Planetary Transmission And Coaxial Clutch Patents (Class 192/3.52)
  • Patent number: 11085533
    Abstract: In a vehicle power unit, a drum rotary shaft member on one side of a shift drum is provided with a driven gear. A case side wall on one side of an engine crankcase supporting the drum rotary shaft member is covered by a case cover member in opposing relation thereto. A shift motor is mounted to the case cover member, with a driving gear thereof directed to protrude toward the case side wall. A speed reducing gear train has gear shafts and provides a multiplicity of speed reduction stages for transmitting power from the driving gear to the driven gear. The speed reducing gear train is arranged with both ends of its gear shafts thereof supported on the case side wall and the case cover member, respectively. Such arrangement provides a vehicle power unit for a fast and smooth shift by an electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Eiji Kittaka, Takashi Kudo
  • Patent number: 11065950
    Abstract: A method of shifting ranges within a transmission is provided. The method of an embodiment includes determining an intention to change from a first mode to a second mode in the transmission, determining the first mode of the transmission, which includes a first range clutch in an engaged condition and a first synchronizer in a first engaged condition, determining the second mode of the transmission, which includes a second range clutch in an engaged condition and a second synchronizer in a first engaged condition, engaging the second synchronizer in the first engaged condition, disengaging the first range clutch, engaging the second range clutch, and disengaging the first synchronizer from the first engaged condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: David Mueller, Andrew K. Rekow, Thomas H. Vu, Rainer Gugel, Werner Stettler
  • Patent number: 10920733
    Abstract: A combination starter-generator device includes an electric machine and a gear set configured to receive rotational input from the electric machine and from the engine and to couple the electric machine and the engine in a first power flow direction and a second power flow direction. The gear set is configured to operate in one of multiple gear ratios in the first power flow direction and at least one gear ratio in the second power flow direction. The starter-generator device further includes a clutch arrangement with at least one active clutch selectively coupled to the gear set to effect the gear ratios in the first power flow direction and in the second power flow direction. The clutch arrangement further includes at least one drag clutch to apply a drag force on the gear set to slow the electric machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Steven R. Fliearman, Lisa R. Lloyd, Jeffrey S. Turner
  • Patent number: 10619704
    Abstract: An actuator arrangement for applying a torque to a shaft of a machine, in particular a reciprocating piston engine, includes: a) at least one actuator device for applying the torque; and b) at least one rotatable seismic mass coupled to the shaft. The at least one actuator device is designed to apply the torque to the shaft between the seismic mass and the shaft. A corresponding method is provided for active damping of torsional vibrations of the shaft having the actuator arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Hasse & Wrede GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Steidl, Thierry Cabon, Markus Mali, Florian Knopf
  • Patent number: 10557535
    Abstract: A reversible torque transfer device includes an input shaft including a center disc, an output shaft including a first output gear and a second output gear, a first outer disc on a first side of the center disc, and a second outer disc on a second side. The first outer disc concentrically surrounds the input shaft and is configured to move translationally along the input shaft and rotate a first input gear, the first input gear being mechanically connected to the first output gear. The second outer disc concentrically surrounds the input shaft and is configured to move translationally along the input shaft and rotate a second input gear, the second input gear being mechanically connected to the second output gear. The center disc drives a rotational movement of the first and second outer discs based on a translational position of the outer discs along the input shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Inventor: Earl Stuart Douglass
  • Patent number: 10400879
    Abstract: A control system for monitoring a torque converter in a machine is disclosed. The control system includes a first speed sensor associated with a driving shaft of the torque converter. The first sensor is configured to measure an input speed of the torque converter. The control system further includes a second speed sensor associated with an output shaft of the torque converter. The second sensor is configured to measure an output speed of the torque converter. The control system further includes a processing module adapted to calculate a speed ratio based on the signals received from the first speed sensor and the second speed sensor. The control system further includes an output module adapted to provide indication for a seized condition of a one way clutch in the torque converter based on the speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Paul D. Cashatt, Chintankumar G. Kothari, Randall T. Anderson, Bradley J. Will
