Nonplanetary Transmission Is Friction Gearing Patents (Class 475/214)
  • Patent number: 11674567
    Abstract: An electric vehicle transmission system is disclosed. The electric vehicle transmission system is employing a planetary gear type speed reducer so as to implement first-gear shifting, second-gear shifting, or reverse shifting, thereby enabling reduced manufacturing costs of an electric vehicle while increasing the fuel efficiency of the electric vehicle, and also employing the planetary gear type speed reducer so as to implement forward and reverse shifting, thereby enabling reduced manufacturing costs of the electric vehicle while increasing the fuel efficiency of the electric vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: DRIVETECH CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yun Yong Choi
  • Patent number: 11181187
    Abstract: A planetary gear system includes a planetary gear carrier having three or more posts extending from the planetary gear carrier, each post having a hardened exterior surface, and a planet pinion gear in contact with the hardened exterior surface of each post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: TEXTRON INNOVATIONS INC.
    Inventors: Scott David Poster, Charles Hubert Speller, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11067154
    Abstract: A toroidal continuously variable transmission includes a first disc and a second disc disposed so that the first disc and the second disc are rotatable around a common rotational axis line, the first disc and the second disc facing each other; a power roller which is tiltably disposed between the first disc and the second disc; a pressing device of a loading cam type, the pressing device including a cam plate which is rotatable around the rotational axis line, and a roller unit including at least one roller sandwiched between a cam surface of the second disc and a cam surface of the cam plate; and a cam plate support supporting a back surface of the cam plate, the back surface being opposite to the cam surface of the cam plate, at a radial position conforming to a radial position of at least a portion of the roller unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kippei Matsuda, Hideyuki Imai, Kenichiro Tanaka, Tetsuya Matsuoka
  • Patent number: 10995838
    Abstract: The invention relates to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) comprising a ratio varying unit and a compound epicyclic gear set. The ratio varying unit has a rotating first side and a rotating second side, the rotational axes of the first and second sides being coaxial. The compound epicyclic gear set comprises a first set of planets, being rotationally mounted within a carrier and meshing with a sun gear. The epicyclic gear set also has a first annulus gear and a second set of planets; the second set of planets also being rotationally mounted within the carrier and meshing with a second annulus gear. One of the first or second rotating sides of the ratio varying unit is coupled to the carrier and the other of the first or second rotating sides of the ratio varying unit is coupled to the sun gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: ALLISON TRANSMISSION, INC.
    Inventor: Christopher Gaskell
  • Patent number: 10982735
    Abstract: A planetary gear set may include a first rotation element connected to a first shaft and having a second rotation element connected to a second shaft, among three rotation elements; a motor; a first shifting device configured to be selectively engaged to the motor to deliver the power of the motor to the first shaft directly or at a reduced speed; and a second shifting device provided to be configured to selectively deliver the power of the motor to the first shaft or the second shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Jin Ho Kim, Jae Joon Lee, Jong Sool Park, Jin Young Hwang, Jong Sung Kim
  • Patent number: 10864811
    Abstract: A toroidal type continuously variable transmission system is disclosed. The system comprises a plurality of input disks (124 & 126) and at least one output disk (128), which are arranged noncoaxially; and a plurality of tiltable rollers (136, 138 & 140) for operatively coupling the input disks (124 & 126) and the output disk (128) for transmitting the torque. The transmission system is adapted to be operated by the torque transmitted by at least one of the plurality of input disks (124 & 126) to the at least one output disk (128).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Inventor: Atul A. Ranade
  • Patent number: 10668915
    Abstract: A transmission for an electric vehicle, may include a concentric deceleration device for receiving power from a motor shaft and for decelerating; an output shaft disposed in parallel with the input shaft; a hollow shaft rotatably provided on the input shaft; a clutch device provided to switch the transmission state of power from the input shaft to the hollow shaft; a first synchronizer having a hub fixed to the input shaft; a second synchronizer having a hub fixed to the hollow shaft; a plurality of driving gears having different sizes and provided on the input shaft and the hollow shaft to be engaged with at least one of the first synchronizer and the second synchronizer; and a plurality of driven gears provided on the output shaft to be engaged with the plurality of driving gears to form different shift ratios, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corp.
