With Positive Clutch Or Brake Patents (Class 475/138)
  • Patent number: 11230188
    Abstract: A drive torque transfer case is provided. The transfer case includes an input shaft, an output shaft, a gear assembly coupled to the input shaft, and a range clutch assembly coupled to the output shaft. The range clutch assembly includes a clutch member and a multi-piston actuator configured to receive a pressurized transmission fluid for selectively axially translating the clutch member to engage a component of the gear assembly for transmitting a drive torque from the input shaft to the output shaft. The multi-piston actuator includes an internal piston having a first annular surface area A1 and a third annular surface area A3, and an external piston having a second annular surface area A2 and a fourth annular surface area A4. The A1 and A2 are in hydraulic communication with a first hydraulic chamber, and A3 and A4 are in hydraulic communication with a second hydraulic chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: James M. Hart, Daryl A. Wilton, Robert L. Moses
  • Patent number: 10711845
    Abstract: A clutch device, comprising a first and second input side and a first and second output side that can be rotated about a common axis. The clutch device further includes a first clutch located between the first input side and first output side, a second clutch located between the second input side and the second output side, and a centrifugal pendulum connected to the clutch device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventor: Elmar Lorenz
  • Patent number: 10408279
    Abstract: A transmission is provided. The transmission may include a planetary gearset. The transmission may also include a thrust hub that may be fixed to the planetary gearset and engaged with a thrust bearing. A clutch hub may be connected with and spaced away from the thrust hub such that the thrust and clutch hubs are not in contact with each other to reduce vibration transfer between the thrust and clutch hubs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Bernard Simon, James Glenn Gibboney, Jason Michael Sanderson, Dennis Neil Wys, Heng Liu
  • Patent number: 9511666
    Abstract: A vehicle driveline that includes a differential assembly, a two-speed transmission, a power take-off unit, a range sleeve, a mode sleeve and an input shaft. The range sleeve is non-rotatably but axially slidably coupled to the input shaft. The range sleeve provides rotary power to the two-speed transmission and is movable into different positions to control the gear ratio in which the two-speed transmission operates. The two-speed transmission outputs rotary power to the differential assembly. The mode sleeve is selectively movable into a position where it transmits rotary power between the range sleeve and a PTU input of the power-take off unit. Movement of the range and mode sleeves can be coordinated to provide a two-wheel drive high speed mode, a four-wheel drive high speed mode and a four-wheel drive low speed mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: James P. Downs, Paul J. Valente
  • Patent number: 9463691
    Abstract: A number of variations may include a transfer case comprising an input shaft and a first output shaft sharing a primary axis of rotation; a second output shaft offset from the first output shaft; a range shifter comprising a first cam constructed and arranged to selectively shift a vehicle to a high-range drive mode, a low range drive mode, or a neutral drive mode; a mode shifter comprising a second cam constructed and arranged to actuate a synchronizer which selectively shifts the vehicle between a two-wheel drive mode and a four-wheel drive mode a gear train having a first axis offset from the primary axis, and a reversible electric motor which drives the gear train wherein direction of the rotation of the electric motor determines engagement or disengagement of the mode shifter to selectively shift the vehicle between the two-wheel drive mode and the four-wheel drive mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph D. Mastie, Larry A. Pritchard, Mallikarjun Rudagi
  • Patent number: 8951156
    Abstract: A transfer case having a planetary gear set, a clutch collar, and an actuator. The actuator is configured to actuate the clutch collar between a low speed range position in which the clutch collar engages a planet gear carrier of the planetary gear set, and a high speed range position in which the clutch collar engages a sun gear of the planetary gear set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Laura Klemm, Richard Gady, Matthew Starna, Aleksey Khoryshev
  • Patent number: 8870696
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having a housing, a plurality of planetary gear sets, a structural member, a sprocket member, a first dog clutch member, a second dog clutch member, and a biasing member. The structural member is secured to the housing and includes a plurality of splines and defines a cavity. The sprocket member is rotationally supported by the structural member. The first dog clutch member is disposed in the cavity of the structural member and includes splines and dogteeth. The splines are engaged with the splines of the structural member. The second dog clutch member includes dogteeth that are aligned with the dogteeth of the first dog clutch member. The biasing member is disposed between the structural member and the first dog clutch member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Daryl A. Wilton, James M. Hart, James B. Borgerson, Edward W. Mellet
