Nonplanetary Transmission Is Chain Gearing Patents (Class 475/213)
  • Patent number: 10773771
    Abstract: A bicycle includes an electrical auxiliary drive, including an electric motor, a battery for storing electrical energy, which battery is connected to the electric motor, a crank mechanism having pedal cranks, which are mounted on a pedal crankshaft disposed about a crank axis, so as to be able to rotate, and a planetary gear for driving the bicycle both by the electric motor and by the muscle power of a driver, the planetary gear and the electric motor being disposed about the pedal crankshaft of the crank mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Kimmich, Mario Kustosch, Philipp Kohlrausch
  • Patent number: 10583734
    Abstract: A transfer case for a normally rear wheel drive vehicle with selective four wheel drive capabilities is provided. The transfer case has an intermediate gear driven lubrication pump, wherein the machining required for the lubrication pump is almost exclusively conducted from an interior side of the rear shell. The transfer case of the present invention also eliminates the requirement for a cover plate for the pump and an external lubrication tube. The transfer case of the current invention has an internal lubrication pump outlet which has a portion extending in a reinforcing mound of the rear shell thereby providing greater stiffness to a portion of the rear shell supporting the main input shaft rear bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Thad S. Morton, Mallikarjun Rudagi, Michael Whitaker, Bo Yang, Stephen Tucker, Robert Harris
  • Patent number: 9109664
    Abstract: Disclosed is a range shift mechanism in the form of a floating planetary gear assembly for a transfer case. The range shift mechanical according to the present invention can improve power efficiency and generate low noises by suppressing gear rotation in a high range mode of the range shift system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: HYUNDAI WIA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thomas C. Bowen, Nam Huh, Jeong Yong Yun, Il Hun Ryu
  • Patent number: 8968135
    Abstract: A transmission for a vehicle including a hydrostatic regenerative braking system includes a first rotatable shaft having a first end adapted to be driven by a first prime mover and a second end adapted to be coupled to a vehicle driveline. A second shaft selectively drives the first shaft and is adapted to drive a hydraulic pump of a second prime mover. A planetary gearset includes a first member restricted from rotation, a second member and a third member. A transfer mechanism includes a first sprocket fixed for rotation with the second member, a second sprocket fixed for rotation with the input shaft and a flexible member interconnecting the first and second sprockets. A clutch transfers torque between the third member and the first shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl F. Stephens, Joseph G. Mueller
  • Publication number: 20150011350
    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: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Edward W. Mellet, JAMES M. HART, DARYL A. WILTON, CLINTON E. CAREY
  • Publication number: 20140364266
    Abstract: A vehicle transaxle includes an input, a splitter gearset including a member connected to the input, a second member connected to a motor-generator and a first output, a traction gearset including a third member connected to a traction motor, a fourth non-rotating member and a second output, a chain drive connected to the first and second outputs, and a differential driven by the chain drive for transmitting power to vehicle wheels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventor: David A. Janson
  • Patent number: 8864615
    Abstract: A planetary gear retrieval system for pulling a sled at a constant velocity along an interior of a pipe. The system includes a network of gears, one of the gears powered by a gear motor, which is in operable communication with a variable speed microcontroller. A chain is threaded through the network of gears and an end of the chain is connected to the sled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Inland Pipe Rehabilitation, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Allan Ray Jedneak
  • Patent number: 8771122
    Abstract: A vehicle power output device for driving a first and second rotary electric machine in an efficient range in a wide driving region and for eliminating the need for a complicated mechanism and control. A planetary gear mechanism combines the rotational drive force of a first shaft rotationally driven by a first rotary electric machine and the rotational drive force of a second shaft rotationally driven by a second rotary electric machine and transmits the combined rotational drive force to a drive shaft with the rotational speed increased. The rotational drive force of the second shaft in the forward direction is transmitted to the planetary gear mechanism via a first one-way clutch unit and a first power transmitting mechanism. The rotational drive force of the second shaft in the opposite direction is transmitted to the drive shaft via a second one-way clutch unit and a second power transmitting mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junya Ono, Asuka Ito, Jun Adachi, Eisuke Kajihara, Dai Kataoka
