Spring Engaged, Fluid Released Clutch Or Brake Device Patents (Class 475/140)
  • Patent number: 11946531
    Abstract: An electric drive module that includes an electric motor, a differential assembly, and a transmission that transmits rotary power between the electric motor and the differential assembly. The transmission has first and second reductions. The first reduction has a drive gear, which is rotatable about a first axis, and a pair of first reduction gears that are each meshingly engaged to the drive gear rotatable about a respective second axis. The second axes are spaced apart from one another and are parallel to the first axis. The second reduction has a driven gear and a pair of second reduction gears. The driven gear is rotatable about a third axis that is parallel to the first axis. Each of the second reduction gears is being meshingly engaged to the driven gear and non-rotatably coupled to an associated one of the first reduction gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: James P. Downs, Paul J. Valente
  • Patent number: 11725722
    Abstract: A powertrain assembly includes one or several electric motors, a gearbox comprising a gearbox housing, an axle comprising: an axle housing, movable parts inside axle housing, comprising a shaft for a wheel, a lubricating system comprising an axle lubricating device comprising an axle oil sump and a gearbox lubricating device comprising a gearbox oil sump inside the gearbox housing which is a dry sump having an oil storage area which is separate from said gearbox oil sump, a scavenge pump and a first duct configured to retrieve oil from gear box oil sump and to convey the retrieved oil up to the oil storage area, and a main pump and a second duct configured to convey oil from the storage oil area to lubricate the gears of the gearbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: VOLVO TRUCK CORPORATION
    Inventors: Nicolas Granottier, Baptiste Boutin
  • Patent number: 11105330
    Abstract: A power transmitting component having a first shaft and a pump. The first shaft has a longitudinal bore, a pump mount and a feed conduit. The pump mount has a circumferentially extending surface, a drive portion and a channel that extends circumferentially about the first shaft. The channel is disposed along a longitudinal axis of the first shaft between the drive portion and the circumferentially extending surface. The feed conduit intersects and fluidly couples the longitudinal bore and the channel. The pump has a pump housing, a first rotor and a pump outlet. The pump housing is mounted about the circumferentially extending surface and is disposed circumferentially about the channel. The first rotor is coupled to the drive portion for rotation therewith. The pump outlet is coupled in fluid communication with the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2021
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Sullivan, Pritish Khale, Larry A. Pritchard
  • Patent number: 11083320
    Abstract: An integrated wall-breaking machine and slow juicer structure includes a housing; a driving motor linked with a first output shaft is provided within the housing; the first output shaft is linked with a second output shaft via a single-stage or a multi-stage transmission mechanism; a one-way bearing is fixed on the first output shaft; when the first output shaft rotates in one of a clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction, an outer ring of the one-way bearing rotates and the second output shaft rotates; and when the first output shaft rotates in the other direction, an inner ring of the one-way bearing rotates and the outer ring thereof is locked. The wall-breaking machine and the slow juicer are integrated. By replacing different cutters and by rotating the first output shaft clockwise or counterclockwise, the wall-breaking function or the juicing function is realized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignees: ZHEJIANG LINIX MOTOR CO., LTD., HUROM CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Haiqiang Zhao, Young Ki Kim, Hyanggon Kim
  • Patent number: 10955030
    Abstract: A two-speed transmission for an electric vehicle includes a planetary gear set selectively coupling an input shaft and an output shaft. The planetary gear set is configured to provide two forward gear ratios and neutral. The planetary gear set includes at least one sun gear, at least one pinion in meshing engagement with the at least one sun gear, at least one ring gear meshingly engaged with the at least one pinion, and a carrier. The carrier supports the at least one pinion and is connected to the output shaft such that rotation of the carrier drives the output shaft. The two-speed transmission also includes one or more elements that rotatably couple the at least sun gear, the at least one pinion, the at least one ring gear, the input shaft, and the carrier with one another and/or a ground. Examples of such elements include clutches, brakes, and mechanical diodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: AVL Powertrain Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Mordukhovich, Hamid Vahabzadeh
  • Patent number: 10794485
    Abstract: A vehicle parking mechanism according to the disclosure is a mechanism provided in a vehicle power transmission device that transmits power output from an electric motor to left and right axles and through two planetary gear mechanisms and a differential device, wherein, in a carrier of one of the two planetary gear mechanisms and, a piston engaged and disengaged with and from a carrier of the other is slidably provided, wherein the piston is engaged with the carrier of the other planetary gear mechanism when a vehicle is stopped, and wherein the piston is disengaged from the carrier of the other planetary gear mechanism other than when the vehicle is stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shuhei Tanaka