    Inventors: Ma Ru Kang, Sun Sung Kwon, Yong Uk Shin, Seong Wook Ji, Soon Ki Eo, Chon Ok Kim, Il Han Yoo, Min Ho Chae, Yong Sug Choi, Ki Tae Kim
  • Patent number: 10626969
    Abstract: A variator unit of a power-split continuously variable transmission is fixed to a rotationally fixed component and has a primary side rotationally fixed to an input shaft and a secondary side rotationally fixed to a first element of a second planetary gear set via a third shaft. A third element of a first planetary gear set is rotationally fixed via a fourth shaft to a second element of the second planetary gear set, which is fixable to the rotationally fixed component via a first shift element and connectable to the input shaft via a second shift element. A third element of the second planetary gear set is rotationally fixed via a fifth shaft to a first element of the first planetary gear set fixable to the rotationally fixed component via a third shift element. The second element of the first planetary gear set is rotationally fixed to an output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Stefan Beck, Viktor Warth, Michael Wechs, Gerhard Niederbrucker, Jens Moraw, Lara Ruth Turner
  • Patent number: 10490894
    Abstract: A multi-drive apparatus for phase shifters is disclosed. The disclosed multi-drive apparatus for phase shifters includes: a main-axle gear; a multiple number of output shafts each connected to a phase shifter; a multiple number of output gears coupled with the output shafts; and a cam part having the output shafts arranged on its upper surface, where at least one recess is formed in the upper surface of the cam part, and when at least one of the output shafts is inserted into the recess according to a movement of the cam part, then an output gear coupled with the output shaft inserted into the recess engages the main-axle gear. With the disclosed multi-drive apparatus, it is possible to drive multiple phase shifters using just two motors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: ACE TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Byung Hwan Kim, Seung Yong Lee, Gun Seok Oh, Shin Gyo Han, Jung Wook Lee
  • Patent number: 10451149
    Abstract: A transmission including a drive shaft, an output shaft, three planetary gear sets, and five shift elements, the first and second planetary gear sets are arranged in one gear plane, the first planetary gear set is a plus planetary gear set, and the second planetary gear set is a minus planetary gear set. The planetary gear sets are coupleable to one another to engage different gear ratios between the drive and output shafts. The drive shaft is connected to a sun gear of the first planetary gear set and is coupleable by the first shift element to a first element of the third planetary gear set and by the second shift element to a planetary carrier of the second planetary gear set. The third, fourth, and fifth shift elements radially encircle the planetary gear sets axially at the level the planetary gear sets and the second shift element are arranged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Michael Roske, Thomas Rosemeier, Raffael Kuberczyk, Juri Pawlakowitsch
  • Patent number: 10422422
    Abstract: A planetary gear system for a gas turbine engine with a plurality of planetary gears coupled to a carrier device, with front planetary gears mounted on pins in a front row and aft planetary gears mounted on pins in an aft row, the two rows being parallel to each other in the axial direction of the planetary gear system. The carrier device includes a base structure being in one piece with the carrier device, the base structure positioned around a rotational axis of the gas turbine engine. The pins are coupled to the carrier device through first and second extension elements for the positioning of the pins relative to the base structure. The second extension elements axially extending the respective pins further away from the base structure than the pins positioned by the first extension elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE DEUTSCHLAND LTD & CO KG
    Inventors: Domenico Scognamiglio, Alessandro Polacco, Jan Schwarze
  • Patent number: 10422421
    Abstract: A planetary gear system for a gas turbine engine with a plurality of planetary gears coupled to a carrier device, with front planetary gears mounted on pins in a front row and aft planetary gears mounted on pins in an aft row, the two rows being parallel to each other in the axial direction of the planetary gear system. The carrier device includes a ring-like base structure around a rotational axis of the carrier device, the pins are coupled to of the carrier device through first and second extension elements for the positioning of the pins relative to the base structure. The second extension elements axially extending the respective pins further away from the base structure than the pins positioned by the first extension elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE DEUTSCHLAND LTD & CO KG
