Plural Planetary Units Combined With Differential Patents (Class 475/205)
  • Patent number: 11855573
    Abstract: An efficient, large dynamic range electric motor system and method of operating same, including a frame, at least a first rotor-stator pair, together having a first dynamic range, and a second rotor-stator pair, having a second dynamic range, with the first and second pairs mounted within the frame for rotation about a common central axis of an output shaft, mounted for rotation about the first axis and configured to transfer torque from the first and second pairs. A clutch is configured to isolate at least one of the first and second pairs away from the output shaft, thereby establishing an at least one isolated pair, and preventing torque transfer between the at least one isolated pair and the output shaft. A controller is connected to the first and second pairs and is configured to control power delivery to the first and second pairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: WOODS HOLE OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTITUTION
    Inventor: Andrew S. Billings
  • Patent number: 11754159
    Abstract: An axle center transmission for transmitting a driving torque received from a drive device to two half shafts of an axle comprises a transmission gearing for transmitting a driving torque received at an input element and having at least two selectively switchable gear transmission ratios and a differential for distributing the transmitted driving torque to two output elements. The transmission gearing has a first gear formed as a planetary transmission having a first sun gear, a first planet carrier having planet gears, and a first annulus gear. The transmission gearing furthermore has a second gear formed as a planetary transmission having a second sun gear, a second planet carrier having planet gears, and a second annulus gear. The first sun gear forms said input element; the first planet carrier is stationary; and the second sun gear is couplable or coupled to the first annulus gear for a common rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: KESSLER & CO. GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Thomas Bauer
  • Patent number: 11739822
    Abstract: A transmission with a differential locking unit which comprises an input shaft (10), first and second output shafts (11, 12), and first and second planetary gear sets (P1, P2). Torque introduced, via the input shaft (10), is converted and distributed to the two output shafts (11, 12) in a defined ratio, and development of a sum torque is prevented. The differential locking unit comprises an epicyclic gearing (P3) as well as a switching element (B 1). The epicyclic gearing (P3) has at least three connection shafts (3), a first connection shaft (WI) is rotationally fixed to a linking shaft (3), a second connection shaft (W2) is rotationally fixed to the second element (E21) of the first planetary gear set (PI), which is rotationally fixed to the first output shaft (11). A third connection shaft (W3) can be secured to a rotationally fixed component (GG) by the switching element (B 1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Stefan Beck, Matthias Reisch
  • Patent number: 11235662
    Abstract: A gearbox having a power take-off for an electrically propelled vehicle. The gearbox includes a housing; at least one planetary gear set; an input shaft in continuous connection with at least one sun gear; a first output shaft in continuous connection with a carrier; a second output shaft in continuous connection with a ring gear; and a plurality of brake clutches grounded to the housing and are selectively engageable in combinations to transfer a torque from the input shaft to at least one of the first output shaft and the second output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Neeraj S. Shidore, Madhusudan Raghavan
  • Patent number: 11130401
    Abstract: A wheel hub for tandem axles including a housing, a reduction system, sun gears, planetary gears and a connection sleeve. The housing contains the reduction system, which is formed by the conical sun gears and the conical planetary gears that are accommodated in a supporting structure. The sun gears are mounted in a yoke that is attached to the supporting structure. The conical planetary gears are attached, respectively, to a differential housing in a fixed way and to an end of a semi-draft having free rotation. The connection sleeve is mounted in the end of the semi-draft having concentric mobility in relation to the conical planetary gear through an actuator system placed in an end of the supporting structure. The connection sleeve is formed by a body having a surface with double connection toothing disclosing a toothing of the yoke, and the toothing of the conical planetary gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: IVECO S.P.A.