  • Patent number: 9316309
    Abstract: A method of controlling shifts in a multi-speed transmission includes beginning an initial shift, which changes the transmission from a starting gear to an initial target gear, and executing an adjusted shift, which changes the transmission to an adjusted target gear having higher speed ratio than the initial target gear, when transition conditions are satisfied. The transition conditions include a threshold increase in torque request, which is sufficient to require the transmission to be placed into the adjusted target gear. The transition conditions also include a common controlling clutch, which is partially engaged during the initial shift and the adjusted shift and is an off-going clutch to place the transmission in the adjusted target gear. Executing the adjusted shift does not include placing the transmission in a neutral mode. Furthermore, executing the adjusted shift does not include completing the initial shift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Harinath Atmaram, William R. Mayhew
  • Patent number: 9228641
    Abstract: A dual ratio constant mesh gearbox is provided that is suitable for use with an automobile, and particularly well-suited for an electric vehicle. The gearbox, which may be configured either as a manual or automatic gearbox, utilizes a planetary gear set and a pair of clutches to shift between under drive and direct drive modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: ATIEVA, INC.
    Inventor: Jean-Philippe Gauthier
  • Patent number: 9200697
    Abstract: A dual ratio constant mesh gearbox is provided that is suitable for use with an automobile, and particularly well-suited for an electric vehicle. The gearbox, which may be configured either as a manual or automatic gearbox, utilizes a planetary gear set and a pair of clutches to shift between under drive and direct drive modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: ATIEVA, INC.
    Inventor: Jean-Philippe Gauthier
  • Patent number: 8992365
    Abstract: A drive system includes a differential for transmitting power between a power source and first axles; a clutch including a first member driveably connected to the power source and a second member secured to a power transfer shaft; and a servo including a cylinder connected to a pressure source, a piston displaceable in the cylinder for mutually disconnecting the first and second members and allowing mutual engagement of the first and second members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Andreas E. Perakes, Matthew D. Hammond, Laurence A. Deutsch, Steven A. Frait
  • Patent number: 8545354
    Abstract: A torque transfer apparatus for a transmission includes a rotatable friction clutch pack including a first friction plate that is contiguous to a second friction plate, with the first friction plate coupled to a first transmission element and the second friction plate coupled to a second transmission element. A Belleville spring device is configured to urge the first friction plate to engage the second friction plate to effect torque transfer therebetween when a hydraulically-activated piston is deactivated. The hydraulically-activated piston is configured to urge the second periphery of the Belleville spring device away from mechanical contact of the first friction plate when the hydraulically-activated piston is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Gary L. Jones, Farzad Samie, Andrew L. Bartos
  • Patent number: 8409053
    Abstract: A powertrain for a vehicle includes an engine, a transmission with an input member driven by the engine, and an output member. An electric motor is operable to drive the input member. The transmission has an electrically-actuated one-way clutch with a neutral mode in which the clutch freewheels in both directions of rotation, and a locked mode in which the clutch is locked in one direction of rotation. The transmission also has a hydraulically-actuated dual-piston clutch with a spring that biases the dual-piston clutch to an engaged state. The one-way clutch is in the neutral mode and the spring biases the dual-piston clutch to the engaged state prior to a key start of the engine. The one-way clutch is actuated to the locked state following ignition of the engine after a key start, and remains in the locked state during an autostop of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Gm Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Farzad Samie, Chunhao J. Lee, Chi-Kuan Kao, Kumaraswamy V. Hebbale, Robert K. Saley
  • Patent number: 8210979
    Abstract: A normally-engaged clutch is provided having a friction-element with a first side and an opposing second side, a first plate configured for pressing against the friction-element on the first side, and a second plate configured for pressing against the friction-element on the second side. The clutch also includes a biasing device configured to apply a first force to the second plate for pressing the second plate against the friction-element to engage the clutch. Additionally, the clutch includes an apply piston for applying a second force to the first plate, and a release piston for applying a third force to the second plate. The clutch is disengaged when the second plate is pushed away from the friction-element by the third force in the absence of the second force, and is engaged when the first plate is pressed against the friction-element by the second force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Gary L. Jones, Farzad Samie, Chunhao J. Lee, Kumaraswamy V. Hebbale, Andrew L. Bartos, John I. Manole
