Plural Power Paths To Planetary Gearing Patents (Class 475/215)
-
Patent number: 10794458Abstract: A continuously variable power split transmission for a combustion engine (VM), powering vehicles includes a variator (V) and a summing gear train (SG1), the variator transmits a fraction of the power with a continuously variable speed to the summing gear train (SG1) which includes four shafts, a first sun gear (S1), a second sun gear (S2), a ring gear (H1) and a number of planetary gears (P1, P2) journaled on a planet carrier (St1), wherein: The couplings (C0, C1; C0, C1, B0, B1) are incorporated in one common entry unit (E). The summing gear has first (P1) and the second planetary gears (P2) on a common planet carrier (St1), meshing with each other; the first sun gear (S1) or the first ring gear (H1) are driven in turn to create ranges; and the planet carrier (St1) of the summing gear train (SG1) is drivingly connected with the output shaft (StW1) of the transmission.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2019Date of Patent: October 6, 2020Assignees: VDS—HOLDING GMBHInventor: Rudolf Glassner
-
Patent number: 10458531Abstract: A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission includes a main shifting portion having three planetary gear sets arranged on an input shaft, an auxiliary shifting portion having one planetary gear set arranged on an output shaft, eleven shafts respectively connected with corresponding rotational elements of the four planetary gear sets, and two transfer gears respectively forming external gear-engagement between the main and auxiliary shifting portions.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2017Date of Patent: October 29, 2019Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATIONInventors: Jong Soo Kim, Dong Hwan Hwang, Jong Sool Park, Kyeong Hun Lee, Jin Ho Kim
-
Patent number: 10295031Abstract: A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle is disclosed. The planetary gear train may include: a first planetary gear set including first, second, and third rotation elements; a second planetary gear set including fourth, fifth, and sixth rotation elements; a third planetary gear set including seventh, eighth, and ninth rotation elements; a fourth planetary gear set including tenth, eleventh, and twelfth rotation elements; an input shaft, the first, second, and third planetary gear sets being disposed at a radial outer of the input shaft; and an output shaft disposed in parallel with the input shaft, the fourth planetary gear set being disposed at a radial outer of the outer shaft.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2017Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, KIA MOTORS CORPORATIONInventors: Kyeong Hun Lee, Jong Soo Kim, Jong Sool Park, Dong Hwan Hwang
-
Patent number: 10233998Abstract: An aircraft drive chain including a plurality of main pinions meshing with each other, a first main pinion including a wall delimiting an inner volume, external teeth being provided on an outer surface of the wall, the external teeth meshing with at least one second main pinion, a gear system being incorporated in the inner volume, the first main pinion and the gear system being jointly configured to form a multiplier or reducer and to ensure a mechanical energy transfer between a driving member and a slave member.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2014Date of Patent: March 19, 2019Assignee: SAFRAN TRANSMISSION SYSTEMSInventors: Stephane Prunera-Usach, Guillaume Beck, Jordane Peltier
-
Patent number: 10107364Abstract: A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle may include a first planetary gear set, a second planetary gear set, a third planetary gear set, a fourth planetary gear set, an input shaft mounted with the first, second, and third planetary gear sets at an external circumference of the input shaft, an output shaft disposed in parallel with the input shaft and mounted with the fourth planetary gear set on an external circumference of the output shaft, a first shaft directly connected with the input shaft, a second shaft, a third shaft, a fourth shaft, a fifth shaft, a sixth shaft, a seventh shaft, an eighth shaft directly connected with the output shaft, and selectively gear-meshed with the fifth shaft, and a ninth shaft.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2016Date of Patent: October 23, 2018Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Kyeong Hun Lee, Jong Soo Kim, Jong Sool Park, Dong Hwan Hwang
-
Patent number: 10047835Abstract: A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission for a vehicle may include a first planetary gear set including, a second planetary gear set, a third planetary gear set, a fourth planetary gear set, an input shaft, an output shaft disposed in parallel with the input shaft and mounted with the fourth planetary gear set on external circumference of the output shaft, a first shaft selectively acting as a fixed element, a second shaft directly connected with the input shaft, a third shaft, a fourth shaft selectively connectable with the second shaft, a fifth shaft, a sixth shaft engaged with the output shaft selectively, a seventh shaft selectively acting as a fixed element, an eighth shaft directly connected with the output shaft, a ninth shaft engaged with the fifth shaft, and two transfer gears, each of which is gear-meshed with one of the shafts.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2016Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Jong Soo Kim, Jong Sool Park, Kyeong Hun Lee, Dong Hwan Hwang