    Inventor: Domenico Scognamiglio
  • Patent number: 10400872
    Abstract: A balanced split sun assembly with an integrated differential mechanism allows power to be transferred from a sun assembly to a plurality of ball planets, or allows power to be transferred from a plurality of ball planets to a sun assembly, while minimizing sliding, spin, axial pull, or other unwanted effects on the sun assembly. A differential mechanism, including offset mechanisms, allows torque to be divided between multiple split sun rolling elements. Variations in design of a split sun assembly allow for ease of manufacture, ease of assembly, and ease of adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLC
    Inventor: Charles B. Lohr
  • Patent number: 10385954
    Abstract: An interference-type torque split differential includes a differential housing, a first differential gear and an interference-type torque split module. The first differential gear is provided in the differential housing. The interference-type torque split module is provided outside the differential housing and has a second differential gear, a first brake source and a second brake source. The second differential gear is connected with the first differential gear. The first brake source and the second brake source are at two sides of the second differential gear, respectively. The first brake source or the second brake source provides multiple stages of clamping force for performing torque split.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Peng-Yu Chen, Cheng-Ping Yang, Yung-Chi Chang, Po-Wen Chen, Jui-Tang Tseng, Jenq-Huey Shyu
  • Patent number: 10006529
    Abstract: A variable transmission includes various powerpath layouts comprising configurations based on a two stage gearbox with a first stage providing a multi-mode configuration combining power-split modes, direct drive modes and a directional stage to select driving either forward or reverse with a pair of direction clutches; or multi-mode operation comprising a planetary gear set as the central part of the configurations together with the CVP, wherein the modes are selected by engaging a clutch/brake while releasing the others. These configurations are particularly useful for compact Off-Highway applications such as compact wheel loaders having a wide speed range and high rimpull force requirement where an operator may also desire limited jerking motion during shifts in the low speed range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: Dana Limited
    Inventors: Raymond J. Haka, Matthias W. J. Byltiauw
  • Patent number: 9822858
    Abstract: A motor driven valve actuator has a manual override that allows operating the valve without causing the motor rotation. The actuator includes a spindle having an axis of rotation, a driving hub rotatable about the axis of rotation, and a connecting plate attached to the spindle to be axially movable and rotatably fixed thereto, the connecting plate rotatably fixed to the driving hub when in a first axial position, thereby rotatably fixing the spindle to the driving hub for conjoined rotation with the driving hub, the connecting plate rotatable relative to the driving hub when in a second axial position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Inventor: Bernard Guerin
  • Patent number: 9810300
    Abstract: A power-split, continuously variable transmission includes a summing planetary transmission, at least one additional planetary gear set and a variator, which are in operative connection with each other a plurality of shafts, the shafts of the plurality of shafts are couplable to each other with a plurality of shift elements in order to provide at least three transmission ratio ranges. The variator is a mechanical friction wheel variator with at least three shafts. The summing planetary transmission, the at least one additional planetary gear and the variator are arranged coaxial to one another. In one of the transmission ratio ranges of the at least three transmission ratio ranges, a total power is guidable between a transmission input shaft and a transmission output shaft by the variator. A friction wheel of the variator is approximately cone-shaped, at least in sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Viktor Warth, Matthias Reisch, Bernhard Sich
  • Patent number: 9695914
    Abstract: Construction is achieved whereby durability is maintained while size and weight are reduced. Installation plate sections are provided on the top and bottom end sections of a pair of support columns. Bolts are inserted through through-holes that penetrate through the installation plate sections in the axial direction; the bolts are then screwed into screw holes provided in the axial direction of anchor sections of an actuator body and a connecting plate, and the bolts are further tightened, whereby the support columns are securely joined and fastened to the actuator body and the connecting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: NSK LTD.
