Nonplanetary Variable Speed Or Direction Transmission Combined With Planetary Transmission Patents (Class 475/207)
  • Patent number: 8133145
    Abstract: In a transmission including a multiple planetary mechanism into which power from a driving source is inputted through an input shaft, clutches are provided respectively for three components among a plurality of components included in the multiple planetary mechanism and are respectively disposed and capable of switching between connection and disconnection of transmission of power between the input shaft and the three components. Brakes are respectively provided between a transmission case and components among the plurality of components. The brakes are configured to make the components stationary relative to the transmission case. Two transmission mechanisms different from each other in speed reduction ratio are provided between an output shaft, which is parallel with the input shaft, and two components among the plurality of components. The two transmission mechanisms are provided in such a manner as to be capable of selectively switching transmission of the power to the output shaft side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Soichi Sugino
  • Publication number: 20120040794
    Abstract: A gear scheme for an infinitely variable transmission includes an input shaft, an output shaft, a variator, and a pair of planetary gearsets located beside the variator rather than in front of or behind the variator. The variator and the planetary gearsets are coupled between the input and output shafts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventor: Brian Schoolcraft
  • Patent number: 8066606
    Abstract: A multi-group transmission of a vehicle is arranged in a drivetrain and includes traction force support during gearshift operations. A clutch mechanism, including a frictional clutch and two shifting clutches is arranged between a drive motor with a driveshaft and a transmission input shaft, such that the driveshaft can be connected to the transmission input shaft by one shifting clutch in a first shift position in combination with the frictional clutch or in a second shift position with bridging of the frictional clutch, such that the driveshaft can be directly connected to a main transmission shaft by the other shifting clutch in a shift position in active combination with the frictional clutch. In a method for operating the transmission, the frictional clutch is controlled and operated in combination with the first shifting clutch as a starting clutch and with the second shifting clutch as an intermediate-gear clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Alan Dittrich, Rayk Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 8062162
    Abstract: A differential gear unit for motor vehicles for the controllable distribution of the driving power comprises a housing and a differential gear (4) disposed therein, the gear having two speed-changing transmissions (5) drivingly connected to the output shafts (7, 8) and to the input member (14) of the differential gear, and two hydraulically controllable clutches (24, 25).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Magna Steyr Fahrzeugtechnik AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Franz Zöhrer
  • Patent number: 8060284
    Abstract: A work machine includes an internal combustion (IC) engine having an output, and an infinitely variable transmission (IVT) coupled with the IC engine output. The IVT includes a hydraulic module and a mechanical drivetrain module. A pressure transducer is associated with and provides an output signal representing a hydraulic pressure within the hydraulic module. At least one electrical processing circuit is configured for controlling the IC engine output, dependent upon the output signal from the pressure transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Alec Benjamin Hendryx
  • Patent number: 8038564
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, a dual clutch assembly, two countershaft gearing arrangements, one planetary gear set, a plurality of interconnecting members, and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the countershaft gearing arrangements includes a plurality of co-planar gear sets. The torque transmitting devices include a combination of clutches, brakes, and synchronizers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: David Earl Earhart, James A. Raszkowski
  • Patent number: 8029401
    Abstract: A transmission for a vehicle includes an input shaft, a carrier sun shaft, and an output shaft. A planetary gear set includes a sun gear coupled with the carrier sun shaft, a ring gear coupled with the output shaft, and a plurality of planetary gears enmeshed between the sun gear and the ring gear. A plurality of shift elements each include a first gear coupled with the input shaft, and a second gear coupled with the carrier sun shaft and enmeshed with the first gear. A plurality of shift clutches are each selectively coupled between a corresponding shift element and the input shaft or carrier sun shaft. A low range clutch is selectively coupled between the input shaft and the plurality of planetary gears. A high range clutch is selectively coupled between the carrier sun shaft and the output shaft. A reverse range clutch is selectively coupled between an immovable feature and the plurality of planetary gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Douglas Rene Johnson
  • Publication number: 20110230298