-
Patent number: 9709138Abstract: Traction planets and traction rings can be operationally coupled to a planetary gearset to provide a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT can be used in a bicycle. In one embodiment, the CVT is mounted on the frame of the bicycle at a location forward of the rear wheel hub of the bicycle. In one embodiment, the CVT is mounted on and supported by members of the bicycle frame such that the CVT is coaxial with the crankshaft of the bicycle. The crankshaft is configured to drive elements of the planetary gearset, which are configured to operationally drive the traction rings and the traction planets. Inventive component and subassemblies for such a CVT are disclosed. A shifting mechanism includes a plurality of pivot arms arranged to pivot about the centers of the traction planets as a shift pin hub moves axially.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2016Date of Patent: July 18, 2017Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLCInventors: Donald C. Miller, Robert A. Smithson, Brad P. Pohl, Charles B. Lohr, Jon M. Nichols
-
Patent number: 9586470Abstract: A hybrid vehicle powertrain may include input shafts, clutches, output shafts, a transmission path selector, a planetary gear unit, and a gear stage forming mechanism. The transmission path selector may bring engagement of a first input shaft with second or third input shaft. The planetary gear unit may have three rotary elements, with motor power or engine power being input via a first or second rotary element and being output with any one of two transmission gear ratios under the control of first or third rotary element in response to engagement of first and second engaging units. The gear stage forming mechanism may be formed by engagement of gear pairs having different transmission gear ratios with second and third input shafts and a first output shaft, and function to transmit the power from the second or third input shaft to the first output shaft while changing a speed by selecting a gear pair in accordance with a vehicle running speed using a gear pair selector.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2014Date of Patent: March 7, 2017Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Jong Yun Park, Jae Young Choi, Kyung Ha Kim, Ki Nam Kim, Eui Cheol Chung
-
Patent number: 9145960Abstract: A transmission is disclosed having a planetary gear set with three input torque-transmitting mechanisms, such as friction clutches, to achieve torque flow through the planetary gear set to a countershaft gearing arrangement. The transmission includes an input member, an output member, a planetary gear set, an input clutch assembly having three input clutches and a countershaft gearing arrangement. The countershaft gearing arrangement is operatively connected with the planetary gear set and includes: at least three co-planar intermeshing gears, first and second countershafts, a first intermediate shaft and a second intermediate shaft concentric with the first intermediate shaft.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2013Date of Patent: September 29, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventor: Andrew W. Phillips
-
Patent number: 9090312Abstract: A continuously variable bicycle transmission includes a ring roller, a first conical planetary roller, a first carrier and a sun roller. The first conical planetary roller is frictionally engaged with the ring roller. The first carrier rotatably supports the first conical planetary roller. The sun roller is movable along an axis. The sun roller is frictionally engaged with the first conical planetary roller.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2012Date of Patent: July 28, 2015Assignee: Shimano Inc.Inventors: Hiroyuki Urabe, Akihiko Shoge, Takashi Yamamoto
-
Patent number: 8974343Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 13, 2013Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Myonghoon Noh, Hyu Tae Shim, Kangsoo Seo, Jae Chang Kook, Chang Wook Lee, Jongsool Park
-
Publication number: 20140302959Abstract: A transmission arrangement for use with a motor vehicle which has left and right hand transmissions 200L, 200R. A left hand variator 204L, 404L comprises a left hand input race 222L driveable from a transmission input 220, 520, 620 and a left hand output race 226L, 426L, 626L. A set of left hand variator rollers 224L is arranged to transmit drive between the left hand input race and the left hand output race. The left hand variator rollers are moveable to permit continuous change in the ratio of rotary speed of the left hand input to that of the left hand output race. A left hand epicyclic unit 210L has two left hand epicyclic inputs 226L, 234 driveable along with the left hand input race and the left hand output race. A left hand epicyclic out 234 drives a left hand transmission output 240L, 440L, 640L. A right hand transmission is formed in similar manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2012Publication date: October 9, 2014Applicant: TOROTRAK (DEVELOPMENT) LIMITEDInventor: Robert Andrew Oliver