    Inventors: Nagao Dohi, Hiroki Nishii, Norihisa Kobayashi, Tomohiro Inoue, Masahiro Kita
  • Patent number: 9599204
    Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are provided for the transmission of power in motor vehicles. Power can be transmitted in a smoother and more efficient manner, with smaller and even less mechanical components, by splitting torque into two or more torque paths. A power transmission apparatus comprises a power input shaft, a planetary gear set coupled to the power input shaft, and a variator, such as a continuously variable transmission (CVT), coupled to the gear set. The various components of the planetary gear set and the variator are arranged such that torque is split between two or more torque paths and then recombined before power is output to a gear box and a differential of the motor vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2017
    Assignee: Dana Limited
    Inventors: Mark R. J. Versteyhe, Matthias W. J. Byltiauw
  • Patent number: 9556941
    Abstract: A transmission having a variator drive capable of being placed in a continuously variable operating mode or an infinitely variable operating mode, capable of having a wide ratio range, and capable of transmitting large amounts of power. Variable transmissions comprising three clutches, three grounding clutches or brakes, and a variator comprising a plurality of tilting variators balls disposed between a first drive ring and a second drive ring allow a single variator to function as an infinitely variable transmission when power is inputted to the carrier assembly and as a continuously variable transmission when power is inputted through a first ring assembly. Certain embodiments include a differential that allows a parallel power path around the variator to improve the variator torque capacity and a direct drive mode to improve the efficiency of the variator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Dana Limited
    Inventors: James F. Ziech, Kenneth E. Cooper
  • Patent number: 9228650
    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: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Schoolcraft
  • Patent number: 9222560
    Abstract: A two mode automatic transmission for a motor vehicle includes a variable ratio component, a plurality of planetary gear assemblies, a chain drive assembly and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. A first planetary gear assembly is associated with an input shaft, a first clutch and a first brake and provides forward and reverse gears. The variable ratio component is driven by the output of the first planetary gear assembly and drives the second planetary gear assembly. The second planetary gear assembly, which may be either a simple or compound planetary assembly, is associated with a second clutch and a second brake and drives the chain drive assembly. The output of the chain drive assembly drives a third planetary gear assembly which is associated with an output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Tejinder Singh, Pete R. Garcia
  • Patent number: 9109663
    Abstract: The present invention provides an infinitely variable transmission for a powered vehicle which includes a power source. The transmission includes an input shaft and an output shaft, the output shaft being spaced from the input shaft. The transmission further includes a variator coupled between the input shaft and output shaft. In addition, at least two planetary gearsets are disposed adjacent to the variator and an input coupler is configured to selectively couple the variator to the power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: Glen S. Hawkins, Jr., Brian Schoolcraft, James A. Raszkowski, David E. Earhart, Gary Reichanadter
  • Patent number: 9109679
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission includes a gearbox with a forward mode and a reverse mode. The gearbox includes a plurality of gear members and further includes at least two torque transmitting devices such as, a clutch and a brake that are selectively employed to engage various combinations of the gear members such that a particular combination is associated with one of the forward mode and the reverse mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, LLC
    Inventors: Clinton E. Carey, Daryl A. Wilton, James M. Hart
  • Patent number: 9051999
    Abstract: A variator (2) having a pair of semi-toroidally recessed races (11, 12) mounted to a housing (6) for rotation about a common variator axis. A roller (14) is mounted between the races to transfer drive between them at a variable drive ratio. A sun gear (25) is mounted between the races, as is a ring (gear 26). The ring gear is radially outboard of the sun gear. Mounted between the sun and ring and meshing with both is a carrier gear (33) upon which the roller is mounted in a manner which enables it to both spin about its own axis, when turned by the races, and also to tilt relative to the races to vary the drive ratio. A control pinion (27) is also arranged between the sun and ring gears meshing with both. The control pinion is able to rotate about its own axis freely, but the pinion axis is fixed with respect to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignees: KK EQUOS RESEARCH, TOROTRAK (DEVELOPMENT) LIMITED
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Ishihara, Masahiko Ando, Brian Dutson
  • Publication number: 20150133257
    Abstract: The driving force from a drive source is transmitted from a main input shaft to a continuously variable transmission mechanism through an input switching mechanism and a first input path in which a first speed-reducing gear is disposed, and is further transmitted to a first output path in which a second speed-reducing gear is disposed, thus establishing a LOW mode. And the driving force is transmitted from the main input shaft to the continuously variable transmission mechanism through the input switching mechanism and a second input path in which a speed-increasing gear, and is further transmitted to a second output path in which a third speed-reducing gear, thus establishing a HI mode. The_first speed-reducing gear on the input side, the speed-increasing gear on the input side and the second and third speed-reducing gears on the output side are independent from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Satoshi Uchino, Atsushi Fujikawa
  • Patent number: 8986150
    Abstract: A variable transmission includes an input shaft, a planetary gear set drivingly engaged with a variator comprising, a variator carrier assembly, a first ring assembly, and a second ring assembly; and the output shaft, arranged with various combinations of brakes and clutches to produce transmissions with continuously variable or infinitely variable torque output ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Dana Limited
    Inventors: Mark R. J. Versteyhe, Matthias W. J. Byltiauw, James F. Ziech
  • Patent number: 8974343
