With Means To Vary Drive Ratio Or Disconnect Drive (e.g., Brake Or Clutch) Patents (Class 475/269)
  • Publication number: 20040254043
    Abstract: A driveline for mobile vehicles comprising one multi-disc brake (14) which non-rotatably connects a rotatable part of a planetary transmission (12) with the housing (4) wherein the actuating device of the multi-disc brake has one piston (18) which has one automatic piston-resetting device (21), and clamping elements (22) are situated in holes (40) of the piston (18).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Inventor: Johann Gerhard Oberstarr
  • Publication number: 20040248693
    Abstract: The invention relates to a modular transmission system for the production of a plurality of modular transmission units that are modified for different applications purposes, comprising a transmission input and a transmission output; a power transmitting element comprising mechanical transmission parts (3; 3.2; 3.3a; 3.3b; 3.3c; 3.3d) that is arranged in a housing part (54) and that forms with the latter a basic transmission module (5; 5.2) that includes at least one input and one output; a control and supply unit (9; 9.2) integrated into the basic transmission module (5; 5.2); a logic unit (8; 8.2) integrated in the basic transmission module (5; 5.2) beneath the theoretical connecting line the input and the output or is flange-mounted in the housing part (54). The logic, control and supply units are arranged beneath the power transmitting element of the basic transmission module (5; 5.2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Publication date: December 9, 2004
    Inventors: Tillman Korner, Iris Knoblauch, Marco Toneatto, Hans-Peter Eubler, Heiko Neuwirth, Alexander Korner, Joachim Hellmich
  • Publication number: 20040235607
    Abstract: A planetary transmission has a plurality of torque-transmitting synchronizer mechanisms that are controlled to engage and disengage positions. The control of the torque-transmitting synchronizer mechanisms is accomplished through a plurality of cam slots and control rods that are disposed between a control mechanism and each of the torque-transmitting synchronizers to enforce engagement and disengagement of the synchronizers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventor: Raymond J. Haka
  • Publication number: 20040209727
    Abstract: A power transmission has a compound input gearset, a Ravigneaux gearset, five friction type torque-transmitting mechanisms, and a one-way type torque-transmitting mechanism selectively engageable to provide at least six forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio for the transmission. The input gearset includes a planet carrier, which is stationary within a transmission housing and connected with a stationary portion of the transmission housing. The planet carrier also includes a central support member which provides nonrotatable housings for the apply pistons for three of the friction type torque-transmitting mechanisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2003
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: Anatoly Filanovsky, Leonid Basin
  • Publication number: 20040209728
    Abstract: A multiple speed transmission includes first and second concentric input shafts, an output shaft, an auxiliary shaft, a first clutch for driveably connecting and disconnecting the first input shaft, and a second clutch for driveably connecting and disconnecting the second input shaft. First pairs of mutually engaged gears include a first member supported on the first input shaft, and a second member supported on the output shaft. Second pairs of mutually engaged gears includes a first member supported on the second input shaft, and second member supported on the output shaft. A gear wheel, supported on the auxiliary shaft, engages a gear of a second pair on the second input shaft. A planetary gearset includes a ring gear driveably engaged with a member of the first pair on the first input shaft. The carrier of the gearset is held against rotation in reverse drive and released in forward drive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: Markus Lorken
  • Patent number: 6802794
    Abstract: A shift assembly for a two-speed transfer case utilizes a single actuator to drive both the speed range selection mechanism and a modulating friction clutch pack which selectively transfers drive torque from a primary output to a secondary output. The shift assembly includes an actuator which rotates a shift rail and cam having an intermediate helical track and a dwell region at each end. A lost motion assembly operating in conjunction with the helical cam selectively engages and disengages the clutch when the cam follower is in one of the two dwell regions. Thus, the shift assembly provides sequential operation from full clutch engagement in a first speed range, clutch disengagement in the first speed range, de-selection of the first speed range, selection, and de-selection of neutral, selection of a second speed range and, up to full engagement of the clutch in the second speed range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: BorgWarner, Inc.