    Inventors: José Francivaldo Pereira De Lemos, Fabio Nicora
  • Patent number: 11111996
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, gearing assemblies and methods for controlling a differential rotation rate between shafts of a vehicle using a variable speed motor. An embodiment includes a gearing assembly including a differential configured to engage a first axle shaft, a second axle shaft, and a drive shaft of a vehicle. The gearing assembly further includes a first plurality of adjustment gears and a second plurality of adjustment gears configured to engage the differential, configured to be driven by a variable speed reversible motor of the vehicle, and configured to controllably alter a rotation rate of a first axle shaft relative to a rotation rate of the second axle shaft based on rotation produced by the variable speed reversible motor. The first plurality of adjustment gears and the second plurality of adjustment gears each including stepped planetary gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Inventor: Shaun Chu
  • Patent number: 11111995
    Abstract: A drive unit for a hybrid motor vehicle has an input shaft connectable to an internal combustion engine, a first output shaft connectable to a first wheel, a second output shaft connectable to a second wheel, and a distribution unit. The distribution unit is configured to generate different torques at the first and the second output shafts, the distribution unit acting between the input shaft and the output shafts. The distribution unit has a transmission device and first and second generators that are configured to be controlled independently of one another for torque distribution. The first generator is operatively connected to the first output shaft and the second generator is operatively connected to the second output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Martin Vornehm
  • Patent number: 11002340
    Abstract: An automatic transmission includes a main transmission and an auxiliary transmission. The auxiliary transmission includes an auxiliary-transmission-side planetary gear mechanism, a first clutch, and a second clutch. The auxiliary-transmission-side planetary gear mechanism is provided between a pair of main-transmission-side planetary gear mechanisms, and a part of the auxiliary-transmission-side planetary gear mechanism is located within the main transmission. The first clutch fixes rotation of a sun gear of the auxiliary-transmission-side planetary gear mechanism. The second clutch connects a ring gear of the auxiliary-transmission-side planetary gear mechanism with the sun gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hironori Asaoka, Atsushi Honda, Motoki Tabuchi, Daisuke Okamoto, Naoyuki Kishimoto, Tomoe Osada
  • Patent number: 11002350
    Abstract: An axle assembly may have at least one electric motor/generator. The motor/generator may be connected to a first sun gear. A first gear of a first planet carrier may be meshed with the first sun gear. A first ring gear may be meshed with a second gear of the first planet carrier. A second ring gear, a second sun gear and a second planet carrier may be provided. A selector sleeve may selectively connect a selector spline connected to the first ring gear and a ground for a low output speed, the selector sleeve may selectively connect the first and second ring gears with the first planet carrier for a high output speed and selector sleeve selectively connect to only the first ring gear for neutral.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: DANA HEAVY VEHICLE SYSTEMS GROUP, LLC
    Inventor: William F. Waltz
  • Patent number: 10982745
    Abstract: A differential drive system includes an electric motor for generating an electric motor torque and an input planetary gear-set operatively connected to the electric motor to receive the electric motor torque. The input planetary gear-set has first, second, and third members. The first member receives the electric motor torque, the second member provides a first input torque in a first rotational direction in response to the electric motor torque, and the third member provides a second input torque in a second rotational direction, opposite the first direction, in response to the electric motor torque. The system also includes a first output gear-set operatively connected to the input planetary gear-set, and providing a first output torque in response to the first input torque. The system additionally includes a second output gear-set operatively connected to the input planetary gear-set and providing a second output torque in response to the second input torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Alan G. Holmes, Joseph R. Littlefield, Brendan M. Conlon
  • Patent number: 10874562
    Abstract: A mobile device includes a body, a motor, a transmission assembly and two driven components. The motor and the transmission assembly are disposed at the body. The transmission assembly includes a differential, two shafts and two stoppers. The differential is coupled to the motor. The two shafts are respectively coupled to the two opposite sides of the differential. The two stoppers are respectively disposed corresponding to the two shafts. The two driven components are respectively connected to the two shafts. When one of the two shafts is locked by the corresponding stopper, the motor may still drive the other shaft and the driven component connected thereto to rotate relative to the body through the differential. A transmission assembly is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Chen-Yi Liang, Ming-Ju Hsieh
  • Patent number: 10571349