  • Patent number: 10352402
    Abstract: A group manual transmission has an input shaft and an output shaft, on which gears of gear pairs of at least two switch groups are coaxially arranged, wherein the input shaft can be brought into a drive-connection with the output shaft via a gear pair of a switch group. A coupling shaft is provided, which is non-rotatably connected with a coupling-switch device for the acceptance of several switching positions. In a coupling-switching position, the coupling shaft is drive-connected with a gear pair of a switch group via the coupling-switch device for the transfer of a power flow via the coupling shaft to the output shaft. In an interruption-switching position, the drive connection between the coupling shaft and this gear pair is interrupted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: DEERE & COMPANY
    Inventors: Rainer Gugel, David Müller
  • Patent number: 10190661
    Abstract: A transmission for vehicles may include first and second input shafts to selectively receive power of a drive source via first and second clutches, first and second output shafts parallel to the first and second input shafts, a shift device including gear pairs tooth-engaged with the first and second input shafts and the first and second output shafts and having different gear ratios, one gear pair conforming to a running speed being selected by a synchronizer to shift and output power of the drive source, and a reverse idler gear provided at a reverse idler shaft to be tooth-engaged with an input gear of the first or second input shaft and tooth-engaged with an output gear of the first or second output shaft, the reverse idler gear being selected by a reverse synchronizer to transmit power from the input gear to the output gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Yeo Hyeon Gwon, Choung Wan Son, Chang Yeon Cho, Hyun Chul Kim, Jin Beom Seo, Ki Jong Park
  • Patent number: 10184557
    Abstract: Shift device for vehicle includes housing and shift lever. Shift lever includes cylindrical shaft portion which proximal end is pivotably supported inside housing, cylindrical shaft portion having elongated holes extending through peripheral wall of cylindrical shaft portion and are elongated in longitudinal direction of cylindrical shaft portion, shift knob fixed to distal end of cylindrical shaft portion, detent pin inserted through elongated holes in state where both ends of detent pin protrude from corresponding elongated holes, detent rod inserted in cylindrical shaft portion, detent rod being configured to transmit operating force of operating button in shift knob to detent pin, and shift lock member. Detent pin is fitted to detent rod. When operating button has been operated in state where brake depression operation is not performed, shift lock member contacts with one end of detent pin to block movement of detent pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignees: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, TSUDA INDUSTRIES CO., LTD., KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOKAI RIKA DENKI SEISAKUSHO, MANNOH INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shori Kato, Etsuo Shimizu, Takayoshi Kitahara, Saburo Kato, Hironori Mizuno, Takayoshi Masuda, Hideaki Ito
  • Patent number: 10156282
    Abstract: A power transmission apparatus for a vehicle may include a first input shaft on which at least one input gear is disposed, a second input shaft on which at least one other input gear is disposed, a first shifting output device including at least one shifting gear and a first output shaft, the at least one shifting gear being selectively synchronized with the first output shaft such that torque input from the first and second input shafts is output to a final drive gear, a second shifting output device including at least one other shifting gear and a second output shaft, the at least one other shifting gear being selectively synchronized with the second output shaft such that the torque input from the first and second input shafts is output to the final drive gear, and an idle device including an idle shaft and at least three idle gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Sueng Ho Lee, Ki Tae Kim, Ki Dong Kim, Jihun Lee, Ma Ru Kang, Seongwook Ji, Chon Ok Kim
  • Patent number: 10024373
    Abstract: A clutch system of the present invention executes, when switching a selectable one-way clutch from a lock mode to a free mode, an early mode switching control where while a selector plate is made go into a waiting state that a pawl member protruding from a fixed plate is abutting against a non-formation portion, a negative torque is made to act on a rotational plate in a negative rotational direction, and, by controlling the negative torque, the selector plate of the waiting state is made to rotate up to a release position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kenji Itagaki, Naofumi Magarida
  • Patent number: 9739345
    Abstract: A transmission includes a transmission housing, five co-planar gear sets, a transmission input shaft, an output member, a first and second countershaft, and five synchronizer assemblies. The five synchronizer assemblies are selectively engaged to establish one of at least seven forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio between the transmission input shaft member and the output member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Yogesh Kumar Dewangan, Bhaskara Ch, Raphael Demelezi, Ganesan Sp