    Abstract: A transmission includes an input member, an output member, a first and a second intermediate member, and a planetary gear set, all of which are coaxial and define a first axis of rotation. A first and a second layshaft are arranged to define a second axis of rotation and a third axis of rotation, respectively. Each of five sets of intermeshing gears transfer torque from a respective one of the intermediate members to a respective one of the layshafts via engagement of different respective ones of nine torque-transmitting mechanisms. A set of transfer gears transfers torque from the layshafts to the output member. One of the torque-transmitting mechanisms grounds a member of the planetary gear set to a stationary member. The nine torque-transmitting mechanisms are engagable in different combinations to establish up to eight forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Konstantin Borisovich Salamandra, Vadim Evgenievich Oreshkin, Madhusudan Raghavan
  • Publication number: 20110172051
    Abstract: An infinitely variable power transmission comprising an input shaft, a layshaft driven by the input shaft via internal/external gearing, a toroidal variator, and gearing and clutches which implement a low/reverse variable ratio mode and a high range variable ratio mode. An additional clutch and gearing implement an optional fixed ratio mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventor: Donald Edward Hoffman
  • Publication number: 20110172052
    Abstract: A crank-CVT transmission which has a freewheel device connected to an output shaft of the transmission. The device selectively enables and blocks a relative rotation between the device and the output shaft. The transmission further has a switching unit adapted to switch the device and an internal shaft, which can be connected to the output shaft and by a connecting element to a differential. The internal shaft can be displaced in the axial direction of the output shaft. The transmission further has an actuator interacting with the switching unit and adapted to initiate the switch of the device. The actuator has a first mechanism adapted to displace the internal shaft in the axial direction, disconnecting the internal shaft from the differential a second mechanism adapted to drive the switching unit. The second mechanism is coupled to the first mechanism and is driven after the first mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventor: Laszlo MAN
  • Publication number: 20110165987
    Abstract: A drive system includes a pulley, an engine, a variator for varying a ratio of an output speed and an input speed, a gearset including a first and second components driveably connected to the engine and pulley, respectively, and a third component connected to the output, and a second gearset for increasing an input speed relative to an pulley speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Donald E. Hoffman, David A. Janson
  • Publication number: 20110118073
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a power split transmission for a motor vehicle, having a mechanical and a hydrostatic power branch (3, 4) disposed parallel to each other and contacting a mutual drive shaft (1), wherein the hydrostatic power branch (4) consists of a hydro motor (6) coupled to a hydro pump (5) and is connected to the drive shaft (1) via a gear stage (7), wherein the branched power from the mechanical and hydrostatic power branch (3, 4) can be combined into a gear drive (13) disposed on the face side, said gear drive being subsequently connected to a drive shaft (2), wherein the mechanical power branch (3) further consists of two planetary gears (8, 9) having sun gears (10, 12), planetary gears (16, 17), and hollow gears (21, 22), wherein the sun gear (10) of the first planetary gear transmission (8) is placed directly on the drive shaft (1) while the sun gear (12) of the second planetary gear transmission (9) is in contact with the gear drive (13) via a sun shaft (11), and wherein the planetar
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventors: Andreas Meise, Jan-Hendrik Jansen, Stefan Frank, Manuel Matalla
  • Publication number: 20110072923
    Abstract: A multi-group transmission of a vehicle having a motor connected to an input shaft of the transmission, via a starting element, and the transmission comprises a splitter group, a main group and a main transmission shaft, on the drive output side. A powershift unit can couple the input shaft to the main transmission shaft for engaging an intermediate gear during a gearshift. The powershift unit and a shifting device for engaging gear constants of the splitter group are an integrated unit. During operating the transmission, with the starting element at least partly engaged during intermediate gear engagement, the powershift unit operates in a slipping mode and supports torque of the motor at the main transmission shaft while rotation of the motor is synchronized with a target gear. After which, an original gear is disengaged while free from load, the target gear is engaged when synchronized, and the intermediate gear is again disengaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Alan Dittrich, Rayk Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 7914412
    Abstract: In a load shift transmission for a utility vehicle having a transmission input shaft, a split group, a main group and a range group, a dual clutch with two input shafts, a main shaft and a countershaft with input constants including loose gear wheels, one loose gear wheel of an input constant is selectively rotationally fixedly connectable by means of shift elements to either one of the input shafts which can in each case be coupled by means of clutches (K1,K2) to the main transmission input shaft, the countershaft can be driven by one of three input constants with power being transmitted via the countershaft in all forward gears with the exception of a direct gear. The arrangement provides, with a simple design, for the possibility to carry out sequential shifts and multiple up-shifts and multiple down-shifts without an interruption in traction force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventor: Carsten Gitt