    Abstract: An automatic transmission planetary gear train for a vehicle may include a first shaft receiving a torque of an engine, a second shaft disposed substantially in parallel with the first shaft, a first planetary gear set disposed on the first shaft and including a first sun gear, a first planet carrier, and a first ring gear as rotation elements, a second planetary gear set disposed on the second shaft and including a second sun gear, a second planet carrier, and a second ring gear as rotation elements, a third planetary gear set disposed on the second shaft and including a third sun gear, a third planet carrier, and a third ring gear as rotation elements, three transfer gears forming the externally-meshed gears, and frictional elements selectively interconnecting the rotation elements of the first, second, and third planetary gear sets or selectively connecting a rotation element to a transmission housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Myonghoon Noh, Hyu Tae Shim, Kangsoo Seo, Jae Chang Kook, Chang Wook Lee, Jongsool Park
  • Patent number: 8939861
    Abstract: A transaxle comprises a transmission differential unit including a frictional transmission mechanism and a differential mechanism. The frictional transmission mechanism includes an input shaft, a drive disc provided on the input shaft, and a driven disc whose outer peripheral edge frictionally contacts a disc surface of the drive disc. The differential mechanism includes a pair of coaxial output shafts, and a differential casing differentially connecting the output shafts to each other. The driven disc is ring-shaped and is fitted at an inner peripheral portion thereof on an outer peripheral portion of the differential casing so as to be unrotatable relative to the differential casing and so as to be slidable on the outer peripheral portion of the differential casing in the axial direction of the output shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Fumitoshi Ishino, Etsuo Miyake, Takashi Nishizawa
  • Patent number: 8894531
    Abstract: A planetary gear train including: a first planetary gear set on a first shaft including a first sun gear operated as an output or fixed element, a first planet carrier operable as an output element, and a first ring gear operated as an input element; a second planetary gear set on a second shaft including a second sun gear connected to the first planet carrier, a second planet carrier, and a second ring gear engaging the first planet carrier and the first ring gear; a third planetary gear set on the second shaft including a third sun gear connected to the second ring gear, a third planet carrier engaging the second planet carrier and connected to an output gear, and a third ring gear engaging the first sun gear; three transfer gears; and frictional elements interconnecting the first, second, and third planetary gear sets and/or connecting a transmission housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Myonghoon Noh, Hyu Tae Shim, Kangsoo Seo, Jae Chang Kook, Chang Wook Lee, Jongsool Park
  • Patent number: 8888645
    Abstract: A CVT is provided that includes an input member, an output member, an input disk rotationally coupled to the input member, an output disk having an output gear, a roller disposed between the input disk and the output disk and configured to transfer torque from the input disk to the output disk, a counter gear intermeshed with the output gear, and a planetary gear set connected to the output member. The planetary gear set includes a ring gear, a carrier member, and a sun gear. The ring gear is rotationally coupled to the counter gear. The counter gear and the planetary gear set are co-planar with the output disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventor: Hai Xu
  • Patent number: 8880309
    Abstract: The present invention provides a smoother driving experience through the use of an advanced powertrain system for a vehicle. The powertrain system includes a transmission having a gear selection controller adapted to select one of a plurality of gear ratios, an electronic control unit, at least one information acquisition unit wherein the electronic control unit uses information from the information acquisition unit to determine if the vehicle is stationary and if the vehicle is on an expressway. If the electronic control unit determines the vehicle is stationary and the vehicle is on an expressway, then the electronic control unit sends a signal to the gear selection controller of the transmission to select a lower gear ratio that would normally be used to transition the vehicle from a stationary to a moving state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Tai J. Ly
  • Patent number: 8858380
    Abstract: A speed reduction device includes front and rear stage speed reduction mechanisms. The speed reduction device includes a connecting shaft that connects the front stage speed reduction mechanism to the rear stage speed reduction mechanism; bearings that support the connecting shaft; an oil supply port that is formed on one side of front and rear stage sides of the bearings; and communication passages that make a receiving section, which is closer to the front stage speed reduction mechanism than the bearings in a casing of the speed reduction device, communicate with a receiving section, which is closer to the rear stage speed reduction mechanism than the bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayuki Ishizuka, Ikuko Nonoyama
  • Patent number: 8721486
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission having a variator (5) comprising input discs (2) coupled to an input shaft (12) and an output disc (3) providing a rotary variator output. The input and output discs are mounted for rotation about a common axis and at last one roller (4) is arranged between the discs to transfer drive from one to the other at a continuously variable variator drive ratio. The roller is mounted in a carrier (30) in a manner which permits it to spin about its own axis and to tilt relative to the disks to vary the variator drive ratio. A hydraulic actuator (22) is arranged to apply to the carrier (30) a reaction force determined by a hydraulic pressure difference acting on the actuator. The reaction force opposes a traction force applied to the roller (4) by the action of the discs (2, 3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Torotrak (Development) Limited
    Inventors: Stephen William Murray, Yusuke Okada
  • Patent number: 8663052
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Bernhard Sich
  • Publication number: 20140045637
    Abstract: A compact drivetrain provided with a CVT that can be used in CVT low and high configurations and in a reverse configuration is described herein. In addition to the CVT, the drivetrain includes first and second planetary gear trains compactly mounted in series so as to selectively cooperate with the CVT and a configuration selection system coupled to both first and second planetary gear trains and to the output disk of the CVT for selectively associating the output shaft of the drivetrain to the outputs of the first and second planetary gear trains or to the output disk of the CVT for allowing the three modes of operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: TRANSMISSION CVTCORP INC.