-
Patent number: 8764602Abstract: A planetary gear train of an automatic transmission may include a first planetary gear set including a first ring gear directly connected to a first shaft, a first planet carrier, and a first sun gear, a second planetary gear set disposed on a second shaft and including a second sun gear receiving an inverse rotation speed from the first planet carrier, a second ring gear selectively connected to the second shaft, and a second planet carrier, a third planetary gear set including a third sun gear directly connected to the second shaft, a third ring gear selectively connected to the first sun gear, and a third planet carrier directly connected to the second planet carrier and directly connected to an output gear, three transfer gears interposed between rotation elements, and five frictional elements selectively interconnecting the rotation elements or selectively connecting the rotation elements to a transmission housing.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2012Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Myonghoon Noh, Hyu Tae Shim, Kangsoo Seo, Jae Chang Kook, Chang Wook Lee, Jongsool Park
-
Patent number: 8747274Abstract: A transmission is disclosed having a planetary gear set with three input torque-transmitting mechanisms, such as friction clutches, to achieve torque flow through the planetary gear set to a countershaft gearing arrangement. The transmission includes an input member, an output member, a planetary gear set, an input clutch assembly having three input clutches and a countershaft gearing arrangement. The countershaft gearing arrangement is operatively connected with the planetary gear set and includes: a pair of co-planar intermeshing gears, first and second countershafts, a first intermediate shaft and a second intermediate shaft concentric with the first intermediate shaft.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2012Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLCInventor: Andrew W. Phillips
-
Patent number: 8721486Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 22, 2009Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Torotrak (Development) LimitedInventors: Stephen William Murray, Yusuke Okada
-
Patent number: 8663052Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 11, 2009Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventor: Bernhard Sich
-
Patent number: 8578802Abstract: An apparatus for multiplexing gear engagement control in an automatic transmission is provided. At least two friction engagement devices are configured to selectively engage and disengage a different gear ratio of the transmission. A trim system is configured to selectively supply engagement and disengagement pressures to at least one fluid passageway. A first control valve is fluidly coupled directly to the at least one fluid passageway and directly to each of the at least two friction engagement devices. The first control valve is configured to selectively route the engagement and disengagement pressures through the first control valve directly to the at least two friction devices.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2010Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.Inventors: Charles F. Long, Darren J. Weber, John William Edward Fuller
-
Patent number: 8574110Abstract: A transmission includes a variator including a cone secured to an input, and a second cone driveably connected to the cone, producing a variable speed ratio between the cones, a gearset including a member secured to the second cone, and second and third members, a first clutch opening and closing a connection between the input and the second member, and a second clutch opening and closing a connection between an output and the third member.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 2010Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Donald E. Hoffman
-
Patent number: 8469853Abstract: A variable speed transmission having a plurality of tilting balls and opposing input and output discs is illustrated and described that provides an infinite number of speed combinations over its transmission ratio range. The use of a planetary gear set allows minimum speeds to be in reverse and the unique geometry of the transmission allows all of the power paths to be coaxial, thereby reducing overall size and complexity of the transmission in comparison to transmissions achieving similar transmission ratio ranges.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2012Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLCInventors: Donald C Miller, David J Allen, Robert A Smithson
-