  • Patent number: 8869963
    Abstract: An arrangement for shifting a gearbox. The arrangement having first and second transmission components (14) and an axially movable shifting sleeve (17) such that the shifting sleeve (17) and the second transmission component (14) each have respective drive teeth (14a, 17a) that can be brought into engagement with one another. The drive teeth are in the form of beveloid teeth (14a, 17a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Michael Schiffhauer, Jörg Börner, Gabor Diosi
  • Patent number: 8834310
    Abstract: An assembly including an input including first, second, third and fourth passages, a shaft surrounding the input, a housing including a hub surrounding the shaft, a first path connecting the first passage to a first servo cylinder, a second path connecting the second passage to a second servo cylinder, a third path connecting the third passage to balance volumes, and a fourth path connecting the fourth passage to a third servo cylinder, bypassing the hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory D. Goleski, Steven G. Thomas
  • Patent number: 8734282
    Abstract: A method of operating at least one form-locking shifting element of an automatic transmission integrated in a drivetrain which comprises an oil pump that can be driven mechanically by an internal combustion engine and an auxiliary oil pump that can be electrically driven, before start-up of the internal combustion engine. The method including the steps of recognizing the start-up of the combustion engine and, when a start-up of the combustion engine is recognized, controlling the electrically driven auxiliary oil pump and the at least one form-locking shifting element such that, directly after the generation of a defined rotational speed difference of the at least one form-locking shifting element by the internal combustion engine, the at least one form-locking shifting element is engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Ruben Cuppers, Thilo Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8721483
    Abstract: An arrangement which comprises at least one claw clutch that can be connected to at least one component of a transmission, such that the claw clutch is arranged substantially within a bearing support (1) of the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Peter Ziemer, Peter Tiesler, Thilo Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8646589
    Abstract: A transmission latching mechanism includes a component of a transmission gearset, a member secured to and able to rotate with the component, and a piston fixed against rotation and moveable alternately to latch the mechanism, thereby holding the member against rotation and to unlatch the mechanism, thereby releasing the member to rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: David A. Janson, Gregory D. Goleski
  • Patent number: 8449422
    Abstract: A transmission for a vehicle with a clutch and/or a brake which is hydraulically actuated by a cylinder and a piston actuator. A pressure chamber is located between the cylinder and the piston and a hydraulic pressure medium flows into the pressure chamber via an inlet. The pressure medium is supplied to the pressure chamber via a component fixed on the housing, a rotary passage between the fixed component and the rotatable component and then via the rotatable component. The radial distance of the radial middle of the rotary passage is larger than the smallest radial distance and smaller than the largest radial distance of the pressure chamber from the rotation axis of a central shaft of the automatic transmission. The radial arrangement of the rotary passage, between the radially smallest and largest diameters of the pressure chamber, neutralizes centrifugally generated forces on the pressure medium in the pressure chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Horst Roegner, Gabor Diosi
  • Publication number: 20130017919
    Abstract: A transfer case having a planetary gear set, a clutch collar, and an actuator. The actuator is configured to actuate the clutch collar between a low speed range position in which the clutch collar engages a planet gear carrier of the planetary gear set, and a high speed range position in which the clutch collar engages a sun gear of the planetary gear set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: ARVINMERITOR TECHNOLOGY, LLC
    Inventors: Laura Klemm, Richard Gady, Matthew Starna, Aleksey Khoryshev
  • Publication number: 20120083374
    Abstract: An arrangement which comprises at least one claw clutch that can be connected to at least one component of a transmission, such that the claw clutch is arranged substantially within a bearing support (1) of the transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Peter Ziemer, Peter Tiesler, Thilo Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20120083373
    Abstract: An arrangement which comprises at least one claw clutch for the shiftable coupling and decoupling of a shaft (1), in an automatic transmission of a planetary design, with at least one component. The shaft can be connected to a component of the planetary gearset (4) and the claw clutch is arranged centrally, substantially inside a sun gear (3) of the planetary gearset (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventor: Peter Ziemer
