Abstract: An active differential assembly provides speed control of an associated output shaft. A differential case is rotatably mounted within a housing to drive a pair of output shafts extending from the differential case in opposite directions for distributing driving force from the engine to wheels. A pair of planetary gear sets are one each disposed about a corresponding output shaft and includes a planetary ring gear, a sun gear fixed to the output shaft, and a planetary carrier rotatably supporting a plurality of planet gears operatively coupling the planetary ring gear with the sun gear. A brake mechanism is disposed between the planetary ring gear and the housing for selectively braking the planetary ring gear to thereby cause an associated increase in speed of the axle shaft.

Abstract: Axle-drive unit for a motor vehicle which contains a first and a second differential (18, 19) in a driven housing (22), the two differentials (18, 19) being spur-gear-type planetary gears with parallel axes, the sun wheels (32, 43) of which are in each case connected in terms of drive to the half axles (8, 9) of the first driven axle, and planet wheels (36, 38) of the two differentials (18, 19) meshing with their common ring gear (35). The housing (22) has a machined inner surface (50) which surrounds the ring gear (35) with little clearance, the ring gear is so thin in the radial direction that it is deformed in a lobe-like manner by the radial component of the tooth forces exerted by the planet wheels (31, 36). The outer circumferential surface (60) of the ring gear is placed against the inner surface (50) of the housing (22) in a manner producing friction at least locally.

Abstract: An interaxle transfer case distributes drive power from an input drive shaft to both a rear propshaft aligned with the input drive shaft and to a front propshaft that is offset from both the input drive shaft and the rear propshaft. Within the transfer case, a planetary gear unit provides for delivering drive power from the input drive shaft to the front and rear propshafts at different speed ratios. A single-pinion differential gear unit within the transfer case provides for unequally dividing drive torque between the front and rear propshafts. Planet gears of the planetary gear unit and pinion gears from the single-pinion differential gear unit are mounted for rotation within a common carrier. The common carrier has one or more extended portions for supporting ends of a transfer case housing.

Abstract: An interaxle differential is provided which includes a side gear, a clutch gear torsionally locked on a first input shaft and axially slidably mounted thereon and an annular piston mounted in a differential casing for urging the clutch gear into engagement with a side gear and a spring to urge the clutch gear to an unlocked position.

Abstract: A power-split transmission for motor vehicles with off-road travel consists of a case (1), of an input shaft (2), of a first output shaft (3) coaxial with the latter, of a second output shaft (4), of a reduction unit (5), of a clutch unit (6) and of an offset drive (7).

Abstract: A common carrier assembly that is particularly adapted for use in supporting planetary gear sets used in a four-wheel drive vehicle transfer case. The common carrier includes a drive plate, a differential plate, and a reduction plate. The drive plate positioned between the reduction planetary gear set and the differential planetary gear set. The drive plate selectively engages a clutch that operates to position the reduction gear set in various operation modes.

Abstract: A transfer case for a vehicle that allows shifting between AWD and two-wheel drive at any vehicle speed. The transfer case includes a center differential employing pinion and sun gears that allow a front drive shaft and a rear drive shaft to turn at different speeds to provide the all-wheel drive function. The transfer case further includes an electrically actuated synchronizer assembly that allows the speed of the front drive shaft to be synchronized to the speed of the rear drive shaft when shifting from two-wheel drive to all-wheel drive to provide the shift on the fly function. The synchronizer assembly also includes a neutral position where both the front drive shaft and the rear drive shaft are not engaged to the vehicle transmission to allow for vehicle towing.

Abstract: A transmission (1) for distributing a drive torque to at least two output shafts (7, 8) which has at least two planetary gear sets (2, 3) with at least three shafts wherein each shaft (4, 5) of a planetary gear set (2, 3) is connected with one input shaft (6). Besides, each shaft of a planetary gear set (2, 3) constitutes one of the output shafts (7, 8) and at least one other shaft (9 or 10) of a planetary gear set (2 or 3) is operatively connected with one shaft (10 or 9) of one other planetary gear set (3 or 2). A torque of a shaft (9 or 10) dependent on operating state can be supported according to an operating state of the respective other shaft (10 or 9) via an operative connection (11) therewith in a manner such that when a rotational speed difference occurs between the output shafts (7, 8) a torque that changes the rotational speed difference abuts via the operative connection (11) on the planetary gear sets (2, 3).