  • Publication number: 20110287884
    Abstract: A parking mechanism of a transmission with a planetary gear mechanism for speed changing and outputting the rotation of a driving force source, includes a plurality of friction elements which change a speed ratio of the planetary gear mechanism by being engaged or released; and an engaging unit which engages the friction elements. The engaging unit maintains at least two interlock friction elements, which are engaged to interlock the transmission, out of the plurality of friction elements in engaged states when the operation of the driving force source stops due to a key-off operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventors: Takehiro UNNO, Koji Idebuchi, Katsuya Kobayashi, Yusuke Nakano
  • Patent number: 8012063
    Abstract: A pressure assisted park servo assembly for an automatic transmission includes a servo or spool valve which receives pressurized hydraulic fluid from various sources including two solenoid valves and transmission ports. The servo valve controls two flows of pressurized hydraulic fluid to a servo assembly to place the transmission in or release it from park. The improved park servo assembly exhibits enhanced operating speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Stephen W. Powell, Mark A. Vernacchia, Brian W. Whitmarsh, Ryan M. Jenness
  • Publication number: 20100160103
    Abstract: An electrically variable transmission includes an input member, an output member, two planetary gear sets, two electric motors, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices include a rotating clutch and a brake. The rotating clutch and the brake share a common fixed connection. The rotating clutch is released by a stationary actuator that engages a rotatable release plate. The actuator is engaged to release the rotating clutch when the brake is engaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Alan G. Holmes
  • Patent number: 7666113
    Abstract: A control apparatus of an automatic transmission having first and second frictional engagement elements that achieve higher and lower speed gear stages respectively, includes a target value determination section setting a rotation speed difference between input and output sides of the frictional engagement element, a total torque capacity calculation section calculating a total torque capacity, a distribution ratio determination section setting a distribution ratio of the total torque capacity to the first and second frictional engagement elements, an individual torque capacity calculation section calculating individual torque capacities respectively required of the first and second frictional engagement elements, and an engagement control section controlling engagement conditions of the first and second frictional engagement elements in accordance with the individual torque capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Jatco Ltd
    Inventors: Tomoaki Honma, Masaaki Uchida, Shusaku Katakura, Yoshinobu Kawamoto, Sadamu Fujiwara
  • 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: 7395736
    Abstract: An all-wheel drive system for a vehicle having an engine and a drive shaft is arranged between the drive shaft and front and rear propellable shafts. These shafts are interconnected by first and second clutches respectively, and the propellable shafts are coupled to front and rear wheels, for transferring torque from the drive shaft to the front and/or rear wheels. The all-wheel drive system further includes at least first and second actuators that are coupled to at least first and second clutches, where at least the first clutch is engaged by a spring and at least the first actuator is coupled for disengaging the first clutch when the first actuator is operated. The second actuator is coupled for engaging the second clutch when the second actuator is operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Haldex Traction AB
    Inventors: Per-Olof Davidsson, Bo Lundström, Lars Severinsson
  • Patent number: 7111377
    Abstract: The invention is related to a method for assembling a power transfer apparatus for selectively changing the speed of the output shaft relative to the speed of the input shaft. The method includes assembling an oil pump driving pin to the output shaft, assembling an oil pump sub-assembly, assembling a planetary carrier sub-assembly to the pump cover of the oil pump sub-assembly, assembling a clutch sub-assembly to the planetary carrier, assembling a transmission brake to the clutch sub-assembly in such a manner that the brake inner hub is coupled with the clutch piston, inserting the input shaft so as to fit in the first sun gear at the first spline and the clutch sub-assembly at the second spline, respectively and assembling a front case sub-assembly having bearings for rotatably bearing the input shaft and an actuator for actuating the transmission brake to the differential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masahiro Imamura, Toshio Hiyoshi
  • Patent number: 6949042
    Abstract: A shiftable transmission in which at least two clutches (2, 7) actuated in closing direction by spring force and in opening direction by the exertion of pressure are arranged, wherein output of the transmission is stopped by unpressurized shifting of both actuation devices (9, 13) thereby closing both clutches (2, 7). When pressure is exerted upon the second actuation device (13), the actuation force of the first actuation device (9) is composed of a spring force of the first actuation device (9) and a hydraulic force from the pressurization of the second actuation device (13). The clutch belonging to the first actuation device can thus be impinged upon with different forces depending on whether or not the second actuation device is impinged upon with pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Helmut Eymüller, Siegfried Stützle, Jürgen Legner