    Abstract: A power measurement assembly mounted within an axle. In a specific example, the axle is a spindle that is interconnects the cranks of a bicycle, exercise, bicycle, or other fitness equipment. The power measurement assembly may include strain gauges connected with an appropriate circuit (e.g., Wheatstone bridge) that provides an output of the force on the axle by a rider pedaling the crank. In the case of an axle, the strain gauges measure the torsion due to the applied torque on the crank. The value is converted to a power value by a processor and that value is then wirelessly transmitted for display. The processor and/or the transmitter may be mounted within the axle. A separate power measurement assembly may be mounted on one of the cranks, which may include its own processor and transmitter or may take advantage of the processor and transmitter within the axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Foundation Fitness, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew P. Lull, Patrick A. Warner
  • Patent number: 10520071
    Abstract: A drive unit utilizing a double planetary differential and an overdriven gear to shift torque between output shafts. The drive unit includes a motor, a differential caging housing a planetary differential and in driving engagement with two output shafts, a planetary carrier, a first gear, a second gear, and two variably engageable clutches. The planetary carrier supports the planetary differential and is drivingly engaged with a first output shaft. The first gear is capable of being overdriven and is in driving engagement with the motor and the variably engaged clutches. The second gear is in driving engagement with the motor and the differential caging. The first clutch is disposed between the first gear and the second output shaft and the second clutch is disposed between the first gear and the planetary carrier. When the clutches are actuated, torque is shifted between the output shafts via the first gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Dana Automotive Systems Group, LLC
    Inventor: Kenneth E. Cooper
  • Patent number: 10514087
    Abstract: A driving system includes a drive source for driving a left drive portion and a right drive portion, a power transmission mechanism having first and second differential mechanisms each including a first rotating element, a second rotating element and a third rotating element and a switching unit. The first rotating elements of the first and second differential mechanisms are connected to each other so as to rotate in the same direction, the second rotating elements of the first and second differential elements are connected to the left drive portion and the right drive portion, respectively, and the third rotating elements of the first and second differential mechanisms are connected to each other so as to rotate in opposite directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shigeru Nakayama, Kenji Honda
  • Patent number: 10408317
    Abstract: A geared transmission unit in which a range of a speed ratio is widened without increasing a size of the transmission unit. The geared transmission unit comprises: a first sun gear fixed to a stationary member; a second sun gear arranged coaxially with the first sun gear while being connected to the second shaft; a first pinion gear meshing with the first sun gear; a second pinion gear meshing with the first pinion gear; a third pinion gear rotated integrally with the second pinion gear; a fourth pinion gear meshing with the third pinion gear; a fifth pinion gear rotated integrally with the fourth pinion gear; and a carrier coupled to the first shaft while rotatably supporting the pinion gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hiroshi Isono
  • Patent number: 10399635
    Abstract: A bicycle transmission device basically includes an input rotational shaft, an output part, a transmission mechanism that accelerates a rotational input that is input from the input rotational shaft and outputted to the output part, and a switching mechanism that selectively engages and disengages the transmission mechanism between the input rotational shaft and the output part. The transmission mechanism has first, second, third and fourth rotating bodies. The first rotating body is rotatable with the input rotational shaft. The second rotating body rotates around a stationary center axis with respect to the input rotational shaft and to which the torque of the first rotating body is transmitted. The third rotating body rotates with the second rotating body. The fourth rotating body receives torque from the third rotating body and rotates with the output part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Takashi Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 10378616
    Abstract: A transmission (G) for a motor vehicle includes an in-order-of-rotation-speed fourth shaft (W4) permanently connected to a transmission output (GW2-A), an in-order-of-rotation-speed first shaft (W1) either fixable by engaging a first shift element (B1) or connectable in a rotationally fixed manner with a transmission input (GW1-A) by actuating a second shift element (K1), an in-order-of-rotation-speed second shaft (W2) connectable in a rotationally fixed manner with the transmission input (GW1-A) by actuating a third shift element (K2), an in-order-of-rotation-speed third shaft (W3) is connectable in a rotationally fixed manner with the transmission input (GW1-A) by actuating a fourth shift element (K3), and an in-order-of-rotation-speed fifth shaft (W5) fixable by engaging a fifth shift element (B2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Viktor Warth, Michael Wechs, Stefan Beck
  • Patent number: 10288151