  • Patent number: 9605731
    Abstract: A power transmission apparatus may include a first input shaft having at least one input gear and selectively connected to a power source through a first clutch, a second input shaft having at least one input gear and selectively connected to the power source through a second clutch, a first speed output unit including a first output shaft and at least one speed gear engaged with the at least one input gear on the first and second input shafts, a second speed output unit including a second output shaft and at least one speed gear engaged with the at least one input gear on the first and second input shafts and rotatably disposed on the second output shaft, and an idle module including at least two idle gears on an idle shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Suengho Lee, Jongsool Park, Seongwook Hwang, Byunghyun Lee, Kyeonghun Lee, Minjun Song, Jongmin Kim
  • Patent number: 9581227
    Abstract: A transmission for a vehicle may include a first input shaft to which power may be selectively transmitted by a first clutch, a second input shaft to which power may be selectively transmitted by a second clutch, wherein the second input shaft concentrically surrounds the first input shaft, first and second output shafts disposed in parallel with the first and second input shafts, a multiplicity of shifting gears disposed in the first and second output shafts so as to be meshed with gears of the first and second input shafts to respectively form gear steps, a plurality of synchronizing devices configured to selectively couple or decouple the shifting gears to or from the first or second output shafts, and a planetary gear train configured to selectively switch a revolution direction of one of the shifting gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Jong Yun Park, Kyung Ha Kim, Ki Nam Kim
  • Patent number: 9518633
    Abstract: A power transmission apparatus may include first and second input shafts; first and second clutches; first and second output shafts; first set of input gears fixed on first input shaft; second set of input gears fixed on second input shaft; first set of speed gears rotatable on first output shaft and engaged with first set of input gears or second set of input gears; second set of speed gears rotatable on second output shaft and engaged with first or second set of input gears; first set of synchronizers selectively connecting first set of speed gears to first output shaft; second set of synchronizers selectively connecting second set of speed gears to second output shaft; and reverse speed output unit engaged with one input gear of first and second sets of input gears, and second idle gear engaged with one speed gear of first and second sets of speed gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Suengho Lee, Kyeonghun Lee, Jongmin Kim, Changyeon Cho, Jonghyo Park, Minjun Song, Jongsool Park, Byunghyun Lee, Seongwook Hwang
  • Patent number: 9340203
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving operation of a hybrid vehicle are presented. In one example, compensation for a driveline disconnect clutch is provided. The approaches may reduce driveline torque disturbances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Alex O'Connor Gibson, Felix Nedorezov, Jeffrey Allen Doering, Hong Jiang
  • Patent number: 9297443
    Abstract: A power transmitting apparatus may include first and second input shafts selectively receiving torque of a power source through first and second clutches, first and second output shafts disposed in parallel with the first and second input shafts, a plurality of input gears disposed on the first and second input shafts, and at least five speed gears selectively connected to the first and second output shafts through a plurality of synchronizer modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Sueng Ho Lee, Chang Wook Lee, Jongsool Park
  • Patent number: 9151361
    Abstract: A gearbox arrangement including a dual-clutch gearbox and an adjoining range gearbox. The dual-clutch gearbox comprises an extra motion-transmitting connection adapted to transmit rotary motion from a primary gear to the output shaft without use of the range gearbox, so that the gearbox arrangement provides an extra gear of at least one primary gear. The extra gear is so dimensioned that it has a higher transmission ratio than the gear achieved by the primary gear with a low transmission ratio in the range gearbox, and a lower transmission ratio than the gear achieved by the primary gear with a high transmission ratio in the range gearbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: SCANIA CV AB
    Inventor: Dieter Slapak
  • Patent number: 9145952
    Abstract: A power transmitting apparatus may selectively transmit torque of power source to two input shafts through two clutches and may output changed torque through two output shafts after the torque selectively transmitted to the two input shafts is changed. The two input shafts may respectively have a plurality of input gears fixed thereon, the two output shafts may respectively have a plurality of speed gears rotatable on the output shafts and a plurality of synchronizers operably connecting each speed gear to any one of the output shafts, and each input gear may be engaged with at least one speed gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Sueng Ho Lee, Jongsool Park, Kyeonghun Lee, Choung Wan Son, Chang Yeon Cho, Jong Min Kim