  • Patent number: 8562476
    Abstract: A transmission for an engine or motor with a reduced package size and increased efficiency comprising: an input sprocket, an output sprocket, a chain, and a planetary gear set. The output sprocket is drivingly connecting to the input sprocket through the chain. The output sprocket has a hollow center portion that receives the sun gear of the planetary gear set. The planetary gear set also includes at least two planet gears meshed with the sun gear which are mounted to a fixed planet carrier for driving a differential with a ring gear portion. When the input sprocket is rotated in a first direction, the chain drives the output sprocket and the sun gear in the first direction, and the sun gear drives the planet gears to rotate in a second direction, opposite the first direction, driving the ring gear portion and differential in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Roger T. Simpson, Mark E. Michaels
  • Patent number: 8517882
    Abstract: A transmission to transfer power from an electric motor to first and second axles of a vehicle includes an input shaft adapted to be driven by the electric motor and a first planetary gear set. A second planetary gear set has a first member driven by the first planetary gear set, a second member restricted from rotation and a third member. A differential assembly has a first side gear adapted to drive the first axle, a second side gear adapted to drive the second axle and a pair of pinion gears meshed with the first and second side gears. A first clutch is operable to drivingly interconnect the first member and the differential assembly. A second clutch is operable to drivingly interconnect the third member and the differential assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.
    Inventor: David W. Wenthen
  • Patent number: 8480530
    Abstract: An automatic transmission includes four planetary gear sets, a plurality of friction and synchronizing clutches and two chain drive assemblies. Input torque is provided to four clutches which selectively provide torque to one element of a compound assembly comprising first and second planetary assemblies. The second planetary assembly includes only a sun gear and a planet carrier including elongate, stepped pinion gears which extend into the planet carrier of the adjacent first planetary assembly. The sun and ring gears of the first planetary assembly drive respective chain drive sprockets. A pair of chains transfer torque to respective driven chain sprockets. The chain driven by the first planetary assembly sun gear drives a third planetary assembly sun gear. The chain driven by the first planetary assembly ring gear drives a fourth planetary assembly sun gear. The transmission output is connected to the planet carriers of the third and fourth planetary assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Andrew W. Phillips
  • Patent number: 8419578
    Abstract: A transmission for a vehicle including a hydrostatic regenerative braking system includes a first rotatable shaft having a first end adapted to be driven by a first prime mover and a second end adapted to be coupled to a vehicle driveline. A second shaft selectively drives the first shaft and is adapted to drive a hydraulic pump of a second prime mover. A planetary gearset includes a first member restricted from rotation, a second member and a third member. A transfer mechanism includes a first sprocket fixed for rotation with the second member, a second sprocket fixed for rotation with the input shaft and a flexible member interconnecting the first and second sprockets. A clutch transfers torque between the third member and the first shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl F. Stephens, Joseph G. Mueller
  • Patent number: 8388488
    Abstract: An automatic transmission includes four planetary gear sets, a plurality of friction and synchronizing clutches and two drive assemblies. Input torque is provided to four clutches which selectively provide torque to various elements of the first and second planetary gear assemblies. Similarly, various elements of the first and second planetary gear assemblies provide power to the two drive assemblies which may either be chain drive or gear assemblies. The outputs of the drive assemblies drive sun gears of the third and fourth planetary gear assemblies. The transmission output is connected to and driven by the planet carriers of the third and fourth planetary assemblies. Sequenced operation of the friction and synchronizing clutches provides eight, nine or ten forward speeds or gear ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Andrew W. Phillips, Clinton E. Carey
  • Patent number: 8388485
    Abstract: A multispeed automatic transmission is provided having four planetary gear sets, a plurality of friction and synchronizer clutches and two chain drive assemblies. The transmission is arranged along two parallel axes of rotation: a first axis defined by the input shaft and a second axis defined by the output shaft. The chain drive assemblies transfer power between sprockets disposed on the two axes. Various combinations of clutches may be engaged to provide nine forward speed ratios and five reverse speed ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Andrew W. Phillips, James B. Borgerson