    Abstract: A multi-stage transmission is disclosed. The multi-stage transmission includes: two simple planetary gear sets, each including three rotary elements; one compound planetary gear set including four rotary elements; and six shifting elements. Since ten forward shifting stages and one reverse shifting stage can be accomplished with a relatively small number of parts, a simple construction and a low weight, the multi-stage transmission provides a further improved speed ratio for the driving conditions of the vehicle, thereby improving the fuel efficiency of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hyun Sik Kwon, Seong Wook Hwang, Ki Tae Kim, Won Min Cho, Jae Chang Kook, Seong Wook Ji
  • Patent number: 10250101
    Abstract: A balanced planetary gearbox including an assembly having an input stage and an output stage. The assembly includes two grounds, each with ground rollers and ground rings. The two grounds are fixedly attached to one another. The assembly includes a sun gear and planet sub-assemblies between the two grounds. The planet sub-assemblies include at least one input planet gear and one output planet gear. The sun gear and the input planet gears include rollers. An abutment of rollers in the gearbox keeps the sun gear and the planet gears in alignment. The output gear meshes with an output ring disposed in between the two ground rings, such that a combination of the at least one input planet gears from each of the plurality of planet sub-assemblies provides a structural symmetry to the planetary gearbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Northeastern University
    Inventors: Elias Brassitos, Brian Weinberg, Qingchao Kong, Constantinos Mavroidis
  • Patent number: 10113613
    Abstract: A power transmission member is disclosed. The power transmission member allows a planetary gear mechanism to be reduced in volume while sufficient strength is guaranteed. A planetary gear holding part, a rotating shaft part, and a sun gear holding part constituting a power transmission member are formed integrally. The rotating shaft part is substantially cylindrical, and a planetary gear can be passed through the interior of the rotating shaft part and turnably mounted on the planetary gear holding part. An open window is formed in the planetary gear holding part, and a toothed part of the planetary gear is configured to mesh with a bearing-equipped outer gear through the open window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Inventors: Hidekazu Atari, Manabu Shiraki
  • Patent number: 9895970
    Abstract: A vehicle drive system capable of selectively providing all-wheel drive and single-driven-axle modes includes a front drive unit having a planetary gearset with a grounded ring gear and a sun gear driven by the transaxle's drive spool via an input shaft, and a differential selectively coupled by a dog clutch to one of the sun gear or the planetary carrier, or neither of them, to thereby selectively provide both an available low range and a front axle disconnect. The front drive unit further defines a power take-off unit with a clutch selectively coupling the input shaft to a propshaft. The rear drive unit includes a planetary gearset with a grounded ring gear, a sun gear driven by the propshaft, and a differential selectively coupled by a dog clutch to one of the sun gear or the planetary carrier, or neither of them, to thereby likewise selectively provide both an available low range and a rear axle disconnect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventors: Richard G Reed, Jr., Joseph E Kubina, Michael P Kirk, Donald F Schmanski, Kenneth M Pachucki, Mircea Gradu
  • Patent number: 9731598
    Abstract: A vehicle drive system capable of selectively providing all-wheel drive and single-driven-axle modes includes a front drive unit having a planetary gearset with a grounded ring gear and a sun gear driven by the transaxle's drive spool via an input shaft, and a differential selectively coupled by a dog clutch to one of the sun gear or the planetary carrier, or neither of them, to thereby selectively provide both an available low range and a front axle disconnect. The front drive unit further defines a power take-off unit with a clutch selectively coupling the input shaft to a propshaft. The rear drive unit includes a planetary gearset with a grounded ring gear, a sun gear driven by the propshaft, and a differential selectively coupled by a dog clutch to one of the sun gear or the planetary carrier, or neither of them, to thereby likewise selectively provide both an available low range and a rear axle disconnect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventors: Richard G. Reed, Joseph E. Kubina, Michael P. Kirk, Donald F. Schmanski, Kenneth M. Pachucki, Mircea Gradu
  • Patent number: 9618088
    Abstract: A multi-speed transmission in planetary design for a vehicle with a housing includes a first shaft provided as a drive and a second shaft provided as an output that is arranged axially parallel to the drive. Three planetary gear sets and additional shafts along with six shifting elements are provided, through which the actuation of several gears are realized. Machine elements are provided for the transfer of torque between the drive and the output. The first shaft is connectable, as a drive, to the sun gear of the third planetary gear set, to the planetary gear carrier of the second planetary gear set, to the planetary gear carrier of the third planetary gear set, and is connectable or connected to the sun gear of the first planetary gear set. The second shaft is connected or connectable, as a drive, to the first machine element and to the second machine element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Stefan Beck, Christian Sibla, Wolfgang Rieger
  • Patent number: 9541171