Patent number: 8454326Abstract: A generator includes an aluminum housing having an end plate secured to a housing portion. The housing portion and the end plate respectively include first and second bores. The end plate includes a wall with a boss providing a bore. The wall provides a lubrication passage in fluid communication with the bore. An idler gear includes a shaft having opposing first and second ends respectively supported in the first and second bores. A generator is arranged within the housing and is rotationally coupled to the idler gear. First and second impregnated carbon journal bearings respectively include a first inner and outer bearing diameter and a second inner and outer bearing diameter. The first and second outer bearing diameters are in press fit relationship with the first and second bores respectively. The inner diameters are fixed relative to their respective outer diameter.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2009Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand CorporationInventors: Andrew P. Grosskopf, Eric A. Brust
-
Patent number: 8439787Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 29, 2010Date of Patent: May 14, 2013Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Konstantin Borisovich Salamandra, Vadim Evgenievich Oreshkin, Madhusudan Raghavan
-
Patent number: 8287415Abstract: The invention relates to a transmission unit (1), particularly multi-range transmission (2), comprising an input (E) and an output (A) and arranged between them a continuously variable transmission part (3) and a mechanical transmission part (4), comprising two three-shaft planetary gear sets (5, 6), each having a first (5.1, 6.1), second (5.2, 6.2) and third shaft (5.3, 6.3), wherein the first shafts of both planetary gear sets can be connected to the input and at least one second or third shaft of the respective planetary gear set can be non-rotatable connected to the output (A). The invention is characterized in that the planetary gear sets can be connected via two shiftable coupling units (K1, K2), which can be selectively and alternately actuated, to form a four-shaft planetary gear set and that the first coupling unit (K1) is arranged between the first shaft (6.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2008Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Inventor: Dieter Glockler
-
Patent number: 8267829Abstract: A variable speed transmission having a plurality of tilting balls and opposing input and output discs is illustrated and described that provides an infinite number of speed combinations over its transmission ratio range. The use of a planetary gear set allows minimum speeds to be in reverse and the unique geometry of the transmission allows all of the power paths to be coaxial, thereby reducing overall size and complexity of the transmission in comparison to transmissions achieving similar transmission ratio ranges.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2011Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLCInventors: Donald C Miller, David J Allen, Robert A Smithson
-
Patent number: 8257216Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 14, 2010Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Donald Edward Hoffman
-
Patent number: 8043187Abstract: An automatic transmission for vehicles, whose weight, length, and manufacturing cost are reduced as a consequence of simplifying a structure thereof by removing a torque converter. The automatic transmission for vehicles may include a first shift portion outputting three intermediate rotational speeds of a same rotational speed as an input rotational speed, an increased rotational speed, and a reverse rotational speed by using torque received through first and second variable input pathways, and a second shift portion including first, second, third, and fourth gears that respectively achieve first, second, third, and fourth gear ratios, changing each intermediate rotational speed received from the first shift portion into four final rotational speeds, and outputting the same.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2008Date of Patent: October 25, 2011Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventor: Sang Suk Yang
-
Patent number: 8038568Abstract: A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, three planetary gear sets, four external co-planar gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. Each of the external gear sets includes first and second gears. The torque transmitting devices may include clutches and brakes.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2008Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Scott H. Wittkopp, Andrew W. Phillips, James M. Hart, Clinton E. Carey
-
Patent number: 7974404Abstract: A system for providing power to a network interface device (NID) includes a primary power supply device (PPSD), a battery backup device (BBD), and an electrical bus connecting the PPSD, the BBD, and the NID in parallel. The PPSD is operable to power the NID. The BBD is configured to provide power to the NID in response to a power loss event, such as the PPSD failing to provide adequate power to the NID.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2006Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: General Instrument CorporationInventor: Dean A. Stoneback
-