  • Publication number: 20120142482
    Abstract: A lorry 1 comprises a combustion engine 3 which is connected via the transmission module 5 to the input shaft 7 of an automatic transmission 9 with switchable gear settings. The output shaft 11 of the transmission 9 is connected to the wheels 15 of the lorry via a differential 13. The transmission module 5 comprises a clutch 17 which has two clutch parts 17A and 17B that can be coupled to each other. The transmission module 5 further comprises a part module 19 which has an input 21 and an output 23. The part module 19 comprises a bypass transmission 25 with three rotational members 27, 29, 31 of which the third rotational member 31 can be coupled to the firm world 35 via a brake 33.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Alexander Franciscus Anita Serrarens, Roell Marie Van Druten, Bas Gerard Vroemen
  • Patent number: 8187135
    Abstract: This invention relates to a transmission system for transmitting a driving force from a driving unit D to a driven unit F, a transmission adjustment system for adjusting the transmission system to obtain a continuous shift ratio, a guide cone system for maintaining a concentric circle of a rotation radius when a transmission element such as a chain is rotated, a guide cone/transmission adjustment system and a continuously variable transmission system which are made by combination of the above systems. The transmission system includes the transmission element with a tooth portion for transmitting the driving force from the driving unit D to the driven unit F. A transmission adjustment method in the transmission adjustment system is varied depending upon rotation or stop of a carrier. The guide cone system includes a guide cone having a portion of which comes in contact with the transmission element is formed in a shape of a cone having a constant slope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Inventor: Tae Soo Choi
  • Patent number: 8123646
    Abstract: A first embodiment of a vehicle transmission with continuously variable transmission ratio contains a CVT variator with two variator shafts, an input shaft that can optionally be brought into rotational engagement with one or the other of the variator shafts, and an output shaft that can optionally be brought into rotational engagement with one or the other of the variator shafts, such that two forward driving ranges with opposite torque transmission directions of the CVT variator are present, whose transmission ratio ranges are constantly contiguous with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Andreas Triller
  • Patent number: 8113977
    Abstract: An automatic transmission includes four planetary gear sets, a plurality of friction and synchronizing clutches and two chain drive assemblies. Input torque is provided to four clutches which selectively provide torque to one element of a compound assembly comprising first and second planetary assemblies. The second planetary assembly includes only a sun gear and a planet carrier including elongate, stepped pinion gears which extend into the planet carrier of the adjacent first planetary assembly. The sun and ring gears of the first planetary assembly drive respective chain drive sprockets. A pair of chains transfer torque to respective driven chain sprockets. The chain driven by the first planetary assembly sun gear drives a third planetary assembly sun gear. The chain driven by the first planetary assembly ring gear drives a fourth planetary assembly sun gear. The transmission output is connected to the planet carriers of the third and fourth planetary assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Andrew W. Phillips
  • Patent number: 8113978
    Abstract: The present invention provides a nine forward speed automatic transmission for a motor vehicle which includes four planetary gear sets, a plurality of friction and synchronizer clutches and two chain drive assemblies. The transmission is arranged along two parallel axes of rotation: a first axis defined by the input shaft and a second axis defined by the output shaft. The chain drive assemblies transfer power between sprockets disposed on the two axes. Various combinations of clutches may be engaged to provide nine forward speed ratios and five reverse speed ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Andrew W. Phillips, James B. Borgerson
  • Patent number: 8079928
    Abstract: A transfer case includes an input shaft and first and second output shafts. An overdrive unit is driven at an increased speed relative to the input shaft. A clutch is operable in a first position to establish a drive connection between the input shaft and the first output shaft. The clutch is further operable in a second position to establish a drive connection between the overdrive unit and the first output shaft. An actuator is driven by a motor for moving the clutch between its first and second positions. The actuator includes an axially movable fixed disk fixed for rotation with an output member of the overdrive unit. The shift engages an axially movable sleeve of the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: MAGNA Powertrain USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Ronk, Matt Phalen, Christopher J. Decker, Nancy Mintonye, John D. Zalewski