Abstract: A transmission system for a four wheel drive vehicle includes an input shaft (2) connected to a differential mechanism (4, 6, 10), which has two output shafts (12, 20), which are connected, in use, to respective pairs of driven wheels of the vehicle. The two output shafts carry first and second coaxially mounted sun wheels (S1, S2, respectively), of an epicyclic gear system which mesh with first and second sets of planet wheels (P1, P2, respectively), the epicyclic gear system including a third sun wheel (S3), which is mounted coaxially with the first and second sun wheels and is in mesh with a third set of planet wheels (P3). The gear ratios of the three meshing sun wheels and sets of planet wheels are different.

Abstract: A transmission system for a four wheel drive vehicle includes an input shaft (2) connected to a differential mechanism (4, 6, 10), which has two output shafts (12, 20), which are connected, in use, to respective pairs of driven wheels of the vehicle. The two output shafts carry first and second coaxially mounted sun wheels (S1, S2, respectively), of an epicyclic gear system which mesh with first and second sets of planet wheels (P1, P2, respectively), the epicyclic gear system including a third sun wheel (S3), which is mounted coaxially with the first and second sun wheels and is in mesh with a third set of planet wheels (P3). The gear ratios of the three meshing sun wheels and sets of planet wheels are different. Each first planet wheel (P1) is connected to respective second and third planet wheels (P2, P3) to rotate therewith about a respective common planet shaft, the planet shafts being connected to a common carrier (24) which is rotatably mounted coaxially with the three sun wheels.

Abstract: A drive axle adapted for use in hybrid vehicles and having an electric motor and a gearbox packaged within a common housing assembly. The gearbox includes a differential assembly driven by a planetary-type reduction unit. The reduction unit includes a first planetary gearset having a first sun gear driven by the motor, a first ring gear, and a set of first planet gears meshed with the first sun gear and the first ring gear. A first planet carrier is non-rotatably fixed to a stationary number and rotatably supports the first planet gears. A second planet gearset includes a second sun gear fixed for rotation with the first ring gear, a second ring gear non-rotatably fixed to the stationary member, and a set of second planet gears rotatably supported from a second planet carrier and which mesh with the second sun gear and the second ring gear.

Abstract: A powertrain incorporating an engine, a planetary gear assembly and front and rear final drive assemblies has a plurality of planetary gear sets and torque transmitting mechanisms enclosed within a rotatable housing which transfers power from an output differential mechanism in the planetary gear assembly to a transfer drive mechanism disposed between the transmission input and the transmission gearing. The rotatable housing surrounds a plurality of torque transmitting mechanisms including at least two stationary torque transmitting mechanisms which are secured partially or operatively with a grounding member extending longitudinally within said transmission and being connected with a stationary housing disposed in said transmission housing intermediate said torque transmitting mechanisms and said torque converter.

Abstract: A drive axle adapted for use in hybrid vehicles and having an electric motor and a gearbox packaged within a common housing assembly. The gearbox includes a differential assembly driven by a planetary-type reduction unit. The reduction unit includes a first planetary gearset having a first sun gear driven by the motor, a first ring gear, and a set of first planet gears meshed with the first sun gear and the first ring gear. A first planet carrier is nonrotatably fixed to a stationary number and rotatably supports the first planet gears. A second planet gearset includes a second sun gear fixed for rotation with the first ring gear, a second ring gear non-rotatably fixed to the stationary member, and a set of second planet gears rotatably supported from a second planet carrier and which mesh with the second sun gear and the second ring gear.

Abstract: A split planetary gear assembly is provided having a pair of helical gearsets implemented in a vehicle transmission. The first helical gearset includes a first sun gear, a first ring gear, and a set of first planet gears meshed with the first sun gear and the first ring gear. The second helical gearset includes a second sun gear, a second ring gear, and a set of second planet gears meshed with the second sun gear and the second ring gear. The components of the second helical gearset have the same number of teeth, helix angle, and tooth pitch as the components of the first helical gearset with the exceptions that their angular helix orientation (i.e., left-hand/right-hand) is reversed and they are circumferentially indexed by one-half tooth pitch. In addition, the first and second planet gears are arranged in paired sets and supported on a common pinion shaft which, in turn, is fixed to a planet carrier. The second sun gear is splined for rotation with and limited axial movement relative to the first sun gear.