    Inventor: Dan Joseph Showalter
  • Publication number: 20040152557
    Abstract: A final drive assembly for transmitting torque between an input and an output includes a compound gear assembly. The compound gear assembly includes at least three planetary gear trains and is in driving engagement with the input. Each planetary gear train of the at least three planetary gear trains is adapted to coactively and drivingly engage the output, wherein torque generated by the input is distributed to the output by each of the planetary gear trains.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventor: James E. Winzeler
  • Publication number: 20040147357
    Abstract: The multi-stage transmission comprises a drive input shaft and a drive output shaft, three single-web planetary gearset assemblies (P1, P2, P3), at least six rotatable shafts (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) and at least five shift elements (03, 04, 13, 15, 16) so that six forward gears and one reverse gear can be engaged, such that the drive input shaft (1) is connected to the solar gear wheel or to the web of the first planetary gearset (P1) via the clutch (15), the web or the solar gear wheel of the first planetary gearset (P1) is in rotationally fixed connection with the housing, the drive output takes place via a shaft (2) which is connected to the annular gear wheel of the second planetary gearset (P2) and to the web of the third planetary gearset (P3), a shaft (3) is permanently connected to the web of the second planetary gearset (P2) and to the annular gear wheel of the third planetary gearset (P3), and a shaft (4) is permanently connected to the solar gear wheel of the second planetary gearset (P2) and to the
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Inventor: Gerhard Gumpoltsberger
  • Publication number: 20040142787
    Abstract: A clutch assembly for limiting a torque output of the power tool. The clutch assembly includes an annular rotatable clutch member, which is coupled to the ring gear of a planetary gearset in a transmission, and an engagement assembly. The clutch member has a clutch face with a predetermined clutch profile. The engagement assembly has at least one follower member that abuts the clutch member and cooperates with the clutch profile to inhibit rotation of the clutch member relative to the follower member only when the magnitude of the torque output of the power tool is less than a predetermined maximum torque. The clutch face on the clutch member is located between the opposite axially ends of the ring gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Publication date: July 22, 2004
    Inventors: Rodney Milbourne, Christine Potter, Gerald Rescigno, Qiang Zhang
  • Publication number: 20040121875
    Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least six forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include three planetary gear sets, two input clutches, nine, ten or eleven torque transmitting mechanisms and a fixed interconnection. The invention provides a low content multi-speed dual clutch transmission mechanism wherein the two input clutches alternately connect the engine to realize odd and even number speed ratio ranges. The torque transmitting mechanisms provide connections between various gear members, the fixed interconnection, the input clutches, the output shaft, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of at least three to establish at least five forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: Patrick Benedict Usoro, Chunhao J. Lee, Paul D. Stevenson
  • Publication number: 20040087409
    Abstract: A family of power transmissions having first, second, and third planetary gearsets and six torque-transmitting mechanisms. The first planetary gearset is continuously interconnected with a member of the second planetary gearset and a member of the third planetary gearset. The second planetary gearset is continuously interconnected with a member of the third planetary gearset. The six torque-transmitting mechanisms are selectively engaged in combinations of two to establish at least seven forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio within the planetary gearsets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Chunhao J. Lee, Norman Kenneth Bucknor, Madhusudan Raghavan, Patrick Benedict Usoro
  • Publication number: 20040053727
    Abstract: A family of power transmissions, which are individually employed in a powertrain, include three planetary gearsets and five torque-transmitting mechanisms. The torque-transmitting mechanisms are engaged in combinations of two to establish a reverse speed ratio and at least six forward speed ratios between a transmission input shaft and a transmission output shaft. Each of the family members has a member of a first planetary gearset continuously connected with a member of the second planetary gearset, another member of the second planetary gearset continuously connected with a member of the third planetary gearset, and a third member of the second planetary gearset being continuously connected with a transmission housing. The input shaft and output shaft are continuously connected with at least one respective member of the planetary gearsets. At least two members of the planetary gearsets are non-continuously connected members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Patrick Benedict Usoro, Chi-Kuan Kao, Madhusudan Raghavan
  • Publication number: 20040053726
    Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least seven forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include three planetary gear sets having six torque-transmitting mechanisms and two fixed interconnections. Also, one interconnecting member is continuously connected with the transmission housing. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is not continuously connected to any of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with at least one of the planetary gear members. The six torque-transmitting mechanisms provide interconnections between various gear members, the fixed interconnections, the input shaft, and the output shaft, and are operated in combinations of three to establish at least seven forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2002
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventors: Chunhao J. Lee, Norman Kenneth Bucknor, Patrick Benedict Usoro, Madhusudan Raghavan
  • Publication number: 20040014549
    Abstract: A speed change gear for an automatic transmission includes: an input portion; an output portion; and a plurality of planetary gear sets including a compound planetary gear set. The plurality of the planetary gear sets has a clutch and a brake. The clutch includes a first clutch and a second clutch for connecting and disconnecting the reduced rotation from a speed reduction planetary gear set to the compound planetary gear set, and a third clutch which is a direct clutch for outputting the input rotation at a constant speed to the compound planetary gear set. The third clutch is disposed radially outward relative to a first ring gear of the speed reduction planetary gear set. The first ring gear has an outer periphery which is provided with a clutch hub. The clutch hub constitutes the direct clutch and is an input member to the third clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Applicant: JATCO Ltd
    Inventor: Hyun Young Choi
  • Patent number: 6676556
    Abstract: A motor deice for actuating a vehicle door operation device is operated by the rotational torque inputted from a electric motor to operate a latch mechanism. The rotational torque of the motor is inputted to a sun gear body of a planetary gear mechanism to rotate each of several planetary gears via a ring gear body fixed against rotation. A carrier is rotated by the rotation of the planetary gears and an output shaft operates the latch operation mechanism. The ring gear body is fixed against rotation by engaging an engagement-disengagement block with an outer gear portion through application of a force of a spring. By applying the opening operation to a door handle, an engagement-disengagement operation member is rotated to retract the engagement-disengagement block. Then, the ring gear body is released to be rotated to interrupt a power transmission condition between the motor and the output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroshi Ishihara, Saburou Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6672987
    Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least seven forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include three planetary gear sets having six torque-transmitting mechanisms and two fixed interconnections. Also, one planetary gear member is continuously connected with the transmission housing. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to at least of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuosly connected with at least one of the planetary gear members. The six torque-transmitting mechanisms provide interconnections between various gear members, the fixed interconnections, the input shaft, the output shaft, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of two to establish at least seven forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Madhusudan Raghavan, Norman Kenneth Bucknor, Patrick Benedict Usoro
  • Publication number: 20030232685
    Abstract: A first planetary gear unit is arranged to convert an input rotation from an input shaft to an output rotation whose speed is lower than that of the input rotation. A first unit including second and third planetary gear units is arranged between the first planetary gear unit and the output shaft. The first unit is arranged to provide, by managing the output rotation from the first planetary gear unit, the output shaft with seven types of rotation which respectively correspond to 6-forward speed and one reverse positions. A second unit is arranged between the first planetary gear unit and the first unit to manage a power transmission therebetween. One of the second and third planetary gear units is of a double ring type which comprises a sun gear powered by the first planetary gear unit, inside and outside ring gears concentrically disposed around the sun gear, pinions each being meshed with the sun gear and inside and outside ring gears, and a pinion carrier carrying the pinions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2003
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Applicant: JATCO Ltd
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Sugihara, Toshio Yamaguchi, Kazuo Oguri
  • Publication number: 20030232684
    Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least seven forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include three planetary gear sets having six torque-transmitting mechanisms and two fixed interconnections. Also, one planetary gear member is continuously connected with the transmission housing. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to at least one of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with at least one of the planetary gear members. The six torque-transmitting mechanisms provide interconnections between various gear members, the fixed interconnections, the input shaft, the output shaft, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of two to establish at least seven forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventors: Madhusudan Raghavan, Norman Kenneth Bucknor, Patrick Benedict Usoro