  • Publication number: 20110065545
    Abstract: A conical gear drive comprising an input element that interacts with a truncated conical gear via which an output element can be driven. A number of different output elements or variably selectable output elements should be able to be connected to the truncated conical gear drive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: WITTENSTEIN AG
    Inventors: Thomas Bayer, Karl-Georg Melber, Michael Engelbreit, Thomas Wilhelm
  • Patent number: 7905808
    Abstract: A heavy-duty transmission for the drive of a bowl-mill roller crushers, comprising a bevel gear stage (6; 7), a horizontal input drive shaft (5) and a vertical output drive shaft (8) and a multi stage planetary gearbox arrangement which is connected to the vertical output drive shaft (8) by a sun pinion (9) and is connectable to the grinding bowl of the roller mill by an output flange (3). Planetary wheels (10) engageable into the sun pinion (9) are placed on a first plane on a planetary wheel support (14) which is connected to the output flange (3). On a second plane, other planetary wheels (15) are arranged in such a way than the axes of rotation thereof are connected to a gear housing (2) and which are engageable into a ring gear (20) connected to the support of the planetary wheels (14) and are engaged into the sun pinion (19) of an intermediate gear wheel (17), which is also provided with a ring wheel (18) which gearing from outside into the planetary wheels (10) on the first plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Maag Gear Systems AG
    Inventor: Frank Schwingshandl
  • Publication number: 20110053726
    Abstract: A gear reduction and coupling assembly, particularly for incorporation in a transverse drive arrangement for a skid steered vehicle, comprises a planetary gear mechanism having an input through the sun gear and an output through the planet carrier. A coupling member is coupled to the carrier through a crowned spline coupling and is coupled to a subsequent transmission member such as a shaft through a parallel splined coupling, the diameter of the crowned spline coupling being substantially greater than the diameter of the parallel splined coupling. In this way a degree of angular misalignment between the subsequent transmission member and the planet carrier can be accommodated while a similar torque transmitting capacity can be achieved for both of the couplings with the coupling member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventor: Robert William Thompson
  • Publication number: 20110053723
    Abstract: An actuation system includes a prime mover, a mechanical option module, an actuator, and a controller. The prime mover includes a drive shaft. The mechanical option module includes a housing, an input shaft coupled to the drive shaft, an output shaft, and a planetary gear module. The planetary gear module includes a sun gear coupled to the input shaft, a planet carrier coupled to the output shaft, an outer ring, and planet gears meshed with the sun gear and the outer ring. The application-specific module is connected to the housing and configured to selectively influence movement of the outer ring of the planetary gear module. The actuator includes an actuator input shaft coupled to the output shaft of the mechanical option module. The controller controls an operation of at least one of the prime mover, the mechanical option module, and the actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: Timothy A. Erhart, William J. Zerull, Terrance L. Thompson, James H. Sandlin
  • Publication number: 20110021302
    Abstract: A transmission has a directional mechanism, a planetary gear mechanism, a stepped transmission and a continuously variable ratio device. The directional mechanism has at least one direction clutch. The planetary gear mechanism is connected to the direction mechanism and has at first planetary gear set and a second planetary gear set. The stepped transmission is connected to the planetary gear mechanism and has at least one speed clutch. The planetary gear mechanism is connected to a hydrostatic motor of the continuously variable ratio device. The motor is connected to a variable displacement pump of the continuously variable ratio device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventors: Fabrizio Panizzolo, Ettore Cosoli
  • Publication number: 20110021303
    Abstract: An infinitely variable transmission device (4) for a vehicle drivetrain (1) which includes a variator (8) and a gearshift transmission device (9), which produce gear ratios in a plurality of ratio ranges with continuous variation. The device has a planetary transmission device (7) in active connection with a transmission input (12), in an area of a first shaft (11), with the gearshift transmission device (9), in an area of a second shaft (14), and with the variator (8), in an area of a third shaft (16). The torque to be transmitted by the transmission device (4) passes, via at least two power paths, between the transmission input (12) and a transmission output (10). The variator (8) is arranged in one of the two power paths and the gearshift transmission device (9) is arranged between the variator (8) and the transmission output (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventor: Bernhard Sich