  • Publication number: 20110306457
    Abstract: In one example, a moon gear assembly is provided that includes a moon arm assembly having a driving moon gear. A pivot pin is connected to the moon arm assembly, and an adjustment arm is connected to the moon arm assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: VMT TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Gary D. Lee, William M. Decker, Brian M. Olsen, Eric E. Aston, Brian T. Barnum, Steven R. Aposhian, Andrew J. Orme, Isaac R. Jones, Peter J. Jones, Regis A. David
  • Patent number: 7892132
    Abstract: This invention relates to a transmission system for transmitting a driving force from a driving unit D to a driven unit F, a transmission adjustment system for adjusting the transmission system to obtain a continuous shift ratio, a guide cone system for maintaining a concentric circle of a rotation radius when a transmission element such as a chain is rotated, a guide cone/transmission adjustment system and a continuously variable transmission system which are made by combination of the above systems. The transmission system includes the transmission element with a tooth portion for transmitting the driving force from the driving unit D to the driven unit F. A transmission adjustment method in the transmission adjustment system is varied depending upon rotation or stop of a carrier. The guide cone system includes a guide cone having a portion of which comes in contact with the transmission element is formed in a shape of a cone having a constant slope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Inventor: Tae Soo Choi
  • Publication number: 20100317479
    Abstract: Bicycle chainset comprising: two cranks (4,5) each comprising, at one end, means (7) for fastening a pedal, a main axle, of axis x-x?, coupled in rotation to the two cranks (4, 5) and intended to be fitted into a bottom bracket (3) of a bicycle frame (2), and at least one toothed chainring (8) rotated by the cranks (4,5). The chainset comprises, furthermore, universal adaptor means (15) for the chainring (8) that are rotated by the cranks (4,5) and that enable the chainring (8) to be positioned and removed by interlocking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventor: Jean-Yves Delale
  • Patent number: 7713158
    Abstract: A transfer box with a housing, an input shaft, a first output shaft extending coaxially relative to said input shaft, and a second output shaft extending parallel to said two shafts, as well as with a differential gear assembly arranged between said shafts, wherein the input shaft carries a cross member with a plurality of radial bearing arms for the differential gears, wherein a first side gear is connected in a rotationally fast way to the first output shaft and wherein a second side gear is rotatably supported on the input shaft and drives the second output shaft, wherein the differential gears are spur gears and the side gears crown gears and wherein the teeth of the differential gears engage the teeth of the side gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: GKN Driveline International GmbH
    Inventors: Theodor Gassmann, Heinzwilli Fuchs
  • Publication number: 20090221394
    Abstract: An automatic transmission includes four planetary gear sets, a plurality of friction and synchronizing clutches and two drive assemblies. Input torque is provided to four clutches which selectively provide torque to various elements of the first and second planetary gear assemblies. Similarly, various elements of the first and second planetary gear assemblies provide power to the two drive assemblies which may either be chain drive or gear assemblies. The outputs of the drive assemblies drive sun gears of the third and fourth planetary gear assemblies. The transmission output is connected to and driven by the planet carriers of the third and fourth planetary assemblies. Sequenced operation of the friction and synchronizing clutches provides eight, nine or ten forward speeds or gear ratios.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Andrew W. Phillips, Clinton E. Carey
  • Publication number: 20090098974
    Abstract: An automatic transmission includes four planetary gear sets, a plurality of friction and synchronizing clutches and two chain drive assemblies. Input torque is provided to four clutches which selectively provide torque to one element of a compound assembly comprising first and second planetary assemblies. The second planetary assembly includes only a sun gear and a planet carrier including elongate, stepped pinion gears which extend into the planet carrier of the adjacent first planetary assembly. The sun and ring gears of the first planetary assembly drive respective chain drive sprockets. A pair of chains transfer torque to respective driven chain sprockets. The chain driven by the first planetary assembly sun gear drives a third planetary assembly sun gear. The chain driven by the first planetary assembly ring gear drives a fourth planetary assembly sun gear. The transmission output is connected to the planet carriers of the third and fourth planetary assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Andrew W. Phillips
  • Publication number: 20090088284