  • Patent number: 6663528
    Abstract: A power transmission has two selectively engageable input clutches, four selectively manipulatable synchronizer clutches, and a planetary gearset. The input clutches and the synchronizer clutches are manipulated to establish at least seven forward power paths and a reverse power path between an input shaft and an output shaft. Interchanges between adjacent speed ratios are controlled by preselecting the synchronizer condition and then interchanging the selectively engageable input clutches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Raymond James Haka
  • Patent number: 6659902
    Abstract: A multi-gear, manual transmission, especially for utility vehicles, with at least partially automatized gear shifting or with a manual gear shift, in which the gear synchronization is carried out by motor guidance and wherein the transmission possesses a forward shift-group, a main-shift-group and a post shift-group, whereby the pre-shift-group is designed as a planetary gear set (2P) and a support member of the planetary gear set is constructed as a friction brake, which is active in the slow gear-shift position and thereby assumes the function of a start-up clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventor: Friedrich J. Ehrlinger
  • Patent number: 6659905
    Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least five forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include three planetary gear sets and four clutches. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to at least one member of the planetary gear arrangement and an output member that is continuously connected with another of the planetary gear members. At least one other planetary gear member is continuously connected with the transmission housing. The four clutches provide interconnections between various gear members and with the input and the output shaft, and are operated in combinations of two to establish at least five forward speed ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick Benedict Usoro, Madhusudan Raghavan, Norman Kenneth Bucknor
  • Patent number: 6645118
    Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least five forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include three planetary gear sets and four clutches. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to at least one member of the planetary gear arrangement and an output member that is continuously connected with another of the planetary gear members. At least one member of the first and second planetary gear sets is continuously connected with the transmission housing. The four clutches provide interconnections between various gear members and with the input and the output shaft, and are operated in combinations of two to establish at least five forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Norman Kenneth Bucknor, Madhusudan Raghavan, Patrick Benedict Usoro
  • Publication number: 20030203785
    Abstract: A family of power transmissions includes three planetary gearsets and five torque-transmitting mechanisms that are selectively engaged to produce at least six forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio between an input shaft and an output shaft. The planetary gearsets are arranged such that a member of the first of the planetary gearsets is continuously interconnected with a member of the second planetary gearset, and a member of the second planetary gearset is continuously interconnected with a member of the third planetary gearset. At least one member of either the first or second planetary gearset is continuously connected with a transmission housing and at least one member of one of the planetary gearsets is connected with the transmission output shaft. The transmission input shaft is selectively connectible with the planetary gearsets only through at least two rotating type torque-transmitting mechanisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventors: Patrick Benedict Usoro, Madhusudan Raghavan, Norman Kenneth Bucknor
  • Publication number: 20030203784
    Abstract: A family of transmissions has a plurality of members each of which includes three planetary gearsets, five torque-transmitting mechanisms, an input shaft, and an output shaft. The torque-transmitting mechanisms are selectively engageable in combinations of three to establish at least six forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio between the input shaft and the output shaft of each family member. Each family member has two continuous interconnecting members, one of which interconnects a member the first planetary gearset with a member of the second planetary gearset, and the second of which connects another member of the second planetary gearset with a member of the third planetary gearset. The five torque-transmitting mechanisms complete the connections between the planetary gear members and/or the transmission housing which are necessary to provide the six forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2002
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventors: Patrick Benedict Usoro, Norman Kenneth Bucknor, Chunhao J. Lee, Madhusudan Raghavan
  • Patent number: 6607464
    Abstract: A transmission, especially for wind power installations includes a planetary stage on the input side that is mounted upstream of at least one gear stage. The planetary stage includes at least two power-splitting planetary gears that are mounted in parallel. A differential gear that is mounted downstream of the power-splitting planetary gears compensates for an unequal load distribution between the individual planetary gears caused by their parallel disposition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Lohmann + Stolterfoht GmbH