  • Patent number: 6837817
    Abstract: Changeover clutch discs for a direct coupling clutch and a change-speed clutch, respectively, are disposed in two stages in a radial direction across a movable element which can move in axial directions of an input shaft. A carrier and the movable element are brought into meshing engagement with each other such that the movable element does not rotate relative to the carrier. The changeover clutch discs mesh with clutch discs which are disposed on the input shaft and a casing, respectively. A coned disc spring and an electromagnetic actuator are disposed such that operating directions of the spring and the actuator are opposed to each other. The coned disc spring keeps the direct coupling clutch in normally engaged condition with its biasing force, and the electromagnetic actuator brings a change-speed clutch into engagement after it has released the engagement of the direct coupling clutch by virtue of its thrust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Atsushi Mori, Yasuji Shibahata, Takehiko Furuya
  • Patent number: 6830526
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having a sun gear, ring gear and planet carrier mounted in a housing. A plurality of planet gears are rotatably mounted to the planet carrier. The planet carrier is connected to one of either an input shaft or an output shaft while the ring gear is connected to the other of either the input shaft or output shaft. A clutch engageably and disengageably couples the sun gear for rotation with one of the input or output shafts to which the planet carrier is coupled. A brake engageably and disengageably fixes the sun gear against rotation relative to the housing. A hydraulically engaged/spring disengaged non-rotating piston is mounted in the housing and is slidable in response to fluid pressure between an engaged position for engaging one of the clutch and the brake and a retracted position for disengaging the one of the clutch and the brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Werner Stettler, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6432016
    Abstract: The driving device comprises a hydraulically shiftable friction coupling and a friction brake by means of which an input can be connected to a gear and which perform the function of a parking brake wherein an auxiliary release device comprising an adjustable accumulator piston and gear shift pistons interacting therewith separate friction coupling and friction brake thus interrupting the drive train; the accumulator cylinder of the auxiliary release device is connected to a supply tank via a connecting line and is provide with a blocking device which cuts off the connection to the supply tank when the auxiliary release device is actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Eduard Heilig
  • Patent number: 5779586
    Abstract: A driving device, in particular for driving the wheels of a motor vehicle, is provided with a drive and a mechanical gear downstream thereof and two hydraulically shiftable friction clutches (3) or friction brakes (4) for connecting the drive with the gear and for carrying out the functions of a parking brake. The friction clutches (3) or friction brakes (4) are connected, by control pressure lines (27, 28), with auxiliary pistons (15, 16) cooperating therewith, and when the accumulator piston (7) is actuated by the gearshift pistons (15, 16), the volume of the accumulator piston (7) is supplied by the control pressure lines (27, 28) to the gearshift pistons (15, 16) in order to uncouple them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Gebhard, Eduard Heilig
  • Patent number: 5700220
    Abstract: The invention relates to a power-shiftable two-speed gear. The gear is designed as planet gear (3). The two ratios can be hydraulically shifted via two friction clutches (9 and 10). At least one of the friction clutches (9 or 10) is fitted with a mechanism which prevents the full locking pressure from acting upon the friction components during downshifts or upshifts. A store (30), which the torque curve can be affected, is used for this purpose. To prevent traction loss and abrupt changes which are found to be particularly unpleasant, the store (30) consists of a cylinder (32) and a piston (33) is fitted in the line (18 and 24) leading to the pressure chamber (17 and 23). A non-return valve (28) with a choke (29) in parallel with it is integrated into the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Jurgen Legner
  • Patent number: 5655984
    Abstract: A transmission apparatus in which a differential-type transmission device has rotating elements with intermeshing teeth, one of which elements is connected to an input shaft and the other to an output shaft. One of the rotating elements is a reaction element, and the transmission apparatus has a selective locking mechanism mounted operatively between the reaction element and a housing of the transmission apparatus. The selective locking mechanism has a free-wheel for enabling the reaction element to rotate in the same direction as the input shaft and the output shaft when a selective connection device connects the rotating elements of said differential mechanism in order to cause direct drive operation. When the freewheel is locked, the reaction element is integral in rotation with a rotor of a brake which is able to be selectively released in order to release the rotor and the reaction element in relation to said housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Assignee: Antonov Automotive Technologies B.V.