  • Patent number: 9127755
    Abstract: A multiple clutch module for an automatic transmission integrates at least two multi-plate wet clutches into a single module. Each of the clutches includes a set of separator plates interleaved with at least one friction plate and a piston configured to compress the separators plates and friction plates. The separator plates of the first clutch are splined to a housing along their inner diameter whereas the separator plates of the second clutch are splined to the housing along their outer diameter. Each piston is associated with an apply chamber and a balance chamber radially inside the respective separator plates and friction plates. The housing rotates about a central shaft. Pressurized fluid is supplied to the clutches from the shaft. The first and second balance chambers are connected by a passageway within the housing such that they can be supplied with fluid from a common orifice in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory Daniel Goleski, Jeffrey Edward Maurer, Steven Gerald Thomas
  • Patent number: 8903583
    Abstract: The occurrence of shock and the occurrence of the feeling of losing speed can be prevented. When the clutch is engaged from the state in which the clutch is disengaged and a vehicle is being driven by only the power of an electric motor, an electric motor control unit controls the electric motor so that the torque of the electric motor is decreased at a rate determined according to the torque requested by the driver. During the period in which the torque of the electric motor is decreased at the above rate, a clutch control unit controls the engagement of the clutch so that the clutch is engaged after being set to a half-engaged clutch state in which part of the power is transmitted. The present invention is applicable to hybrid vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Hino Motors, Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomohiko Araki
  • Patent number: 8870703
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having a housing, a plurality of planetary gear sets, a structural member, a sprocket member, an annular drum, a band, and an actuator. The sprocket member is rotationally supported by the structural member. The annular drum is adjacent the structural member and is continuously rotationally coupled with a member of the one of the plurality of planetary gear sets. The band circumscribes the annular drum and includes at least a first position and a second position. In the first position the band is substantially separated from the drum and in the second position the band contacts the drum. The actuator selectively positions the band between at least the first position and the second position to transfer torque between the structural member and the annular drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: James M. Hart, Daryl A. Wilton, Edward W. Mellet, Elizabeth I. Wooden
  • Patent number: 8538642
    Abstract: A range determination apparatus for preventing a shift range from being undefined during speed change states of an automatic transmission with no manual valve. The range determination apparatus includes a gear speed change mechanism and a plurality of friction engagement elements operative to have respective operation states changed between an engagement and a disengagement state. The range determination apparatus is used for automatic transmissions subject to speed changes via a torque transmission path of the gear speed change mechanism changed by the operation states of the friction engagement elements. A real shift range determination is carried out on the basis of the operation states of the friction engagement elements, where a T-ECU is operative to determine a current shift range based on detection results obtained by oil pressure sensors and operation patterns preliminarily memorized when the operation states of the friction engagement elements are not being changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Naoki Itazu, Yoshinobu Nozaki
  • Publication number: 20130118849
    Abstract: An inertia incremental apparatus for a flywheel of an engine is provided to improve NVH performance of a vehicle driving system as well as rotary vibration generated from a crankshaft of the engine by remarkably increasing inertial force of the flywheel of the engine while occupying a relatively small volume and a relatively small weight to assure quiet and safe operability and ride comfort of a vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Jae Woong Hwang, Yong Wook Jin, Wan Soo Oh
  • Publication number: 20130105751
    Abstract: A load sensing transmission device in which when a rotation is transmitted to a sun gear, and planetary gears are rotated, if the rotation of an internally-toothed ring gear disposed at an outer circumference of the planetary gears is restricted in at least one direction, a decelerated rotation is output from a planetary carrier by revolution of the planetary gears. When the internally-toothed ring gear is rotated without being restricted, and simultaneously rotated together with the revolution of the planetary gears the rotation which is not decelerated is output from the planetary carrier. Existence and non-existence of the restriction of the rotation of the internally-toothed ring gear are switched by sensing a load by the load sensing mechanism and performing the engagement and disengagement by an engagement pawl. The rotation of the planetary carrier is output through a plate with slider, load springs, and a plate with cam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: KOJUN-TECH LLC