    Inventors: Gerhard Bauer, GĆ¼nter Berger
  • Patent number: 6595892
    Abstract: A powertrain incorporates three planetary gear sets and five rotating torque transmitting mechanisms in a compact structure having minimum mechanical content to provide at least six forward speed ratios and a reverse ratio between an input shaft and an output shaft. One of the planetary gear sets has three rotatable members with one member continuously connected with the input shaft, another member continuously connected with the output shaft and a further member that is non-continuously interconnected. Another and a further of the planetary gear sets each has three members with respective first members being continuously interconnected and respective second members being continuously interconnected through first and second continuous interconnections, respectively. The third member of the other planetary gear set is non-continuously connected and the third member of the further planetary gear set is continuously connected with a stationary member such as a transmission housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Madhusudan Raghavan, Chi-Kuan Kao, Patrick Benedict Usoro
  • Patent number: 6582259
    Abstract: Boat propeller transmission with a horizontal input shaft, a bevel gear set, a vertical intermediate shaft, an additional bevel gear set, and at least one horizontal propeller shaft. Between the bevel gear sets, a two-speed planetary gear set is engaged, to provide two gear speeds in the same direction between the input shaft and the propeller shaft. A control unit controls the shifting between the low and high gear speed. A sensor senses the position of a gear selector. When the gear selector is in the reverse position, the control unit locks the planetary gear set in the high speed position, regardless of the engine speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: AB Volvo Penta
    Inventors: Staffan Mansson, Oddbjorn Hallenstvedt
  • Publication number: 20030109351
    Abstract: A torque coupling connects the secondary driving wheels of an automotive vehicle indirectly to the power unit of the vehicle through a variable torque coupling, while the primary driving wheels on the vehicle are connected directly to the power unit. The coupling compensates for variations in the angular velocity of the primary and secondary wheels while still transferring torque to the secondary wheels. The coupling includes a magnetic particle clutch organized about an axis and a planetary gear set organized about the same axis. The coupling has two paths through which the torque is transferred, one a mechanical path and the other a clutch path. Most of the torque is transferred through the mechanical path, while the clutch path accommodates for slippage and controls the proportion of torque delivered to the secondary wheels, with the control being solely dependent on the magnitude of the current directed through the clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Applicant: The Timken Company
    Inventor: Mircea Gradu
  • Publication number: 20030104895
    Abstract: Friction disks of a clutch are axially positioned and supported relative to the drum of the clutch, using a tapered snap ring. Furthermore, an engaging member coupled with a ring gear is axially positioned and supported by sandwiching between the tapered snap ring and another snap ring. Accordingly, the structure accommodates and supports receipt of hydraulic pressure, as well as thrust force of the ring gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Inventors: Takashi Yasuda, Akihiko Kita
  • Patent number: 6565476
    Abstract: A car clutch including a clutch base formed with a seating part and an input-side ring gear. An output shaft is fitted through the seating part and has first and second sun gears. A first carrier member is in contact with the clutch base and a second carrier member is installed on a clutch cover. A first planetary gear is meshed with the first sun gear and the input-side ring gear. A secondary planetary gear is meshed with the second sun gear. A first rotating member has an output-side ring gear which is meshed with second planetary gears. Clutch springs are installed on a second rotating member. Power shutoff rods are installed through the clutch cover and have a fitting projection fitted into a connecting part of the second rotating member. Lever-squeezing elastic members are each installed between each release lever and the clutch cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Inventor: Myung-soon Bae
  • Patent number: 6561943
    Abstract: A clutch apparatus including a clutch base having a supporting boss which has first spline grooves, a clutch cover, an output shaft having a sun gear, rotating bearings fitted around the output shaft such that the output shaft can be rotated in one direction and not in the other, planetary gear sections each possessing a guide shaft and a planetary gear which is meshed with the sun gear, a rotating member having a ring gear which is meshed with planetary gears and third spline grooves, a multiple disc clutch member having inner plates which are splined into the rotating member and outer plates which are splined into the supporting boss, a pressing plate letting the inner and outer plates to be tightly engages with one another, pressing means for applying pressing force to the pressing plate, and pressing force adjusting means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Inventor: Myung-soon Bae