  • Publication number: 20110015022
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a superposition transmission in several variants and embodiments with hydrostatic-mechanical or electric-mechanical power splitting for the use in vehicles and work machines such as municipal vehicles, handling devices such as telehandlers or forklifts, wheel loaders, tractors and comparable apparatuses, in which an infinitely variable adjustment of the gear ratio is desired independent of the speed of the drive engine. The input shaft (1) is connected with a variator which is in operative connection with two summing planetary gears (12) and (13) arranged parallel with respect to each other. The output occurs in all driving speeds and all driving ranges via the planet carrier arranged as carrier (18).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventors: Dieter Stoeckl, Heinz Aitzetmueller
  • Publication number: 20110009225
    Abstract: A variable speed fan drive (10) particularly suitable for a vehicle having an internal combustion engine is provided. The fan drive comprises an input shaft (11) driven by the output of an engine. The input drives a carrier (12) for planetary gears (13) which each orbit a sun gear (14) in an epicyclic gear arrangement. A fan (16) is coupled to the sun gear. A further gear arrangement (18,19,21), driven by the input shaft, delivers a variable output to input ratio, the output of which is coupled to a housing (17) of the epicyclic gear arrangement which is meshed with the planetary gears. The provision of the epicyclic gear arrangement in combination with the variable ratio allows the fan blade to operate in reverse. Advantageously, this can be exploited to provide a means to clean a radiator grille.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: AGCO SA
    Inventor: Geoffroy Husson
  • Publication number: 20100331133
    Abstract: A superposition gear unit for a steering system of a motor vehicle. The gear unit comprising a drive input shaft (1) and a drive output shaft (2) which each carry gearwheels (3, 4; 3?, 4?) at their ends facing toward one another such that rotational movement of the input shaft (1) can be transmitted by the gearwheel (3; 3?), on the drive input side, to the gearwheel (4; 4?), on the drive output side, via external planetary gears (5a-5c; 5a?-5c?) which are mounted on a planetary gear carrier (6). The rotational movement of the input shaft (1) can be overlaid with additional rotation movement by intentional rotation of the planetary carrier (6) relative to the input shaft (1). The input-side gearwheel (3; 3?) and the output-side gearwheel (4; 4?) are, in each case, made as conical involute gearwheels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Franz JOACHIM, Joerg BOERNER
  • Patent number: 7846055
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, a split dual clutch assembly, two countershaft gearing arrangements, one planetary gear set, a plurality of interconnecting members, and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the countershaft gearing arrangements includes a plurality of co-planar gear sets. The torque transmitting devices include a combination of clutches, brakes, and synchronizers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: David Earl Earhart
  • Publication number: 20100304915
    Abstract: A cam based infinitely variable transmission incorporation a ratcheting drive mechanism with one set of planetary gears and a cam with two followers mounted on a carrier with said gears and adapted to in infinitely variable in output but maintain a uniform output for a given uniform input. The followers are can be shifted in relation to the three dimensional cam by a shifter and clutches are used to handle the relative motion of the gears and follower shafts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventor: Derek Lahr
  • Publication number: 20100279812
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a planetary gear set and a power transmitting apparatus. In the planetary gear set, a gear tooth is formed by extending one side of a planetary carrier. In the power transmitting apparatus, multi-stage transmission is enabled by reducing a rotational speed inputted from a power-driving source and then inputting the reduced rotational speed to one operational member of the planetary gear set as well as the rotational speed of a speed changing power source to another operational member of the planetary gear set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventor: Tae-Hwan Ha
  • Patent number: 7824294
    Abstract: A vehicle comprises a drive source that drives the wheels via a transmission system. The transmission system has an epicyclic gearing with three rotational members a first rotational member connected to the drive source, a second rotational member connected to the wheels via a first reduction and a final reduction and a third rotational member connected to a brake. The brake constitutes reaction means for balancing torque. The transmission system also includes a transmission parallel to the epicyclic gearing and a transmission in series with the epicyclic gearing. Moreover, the transmission system has a lock-up clutch capable of connecting the first rotational member to the second rotational member. This transmission system enables shifting between various transmission ratios without torque interruption, using only one brake. The transmission in series with the epicyclic gearing can directly be connected to the load via the lock-up clutch or via the ‘braked ’ planetary set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: DTI Group B.V.