  • Publication number: 20100248884
    Abstract: A simple, lightweight transmission for use in an electrically powered vehicle is disclosed. The transmission is symmetric in both weight and power distribution, and provides two input-to-output gear ratios, a neutral setting, and a park setting. A single “dog” clutch operates in splined relationship with a first shaft, and a single planetary gear assembly is connected to a second shaft. Sliding the dog clutch among four positions serves to shift the transmission among direct shaft engagement for direct drive, engagement through the planetary gear assembly for overdrive, disengagement for neutral, and double engagement for park. Preferred embodiments include reduction gears in the planetary gear assembly. Other embodiments include a synchronizer so as to synchronize the shaft rotation speeds when they are not exactly matched. Further embodiments include a dual-servo shift mechanism that prevents shifting into park unless a park servo is in its park position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventor: Richard Tremblay
  • Patent number: 7419041
    Abstract: A transmission shaft is divided into a first shaft portion releasably connectable to a first electric motor/generator via a first gear set and a second shaft portion connected to a second electric motor/generator via a second gear set. The first and second shaft portions are operatively connected to one another for rotation together. The first shaft portion is selectively slidable with respect to the second shaft portion to connect and disconnect the first shaft portion and the first gear set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Diemer, Boris I. Burgman, Henryk Sowul
  • Patent number: 7396306
    Abstract: A powertrain has an electrically variable hybrid transmission having an electro-hydraulic control system, plurality of electrical power units, and a plurality of torque transmitting mechanisms selectively engageable by the electro-hydraulic control system to provide four forward speed ranges, a neutral condition, an electric low and high speed mode, and an electrically variable low and high speed mode. Additionally, the electrically variable hybrid transmission provides a parallel reverse mode and a series reverse mode. The present invention provides an improved electro-hydraulic control system having a multiplexed electronic transmission range selection (ETRS) and reverse dog clutch system for an electrically variable hybrid transmission. The multiplexed control system of the present invention allows effective control of both the ETRS system and reverse dog clutch system using only one solenoid valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Charles F. Long, Michael D. Foster
  • Patent number: 7331894
    Abstract: A hydraulically-actuatable clutch and method is operable as an overdrive clutch in a transmission system having a transmission main shaft portion. The clutch is engageable between a transmission housing and a sun gear and rotor hub to provide for grounding of the sun gear and rotor hub to the transmission housing. The clutch may either be engaged or disengaged from the transmission housing. The clutch does not allow the rotor and sun gear to rotatably slip with respect to the transmission housing when the clutch is engaged to ground the rotor and sun gear to the transmission housing. When the clutch is disengaged, the rotor and sun gear may rotate with the transmission main shaft portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Henryk Sowul, Michael H. Pohl
  • Patent number: 7326141
    Abstract: A transmission drive system (TDS) has two AC induction traction motors, each operatively coupled to two semi-independent coaxial traction shafts, and two AC induction steer motors coaxially mounted on a common steer axis parallel to the coaxial traction shafts. A steering gear assembly, preferably between the traction and steering motors, has a common steer input shaft operatively connected to the two AC induction steering motors. Two planetary gear sets have the two traction shafts being operatively connected with one of a two planet gear carriers, or two ring gears, respectively. The other of the planet gear carriers or the ring gears are operatively connected with each other. Two offset gears mounted to the steer input shaft and meshing with two sun gears, respectively, including a reversing idler gear interposed between one of the two offset gears and one of the two sun gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur P. Lyons, Bart Winter Mancini
  • Patent number: 7288040
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for controlling a drive train (1) of a motor vehicle, especially an off-road vehicle, comprising a drive engine (2), a multi-group transmission (4), an output and a control device. The multi-group transmission (4) consists of at least one automatic gearbox (8) and a downstream range-change unit (9). When a modification occurs in the multiplication of the range-change unit (9), a) the drive train is relieved by modifying the torque of the drive engine (2), a shift element (24, 25) to be switched off in said range-change unit (9) is disconnected, c) a shift element (24,25) to be switched on in said range-change unit is synchronized and switched on and d) a multiplication of the automatic gearbox (8) is modified in such a way that the modification of the multiplication of the multi-group transmission (4) is smaller than a single modification of the multiplication of the range-change unit (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Detlef Baasch, Christoph Pelchen, Barbara Schmohl, Unal Gazyakan