    Abstract: An automatic transmission for a vehicle includes: the input shaft being constantly connected to the second element, arranged to be connected to the second sun gear by an engagement of the first clutch, and arranged to be engaged with the third sun gear by an engagement of the second clutch, the output member being constantly connected to the second ring gear, the first element being arranged to be fixed to the stationary portion by an engagement of the first brake, the third element being constantly connected to the second pinion carrier, and arranged to fixed to the stationary portion by an engagement of the second brake, and the third sun gear being arrange to be fixed to the stationary portion by an engagement of the third brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: JATCO LTD
    Inventors: Kenichi Watanabe, Shoji Sugaya, Kazuo Oguri, Masao Arimatsu, Jun Shinozaki, Yoshiaki Hatano
  • Patent number: 9382976
    Abstract: A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle may include an input shaft receiving a torque of an engine, an output shaft disposed substantially in parallel with the input shaft at a predetermined distance and outputting a changed torque, a first planetary gear set disposed on the input shaft and including a first, second and third rotation elements, a second planetary gear set disposed on the output shaft and including a fourth, fifth and sixth rotation elements, four transfer gears forming the externally-meshed gears, and frictional elements including clutches connecting the input shaft and the rotation elements of the first and second planetary gear sets and brakes connecting the rotation elements of the first and second planetary gear sets and a transmission housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Chang Wook Lee, Kangsoo Seo, Myonghoon Noh, Jae Chang Kook, Hyukjun Lee, Jongsool Park
  • Patent number: 9347538
    Abstract: A multi-mode continuously variable transmission in a powertrain of a motor vehicle includes a continuously variable unit connected to a planetary gear set arrangement. The planetary gear set arrangement generally includes two planetary gear sets, two brakes, and one clutch and provides multiple modes of ratio selection between the continuously variable unit and a transmission output member. The transmission output member is connected to a chain driven final having only three axes of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, James M. Hart, Daryl A. Wilton, Clinton E. Carey
  • Patent number: 9347539
    Abstract: A multi-mode continuously variable transmission in a powertrain of a motor vehicle includes a continuously variable unit connected to a planetary gear set arrangement. The planetary gear set arrangement generally includes two planetary gear sets, two brakes, and one clutch and provides multiple modes of ratio selection between the continuously variable unit and a transmission output member. The transmission output member is connected to a chain driven final having only three axes of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, James M. Hart, Daryl A. Wilton, Clinton E. Carey
  • Patent number: 9328803
    Abstract: A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission may include: an input shaft; an output shaft parallel with the input shaft; a first planetary gear set on the input shaft including a first, second and third rotation elements, the first selectively connected to the input shaft, and the third selectively connected to the input shaft; a second planetary gear set on the output shaft including a fourth, fifth and sixth rotation elements, the first selectively connected to the input shaft through two gear ratio paths and selectively connected to a transmission housing, the fifth selectively connected to the input shaft and the transmission housing, and the sixth connected to the second rotation element and directly connected to the output shaft; four transfer gears; and frictional elements including clutches and brakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Chang Wook Lee, Kangsoo Seo, Myonghoon Noh, Jae Chang Kook, Hyukjun Lee, Jongsool Park
  • Patent number: 9109665
    Abstract: A power shift transmission has an input shaft, a first output shaft coaxial to the input shaft, a planetary transmission with a planet carrier, which is connected to the input shaft, and at least three shift elements. To minimize drag from open shift elements and to optimize shift times of a connectable synchromesh transmission, the planetary transmission has at least two stepped planetary sets, which may be mounted on a common planet carrier. Each stepped planetary set meshes on input and output sides with at least one sun gear. The first output shaft is connected to an output side sun associated with one stepped planetary set by a first shift element, the first output shaft is connected to an output side sun associated with another stepped planetary set by a second shift element, and input side sun gears are blocked relative to the transmission housing by a third shift element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Ulrich Otten, Martin Schaller
  • Patent number: 9097321
    Abstract: A vehicular planetary gear train may include: a first input shaft; a second parallel shaft; a first planetary gear set including a first element selectively connected to the first shaft, a second element selectively connected to the first shaft and/or a transmission housing, and a third output element; a second planetary gear set including a fourth element connected to the second element, a fifth element connected to the third element and directly connected to an output gear, and a sixth element selectively connected to the first shaft through two paths; four transfer gears connecting the fourth and fifth elements respectively to the second and third elements, and connecting the sixth element to the first shaft through two paths; and frictional elements selectively connecting the first, second, and sixth elements to the first shaft, and a brake selectively connecting the second element to the transmission housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Chang Wook Lee, Kangsoo Seo, Jae Chang Kook, Jongsool Park, Myonghoon Noh