  • Patent number: 6537169
    Abstract: An automatic transmission includes an input first rotating member, an output second rotating member coaxial with the first rotating member, a third rotating member coaxial with the first rotating member, and a rotation transmitting element mounted on the third rotating member to transmit rotation of the first rotating member to the second rotating member so that the second rotating member is rotated at a predetermined reduction ratio exceeding 1 in a direction of rotation of the first rotating member in a stopped state of the third rotating member. The reduction ratio is increased as a difference between numbers of revolution of the first and third rotating members is rendered larger. The third rotating member is bidirectionally rotatable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventor: Masaru Morii
  • Publication number: 20030040398
    Abstract: A power train assembly is driveably engaged with an input source and includes a transmission module having a casing and a drive member. The transmission module is driveably connected to the input source and a creeper module is driveably engaged with the drive member of the transmission module. The creeper module is detachably mounted to the casing of the transmission module. An output assembly is in driving engagement with the creeper module and a control interface is configured to selectively engage the creeper module to transform the speed of the drive member to a reduced speed of the output member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventors: Karl A. Nerstad, James E. Winzeler, Craig R. Rust
  • Publication number: 20030040397
    Abstract: The improved structure of bicycle front gearshift module is disclosed. The present bicycle front gearshift module requires no triggering thread device to change gearshift in motionless condition. The present invention has a crank pedestal mounted with a position collar and the inside of the position collar is coupled with a gear axle sleeve, which can move forward and backward. The gear axle sleeve is separately mounted with external gear of different diameter and in conjunction with the crank relative to a planetary gear module, which is mounted with the internal gear of the housing. The external side of the housing is mounted with a gear disc so that a user can directly control the slip motion of the gear axle sleeve in order to change the engagement of the internal and external gear sleeve and the planetary gear module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventor: Chin-Fu Wu
  • Publication number: 20030004028
    Abstract: The transmission assembly, specially for motor vehicles, has a housing, a drive shaft, a countershaft and an arrangement for changing the reduction ratio between the drive shaft and the countershaft which contains a continuously variable transmission and downstream thereof a mechanical transmission with shifting elements in the form of clutches and brakes and a planetary gear set for shifting the reverse gear and one or more forward gears.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Markus Hoher
  • Publication number: 20020183159
    Abstract: An internal transmission device for a bicycle. The device includes a slave member, a driver, a planetary gear mechanism disposed between the driver and the slave member, and an automatic shift control mechanism actuated relative to a rotational angle of the driver in a driving direction. The automatic shift control mechanism includes a first one way clutch, a clutch control member and a first abutment member that is disposed on the inner peripheral surface of the slave member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Applicant: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Okochi
  • Publication number: 20020183160
    Abstract: A family of transmissions includes three planetary gear sets and five torque-transmitting mechanisms. Each family member may be employed in a powertrain to provide at least six forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio when the torque-transmitting mechanisms are engaged in combinations of two in a selected manner. Each planetary gear set includes three planetary members; namely, a sun gear, a ring gear, and a planet carrier assembly member. The first member of the first planetary gear set is continuously connected with the first member of the second planetary gear set. The second member of the first planetary gear set is continuously connected with a first member of the third planetary gear set. The second member of the second planetary gear set is continuously connected with the second member of the third planetary gear set.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventors: Chi-Kuan Kao, Patrick Benedict Usoro, Madhusudan Raghavan
  • Patent number: 6484858
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a friction clutch having a pair of clutch members opposite to each other in a radial direction with a plurality of rollers held between them, an angle of a turning axis of each roller relative to the rotation axis of a clutch member is made more than 10° and less than 20°, and in the meantime, the angle of the turning axis of each roller relative to the plane including the rotation axis of the clutch member is made more than 25° and less than 90°, so that a stable frictional force may be generated at all times. In this case, when a load in an axial direction is added to the clutch member, each roller generates sliding friction while turning, and therefore, a wear is extremely smaller than that of a structure of bringing the respective fellow clutch plates into surface contact with each other like a multiple disk clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Inventor: Kenji Mimura