    Inventors: Roëll Marie Van Druten, Bas Gerard Vroemen, Alexander Franciscus Anita Serrarens
  • Patent number: 7806219
    Abstract: An axle drive unit for an all-wheel drive train comprises an input element which is connectable to an input shaft, such as a cardan shafts. The input shaft extends in a longitudinal direction. The drive unit comprises a power-split device, of which the input member is connected to the input element and of which the output members are connectable to driveshafts of the axle. The axle is oriented in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction. The input member and the output members of the power-split device are mounted rotatably about axes parallel to the longitudinal direction. An angle drive is arranged in each case between the output members of the power-split device and the driveshafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: GETRAG Driveline Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Oberhausen, Hans-Peter Nett, Werner Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 7798937
    Abstract: In a utility vehicle transmission having an input shaft, a main shaft and an output shaft, a countershaft is provided which can be decoupled in direct gear, a high number of gears wherein power is transmitted from the input shaft to the output shaft directly via the main shaft while providing for a high number of gears by two shiftable input constants with different transmission ratios which are selectively engageable with either of the various forward transmission stages and the reverse transmission stage but which also permit the return flow of power from the input shaft to the main shaft via the input constants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventor: Carsten Gitt
  • Patent number: 7798931
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, a clutch assembly, two countershaft gearing arrangements, one planetary gear set, a plurality of interconnecting members, and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the countershaft gearing arrangements includes a plurality of co-planar gear sets. The torque transmitting devices include a combination of clutches, brakes, and synchronizers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventor: David Earl Earhart
  • Publication number: 20100227726
    Abstract: In a transmission including a multiple planetary mechanism into which power from a driving source is inputted through an input shaft, clutches are provided respectively for three components among a plurality of components included in the multiple planetary mechanism and are respectively disposed and capable of switching between connection and disconnection of transmission of power between the input shaft and the three components. Brakes are respectively provided between a transmission case and components among the plurality of components. The brakes are configured to make the components stationary relative to the transmission case. Two transmission mechanisms different from each other in speed reduction ratio are provided between an output shaft, which is parallel with the input shaft, and two components among the plurality of components. The two transmission mechanisms are provided in such a manner as to be capable of selectively switching transmission of the power to the output shaft side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Soichi Sugino
  • Publication number: 20100216587
    Abstract: An arrangement for transmitting a torque from a transmission of a motor vehicle to a sideshaft is disclosed. The arrangement comprises a transmission having a transmission housing and a sideshaft assembly. The sideshaft assembly has at least one differential with a differential housing, a hollow shaft, a first sideshaft and a second sideshaft. The sideshaft assembly extends through the transmission housing and the differential being arranged outside the transmission housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: GKN DRIVELINE INTERNATIONAL GMBH
    Inventors: Joachim Horst, Wolfgang Hidebrandt, Gert Herrmann, Heiko Kossack
  • Publication number: 20100197439
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission device comprising a variator and a secondary power splitting. For power splitting, a planetary gear set has a first shaft coupled to the transmission input, a second shaft of the gear set coupled a first shaft of the variator, and a third shaft of the gear set couples a second shaft of the variator. First and second shift elements are provided to switch between first and second gear ratio ranges. Via the variator, the gear ratio is continuously variable within the gear ratio range and the two gear ratio ranges overlap. To implement the first gear ratio range, the second shaft of the gear set is connected, via the first shift element, to the transmission output, and to implement the second gear ratio range, the third shaft of the planetary gear set is connected, via the second shift element, to the transmission output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Tobias Weber, Gerhard Bailly, Thomas Ratzmann, Walter Fischer, Jurgen Pohlenz
  • Publication number: 20100144482