  • Patent number: 9097319
    Abstract: An automated manual transmission for a vehicle may include an input shaft configured to receive rotating force from a power source, an output shaft disposed parallel to the input shaft so that power is output from the output shaft, and a plurality of shift gear trains each comprising external gears respectively provided on the input shaft and the output shaft in such a way that the external gears circumscribe each other, the external gears forming a pair that embodies one of a series of shift ratios. Among the external gears that form a shift gear train in the plurality of the shift gear trains that embodies at least two adjacent shift ratios, either of two external gears that forms each of the shift gear trains may be connected to the input shaft or the output shaft by a planetary gear device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Soon Ki Eo, Jong Yun Park
  • Patent number: 9039559
    Abstract: An electric drive for a motor vehicle comprising an electric motor and a drive unit is disclosed. The drive unit has a first gear stage, driveable by the electric motor, a second gear stage, driveable by the first gear stage, and a differential drive, driveable by the second gear stage. The first gear stage has a driving wheel and an output wheel, wherein the driving wheel is arranged coaxially to the output shaft of the electric motor and is rotatingly driveable by the electric motor around a first rotational axis A. The output wheel is drivingly connected to the driving wheel and is rotatingly driveable around a second rotational axis B, wherein the second rotational axis B is arranged parallel off-set to the first rotational axis A. The second gear stage and the differential drive are arranged coaxially to the second rotational axis B.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: GKN Driveline International GmbH
    Inventor: Theodor Gassmann
  • Patent number: 8998765
    Abstract: An axle assembly with a motor, a differential assembly, a housing, a transmission and a reduction gearset. The transmission has a first and second planetary gearsets that have associated (i.e., first and second) ring gears, planet carriers and sun gears. The first planet carrier is coupled to a differential carrier of the differential assembly for common rotation. The second ring gear is non-rotatably coupled to the housing. The second planet carrier is coupled to the second differential output for common rotation. The second sun gear is coupled to the first sun gear for common rotation. The reduction gearset is disposed between an output shaft of the motor and the first ring gear and includes a first gear, which is coupled to the output shaft for rotation therewith, and a second gear that is coupled to the first ring gear for rotation therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: e-AAM Driveline Systems AB
    Inventor: Erik J. Sten
  • Patent number: 8998764
    Abstract: A drive module with a planetary transmission that includes a transmission housing, a first ring gear and a second ring gear. The first ring gear is rotatably mounted in the transmission housing, the second ring gear is non-rotatably mounted in the transmission housing, and the first ring gear is supported on the second ring gear to thereby align a central axis of the first ring gear to a central axis of the second ring gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: e-AAM Driveline Systems AB
    Inventors: Erik J. Sten, Thomas C. Bengtsson
  • Publication number: 20150087459
    Abstract: A speed-changing and differential transmission includes a speed-changing section and a differential section. The speed-changing section has an input stage and a load stage. The sun wheel of the load stage can be operatively connected to at least one planet wheel of the input stage via a planet carrier. At least one planet wheel of the load stage can be operatively connected to the annulus of the input stage via a planet carrier. One of these operative connections is configured as a selectable connection and the other is configured as a fixed connection such that through use of a coupling device, the annulus of the input stage can be operatively coupled to the planet carrier of the load stage, or the sun wheel of the load stage can be operatively coupled to the planet carrier of the input stage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: Rainer Petersen, Jörg Möckel, Andreas Lutz, Stefan Hanke
  • Publication number: 20140364264
    Abstract: An axle assembly with a differential assembly, a housing and a transmission. The transmission has a first and second planetary gearsets that have associated (i.e., first and second) ring gears, planet carriers and sun gears. The first planet carrier is coupled to a differential carrier of the differential assembly for common rotation. The second ring gear is non-rotatably coupled to the housing. The second planet carrier is coupled to the second differential output for common rotation. The second sun gear is coupled to the first sun gear for common rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventor: Erik J. Sten
  • Publication number: 20140302959