  • Patent number: 7247115
    Abstract: A method for controlling a drivetrain (1) in a motor vehicle is disclosed, in particular in an off-road vehicle with a drive unit (2), a multi-group transmission (4) and an output. The multi-group transmission (4) comprises at least an automatic gearbox (8) and a subsequent range transfer box (9) which may be switched by means of switching elements (24, 25). On changing the ratio in the range transfer box (9), a synchronisation of the switching element (24 or 25), for switching in the range transfer box (9), is carried out by means of a controller of switching elements in the automatic gearbox (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Christoph Pelchen, Detlef Baasch, Barbara Schmohl, Ünal Gazyakan
  • Patent number: 7112156
    Abstract: A transmission includes a plurality of fluid passages configured to transmit fluid through the transmission for operating the transmission. A miniature electric motor is operatively connected to a moveable blocker positioned in one of the passages for actuating movement of the blocker between an open position in which fluid is allowed to flow through the passage, and a closed position in which the passage is blocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Joel M. Maguire
  • Patent number: 6652405
    Abstract: A multi-speed wheel hub includes a sun gear engagement clutch and a housing engagement clutch. A single shift ring is coupled to and rotates with the input member. The shift ring is positioned between the sun gear engagement clutch and the housing engagement clutch. The shift ring is axially movable along the input member. Upon movement of the shift ring in a first direction, a first engagement clutch of the shift ring engages the sun gear engagement clutch so that torque from the input member is transmitted by the shift ring to the sun gear through a planet carrier and a ring gear to the housing. Upon movement of the shift ring in a second direction a second engagement clutch of the shift ring engages the housing engagement clutch so that torque from the input member is transmitted by the shift ring directly to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: DT Planetaries Inc.
    Inventors: Glen Walter Staheli, Ernst Auer
  • Patent number: 6494804
    Abstract: A microvalve device for controlling fluid flow in a fluid circuit. The microvalve device comprises a body having a cavity formed therein. An electronically controlled automatic transmission, comprising of an input shaft; an output shaft; a plurality of gears providing driving connection between the input shaft and the output shaft; one of a hydraulically operated brake band and a hydraulically operated clutch which is operable to effect a change in the gear reduction provided by the gears between the input shaft and the output shaft; a source of pressurized hydraulic fluid; and a microvalve device selectively operable to control passage of pressurized hydraulic fluid from the source to the one of a hydraulically operated brake band and a hydraulically operated clutch to operate the one of a hydraulically operated brake band and a hydraulically operated clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Kelsey-Hayes Company
    Inventors: Harry A. Hunnicutt, Edward Nelson Fuller
  • Publication number: 20020187870
    Abstract: A multi-speed wheel hub includes a sun gear engagement clutch and a housing engagement clutch. A single shift ring is coupled to and rotates with the input member. The shift ring is positioned between the sun gear engagement clutch and the housing engagement clutch. The shift ring is axially movable along the input member. Upon movement of the shift ring in a first direction, a first engagement clutch of the shift ring engages the sun gear engagement clutch so that torque from the input member is transmitted by the shift ring to the sun gear through a planet carrier and a ring gear to the housing. Upon movement of the shift ring in a second direction a second engagement clutch of the shift ring engages the housing engagement clutch so that torque from the input member is transmitted by the shift ring directly to the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventors: Glen Walter Staheli, Ernst Auer
  • Patent number: 6117040
    Abstract: A novel multi-speed wheel hub having a housing, an input member, including a sun gear, disposed in the housing, a planet carrier, including a plurality of planet gears, disposed about the sun gear. There is also a ring gear disposed about the planet gears. The multi-speed wheel hub includes a shifting system including a piston. A first shift ring is mechanically coupled to the piston by a plurality of first push rods and a second shift ring is mechanically coupled to the first shift ring by a plurality of second push rods. The piston activates the first and second shift rings, such that, when the first shift ring is engaged and the second shift ring is disengaged, the ring gear is locked to the housing so that a torque is transmitted from the sun gear through the planet carrier to the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: 792049 Alberta Ltd.