    Abstract: An enclosed bicycle drivetrain is provided that produces a range of drive ratios suitable for any riding purpose. The enclosure of substantially the entire drivetrain is made practical by the synergistic cooperation of a planetary drive system using a single chain ring and a streamlined rear derailleur system that separates the tensioning and chain guiding functions of a conventional rear derailleur, allowing the rear derailleur components to remain substantially within the shadow of the outer perimeter of the bicycle frame. The planetary drive system is provided with a unique compound pawl that may be easily disengaged from a planetary ratchet member under full riding loads by the application of a small force to destabilize the pawl. A unique shift buffer mechanism cooperates with the rear derailleur system to buffer and store up to the full range of available shift commands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventor: Sam Harwell Patterson
  • Patent number: 7435199
    Abstract: A two-speed segmented transfer case includes an automatic transmission side, and a transfer case side. The transfer case side having a gear reduction set, and a shift sleeve for selecting between the high, or direct drive speed, and the low, or reduced gear speed. The transmission side includes a hydraulic clutch which is used to transfer power from the transmission, to the front wheels. The hydraulic clutch is operated and controlled by the use of automatic transmission fluid that comes from the vehicle transmission. When fully engaged, the hydraulic clutch causes the power coming into the transfer case to be split between the front and rear wheels. This configuration allows for the elimination of a separate actuation system that would normally control the engagement of the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: BorgWarner, Inc.
    Inventor: Dan J. Showalter
  • Patent number: 7425183
    Abstract: A regenerative drive system for heavy duty vehicles such as truck tractors having a conventional internal combustion engine and transmission includes a regenerative hydraulic motor and a transfer case. The transfer case has a chain drive coupling the output of the hydraulic motor to the input of a planetary gear speed reduction assembly. The output of the planetary gear assembly is provided to a modulating friction clutch pack which selectively couples the output of the planetary gear assembly to the transmission output and drives the differential and rear vehicle wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: Borg Warner, Inc.
    Inventor: William R. Kelley, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7425184
    Abstract: A modular transmission unit, in particular multistage transmission, comprising the following components: two superimposed gears as planetary gears, a first shaft of the first superimposed gear integrally coupled in rotation with the box input, a second shaft of the first superimposed gear and a second shaft of the second superimposed gear indirectly coupled with the output. Between the third shafts of the first and second superimposed gears is mounted a continuously variable transmission. The individual coupling of the individual superimposed gears and of the continuously variable transmission is provided by a linking gear including a multiplication and gear reduction stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Inventor: Dieter Glöckler
  • Patent number: 7291082
    Abstract: The invention relates to an automatic gearbox, especially for a motor vehicle, comprising a drive shaft (7), a driven shaft which is non-coaxially arranged on the drive shaft (7), a planetary gearbox which is non coaxial in relation to the drive shaft (7), a planetary gear which is coaxial in relation to the drive shaft (7) and which comprises at least one set of planet wheels (14) and at least one switch element (10) for the selective transmission of the speed of a driving motor of the drive shaft (7) on an output element of the planet gear. The automatic gearbox also comprises a chain drive (18) with constant transmission, whose drive wheel (19) is connected to the output element of the planetary gear and is coaxially arranged on the drive shaft (7), and whose driven wheel (22) is actively connected to the driven shaft by means of a constant transmission. The chain drive (18) is adjacent to the housing wall (2) of the automatic gearbox directly in the axial direction thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Peter Tiesler
  • Patent number: 7163483
    Abstract: A transfer case for a vehicle having front and rear axles includes three input clutches connected to first, second and third members of a planetary gear set. First and second transfer chains are connected to each other and operatively engageable between the planetary gear set and the front and rear axles. At least one of the transfer chains is connected with a member of the planetary gear set. A four wheel drive clutch is operative to selectively connect the front and rear axles. The four wheel drive clutch and three input clutches are selectively engageable to provide three speed ratios and four wheel drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Raymond J. Haka
  • Patent number: 6969334