    Abstract: A transmission arrangement for use with a motor vehicle which has left and right hand transmissions 200L, 200R. A left hand variator 204L, 404L comprises a left hand input race 222L driveable from a transmission input 220, 520, 620 and a left hand output race 226L, 426L, 626L. A set of left hand variator rollers 224L is arranged to transmit drive between the left hand input race and the left hand output race. The left hand variator rollers are moveable to permit continuous change in the ratio of rotary speed of the left hand input to that of the left hand output race. A left hand epicyclic unit 210L has two left hand epicyclic inputs 226L, 234 driveable along with the left hand input race and the left hand output race. A left hand epicyclic out 234 drives a left hand transmission output 240L, 440L, 640L. A right hand transmission is formed in similar manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: TOROTRAK (DEVELOPMENT) LIMITED
    Inventor: Robert Andrew Oliver
  • Publication number: 20140274539
    Abstract: An adaptive continuously variable transmission (CVT) constructed to automatically adjust gear ratio in response to changes in power to an input shaft, and to the load applied to the output shaft while still transmitting power to the output shaft. The transmission blends three compound planetary gear sets together so that the instantaneous difference in rotational speed between the input and output shafts sets the gear ratio and torque output of the transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: ERIC ORTON
  • Patent number: 8827857
    Abstract: A planetary gear-set for continuously varying the output ratio between torque and rotational velocity, in which a central static sun-gear is considered as a reference to all other components. The structural aspects include a set of segments of a ring gear each such segment includes a linked couple of cogwheels. Another set of couples of linked cogwheels, is a sun-gear follower and the coupled member is output transfer cogwheel. A mechanism for changing the orientation of the output transfer cogwheel with respect to the sun-gear follower. A transient link connects between the above two separate systems of sets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Inventor: Giora Ledereich
  • Patent number: 8702552
    Abstract: Infinitely variable motion control (IVMC) provides motion control without any requirement for changing gears or use of a clutch. A spur gear transgear, defined as a system having an input, an output and a control, a variable pitch cam having an eccentric inner and outer cam assembly and a driver may be used to form a speed converter. The speed converter is used in various forms to provide an infinitely variable transmission, a differential, embodiments of wind and river turbines and pumps/compressors. In one embodiment, the speed converter drives first and second directional control assemblies to provide a vehicle with zero turn radius. A variable torque converter may be used in various embodiments to control torque from a minimum to a maximum by controlling movement of a rotor along a shaft in relation to a stator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Differential Dynamics Corporation
    Inventor: Kyung Soo Han
  • Patent number: 8663051
    Abstract: An axle assembly with an input member, a first planetary gear set, a differential assembly, and a second planetary gear set. The first planetary gear set has a first transmission input that is driven by the input member. The differential assembly has a differential carrier and first and second differential output members received in the differential carrier. The second planetary gear set has a planet carrier coupled to the differential carrier for common rotation. A sun gear of the first planetary gear set is non-rotatably coupled to a sun gear of the second planetary gear set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: e-AAM Driveline Systems AB
    Inventor: Erik Sten
  • Patent number: 8651993
    Abstract: A bicycle drive unit is provided that includes a motor, a crank axle, a power transmission axle and an output part. The motor includes a crank axle receiving hole. The crank axle is rotatably disposed in the crank axle receiving hole of the motor. The power transmission axle is separate from the crank axle and arranged to transmit rotation of the crank axle. The output part is operatively coupled to the motor and the power transmission axle to combine a rotational output of the motor and a rotational output of the transmission mechanism together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Etsuyoshi Watarai
  • Publication number: 20130324346
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, 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 clutches and brakes actuatable in combinations of two to establish a plurality of forward gear ratios and one reverse gear ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Pete R. Garcia, Tejinder Singh, John A. Diemer, Douglas John Dwenger
  • Publication number: 20130267368
    Abstract: A transmission and differential gearing includes a transmission section and a differential section. The transmission section has an input stage and a load stage. The sun gear of the input stage is connected or coupleable to an input shaft. The ring gear of the bad stage is fixed relative to the housing. The sun gear of the bad stage is connected to the carrier of the input stage. The carrier of the load stage is connected to the ring gear of the input stage. The differential section is a spur gear differential configured as a planetary gear set. The ring gear of the planetary gear set is connected to the carrier of the load stage. The carrier of the planetary gear set and the sun gear of the planetary gear set are connected to a respective one of two output shafts. A motor and gearing unit is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventors: Rainer Petersen, Andreas Lutz, Jörg Möckel, Stefan Hanke