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Dionne, Jean-Robert Desmeules, Francois Messier
  • Patent number: 8647233
    Abstract: A method for controlling a drive system includes driveably connecting an engine to a variator, using a pulley to transmit rotating power from an electric machine through a gearset that increases speed of an input of the variator relative to a speed of the pulley, controlling a speed ratio of the variator, and transmitting power through the gearset and variator to the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Donald E. Hoffman, David A. Janson
  • Publication number: 20140038761
    Abstract: A CVT is provided that includes an input member, an output member, an input disk rotationally coupled to the input member, an output disk having an output gear, a roller disposed between the input disk and the output disk and configured to transfer torque from the input disk to the output disk, a counter gear intermeshed with the output gear, and a planetary gear set connected to the output member. The planetary gear set includes a ring gear, a carrier member, and a sun gear. The ring gear is rotationally coupled to the counter gear. The counter gear and the planetary gear set are co-planar with the output disk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventor: HAI XU
  • Publication number: 20140011624
    Abstract: A transmission, preferably for driving a motor vehicle, includes a multi-gear main transmission and a range group, that is connected downstream from the main transmission and comprises an input shaft and an epicyclic gear system. The epicyclic gear system comprises elements in the form at least of a central gearwheel and a planetary carrier. Furthermore, the transmission comprises a first connection for driving one of the elements of the epicyclic gear system by way of the input shaft of the range group and a variator, as well as a second connection that can be engaged with the first connection for driving a further element of the elements of the epicyclic gear system. When the second connection is engaged, the input shaft of the range group drives the variator and a drive output of the variator drives the further element of the epicyclic gear system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventors: Matthias REISCH, Bernard HUNOLD
  • Patent number: 8617020
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission having a transmission input (60) and a transmission output (114) is described. 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: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Torotrak (Development) Limited
    Inventor: Philip Duncan Winter
  • Patent number: 8585528
    Abstract: Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for infinitely variable transmissions (IVT) having a variator provided with a plurality of tilting spherical planets. In one embodiment, a variator is provided with multiple planet arrays. In another embodiment, a hydraulic system is configured to control the transmission ratio of the IVT. Various inventive idler assemblies and planet-pivot arm assemblies can be used to facilitate adjusting the transmission speed ratio of an IVT. Embodiments of a transmission housing and bell housing are adapted to house components of an IVT and, in some embodiments, to cooperate with other components of the IVT to support operation and/or functionality of the IVT. Various related devices include embodiments of, for example, a control feedback mechanism, axial force generation and management mechanisms, a control valve integral with an input shaft, and a rotatable carrier configured to support planet-pivot arm assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLC
    Inventors: Jeremy Carter, Charles Lohr, Brad Pohl, Daniel J. Dawe
  • Publication number: 20130303325
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission includes a gearbox with a forward mode and a reverse mode. The gearbox includes a plurality of gear members and further includes at least two torque transmitting devices such as, a clutch and a brake that are selectively employed to engage various combinations of the gear members such that a particular combination is associated with one of the forward mode and the reverse mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Clinton E. Carey, Daryl A. Wilton, James M. Hart
  • Patent number: 8517883
    Abstract: A transmission module for the variable distribution of torque in the driveline of a motor vehicle. A driveshaft 3 in a housing 8, is rotatingly drivable around a first axis of rotation A. A hollow shaft 4 is arranged coaxially relative to the first shaft 3 and is rotatingly drivable relative thereto. A transmission stage 5 having a first sun gear 32 which is drivingly connected to the hollow shaft 4, having a second sun gear 34 which is arranged so as to coaxially adjoin the first sun gear 32 and which is connected to the driveshaft 3 in a rotationally fixed way, and having a hollow gear 33 which, in the housing 8, is rotatably supported on an axis of rotation B extending parallel to the axis of rotation A and which meshingly engages the first sun gear 32 and the second sun gear 34, wherein the first and the second sun gear 32, 34 comprise different numbers of teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: GKN Driveline International GmbH