    Abstract: A light-weight transfer case is provided for implementation with a four-wheel drive vehicle. The light-weight transfer case includes a single-piece housing formed through either a lost-foam magnesium or die cast process. First and second output shafts are included which are formed from single-piece tubing through either a hydro-forming or swaging process. The first and second output shafts are lighter weight and maintain increased strength over traditional transfer case output shafts. A gear reduction unit is also included for establishing high, low and neutral speeds of the first and second output shafts. Furthermore, a mode selection device is included for selectively providing drive to either a single output shaft, in a two-wheel drive mode, or both the first and second output shafts, in a four-wheel drive mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl D. Schleuder, Philip J. Francis
  • Patent number: 6949044
    Abstract: A transfer case for motor vehicles with off-the-road gear comprises a casing, an input shaft, a first output shaft, coaxial with the latter, a second output shaft, offset therefrom, a speed-reduction unit, a coupling unit and an offset drive. The speed-reduction unit comprises a central drive gearwheel, connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the input shaft, a central driven gearwheel and at least two intermediate transmissions, rotatable about spindles fixed to the casing, each with two intermediate gearwheels, one of which meshes with the central drive gearwheel and the other meshes with the central driven gearwheel, a first driven shaft, connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the central drive gearwheel, and a hollow second driven shaft, connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the central driven gearwheel, which driven shafts lead to a coupling unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Steyr-Daimler-Puch Fahrzeugtechnik AG&Co. KG
    Inventor: Rudolf Glassner
  • Patent number: 6942592
    Abstract: A drivetrain for a vehicle includes front and rear axles and a transfer case including two planetary gear sets and four clutches. The first member of the first planetary gear set is continuously connected with the first member of the second planetary gear set and the rear axle. The third member of the first planetary gear set is continuously connected to the second member of the second planetary gear set and the front axle through a transfer chain. An input is selectively connectable with the first member of the first planetary gear set through a first clutch, connectable with the second member of the first planetary gear set through a second clutch, and connectable with the third member of the first planetary gear set through a third clutch. A fourth clutch selectively connects the third member of the second planetary gear set with ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Raymond J. Haka
  • Patent number: 6926634
    Abstract: A transfer case is provided for a vehicle having front and rear axles. The transfer case includes a planetary gear set with first, second and third members. The first member is continuously connected with the front axle and the second member is continuously connected with the rear axle. An input shaft is selectively connectable with the first, second or third member. The transfer case provides rear-wheel drive when the second member is connected with the input shaft, all-wheel drive when the third member is connected with the input shaft, and front-wheel drive when the first member is connected with the input shaft. It is important that the specific members of the planetary gear set be chosen so the absolute value of the torque of the third member is equal to the sum of the absolute value of the torques of the first and second members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Raymond J. Haka
  • Patent number: 6786844
    Abstract: The invention relates to a contact pressure system, that can be utilized particularly for continuously variable transmissions, with a torque sensor system as well as a continuously variable transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Anton Fritzer, Wolfgang Reik, Andreas Deimel, Ulrich Mair
  • Patent number: 6783475
    Abstract: An all-wheel distributor transmission (1) is described for a motor vehicle comprising a planetary gear set as multiplication step (2) for a switchable off-road gear and a planetary gear set (3) with variable division for distributing a drive torque onto a front axle and a rear axle. The all-wheel distributor transmission (1) also has an adjustable lock (4) for locking between the front axle and the rear axle, the lock (4) and the multiplication step (2) being actuatable via a controllable drive device (5). The drive device (5) comprises a drive shaft (6) and two output shafts (7, 8), the first output shaft (7) being in operative connection with the multiplication step (2) and the second output shaft (8) being in operative connection with the lock (4). A torque introduced via the drive shaft (6) can be applied on the first or the second output shaft (7 or 8) according to a control of a shift unit (10) for actuating the lock (4) or the multiplication step (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Ünal Gazyakan, Detlef Baasch, Gerhard Gumpoltsberger, Michael Ebenhoch, Barbara Schmohl
  • Patent number: 6537173