  • Publication number: 20130260942
    Abstract: A transmission includes an input member, an output member, at least four planetary gear sets, 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 clutches and brakes that are actuated in various combinations to establish a plurality of forward gear ratios and a reverse gear ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Pete R. Garcia, John A. Diemer, Tejinder Singh, Douglas John Dwenger
  • Patent number: 8535189
    Abstract: A vehicle power transmission device includes: a power generation device that includes a rotating machine electrically controllable in torque; and a power distribution device including three rotating elements, which are an input rotating element, a first output rotating element operatively coupled to a first wheel, and a second output rotating element operatively coupled to a second wheel, the power distribution device distributing power input to the input rotating element from the power generation device to the first output rotating element and the second output rotating element, the power distribution device being configured such that the input rotating element, the first output rotating element, and the second output rotating element are arranged in this order from one end to the other end on a collinear diagram capable of representing the rotation speeds of the three rotating elements on a straight line, the operation state of the rotating machine being controlled to put the first output rotating element a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takahiro Yoshimura
  • Patent number: 8500584
    Abstract: A vehicle power transmission device includes: a power generation device that includes a rotating machine electrically controllable in torque; and a power distribution device including three rotating elements, which are an input rotating element, a first output rotating element operatively coupled to a first wheel, and a second output rotating element operatively coupled to a second wheel, the power distribution device distributing power input to the input rotating element from the power generation device to the first output rotating element and the second output rotating element, the power distribution device being configured such that the input rotating element, the first output rotating element, and the second output rotating element are arranged in this order from one end to the other end on a collinear diagram capable of representing the rotation speeds of the three rotating elements on a straight line, the operation state of the rotating machine being controlled to put the first output rotating element a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takahiro Yoshimura
  • Patent number: 8485933
    Abstract: Infinitely variable motion control (IVMC) provides motion control without any requirement for changing gears or use of a clutch. A spur gear transgear, defined as a system having an input, an output and a control, a variable pitch cam having an eccentric inner and outer cam assembly and a driver may be used to form a speed converter. The speed converter is used in various forms to provide an infinitely variable transmission, a differential, embodiments of wind and river turbines and pumps/compressors. In one embodiment, the speed converter drives first and second directional control assemblies to provide a vehicle with zero turn radius. A variable torque converter may be used in various embodiments to control torque from a minimum to a maximum by controlling movement of a rotor along a shaft in relation to a stator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Differential Dynamics Corporation
    Inventor: Kyung Soo Han
  • Patent number: 8403796
    Abstract: A drive force adjustment apparatus includes a differential gear, a motor, a first gear mechanism and a second gear mechanism. The input element, the first output element, the second output element, the motor input element, the fixed element, and the connecting element are expressed as points I, R, L, M, F and C on a graph, an ordinate of which shows the number of revolutions and a abscissa of which shows relative ratios of the number of revolutions of the elements. In one example, length of L-I is equal to length of R-I, I is located between L and R on a straight line L-R, C is located between L and M on a straight line L-M, and C is located between F and I on a straight line F-I.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tomo Kato, Kaoru Sawase, Yuichi Ushiroda
  • Patent number: 8398523
    Abstract: A drivetrain for an all-wheel-drive vehicle which has a first driven axle and a second driven axle. A drive unit is connected to a multi-stage transmission which has a multiplicity of gear stages for generating different transmission ratios. A transmission output shaft of the multi-stage transmission is connected to the first driven axle. The drive unit is also connected to an activating arrangement, the output element of which is connected to the second driven axle. Thus drive power can be supplied to the first axle permanently via the multi-stage transmission and drive power can be supplied to the second axle on demand via the activating arrangement. The activating arrangement has a first activating friction clutch and a second activating friction clutch which are designed to supply drive power to the second axle via a first and a second transmission ratio stage, respectively. The first transmission ratio stage is assigned to at least one lower gear stage of the multi-stage transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: GETRAG Driveline Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Peter Nett, Bernd Oberhausen, Michael Hoeck, Jan Haupt