Abstract: A full-time power transfer system is disclosed to include a transfer case having a clutch assembly arranged to control speed differentiation and torque biasing across an interaxle differential, sensors for detecting and generating sensor signals indicative of various dynamic and operational characteristics of the vehicle, and a controller for controlling actuation of the clutch assembly in response to the sensor signals. Upon the occurrence of traction loss, the clutch assembly is automatically actuated for limiting interaxle slip while transferring increased drive torque to the non-slipping driveline. Under a preferred adaptive control scheme, the actuated condition of the clutch assembly is controllably modulated between its non-actuated and fully-actuated limits for automatically varying the magnitude of speed differentiation and torque biasing across the interaxle differential in response to changes in the dynamic and operational characteristics of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention aims at realizing with a simple structure a differential gear capable of arbitrarily producing a difference in speed of rotation between output side rotary members. When a difference in speed of rotation occurs between drive shafts 3 and 4, if clutches 12 and 17 are disconnected, a first input side sun gear 8 and a first output side sun gear 9 are allowed to rotate at arbitrary speed ratios independently of each other due to the rotation and the revolution of first planetary gears 10, besides a second input side sun gear 13 and a second output side sun gear 14 are allowed to rotate at arbitrary speed ratios independently of each other due to the rotation and the revolution of second planetary gears 15. When the first clutch 12 for example is brought into connection, the revolution of the first planetary gears 10 is controlled.

Abstract: A split planetary gear assembly having a pair of helical gearsets. The first helical gearset includes a first sun gear, a first ring gear, and a set of first planet gears meshed with the first sun gear and the first ring gear. The second helical gearset includes a second sun gear, a second ring gear, and a set of second planet gears meshed with the second sun gear and the second ring gear. The components of the second helical gearset have the same number of teeth, helix angle, and tooth pitch as the components of the first helical gearset with the exceptions that their angular helix orientation (i.e., left-hand/right-hand) is reversed and they are circumferentially indexed by one-half tooth pitch. In addition, the first and second planet gears are arranged in paired sets and supported on a common pinion shaft which, in turn, is fixed to a planet carrier. The second sun gear is splined for rotation with and limited axial movement relative to the first sun gear.

Abstract: The present invention aims at realizing with a simple structure a differential gear capable of arbitrarily producing a difference in speed of rotation between output side rotary members. When a difference in speed of rotation occurs between drive shafts 3 and 4, if clutches 12 and 17 are disconnected, a first input side sun gear 8 and a first output side sun gear 9 are allowed to rotate at arbitrary speed ratios independently of each other due to the rotation and the revolution of first planetary gears 10, besides a second input side sun gear 13 and a second output side sun gear 14 are allowed to rotate at arbitrary speed ratios independently of each other due to the rotation and the revolution of second planetary gears 15. When the first clutch 12 for example is brought into connection, the revolution of the first planetary gears 10 is controlled.

Abstract: An all wheel drive transmission has a transfer gearing apparatus disposed in axial alignment between a hydrodynamic input drive and an input member of a planetary transmission. The transfer gearing apparatus delivers power from the hydrodynamic drive to the planetary transmission and from a differential output of the planetary transmission to a first output drive member. A second output drive member is connected to the differential output. One output drive member is connectable with the front drive wheels of a vehicle and the other output drive member is connected with the rear drive wheels of the vehicle.

Abstract: A motor vehicle power train includes an engine (26) mounted longitudinally near the front of the vehicle and a transmission assembly (35) mounted intermediate front and rear differentials (17, 18). The transmission assembly is connected to the engine through an input propshaft (31), to the front differential through a front propshaft (37) and to the rear differential through a rear propshaft (38). The transmission assembly comprises a change speed transmission (28) which receives drive from the input propshaft and a hollow output shaft (49), a transfer transmission comprising a center differential (30) which is drivably connected to the hollow output shaft, has a front differential output shaft (54) for transmitting drive to the front propshaft and a rear differential output shaft (56) for transmitting drive to the rear propshaft, one of the differential output shafts (54) extending co-axially through the hollow output shaft.