    Inventor: Roumen Antonov
  • Patent number: 5620386
    Abstract: An automatic shifting power transmission has at least two selectively engageable devices which provide distinct gear ratios when engaged during normal operation. These devices are pressure released and mechanically engaged by springs to establish tie-up in the transmission when the hydraulic pressure is not present. This tie-up provides a parking condition in the transmission by preventing rotation of the transmission output member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Fereydoon Jamzadeh
  • Patent number: 5588931
    Abstract: A motor vehicle integral speed reduction and wheel mounting unit having a driven rotatable axle pivot member with axially spaced annular bearings mounted on the outer surface. An annular fixed axle housing has an inner surface mounted on the bearings. A ring gear is formed on the axial portion of the inner surface of the axle housing located between the bearings. Intermediate shafts are rotatably mounted in the axle pivot member and a gear is fixed on each intermediate shaft. Each gear is located partially within a radial recess formed in the axle pivot member. One end of each intermediate shaft extends out of the axle pivot member and is connected to a drive shaft by a planet gear fixed on the end of the intermediate shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: Linde Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Franz Forster
  • Patent number: 5509860
    Abstract: The invention relates to hydraulically engaged by means of two friction clutches (9 and 10). For that purpose, friction elements (outer and inner disks 13, 14 and 19, 20) are alternatively engaged and disengaged by the force exerted by plate springs (16, 22) or by hydraulic fluid. A mechanism associated with one of the friction clutches (9 or 10) prevents the full force of the spring from acting on the friction elements when the gear is shifted down from a higher to a lower step. An accumulator (30) is preferably used to influence the torque transmission during a downshift. An essential advantage of the disengaged arrangement consists in the smoothness of the shifting operation during downshifts, avoiding a particularly disagreeable hard shifting which is otherwise felt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Jurgen Legner
  • Patent number: 5478290
    Abstract: The present invention employs a hydraulically operable piston and intermediate member to control two clutches in a first planetary gear set. The first planetary gear set includes a first sun gear, a first planet gear, a first planet carrier and an inner ring gear. The first planet carrier includes a gear which drives a second planetary gear set resulting in rotation of a wheel hub. With hydraulic pressure applied to the piston and the intermediate member a first clutch is engaged locking an inner ring gear to a stationary outer ring effecting a high ratio reduction. With no hydraulic pressure applied to the piston and intermediate member a second clutch engages the first sun gear and the first planet carrier locking them together such that the first sun gear, first planet gear, first planet carrier and inner ring gear rotate in unison effecting a low ration reduction. With no hydraulic pressure applied, the first clutch is not engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Assignee: Fairfield Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis L. Buuck, James R. Dammon
  • Patent number: 5088968
    Abstract: A power transmission for driving a vehicle wherein a high-low speed changer is disposed between an engine and a primary speed change mechanism. The speed changer comprises a planetary gear mechanism provided between an input shaft and an output shaft, a speed increasing clutch for causing the gear mechanism to effect a speed increase, and a direct coupling clutch for coupling the input shaft to the output shaft via the gear mechanism without speed change. Since the torque transmitted to the speed change mechanism is small, the transmission can be compact in its entirety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1992
    Assignee: Kubota Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Horii, Seiichi Takahashi, Takeshi Imamura
  • Patent number: 4955852
    Abstract: A planetary gear mechanism including a rotating shaft having a splined end portion, a sun gear splined at a free end of the splined end portion, planetary gears engaging the sun gear, a carrier for rotatably supporting the planetary gears, a ring gear engaging the planetary gears, a clutch for connecting the rotating shaft and the carrier. The clutch has a first rotary member splined on the splined end portion of the rotating shaft such that the first rotary member is adjacent to the sun gear at the free end of the shaft, a first friction member rotatable with the first rotary member, a second rotary member rotatable with the carrier, and a second friction member rotatable with the second rotary member. The first and second friction member frictionally engage each other to transmit power therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1990
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kunio Morisawa