Patent number: 7913581Abstract: A vehicle powertrain comprising dual torque input clutches and a multiple speed transmission with ratio range gearing is disclosed. The range gearing provides increased gear ratio coverage. A transition between a low speed ratio range and a high speed ratio range is achieved with no torque interruption. A shift from one gear ratio to an adjacent gear ratio in a speed ratio range during a shift sequence is preceded by preselecting the adjacent gear ratio.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2009Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: Graeme A. Jackson
-
Patent number: 7857724Abstract: A multi-group transmission for a motor vehicle having a main transmission and a range group transmission downstream from the main transmission. The reverse gear is integrated into the range-group transmission.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2005Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventor: Karl-Fritz Heinzelmann
-
Patent number: 7835843Abstract: An ECU executes a program that includes a step of determining whether an output shaft rotation speed NOUT is equal to or greater than a reference rotation speed at which determining regions with all of the gear speeds in a stepped automatic transmission do not overlap, a step of determining that there is an abnormality in the gear speed by dividing the turbine rotation speed NT by the output shaft rotation speed NOUT if the output shaft rotation speed NOUT is not equal to or greater than that reference rotation speed, and a step of determining that there is an abnormality in the gear speed by subtracting a value, which is obtained by multiplying the output shaft rotation speed NOUT by the gear ratio, from the turbine rotation speed NT if the output shaft rotation speed NOUT is equal to or greater than that reference rotation speed.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2006Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tatsuya Kawamura, Toshio Sugimura, Hideo Masaki
-
Patent number: 7682278Abstract: In a revolving transmission having at least two revolving transmission elements which may transmit a torque frictionally, at least one gap, which is preferably only filled with a liquid, is provided between the transmission elements at least during operation.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2008Date of Patent: March 23, 2010Inventors: Ulrich Rohs, Christoph Dräger, Werner Brandwitte
-
Patent number: 7621839Abstract: A vehicle powertrain comprising a multiple speed transmission with ratio range gearing is disclosed. The range gearing provides increased ratio coverage. A transition between a low speed range and a high speed range is achieved with no torque interruption whereby a gear ratio shift between the highest gear ratio in the low speed range and the lowest gear ratio in the high speed range occurs in a seamless fashion.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2007Date of Patent: November 24, 2009Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: Graeme A. Jackson
-
Patent number: 7611433Abstract: A dual-clutch transmission for use in a motor vehicle having an engine and a driveline includes an output shaft adapted for connection to the driveline and a planetary gearset in constant driving engagement with the output shaft. An input shaft is driven by the engine. A first constant mesh gearset is in selective driving communication with a first member of the planetary gearset. A second constant mesh gearset is in selective driving communication with a second member of the planetary gearset. A first clutch is operable for establishing a releasable drive connection between the input shaft and the first constant mesh gearset. A second clutch is operable for establishing a releasable drive connection between the input shaft and the second constant mesh gearset. A motor is selectively drivingly coupled to a third member of the planetary gearset.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2007Date of Patent: November 3, 2009Assignee: Magna Powertrain USA, Inc.Inventor: John R. Forsyth
-
Patent number: 7559813Abstract: The invention relates to a pod ship propulsion System comprising a housing (3) connected to a ship hĂĽll (2), an electric drive motor (8) mounted inside the housing at least one propeller (4) disposed outside the housing, wherein said electric drive motor is connected to the propeller by means a hydrodynamic gear (10).Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2005Date of Patent: July 14, 2009Assignee: Voith Turbo GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Andreas Basteck
-
Patent number: 7481736Abstract: A continuously variable planetary gear set is described having a generally tubular idler, a plurality of balls distributed radially about the idler, each ball having a tiltable axis about which it rotates, a rotatable input disc positioned adjacent to the balls and in contact with each of the balls, a rotatable output disc positioned adjacent to the balls opposite the input disc and in contact with each of the balls such that each of the balls makes three-point contact with the input disc, the output disc and the idler, and a rotatable cage adapted to maintain the axial and radial position of each of the balls, wherein the axes of the balls are oriented by the axial position of the idler.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2007Date of Patent: January 27, 2009Assignee: Fallbrook Technologies Inc.Inventors: Donald C Miller, David J Allen, Robert A Smithson