    Inventor: Desheng Xia
  • Patent number: 8062168
    Abstract: An arrangement of a planetary gearset (2) with an axially adjacent shift element in a housing (1) of a transmission of a vehicle. The planetary gearset (2) is connected to the shift element in a detachable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Peter Ziemer, Hermann Maier, Jörg Brockstieger
  • Publication number: 20100263978
    Abstract: A torque transmitting device includes a plurality of clutch plates, a ramp member that is selectively rotatable about an axis and that defines a ramp surface, a worm gear that is operatively connected to the ramp member for rotation therewith about the axis, and a roller element contacting the ramp surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicants: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS. INC., Shanghai Jiao Tong University
    Inventors: Li Chen, Chengliang Yin, Jie Shu, Jian Yao, Chunhao J. Lee, Chi-Kuan Kao, Farzad Samie, Yu Dong
  • Patent number: 7686733
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a manual transmission and a shift lug structure thereof where a direct shifting from a first speed to a reverse speed can be is possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Kim Myung Hun
  • Patent number: 7537536
    Abstract: A universal two speed gearbox for driving high speed vehicles under high temperature operating conditions, and other devices which require variable operating two speed bearing thrust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Inventors: Dusan J. Hvolka, Patrick Hvolka
  • Publication number: 20090032352
    Abstract: The present invention is a transfer case incorporating the use of a single actuator having an input member selectively engagable to a primary output member, an actuator operatively associated with a clutch assembly and a range selector, a first one-way clutch operably associated with the actuator, and a second one-way clutch operably associated with the actuator. When the actuator is actuated in a first direction, the first one-way clutch will activate the range selector to couple the input member and the primary output member to have either of a direct drive ratio, or a reduced gear ratio. When the actuator is actuated in a second direction, the actuator will actuate the second one-way clutch to engage the clutch assembly, transferring rotational force from the primary output member to a secondary output member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Larry A. Pritchard, Christopher J. Kowalsky
  • Patent number: 7416501
    Abstract: A single range, electrically variable transmission (EVT) is provided with a lockup clutch that reduces motor power requirements. When applied, the lockup clutch allows engine torque to be transmitted directly to the output without the necessity of a motor/generator supplying reaction torque. With the lockup clutch applied, the transmission operates with zero electro-mechanical power flow at a fixed mechanical ratio, thus mitigating the power peak which occurs through the motor/generators. Input-split, output-split, and compound-split transmissions are disclosed. A method of operating an EVT with a lockup clutch is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Alan G. Holmes, Michael R. Schmidt, Donald Klemen, Larry T. Nitz
  • Patent number: 7300376
    Abstract: An electromagnetic selection device of a two-stage planetary gear set (1) having one input shaft (2) and one output shaft (3), one sun gear (8), one ring gear (11), one planet carrier (10) with planetary gears (9), one transmission housing (6) and one sliding sleeve (14) for switching one first gear in which the ring gear (11) can be coupled with the housing (6) and one second gear in which the ring gear (11) can be coupled with the sun gear (8), the sliding sleeve (14) being movable by way of one electromagnet consisting of magnet coils (22, 23) and one armature (24). It is proposed that the armature (24) be situated rotatably, but axially fixed, upon the sliding sleeve (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Harald Eckert, Manfred Auer
  • Patent number: 7214161
    Abstract: A one-way clutch includes an outer member with inner teeth; an inner member rotatably retained in the outer member concentrically with the same and having a depression formed in an outer circumference thereof; at least one planet gear loosely and rotatably retained in the depression and engaging the inner teeth; and a removed portion formed in the outer circumference of the inner member adjacent the depression. When the inner member rotates in one direction with respect to the outer member, the planet gear freely rotates inside the depression. When the inner member rotates in an opposite direction with respect to the outer member, a part of teeth of the planet gear engages the removed portion. The planet gear is retained in the depression via a moving-range regulating member for regulating a moving range of the planet gear in radial and circumferential directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: NIFCO Inc.