Abstract: A differential mechanism has a differential casing for receiving drive power from an engine and a pair of output members for distributing the received drive power to road wheel ends. A pair of drive power control mechanisms each respectively comprise a combination of a speed change mechanism and a friction clutch for a serial connection between the differential casing and either output member or between the output members and an actuator for actuating the friction clutch to be let in. A controller controls a pair of the actuators to have a pair of the friction clutches periodically let in and let out in an alternating manner with a relatively short period.

Abstract: The two-speed compounder of the present invention is adapted to be mounted to an existing transmission and includes an input adapted to be driven by the transmission output shaft, an output adapted to be connected to the vehicle's driveline, a planetary gearset operably interconnecting the input to the output, and a power transfer mechanism for selectively transferring power from the input through the planetary gearset to the output at either of the direct speed ratio or the reduced speed ratio. The planetary gearset has a first gear component driven by the input, a second gear component, and a third gear component rotatably interconnecting the first and second gear components and driving the output. When it is desired to establish the direct drive speed ratio, the first and third gear components of planetary gearset are coupled together for preventing relative rotation therebetween.

Abstract: A multiple ratio transaxle assembly for an automotive vehicle for delivering torque from a vehicle engine mounted on a first axis and a pair of axle half shafts mounted on a second axis in parallel disposition with respect to the first axis, the transaxle defining multiple geared torque flow paths with multiple forward driving ratios and having a differential gear unit having output gears connected drivably to the axle shafts, a two-speed final drive located at the torque output side of the multiple ratio gearing of the transaxle, the two-speed final drive being integrated with the differential gearing and the multiple ratio gearing of the transaxle to obtain improved fuel economy and increased torque ratio range.

Abstract: A power transfer system is disclosed for a four-wheel drive vehicle operable for permitting a vehicle operator to select between various full-time and part-time four-wheel drive modes. The power transfer system includes a dual-planetary gear reduction unit that is operable for establishing high-range and low-range speed ratios, and a synchronized range shift mechanism that is adapted to permit the vehicle operator to shift on-the-fly for establishing full-time and part-time high-range and low-range four-wheel drive modes. The power transfer system includes an slip limiting/torque-biasing arrangement including an interaxle differential and a transfer clutch operable for controlling the magnitude of speed differentiation and torque biasing across the interaxle differential.

Abstract: A power transmission has coaxially aligned input and output shafts. The shafts are interconnected by a multi-speed transmission and the output shaft is connected to a final drive mechanism through a pair of meshing gear members. A planetary reversing gear arrangement is connected between the input and output shafts for reversing the rotational direction from the input shaft prior to delivery to the final drive mechanism.

Abstract: A transmission gear support arrangement supports an output gear associated with a planetary gear arrangement receiving torque from an input shaft. The output gear drives and engaged gear mounted on a second shaft mounted in parallel to the input shaft. The output gear is supported on a cylindrical boss portion disposed coaxially around the input shaft, projected from an internal wall of the transmission casing. A bearing is mounted on the outer circumference of the boss portion and has an inner race between the inner side of the bearing and the outer surface of the boss portion and an outer race between the outer side of the bearing and an inner circumference of an output gear which is mounted around the boss portion. In this way the output gear may be provided closely adjacent the planetary gear and the length of the input shaft and the second shaft may be kept substantially short.

Abstract: An automatic transmission for a motor vehicle includes a chain drive mechanism, three planetary gear units, friction clutches, friction brakes, and an overrunning coupling. Several input shafts of the transmission are adapted to drive elements the sun gears and a ring gear of the planetary gear units.