-
Patent number: 7407459Abstract: A multi-regime continuously variable ratio transmission system has coaxial system input and output shafts (16, 24), a continously variable ratio transmission unit (V) connected coaxially to the system input shaft (16) and having a coaxial variator output shaft (18) and a mixing epicyclic gear train (E1) having an input sun gear (S1) drivably connected to the variator ouput shaft (18), a planet carrier (C1) drivably connected to the system input shaft (16) and a planet gear (P1) mounted on the planet carrier ((C1). The planet gear (P1) drives a first intermediate output shaft (22) arranged coaxially with the system input shaft (16) and selectively connectable to the system output shaft via a first clutch (H) in high-regime operation of the transmission. The planet gear (P1) also provides the input for a second epicyclic gear train (E2) having an output (C2) which is selectively connectable to the system output shaft via a braking element (L) for low-regime operation of the transmission.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2003Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: Torotrak (Development) LimitedInventors: Christopher John Greenwood, Thomas George Fellows
-
Patent number: 7396309Abstract: A split power transmission with a variable drive, a brake, a clutch, an integrating transmission containing a planetary set, the internal gear forming the output of the transmission, and an additional planetary set located between the drive shaft and the transmission. A portion of the transmission drive shaft power is transferable to the transmission which includes a secondary shaft located axially parallel to the variable drive. The power of the variable drive is directed towards the integrating transmission via the secondary shaft by using a defined transmission ratio. Torque division in the low cruising range and is achieved by locking the brake connecting the internal gear of the planetary set located between the drive shaft, and the transmission to the unit. Whereas in the high cruising range, by engaging the clutch the sun gear of the transmission is interlocked with the internal gear of the transmission.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2006Date of Patent: July 8, 2008Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Uwe Heitz, Gabor Diosi, JĂĽrgen Wafzig, Gerhard Gumpoltsberger, Bernd Vahlensieck, Pedro Casals
-
Patent number: 7393300Abstract: A continuously variable planetary gear set is described having a generally tubular idler, a plurality of balls distributed radially about the idler, each ball having a tiltable axis about which it rotates, a rotatable input disc positioned adjacent to the balls and in contact with each of the balls, a rotatable output disc positioned adjacent to the balls opposite the input disc and in contact with each of the balls such that each of the balls makes three-point contact with the input disc, the output disc and the idler, and a rotatable cage adapted to maintain the axial and radial position of each of the balls, wherein the axes of the balls are oriented by the axial position of the idler.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2007Date of Patent: July 1, 2008Assignee: Fallbrook Technologies Inc.Inventors: Donald C Miller, David J Allen, Robert A Smithson
-
Patent number: 7384361Abstract: The transmission is constructed so that the rotation of the input shaft is outputted to the second transmission portion via the first intermediate output path and the second intermediate output path accelerated and rotated with respect to the first intermediate output path, and the first rotary element is selectively connected to the first driven gear via the first clutch and is selectively connected to the second driven gear via the third clutch, the second rotary element are selectively connected to the first driven gear via the second clutch and are selectively connected to the transmission case operating as a non-rotating member via the first brake, the third rotary element is connected to the output gear, the fourth rotary element is selectively connected to the transmission case via the second brake, and the fifth rotary element is selectively connected to the second driven gear via the fourth clutch.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2007Date of Patent: June 10, 2008Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Atsushi Tabata, Akira Hoshino, Terufumi Miyazaki, Atsushi Honda, Akiharu Abe, Hirofumi Ota
-
Patent number: 7311630Abstract: A transmission is provided having a differential gear set with three input torque-transmitting mechanisms, such as friction clutches, to achieve torque flow through the differential gear set to a countershaft gearing arrangement. The transmission utilizes power-on shifts. By utilizing the torque ratio of the differential gear set, additional forward ratios are available with good step progression, reducing the number of countershaft gear sets and synchronizers necessary in comparison to a dual-clutch transmission providing the same number of ratios. A shorter axial length is thus attainable.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2005Date of Patent: December 25, 2007Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventor: James B. Borgerson