    Inventors: Thorsten Watterodt, Glen Walter Staheli
  • Patent number: 5916051
    Abstract: A hydraulic shift system for a four-wheel drive transfer case is disclosed. The hydraulic shift system includes a pump, a pressure regulator, an accumulator, a control valve, a range shift assembly, a mode shift assembly, and a shift actuator. The pump supplies hydraulic pressure to the accumulator which is in communication with the control valve. The shift actuator controls the delivery of hydraulic pressure from the control valve to the range shift assembly and the mode shift assembly in response to actuation by the vehicle operator of a mode select mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: New Venture Gear, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl D. Schleuder, Edward J. Ziegler
  • Patent number: 5788038
    Abstract: Anti-gear hopping device for a power transmission mechanism for an automotive vehicle. The power transmission mechanism may be a torque transfer case of a four wheel drive system. The anti-gear hopping device prevents undesired shifting between high range speed and low range speed modes of operation. The anti-gear hopping device comprises: (A) a fluid pressure mechanism for controlling the movements of a shift member; (B) a valve mechanism for actuating the fluid pressure mechanism; and (C) a valve actuator. The fluid pressure mechanism may include either a diaphragm or a piston which divides a chamber into two cavities which may be at different pressures. An output member linked to the diaphragm or piston controls shifting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: John L. Hickey, Wesley M. Dick
  • Patent number: 5335764
    Abstract: An interengaging clutch comprises first and second rotatable clutch halves, the first clutch half being a driven clutch element connected to a first wheel drive train and being movable along an axial direction, the second clutch half being a driving clutch element and being connected to a main drive train and to a second wheel drive train. The clutch halves have circumferentially disposed dogs or teeth with intermeshing contact surfaces for engaging the clutch halves together so that torque can be transmitted from the second clutch half to the first clutch when they are interengaged and rotating at different rotational speeds. Connected to the first clutch half is a unidirectional servo component which is pressure actuated on one side only so as to move the first clutch half into engagement with the second clutch. The interengaging clutch further includes first and second rotational speed sensors which produce signals indicative of the rotational speeds of the clutch halves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Assignee: Steyr-Daimler-Puch AG
    Inventors: Max Leitner, Gerhard J. Fruhwirth
  • Patent number: 5257962
    Abstract: A north-south transaxle includes a case having a first passageway extending longitudinally and a second passageway spaced from the first passageway and being generally parallel to the first passageway and extending longitudinally. The transaxle also includes a transmission assembly disposed in the first passageway and having a first shaft portion extending through the first passageway at one end thereof and a transfer assembly disposed in the second passageway and having a second shaft portion extending through the second passageway at one end thereof. The transaxle includes first and second sprocket wheels disposed about the first and second shaft portions, respectively, a chain disposed about the first and second sprocket wheels and a snubber located on tension side of the chain for a dampening vibrations or excursions in the chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1993
    Assignee: Chrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Berthold Martin, John C. Collins, Thomas E. DeWeerdt
  • Patent number: 5122104
    Abstract: An automatic transmission having a turbine, a pump, a first stator and a second stator and a speed changer having a planetary gear train composed of first and second planetary gears sharing one planetary carrier in common and a clutch or brake for controlling the planetary gear train. The turbine of the torque converter is coupled to a turbine shaft which transmits power from the turbine to the speed changer. A first stator is provided at a turbine side between the turbine and the pump, the first stator being coupled to a first stator shaft for transmitting power from the first stator to the speed changer a one-way clutch. A second stator is provided at a pump side between the turbine and the pump. The second stator is connected to a housing though a second stator shaft having a one-way clutch for transmitting power in a direction reverse to the rotation direction of the pump. A clutch or brake for controlling rotation speed of the first stator shaft is provided in the course of the first stator shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1992
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Daikin Seisakusho
    Inventor: Masahiro Ohkubo
  • Patent number: 5006100
    Abstract: A particularly compact planetary gear mechanism includes an axially shiftable ring gear to provide either a direct drive mode or a speed reduction ratio mode between an input sun gear thereof and an output planet carrier thereof. In a first embodiment, the ring gear is urged in a first direction by a compressible spring apparatus to a conjoint coupled relationship with the sun gear for direct drive. In a less frequently used mode the ring gear is urged by a hydraulically actuated annular piston closely encircling it into a fixed relationship with a stationary coupling in opposition to the compressible spring apparatus. A second embodiment has no spring apparatus so that the annular piston is hydraulically biased in either axial direction for positively shifting the ring gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1991
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher D. Brandt, David C. Kettler, Willis E. Windish, William W. Blake