Abstract: An automatic transmission for a transverse engine vehicle having a first shaft aligned with an engine crankshaft, a second shaft and third shafts driving front wheels of the vehicle. The first, second and third shafts are arranged in a triangular configuration in an end view. A fluid coupling, a main transmission and a counter drive gear are arranged on the first shaft. A counter driven gear, meshing with the counter drive gear, and a reduction gear are both arranged on the second shaft. A differential unit is interposed to drive the third shafts and has a ring gear meshing with the reduction gear. The counter drive gear is located on the first shaft between the fluid coupling and the main transmission, has a supporting boss portion extending toward the main transmission and is supported by the transmission case. The first shaft extends from the fluid coupling and through the counter drive gear for connection to at least one input element of the main transmission.

Abstract: A gear transmission which is enabled to set six forward gear stages by spraying a Ravigneaux planetary gear mechanism and a double-pinion planetary gear mechanism coaxially with an input shaft. The double-pinion planetary gear mechanism and its associated frictional engagement elements are arranged at the side of the input shaft across a partition protruded from the inner face of a casing, whereas tile Ravigneaux planetary gear mechanism is arranged at the opposite side to the double-pinion planetary gear mechanism. Moreover, the Ravigneaux planetary gear mechanism has a ring gear acting as an output element, and a counter gear is connected to the ring gear and arranged adjacent to the partition while being supported by the partition.

Abstract: A clutch actuating device for use in a vehicle drivetrain subassembly having a clutch and a rotatable drive member, including first and second rotating members which are rotatably mounted to the drive member and are free to rotate relative to one another and relative to the drive member. The first and second rotating members engage one another so as to cause axial translation relative to one another in response to relative rotation between one another due to the engagement of ramp surfaces included on each member or, alternatively, due to the engagement of screw threads formed on each member. A gear system is connected to the first and second rotating members for differentially driving them and for controlling a direction of rotation of the rotating members relative to the drive member. First and second pilot clutches, are connected to the gear system and the pilot clutches are selectively activated, and selectively grounded.

Abstract: A transaxle assembly for use in the driveline of a motor vehicle includes an hydrokinetic torque converter located on an engine axis, a planetary transfer drive gear unit coaxial with the torque converter and engine, a chain drive mechanism for transmitting torque from the engine axis to the axis of a multiple speed automatic transmission, first and second planetary gear units for producing multiple speed ratios, hydraulically actuated friction brakes and clutches for controlling engagement and release of the elements of the planetary gear units, a final drive planetary gearset, an axle differential, and axle shaft drivably connected to the differential side gears.

Abstract: A torque split control apparatus for use with an automotive vehicle including an engine for producing a drive. The automotive vehicle is supported on a pair of primary drive wheels and a pair of secondary drive wheels. The drive is transmitted from the engine to the primary drive wheels and to the secondary drive wheels through a torque distributing clutch capable of varying a torque transmitted to the secondary drive wheels. A control torque is calculated based upon a difference between the primary and secondary drive wheel rotational speeds. The control torque is transmitted through the torque distributing clutch to provide a desired turning characteristic to the vehicle. At least one vehicle condition dependent torque, which is dependent on a specified vehicle operating condition, is calculated. Vehicle operating conditions are monitored to produce a command signal when a 4WD control is demanded.

Abstract: A plural output differential drive system provides plural outputs that are differentially related to each other. Three or more output shafts are driven from a single input shaft, each output shaft being differentially linked with the other output shafts. The entire differential drive arrangement is contained within a single housing. The output shafts of the plural output differential will transfer power in applications wherein equal distribution of torque is required at three or more outputs. The input shaft may be arranged to be coaxial with the output shafts, or may be at any other angle, including orthogonal thereto. Typical applications include powering three or more live axles on vehicles, providing rotary power for developing equal torques for simultaneously tightening multiple bolts, and generating equal forces on the gripper fingers of robotic hands. In addition, the outputs can be applied to leveling devices where three or more legs must apply equal pressures on a surface.

Abstract: A final drive for a multi-speed power transmission has freewheeler timed up and down forward power shifts utilizing two planetary gear sets connected between the transmission and differential. For low ratio a smaller diameter sun gear of a first gear set is driven through a freewheeler with the associated ring gear held for reaction so that the pinion carrier assembly drives the differential at a low ratio. For high ratio, a larger diameter sun gear of a second gear set is directly driven while a high-reverse clutch holds the associated ring gear for reaction. The pinion carrier assembly common to both gear sets drives the differential at a higher speed ratio as the freewheeler overruns on torque reversal. The ring gear of the second gear set of one embodiment has a path to ground through an additional freewheeler for coast control. The outer race of the low-ratio freewheeler has external teeth to park-lock the associated sun gear through a grounded parking pawl.