-
Patent number: 7261663Abstract: A continuously variable planetary gear set is described having a generally tubular idler, a plurality of balls distributed radially about the idler, each ball having a tiltable axis about which it rotates, a rotatable input disc positioned adjacent to the balls and in contact with each of the balls, a rotatable output disc positioned adjacent to the balls opposite the input disc and in contact with each of the balls such that each of the balls makes three-point contact with the input disc, the output disc and the idler, and a rotatable cage adapted to maintain the axial and radial position of each of the balls, wherein the axes of the balls are oriented by the axial position of the idler.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2004Date of Patent: August 28, 2007Assignee: Fallbrook Technologies Inc.Inventors: Donald C. Miller, David J. Allen, Robert A. Smithson
-
Patent number: 7235031Abstract: A variable speed transmission having a plurality of tilting balls and opposing input and output discs is illustrated and described that provides an infinite number of speed combinations over its transmission ratio range. The use of a planetary gear set allows minimum speeds to be in reverse and the unique geometry of the transmission allows all of the power paths to be coaxial, thereby reducing overall size and complexity of the transmission in comparison to transmissions achieving similar transmission ratio ranges.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2005Date of Patent: June 26, 2007Assignee: Fallbrook Technologies Inc.Inventors: Donald C. Miller, David J. Allen, Robert A. Smithson
-
Patent number: 7217216Abstract: A continuously variable transmission apparatus, has: an input shaft; a toroidal-type continuously variable transmission; a rotation transmission shaft; first, second and third planetary-gear-type transmissions; a first power transmission mechanism; a second power transmission mechanism; a third power transmission mechanism; and, a switching mechanism, wherein the second sun gear and one of the first and third sun gears are rotated together with the rotation transmission shaft to thereby execute the power transmission through the rotation transmission shaft and one of the first and second planetary-gear-type transmissions, and, in a state where the power transmission through the third planetary-gear-type transmission is cut off, in accordance with the control of the transmission ratio of the toroidal-type continuously variable transmission, the output shaft is stopped while the input shaft is rotating.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2006Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: NSK Ltd.Inventor: Eiji Inoue
-
Patent number: 7217214Abstract: A continuously variable transmission for use with motor vehicles includes an ECU, an automated gear unit, a variator, an input gear set, an input fixed ratio element and an output fixed ratio element. The automated gear unit has multiple gear ratios and engages one of the gear ratios responsive to commands from the ECU. The variator varies a ratio of torque between its input and output shafts responsive to commands from the ECU. The variator output shaft connected to the gear unit input shaft. The input gear set is connected to the variator input shaft. The input fixed ratio element reduces torque from the input gear set to the variator, and is disposed between the input gear set and the variator input shaft. The output fixed ratio element increases the torque from the variator, and is disposed between the variator output shaft and the gear unit input shaft.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2005Date of Patent: May 15, 2007Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: Timothy John Morscheck
-
Patent number: 7201695Abstract: A continuously variable planetary gear set is described having a generally tubular idler, a plurality of balls distributed radially about the idler, each ball having a tiltable axis about which it rotates, a rotatable input disc positioned adjacent to the balls and in contact with each of the balls, a rotatable output disc positioned adjacent to the balls opposite the input disc and in contact with each of the balls such that each of the balls makes three-point contact with the input disc, the output disc and the idler, and a rotatable cage adapted to maintain the axial and radial position of each of the balls, wherein the axes of the balls are oriented by the axial position of the idler.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2005Date of Patent: April 10, 2007Assignee: Fallbrook Technologies Inc.Inventors: Donald C. Miller, David J. Allen, Robert A. Smithson, Jeffrey A. Birchak
-