    Inventor: Theodor Gassmann
  • Publication number: 20130210569
    Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic transmission for a motor vehicle having a compact single mode transfer gear continuously variable transmission (CVT) with a compound planetary gear carrier for use in front wheel drive vehicles. The automatic transmission includes an input shaft, a variator or other, similar device which provides a continuously variable input to output speed ratio over a limited range, a compound planetary gear assembly having a sun gear, a planet gear carrier with compound gear sets and a ring gear, a friction brake, a friction clutch and a plurality of transfer gears and layshafts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Cynthia Grochowski, GM Global Technology Operations LLC
  • Publication number: 20130130859
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission includes a gearbox with two forward modes and a reverse mode. The gearbox includes a plurality of gear members and further includes at least three torque transmitting devices such as, clutches and brakes that are selectively employed to engage various combinations of the gear members such that a particular combination is associated with one of the two forward modes and the reverse mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Philip C. Lundberg, Andrew W. Phillips, Edwin T. Grochowski
  • Patent number: 8382631
    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: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Donald E. Hoffman, David A. Janson
  • Patent number: 8353803
    Abstract: An automatic transmission excelling in transmission efficiency than the prior art is provided. The automatic transmission is equipped with an input shaft 2 and an output shaft 3 and a plurality of planetary gear mechanisms 5, 6. Any one element Sa of a plurality of the planetary gear mechanisms 5, 6 is coupled to the input shaft 2. One element Ca is coupled to the output shaft 3 via the first gear row G1. One element Rb is connected to the output shaft 3 via a second gear row G2 having a gear ratio different from that of the first gear row G1. Five or more engagement mechanisms C1 through C3, B1, B2 for coupling each element Ra and Cb, each element Sb, Cb with the input shaft 2, and each element Sb, Cb with the transmission case 1 releasably.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Noriaki Saitoh
  • Patent number: 8313404
    Abstract: Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for infinitely variable transmissions (IVT) having a variator provided with a plurality of tilting spherical planets. In one embodiment, a variator is provided with multiple planet arrays. In another embodiment, a hydraulic system is configured to control the transmission ratio of the IVT. Various inventive idler assemblies and planet-pivot arm assemblies can be used to facilitate adjusting the transmission speed ratio of an IVT. Embodiments of a transmission housing and bell housing are adapted to house components of an IVT and, in some embodiments, to cooperate with other components of the IVT to support operation and/or functionality of the IVT. Various related devices include embodiments of, for example, a control feedback mechanism, axial force generation and management mechanisms, a control valve integral with an input shaft, and a rotatable carrier configured to support planet-pivot arm assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLC
    Inventors: Jeremy Carter, Charles Lohr, Brad Pohl, Daniel J. Dawe
  • Patent number: 8275510
    Abstract: An ECU executes a program including the steps of determining that a change speed solenoid is abnormal when a target speed ratio falls within a predetermined range, an upshift is recognized and the change speed solenoid is abnormal; determining that the change speed solenoid is normal when the change speed solenoid is not abnormal; determining that a belt pinch pressure solenoid is abnormal when the target speed ratio is substantially equal to a speed ratio ?min on a maximum speed-increase side and the target speed ratio is not substantially equal to an actual speed ratio; and determining that the belt pinch pressure solenoid is normal when the target speed ratio is substantially equal to the actual speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Naoto Tanaka, Shinya Toyoda, Naoya Inoue, Tadashi Tamura, Akira Hino, Yasunari Matsui
  • Publication number: 20120196717
    Abstract: A friction gear for the continuously variable speed control of an output shaft driven by an input shaft, and which includes a gear or differential gear between first and second friction wheels, and a friction disk whose rotation axis extends perpendicularly to the rotation axes of the friction wheels and is displaceable in parallel to the rotation axis of the friction wheels. The friction disk includes a recess or depression concentrically positioned in relation to the rotational axis thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventor: Johannes Rieger