    Inventor: Naoto Jinbo
  • Patent number: 7101300
    Abstract: A portable power tool with a housing, a motor having a motor output member, a driven member and a transmission. The transmission, which is located in the housing, is configured to receive a rotary input from the motor output member and to produce a rotary output that is transmitted to the output spindle. The transmission has a plurality of planetary transmission stages, each of which including a ring gear, a planet carrier and a plurality of planet gears that are supported by the planet carrier for meshing engagement with the ring gear. The transmission further includes at least one member that may be configured in a first condition, which renders at least one of the planetary transmission stages operable in an active mode, and a second condition, which renders at least one of the planetary transmission stages operable in an inactive mode. The transmission is operable in at least three overall speed reduction ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Rodney Milbourne, Christine Potter, Todd A. Hagan, Michael C. Bowers
  • Patent number: 6984188
    Abstract: A multi-speed transmission assembly for a rotary power tool. The transmission assembly includes a plurality of transmission stages, with at least two of the transmission stages employing a movable reduction element that permits the transmission stage to be operated in an active mode and an inactive mode. The movable reduction elements are coupled to a switching mechanism that switches the reduction elements in a predetermined manner to provide at least three-gear reduction or speed ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Christine Potter, Rodney Milbourne, Todd A. Hagan, Michael C. Bowers
  • Patent number: 6953412
    Abstract: A reversible one-way clutch (90) is positioned in parallel with a friction pack (62, 72) to drive a planetary transmission (10) in low gear and reverse. The clutch (90) has a biasing plate (96) secured to its surface to bias the clutch (90) in a direction so that the transmission (10) operates in either low gear or reverse gear. The biasing plate (96) is hydraulically actuated to bias the clutch (90) between low gear, neutral, and reverse gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Inventors: Thomas Edmund Braford, Daniel P. Costin
  • Patent number: 6935980
    Abstract: A compact transmission that is infinitely variable and load sensitive. It incorporates a standard hydrodynamic torque converter, however, this converter does not use a lock-up device. Instead engaged gears progressively change ratio output without shifting, thus eliminating the momentary power loss between shifts. It requires no special tooling and can be made from readily available over-the-counter parts. Thus, it is less expensive to manufacture than the transmissions and gearboxes currently used in modern vehicular and marine applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Inventors: Craig Allen Tafoya, Samuel Barran Tafoya
  • Patent number: 6849024
    Abstract: A starting clutch includes a planetary mechanism; a first clutch for outputting a torque to an outer diameter portion of the planetary mechanism; a second clutch for outputting the torque to an intermediate portion of the planetary mechanism; and a lock mechanism for locking a reactive force from an inner diameter portion of the planetary mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignees: NSK Ltd., NSK-Warner K.K.
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Hayashi, Hiroshi Fukushima, Takao Obara, Minao Umeda, Keeichi Minagi, Masao Shoji, Yoshio Kinoshita, Shiro Takeuchi, Tadashi Watanabe, Hirofumi Nakagomi, Tatsuro Miyoshi, Shigeharu Nishimura, Hiroshi Yabe, Nobuhiro Horiuchi
  • Patent number: 6719109
    Abstract: A method for the control of a bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly (10) disposed within a vehicle transmission, including the steps of initiating a drive function control routine (112) within an electronic control unit and sensing the commanded gear ratio within the transmission. The method steps further include determining whether a first gear function (132) should be initiated based on the commanded gear ratio and determining whether a second gear function (150) should be initiated based on the commanded gear ratio. The method also includes sensing whether the reverse engagement members (24B) and the forward engagement members (24A) of the bi-directional clutch (10) are engaged when neither the first gear function (132) nor the second gear function (150) are initiated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Jin Li, Mark Buchanan
  • Publication number: 20040060794
    Abstract: A method for the control of a bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly (10) disposed within a vehicle transmission, including the steps of initiating a drive function control routine (112) within an electronic control unit and sensing the commanded gear ratio within the transmission. The method steps further include determining whether a first gear function (132) should be initiated based on the commanded gear ratio and determining whether a second gear function (150) should be initiated based on the commanded gear ratio. The method also includes sensing whether the reverse engagement members (24B) and the forward engagement members (24A) of the bi-directional clutch (10) are engaged when neither the first gear function (132) nor the second gear function (150) are initiated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: Jin Li, Mark Buchanan