Patent number: 7198584Abstract: A continuously variable planetary gear set is described having a generally tubular idler, a plurality of balls distributed radially about the idler, each ball having a tiltable axis about which it rotates, a rotatable input disc positioned adjacent to the balls and in contact with each of the balls, a rotatable output disc positioned adjacent to the balls opposite the input disc and in contact with each of the balls such that each of the balls makes three-point contact with the input disc, the output disc and the idler, and a rotatable cage adapted to maintain the axial and radial position of each of the balls, wherein the axes of the balls are oriented by the axial position of the idler.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2005Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: Fallbrook Technologies Inc.Inventors: Donald C. Miller, David J. Allen, Robert A. Smithson
-
Patent number: 7186203Abstract: The transmission 10 is constructed so that, in the first transmission portion 36, the rotation of the input shaft 16 is outputted to the second transmission portion 38 via the first intermediate output path M1 and the second intermediate output path M2 accelerated and rotated with respect to the first intermediate output path M1, and, in the second transmission portion 38, the first rotary element RE1 (S2 and S3) is selectively connected to the first driven gear CG1B via the first clutch C1 and is selectively connected to the second driven gear CG2B via the third clutch C3, the second rotary element RE2 (CA1 and CA2) are selectively connected to the first driven gear CG1B via the second clutch C2 and are selectively connected to the transmission case 12 operating as a non-rotating member via the first brake B1, the third rotary element RE3 (R1, R2 and CA3) is connected to the output gear 28 operating as an output rotating member, the fourth rotary element RE4 (S1) is selectively connected to the transmissionType: GrantFiled: July 20, 2004Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Atsushi Tabata, Akira Hoshino, Terufumi Miyazaki, Atsushi Honda, Akiharu Abe, Hirofumi Ota
-
Patent number: 7094171Abstract: A continuously variable transmission apparatus, has: an input shaft; a toroidal-type continuously variable transmission; a rotation transmission shaft; first, second and third planetary-gear-type transmissions; a first power transmission mechanism; a second power transmission mechanism; a third power transmission mechanism; and, a switching mechanism, wherein the second sun gear and one of the first and third sun gears are rotated together with the rotation transmission shaft to thereby execute the power transmission through the rotation transmission shaft and one of the first and second planetary-gear-type transmissions, and, in a state where the power transmission through the third planetary-gear-type transmission is cut off, in accordance with the control of the transmission ratio of the toroidal-type continuously variable transmission, the output shaft is stopped while the input shaft is rotating.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2003Date of Patent: August 22, 2006Assignee: NSK Ltd.Inventor: Eiji Inoue
-
Patent number: 7083540Abstract: A power transmission for a motor vehicle In realizing these advantages, a power transmission according to this invention includes an input shaft, an output, and a layshaft disposed parallel to the input shaft. A pair of drive elements includes a first element secured to the input shaft, and a second element journalled on the layshaft and driveably connected to the first element. A first coupler is secured to the layshaft for releasably coupling the second element and the layshaft. A planetary gear unit driveably connecting the layshaft and the output, includies a sun gear secured to the layshaft, a ring gear surrounding the sun gear and fixed against rotation, a carrier driveably connected to the output, and a set of planet pinions meshing with the sun gear and ring gear and rotatably supported on the carrier.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2004Date of Patent: August 1, 2006Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: David Janson, Reid Baldwin
-
Patent number: 6986725Abstract: A continuously variable transmission for use with motor vehicles includes an ECU, an automated gear unit, a variator, an input gear set, an input fixed ratio element and an output fixed ratio element. The automated gear unit has multiple selectively engaged gear ratios and engages one of the gear ratios responsive to commands from the ECU. The variator varies a ratio of torque between its input and outout shafts responsive to commands from the ECU. The variator output shaft is connected to the gear unit input shaft. The input gear set is connected to the variator input shaft. The input fixed ratio element reduces torque from the input gear set to the variator, and is disposed between the input gear set and the variator input shaft. The output fixed ratio element increases the torque from the variator, and is disposed between the variator output shaft and the gear unit input shaft.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2003Date of Patent: January 17, 2006Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventor: Timothy J. Morscheck