    Abstract: The invention concerns a continuously variable transmission having a transmission input (60) and a transmission output (114). The transmission has a variator (56). This is a device which transmits drive at steplessly variable ratio. It further comprises an epicyclic gear arrangement (58) incorporating a clutch arrangement (152). The epicyclic gear arrangement has three rotary members. One of these is coupled to a planet carrier (86) having at least one planet gear (94). Another of the rotary members is coupled to a main gear (90) meshing with the planet gear. The clutching arrangement serves to couple the remaining rotary member to either of first and second alternative gears (96, 98), both of which mesh with the planet gear and which rotate at different speeds. One of the aforesaid rotary members is coupled to the transmission input at a fixed drive ratio. One of them is coupled to the variator output. The last of the rotary members is coupled to the transmission output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventor: Philip Duncan Winter
  • Patent number: 7731616
    Abstract: Numerous implementations of variable motion control devices and methods of use thereof. The devices and methods provide variable output to such output devices as vehicles. The variable motion control devices are locatable between output devices and power sources, such as in vehicle transmission applications between the engine and driveline, wherein an output of a power source is input into the device, which, in turn, provides a variable output to the vehicle drive line or other output application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Differential Dynamics Corporation
    Inventor: Kyung-Soo Han
  • Publication number: 20100130324
    Abstract: A coaxial transmission, especially a hollow shaft drive, comprising a driving element (7) and a driven element (3), a plurality of radially mobile toothed quadrants (5) providing a gear ratio and transmitting a driving torque between the driving element (7) and the driven element (3). An internal gear (1) or especially the housing for receiving the inner gearing of the internal gear (13) are configured as a multipart structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: WITTENSTEIN AG
    Inventors: Thomas Wilhelm, Michael Schmidt, Thomas Bayer
  • Publication number: 20100120572
    Abstract: A device for switching between normal and reverse driving force is provided. This device can transmit the rotation of an input member in one direction to an output member to selectively rotate the output member in one or the opposite direction. This device includes an input gear 11, an output gear 12 and a switch mechanism 13. The switch mechanism 13 includes a planetary gear mechanism 14, a control mechanism 15 and a clutch mechanism 16. The planetary gear mechanism 14 includes a sun gear 18 integral with a rotation transmission shaft 18, an internal gear 21 integral with the output gear 12, planetary gears 22 provided between the sun gear 19 and the internal gear 21, and a carrier 23. The control mechanism 15 includes a control gear 25 capable of being selectively locked and unlocked by an actuator 24. The clutch mechanism 16 includes a unidirectional roller clutch 26 provided between the rotation transmission shaft 18 and a clutch-mounting portion 34 provided in the carrier 23.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventor: Seiichi Takada
  • Publication number: 20100004088
    Abstract: A transaxle transfers torque to first and second axle shafts. The transaxle includes a main shaft, a planetary gearset, a first clutch transferring torque between the main shaft and a first member of the planetary gearset and a second clutch transferring torque between the main shaft and a second member of the planetary gearset. An input shaft is fixed for rotation with the first member of the planetary gearset. A countershaft is selectively driven by first, second, third and fourth speed gearsets associated with the input shaft. A final drive unit provides multiplied torque to a differential assembly adapted to drive the first and second axle shafts. Actuation of the first and second clutches selectively provides first through eighth discrete forward drive ratios such that each of the first, second, third and fourth speed gearsets transfers torque during provision of two of the first through eighth forward drive ratios.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventor: David W. WENTHEN
  • Patent number: 7632205
    Abstract: An infinitely variable gear transmission system for vehicles includes a differential gear unit for input, an epicyclic gear unit, two hydraulic pumps and a hydraulic circuit having direction control valves and orifices, intercoupling the two hydraulic pumps, one of the hydraulic pumps rotating with the first output shaft of the differential gear unit and one of the three gear elements of the epicyclic gear unit, and the second hydraulic pump rotating with the second output shaft and the second gear element, and a control unit to selectively control the direction and the fluid pressure in the hydraulic circuit and control the speed of the third gear element in clockwise and anticlockwise direction. In another embodiment the hydraulic circuit includes a flow control valve with variable orifice and a controller to continuously check and control the opening of the orifice, and correct the fluid pressure for the exact output speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Inventor: Kodamkandeth Ukkru Varunny