Abstract: Described is a drive power distribution control system for a vehicle, which is suitable for use in distributing drive power to a left and right drive wheels or to front or rear drive wheels or in distributing drive power by transfer of drive power between a left and right non-drive wheels. The system is provided, between a first output shaft and a second output shaft, with a differential casing to which drive power is inputted, a differential mechanism for transmitting the drive power to the shafts, and a drive power transmission control mechanism capable of controlling the distribution of the drive power to the respective shafts. The mechanism is interposed between the shafts and the casing and is constructed of a speed change mechanism capable of changing and outputting rotational speeds of the shafts and a drive power transmission mechanism capable of transmitting drive force between the casing and a second sun gear of the speed change mechanism.

Abstract: An automatic transmission is of the type wherein power from a main change speed gearing is delivered to an input gear of an auxiliary change speed gearing. The input gear is connected to a ring gear of a planetary gear set of the auxiliary change speed gearing. The planetary gear set includes a pinion carrier connected to an output shaft with an output gear fro rotation therewith. The pinion carrier rotatably supports a plurality of pinions in mesh with the ring gear. A shaft is arranged in line with the output shaft and is formed with a sun gear in mesh with the plurality of pinions. This shaft is brakeable by a frictional coupling device, namely a brake. When this shaft with the sun gear is braked, the power is delivered to the output gear via the pinion carrier.

Abstract: A central differential has first and second output members for distributing power of an engine through a transmission to front and rear wheels respectively, and has a third output member for controlling distribution of the power. A first friction clutch is operatively connected to the first and second output members for restricting differential operation of the central differential and for controlling distribution of the power to the front and rear wheels. A second friction clutch is operatively connected to the second output member and either the front or rear wheels. A brake is provided for braking the second output member for providing a higher speed gear ratio than that of the smallest gear ratio of said transmission and to improve driveability of said vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle transmission, particularly for industrial and agricultural vehicles, includes a speed change gearset (gear and range) and a central differential for distributing the gearset output to the front and rear axles of the vehicle. The central differential is formed of a Ravigneaux gearset to reduce the dimensions of the transmission and to minimize the costs and technical resources required to produce it. The Ravigneaux gearset distributes the torque of a gear output shaft to the front and rear axles according to the ratio of the two planetary sun gear diameters. Preferably, the end stage of the speed change gearset is formed by a further gearset, and the planet carriers of both Ravigneaux gearsets are formed as a common structural member carrying the planets of both Ravigneaux gearsets.

Abstract: The input gear of the secondary gear train is mounted on a hollow input shaft and the reaction element of a planetary gear set is connected with a multi-plate brake and one-way clutch, which are both disposed on the opposite side of the input gear with respect to the planetary gear set, by way of a shaft which passes through the hollow input shaft. The multi-plate brake is disposed radially outward of the one-way clutch.The output gear of the gear train is supported by bearings which are disposed on either side thereof. The bearing on inboard side of the final gear is arranged to have a diameter which is larger than the output gear and supported in a wall portion of the transmission case per se.

Abstract: A geared rotary actuator (1) including a compound input stage (3, 5) and a compound output stage (4, 6) with the input stage (3, 5) including a sun gear (24) with gear portions (24a, 24b) respectively meshing with a drive gear (23) and further gear (25). Input/output link members (28, 29) connect the input stage (3, 5) with planet gears (26, 27) of the output stage (4, 6) so as to provide uninterrupted controlled speed, torque and power delivery to an output (31, 32) and through shaft (S) of the geared rotary actuator (1) even upon an occurrence of a jam in the geared rotary actuator (1).

