least one transmission input shaft (4, 5, 50) and the countershaft (22), the gear wheels (13, 33) of the first gear (G1) or the gear wheels (13, 30, 32) of the reverse gear (RG) are disposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2004
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventor: Gerhard Gumpoltsberger
  • Patent number: 7387043
    Abstract: To enable compactness by lowering the connecting force of dog clutch so as to decrease the energy consumption and reduce the size of a system. A method of changing gears of automobile which moves the dog clutch in the axial direction at the time of gear change, while applying weak periodic torque vibration between the gear of the dog clutch and change gear of the gear shifter, and disconnects the two gears and, after the gear of the dog clutch and change gear of the gear shifter have been disconnected, also moves the dog clutch in the axial direction, while applying weak periodic rotating speed vibration between the gear of the dog clutch and another change gear of the gear shifter, and connects the two gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Sakamoto, Masahiko Ibamoto
  • Patent number: 7387590
    Abstract: A method for operating a motor vehicle after receiving an acceleration signal in which the motor vehicle power train includes first and the second torque transmission devices connected to first and second subgears. The operational method includes selecting and engaging a predetermined target gear in one of the two subgears and selection and engagement of a predetermined intermediate target gear, in the other of the two subgears, while the power train continues to remain engaged. The intermediate target gear is so chosen that it will be higher than the target gear, so that the rpm of the gear input shaft of the target subgear, will be greater than the rpm of the gear input shaft of the intermediate target subgear, in which the current gear is engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventor: Felix Dreher
  • Patent number: 7383749
    Abstract: A twin clutch transmission for a motor vehicle has two input shafts, two clutches, and driving shafts. The first input shaft can be actively connected to the first clutch, and the second input shaft can be actively connected to the second clutch. The first driving shaft is situated underneath the input shafts and the second driving shaft is situated above the input shafts, or vice versa. The input and driving shafts have intermeshing gear wheels, with fixed gears and loose wheels or idler gears. Each driving shaft has a gear wheel for transferring torque to the axle drive. A further shaft implements the reverse gear RG. A highly versatile and compact transmission is obtained by providing a third driving shaft that has a drive gear wheel for transferring torque to the axle drive, and the drive gear wheels of the driving shafts engage with an axle drive gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Volkswagen AG
    Inventors: Michael Schäfer, Wolfgang Schreiber, Fritz Blumenstein