    Abstract: A transmission system provided for a bicycle, including a primary transmission sub-assembly having a set of rear sprockets, whose number of teeth, from one sprocket to the next sprocket in the ascending order, varies according to a ratio of the numbers of teeth that is greater than or equal to a value n such as n greater than 1. The invention also includes a control of the transmission system, as well as a bicycle that includes the transmission system and the control for same. The transmission system includes a single chain wheel for driving the chain, associated with a bottom bracket assembly, and a secondary transmission sub-assembly having at least two drive output ratios, whose ratio of the highest drive speed to the lowest drive speed is equal to a value R between 1 and n so as to introduce at least one intermediate transmission ratio between two successive sprockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Mavic S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Mercat, Bertrand Cauvin
  • Patent number: 5980415
    Abstract: An adaptive torque control and distribution system for a motor vehicle having a transfer case, primary driveline and drive wheels and secondary driveline and drive wheels for operation in extreme off road conditions such as sand. The transfer case includes a modulating clutch and a lockup clutch disposed in parallel between its primary (rear) output and secondary (front) output. The system detects abnormally high magnitude and rapidly repeating wheel spin transients which are characteristic of operation in sand or similar highly randomly variable tractive conditions and overrides the on demand torque distribution program for a predetermined time interval. During this predetermined time interval, the transfer case lockup clutch is activated thereby coupling the primary and secondary drivelines and achieving a fifty-fifty torque split therebetween while the modulating clutch is inactive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Borg-Warner Automotive, Inc.
    Inventor: Dan J. Showalter
  • Patent number: 5931760
    Abstract: An automatic transmission for an automotive vehicle includes a continuously variable drive mechanism having one sheave assembly fixed to an input shaft and an output sheave assembly supported on an intermediate shaft. A planetary gearset has a sun gear fixed to the input shaft, and a carrier fixed to an output shaft. A first fixed ratio drive mechanism is in the form of a chain drive providing a torque delivery path between the intermediate shaft and a ring gear of the gearset. A second fixed drive mechanism is in the form of a chain drive located in a torque delivery path between the output shaft and a front drive shaft. A transfer clutch is provided for connecting and releasing the output sheave of the variable drive mechanism and sprocket wheel which is fixed to that shaft. A forward brake and reverse brake are provided for holding alternately the ring gears of the gearset, and a clutch for selectively driveably connecting the output of the second fixed drive mechanism to the front drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Rudolf Beim, Daniel Warren McCarrick, Barry John Melhorn
  • Patent number: 5584776
    Abstract: A transfer case includes a clutch assembly having a disc pack clutch, a cone clutch and a lockup hub or collar. All three clutch components are disposed in mechanical parallel between the primary transfer case shaft and the secondary output. The disc pack clutch includes a plurality of interleaved discs and an electromagnetic operator which effects compression of the disc pack to transfer torque from the primary transfer case output shaft to a chain drive sprocket, through a chain, to a secondary output shaft. The cone clutch is disposed adjacent the disc pack and is also actuated by the electromagnetic operator. The cone clutch includes a conical drive member driven by the primary transfer case output shaft. A conical driven member provides torque to the drive chain and, in turn, to the secondary output shaft. Preferably, the driven cone member is integrally formed with the chain drive sprocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Borg-Warner Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Weilant, Jack F. Engle
  • Patent number: 5183444
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission and differential combination including an input shaft 36, a variable speed drive pulley 40 on the input shaft 36, a drive shaft 54, a variable speed driven pulley 500 on the driven shaft 54 and a v-belt 48 trained around the pulleys 40 and 50. A drive sprocket 64 driven by the drive shaft 54 and a driven sprocket 64 with a silent chain 66 trained around them provides a speed reduction drive. The driven sprocket 68 drives a sun gear 88 which drives planet gears 98 that mesh with a stationary ring gear 100. The planet carrier 102 is rotated at a reduced speed. The bevel gears 108 and 112 carried by the planet carrier 102 form a differential that drives axles 114 and 116. A reversing gear drive can be provided between the sun gear 78 and the sun gear 88 to reverse the direction of rotation of the axles 114 and 116.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1993
    Assignee: Borg-Warner Automotive Inc.
    Inventor: Francis B. Robbins