  • Patent number: 6712730
    Abstract: A torque coupling connects the secondary driving wheels of an automotive vehicle indirectly to the power unit of the vehicle through a variable torque coupling, while the primary driving wheels on the vehicle are connected directly to the power unit. The coupling compensates for variations in the angular velocity of the primary and secondary wheels while still transferring torque to the secondary wheels. The coupling includes a magnetic particle clutch organized about an axis and a planetary gear set organized about the same axis. The coupling has two paths through which the torque is transferred, one a mechanical path and the other a clutch path. Most of the torque is transferred through the mechanical path, while the clutch path accommodates for slippage and controls the proportion of torque delivered to the secondary wheels, with the control being solely dependent on the magnitude of the current directed through the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Assignee: The Timken Company
    Inventor: Mircea Gradu
  • Patent number: 6659902
    Abstract: A multi-gear, manual transmission, especially for utility vehicles, with at least partially automatized gear shifting or with a manual gear shift, in which the gear synchronization is carried out by motor guidance and wherein the transmission possesses a forward shift-group, a main-shift-group and a post shift-group, whereby the pre-shift-group is designed as a planetary gear set (2P) and a support member of the planetary gear set is constructed as a friction brake, which is active in the slow gear-shift position and thereby assumes the function of a start-up clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Friedrich J. Ehrlinger
  • Publication number: 20030178276
    Abstract: A bi-directional clutch for operating a window dressing such as a roller shade includes a protective guard for securing the window dressing to a stationary structure, a gear box for transmitting rotation to an output member in response to the operation of an elongated operating member such as a cord, and an antirotational member that prevents the undesirable operation of the output member. The output member is coupled to the window dressing. The gear box includes a gear pulley coupled to the elongated operating member, a planetary gear and a stationary gear. The gear box is arranged and constructed to transmit motion to the output member in response to the activation of the elongated operating member, at a predetermined mechanical advantage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventors: Richard Fraczek, Martin M. Balta, David M. Cross
  • Patent number: 6569054
    Abstract: A parallel hybrid vehicle can achieve regeneration efficiency in a regenerating operation by employing an electromagnetic two-way clutch which is superior in engaging and disengaging, can shorten a length in axial direction and can provide great freedom in layout. The parallel hybrid vehicle includes an engine, a motor generator having both functions of a generator and a motor, a transmission, a torque combining mechanism combining an output torque of the engine and an output torque of the motor generator by a planetary gear mechanism for outputting torque, control means for controlling output torque of the motor generator and rotating condition, and an electromagnetic two-way clutch mechanism selectively controlling engaging and disengaging between respective elements of the planetary gear mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Jatco Transtechnology, Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Kato
  • Patent number: 6481553
    Abstract: An automatic transmission formed so that the axial displacement of a clutch drum is restricted without causing an increase in the manufacturing cost and number of man-hour. A first spline is formed on an inner circumferential surface of a carrier of first planetary gear mechanism, and a second spline meshed with the first spline is formed on an outer circumferential surface of a free end section of a hub portion of a clutch drum of a clutch. The second spline is formed by cutting process, and has a diagonally cut rising portion at a terminal end thereof. When the clutch drum is displaced from its set position toward an intermediate partition wall by a predetermined amount, an inclined surface of the cut rising portion of the second spline on the hub portion engages a radially inner corner edge portion of the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Jatco Transtechnology Ltd.
    Inventor: Gung Cheol Lee
  • Patent number: 6244402
    Abstract: A power shift transmission (3) for motor vehicles in which instead of a hydrodynamic torque converter a controlled or regulated multiple disc clutch serves to assist starting. The loading of clutch is minimized by a fitted catch which prevents the motor vehicle from rolling in the opposite direction to the direction of travel intended by the gear selection. Catch can take the form of a mechanical catch, as sprag unit, or the form of an electronically adjusted catch which acts on one and/or more transmission brakes and/or clutches and/or into the service brake of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Hans-Jörg Domian, Ralf Dreibholz, Walter Kuhn