  • Publication number: 20090305833
    Abstract: A multi-group transmission of a vehicle is arranged in a drivetrain and includes traction force support during gearshift operations. A clutch mechanism, including a frictional clutch and two shifting clutches is arranged between a drive motor with a driveshaft and a transmission input shaft, such that the driveshaft can be connected to the transmission input shaft by one shifting clutch in a first shift position in combination with the frictional clutch or in a second shift position with bridging of the frictional clutch, such that the driveshaft can be directly connected to a main transmission shaft by the other shifting clutch in a shift position in active combination with the frictional clutch. In a method for operating the transmission, the frictional clutch is controlled and operated in combination with the first shifting clutch as a starting clutch and with the second shifting clutch as an intermediate-gear clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Alan DITTRICH, Rayk HOFFMANN
  • Patent number: 7618341
    Abstract: In a continuously variable transmission apparatus, by adjusting the transmission ratio of a toroidal continuously variable transmission, an output shaft can be stopped while an input shaft is left rotating in one direction by a drive source. And, when, while the vehicle is running, a select lever is operated to a select position in the reverse direction to the vehicle running direction, in a state where a clutch device is connected, the speed ratio of the continuously variable transmission apparatus is changed from a value corresponding to the vehicle running state to a value 0 capable of realizing the above-mentioned stopping state along a preset condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventor: Takumi Sinojima
  • Publication number: 20090280944
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus including a stepless speed change device receiving an engine drive; a planetary transmission device for, by a plurality of planetary transmission mechanisms, combining an output from the stepless speed change device and the engine drive not subject to a speed change by the stepless speed change device; and a speed range setting device for outputting the drive combined by the planetary transmission device and divided into a plurality of speed ranges. The planetary transmission device, the speed range setting device and a forward-reverse changeover device are located forwardly of a rear end of an upstream transmission case portion. An electric motor may be used instead of the stepless speed change device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: KUBOTA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Minoru Hiraoka, Yoshirou Takao, Masaru Andou
  • Publication number: 20090280956
    Abstract: A motor vehicle transmission and method of its operation. The transmission has at least two transmission groups including a way of maintaining traction force during gearshifting operations. Two change-under-load clutches and an intermediate-gear clutch enable traction-force-maintaining gearshifts to be carried out on a splitter group. The first change-under-load clutch has an input connected to a drive motor and an output side to a loose wheel of a first gear constant, the second change-under-load clutch has an input connected to the motor and an output to a loose wheel of the second gear constant. The intermediate-gear clutch has an input connected to the loose wheel of the second gear constant and an output to a shaft of the main group, such that a direct gear can be engaged as an intermediate gear, and the gear constants can be shifted under load by the first and second change-under-load clutches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Alan DITTRICH, Rayk HOFFMANN
  • Publication number: 20090270214
    Abstract: A device for phase-shifting a rotational angle of a drive wheel relative to an output shaft. The device includes a planetary gear including a sun wheel, a hollow wheel and at least one planet wheel, wherein the sun wheel and the hollow wheel mesh with the at least one planet wheel. A planet wheel carrier having the at least one planet wheel is arranged thereon and is fixedly connected to the output shaft so as to commonly rotate with the output shaft. A drive wheel is connected to the planetary gear and is at least indirectly connected to the sun wheel. An actuator engages the planetary gear so that the hollow wheel is rotatable relative to the sun wheel. The actuator is disposed tangentially to the planetary gear and includes a worm engaging an outer toothing of the hollow wheel, with the sun wheel being at least indirectly connected to the drive wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Applicant: Pierburg GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Nowak, Heinrich Dismon, Karsten Grimm