Abstract: An automatic transmission comprises a main gearing and an auxiliary gearing drivingly connected to the main gearing. The auxiliary gearing is shiftable from a high gear position (direct drive) to a low gear position (reduction drive) by disengagement of a direct clutch and engagement of a reduction brake. In order to enhance a response to engine braking forward running demand and a response to reverse running demand, a bypass line is arranged in parallel to an one-way orifice disposed in a hydraulic fluid line having one end communicating with the reduction brake and an opposite end connected to a shift valve. The shift valve is fluidly disposed between a pressure regulator valve, the opposite end of the hydraulic fluid line, and the direct clutch. A reduction brake timing valve opens the bypass line when a III-range hydraulic pressure or a reverse-select hydraulic pressure is present.

Abstract: A geared rotary actuator comprises at least two axially aligned compound epicyclic gear trains driven by an input shaft so that output ring gears in each train rotate relatively. Sun gears in adjacent gear trains are drivingly coupled to the input shaft through a differential device which permits limited rotational displacement between the sun gears. An element, for example an aircraft lift control surface, may be mounted on one set of the ring gears by means of spindles which extend normally of a plane which includes the axes of the ring gears, so that as a result of stresses therein the element may tilt locally about the spindles.

Abstract: A transaxle assembly for use in a vehicle driveline comprising a hydrokinetic torque converter (12, 14, 16) located on an engine axis, planetary gearing (178, 180) located on a space parallel axis including means (242, 248, 250) for transferring the output torque of the planetary gearing to each of two axle shafts situated on an axis common to the axis of the planetary gearing and a multiple ratio torque transfer drive (52, 80, 90, 112, 114) between the turbine of the hydrokinetic torque converter and the torque input element of the planetary gearing, the transfer drive comprising a pair of differential diameter external tooth gears that are independently rotated and clutch means (96, 98) for selectively activating and deactivating each of two torque flow paths between the differential diameter gears whereby the speed-torque characteristics of the engine can be precisely matched with the ratio range available for the planetary gearing and the hydrokinetic torque converter to effect optimum powertrain performa

Abstract: Automatic transmission including a main-transmission-mechanism consisting of two planetary gear units (three speed or four speed transmission mechanism for example) and a sub-transmission-mechanism consisting of one planetary gear unit (underdrive mechanism, for example). One speed and two speed for the whole transmission are obtained, with a low speed stage of the main-transmission-mechanism lower than two speed, by shifting the main-transmission-mechanism to one and two speed, respectively, while the sub-transmission-mechanism is kept at low speed (underdrive). And three speed for the whole transmission is obtained by shifting the sub-transmission-mechanism to high speed (direct coupling) while the main-transmission-mechanism is left at the two speed state. Further, four speed or five speed for the whole is obtained by shifting the main-transmission-mechanism to three speed or, if it is of four speed type, to four speed, respectively, while the sub-transmission-mechanism is kept at the high speed state.

Abstract: An automatic transmission has a main transmission mechanism having two planetary gear units made on a first axle, and a sub transmission mechanism having two planetary gear units made on a second axle; the main transmission mechanism having a single planetary gear unit and dual planetary gear unit, carriers of the gear units being connected to one another and sun gears of the gear units being connected one another, an input member connecting a ring gear of the single planetary gear unit through a first clutch, and connecting a sun gear through a second clutch, a brake restraining the sun gear and a ring gear of the dual planetary gear unit at a required moment; the main transmission mechanism having three forward speeds and one reverse speed. A fourth clutch may be added which connects an input shaft and the ring gear of the dual planetary gear unit, so that four forward speeds and one reverse speed are obtained. The sub transmission mechanism has three forward speeds.

Abstract: An automatic transmission for motor vehicles, including a first shaft rotatably supported by the automatic transmission case and consisting of an input shaft coupled with the engine output shaft through a joint like a fluid joint or a friction clutch and an output shaft disposed in series and coaxially with the input shaft and mounting an output gear; a second shaft consisting of a long shaft rotatably supported by the transmission case parallel with the first shaft and a short shaft rotatably mounted on the long shaft, one of the long and short shafts having an input gear connected to the output gear of the first shaft by direct meshing engagement therewith or through a chain or an idler gear while the other one having an output gear mounted thereon; a differential having a large drive gear connected to the output gear of the second shaft by direct meshing engagement therewith or through a chain or an idler gear; a first speed-changing planetary gear mechanism provided between the input and output shafts of