  • Patent number: 7604560
    Abstract: This planetary roller driving device includes: a planetary roller speed up gear having a first carrier being a first input axis and a first sun roller being a first output axis; a planetary roller reduction gear having a second sun roller being a second input axis and a second carrier being a second output axis, the second input axis being joined with the first output axis; a roller ring driving mechanism; a housing which accommodates the planetary roller speed up gear, the planetary roller reduction gear, and the roller ring driving mechanism; a roller ring rotation control circuit which controls a rotation of the roller ring driving mechanism corresponding to an external environmental condition; and a torque-assisting mechanism which is provided in the housing and provides an assisting torque to the first input axis or the second output axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Isamu Shiotsu, Hiroyuki Sonobe, Takayoshi Hirayama
  • Patent number: 7578762
    Abstract: A four-wheel-drive vehicle transmission (1) having a drive torque input shaft (8) rotated about a first axis of rotation (A); a front output shaft (10); a rear output shaft (12); an auxiliary tubular shaft (14) mounted alongside the input shaft (8) to rotate about a second axis of rotation (D); at least one first group of gears (15, 16) for selectively connecting the auxiliary tubular shaft (14) to the input shaft (8); a first countershaft (17) mounted inside the auxiliary tubular shaft (14); a second countershaft (18) mounted for rotation opposite the first countershaft (17); a planetary gear train (19) for mechanically connecting the auxiliary tubular shaft (14) to the first (17) and second (18) countershafts; and a first (25) and a second (26) cascade gear set for connecting the first and second countershafts (17,18) to the front and rear output shafts (10,12), respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Ferrari S.p.A.
    Inventors: Franco Cimatti, Carlo Neri
  • Patent number: 7575529
    Abstract: An electrically variable transmission having a single motor/generator provides electrically variable power flow along dual power paths and provides an electrically variable reverse operating mode. The transmission includes a compound differential gear set having at least four gear elements operatively interconnected with one another. A transmission input member and the single motor/generator selectively provide power to a transmission output member via the differential gear set. The transmission includes a plurality of intermeshing gears, including a reversing gear and gears connected for rotation with the output member, for operatively connecting the differential gear set with the output member. Torque-transmitting mechanisms are selectively engagable to provide power flow between the input member and the output member in multiple operating modes, including a parallel hybrid electrically variable reverse operating mode utilizing the reversing gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan G. Holmes
  • Publication number: 20090203482
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, a split dual clutch assembly, two countershaft gearing arrangements, one planetary gear set, a plurality of interconnecting members, and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the countershaft gearing arrangements includes a plurality of co-planar gear sets. The torque transmitting devices include a combination of clutches, brakes, and synchronizers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventor: DAVID EARL EARHART
  • Publication number: 20090203485
    Abstract: A variable speed transmission is disclosed. In one embodiment, a two shaft and two opposing planetary gearset arrangement is utilized. Drive and driven shafts are connected as respective inputs and outputs to opposing planetary gears of the planetary gearsets. Respective sun gears are rotatably coupled to each end of an intermediary shaft which traverses the span between the planetary gearsets. Respective ring gears are meshed to a pair of spur gears coupled to a secondary shaft which also traverses the span. In operation, the coordinated actuation of a pair of clutch-brake assemblies associated with the intermediary and secondary shafts substantially continuously varies the transmission of torque from the drive shaft to the driven shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventor: Jeffrey W. Bradshaw
  • Publication number: 20090203484
    Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, a clutch assembly, two countershaft gearing arrangements, one planetary gear set, a plurality of interconnecting members, and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the countershaft gearing arrangements includes a plurality of co-planar gear sets. The torque transmitting devices include a combination of clutches, brakes, and synchronizers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION
    Inventor: DAVID EARL EARHART