  • Patent number: 6485394
    Abstract: A geared motor in which user needs for change gear ratios are met with flexibility and reliability, and an increase in noise is suppressed. The geared motor comprises a motor unit and a change gear unit for transmitting rotational power from this motor unit in combination. A simple planetary roller unit including a simple planetary roller mechanism and a casing for accommodating this simple planetary roller mechanism is interposed between the change gear unit and the motor unit. The simple planetary roller mechanism has a sun roller, planetary rollers, and a ring roller. Flange portions spreading outward in the radial directions of the sun roller are formed on both axial ends of the casing. One of the flange portions is coupled to the motor unit, and the other is to the change gear unit. Moreover, the geared motor is configured so that rotational power from the motor unit is transmitted to the change gear unit through the simple planetary roller unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kiyoji Minegishi, Jun Tamenaga
  • Publication number: 20020173401
    Abstract: A multi-speed transmission having an input shaft driven by the engine, an output shaft connected to the driveline, an electric motor, a planetary geartrain driven by one or both of the engine and the electric motor, a plurality of power-operated clutches operable for selectively engaging components of the planetary geartrain, and a control system for controlling automated operation of the power-operated clutches and coordinated actuation of the engine and the electric motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas C. Bowen
  • Patent number: 6422356
    Abstract: The automatic transmission of the present invention prevents fluctuation of torque transmission through a band brake. In the hydraulic operator for the band brake, a resilient elastic cushion is provided between a rod abutting one end of the band of the band brake and a piston. Any slippage between the band and drum of the band brake will result in oscillation of the rod. However, the elastic cushion absorbs oscillation of the rod, thereby isolating the piston from that oscillation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akitomo Suzuki, Hiroshi Tsutsui, Tsuyoshi Kawamoto, Masahiro Ida, Yoshihisa Yamamoto, Masaaki Nishida, Kazumasa Tsukamoto
  • Publication number: 20020072446
    Abstract: A bicycle hub includes a hub axle, a hub body and a sprocket support member. The hub axle has first and second portions releasably coupled together. The hub body has an outer tubular portion, a first engagement portion coupled to the outer tubular portion and an interior passageway. The first portion of the hub axle is rotatably supported in the interior passageway. The first engagement portion is formed with a first meshing surface. The sprocket support member is mounted on the second portion of the hub axle and has a second engagement portion formed with a second meshing surface non-rotatably engaged with the first meshing surface. The first and second meshing surfaces are so dimensioned to overlap to prevent axial separation without relative rotation occurring between the first and second engagement portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2000
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventors: Takanori kanehisa, Kanji Kirimoto
  • Patent number: 6371881
    Abstract: The system is comprised of three sub-systems. The first sub-system has an actuation lever (P) which can rotate about an axis (E1) to displace excentrically the Second Sub-system with respect to the Third by a predetermined angle circumferentially about a toothed wheel (R1), a toothed fluted wheel (R2) or fluted cross or cross with sliding torkes, and gear carrying shafts passing therethrough. The grooved wheel (R2) rotates a fixed transmission relationship with respect to the rotation of the input shaft. The second sub-system transforms and divides the input power for the primary shaft into powers which are transmitted to various secondary shafts (E3, E4) characterized by oscillating angular speeds and torkes. The third sub-system composes the powers transmitted by the secondary shafts by means of a epicyclic train (T1) into an output power. The resulting output motion is proportional to the eccentricity angle of the first sub-system with respect to the third sub-system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Inventors: Francisco de Asis Garcia Benitez, Juan Gutierrez De Cepeda, Pedro MadroƱal Martinez, Gonzalo Campillo Arrabal
  • Publication number: 20020029950
    Abstract: In a pressure type differential limiting clutch, a drive plate and a driven plate provided between a clutch drum for transmitting a driving force to a front drive shaft and a clutch hub for transmitting the driving force to a rear drive shaft are pressed by a pressure force of a cone disk spring provided in a pressure plate, and an initial torque by the cone disk spring acts as the differential limiting torque. At a high speed, a weight in limiter device is moved in a radius direction by a centrifugal force through rotation of the rear drive shaft, enters between cam surfaces formed on the pressure plate and the clutch hub, and pushes and broadens. As a result, the pressure plate 65 moves back against energizing force of the cone disk spring, and the initial torque is cancelled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Inventor: Kazuo Kanazawa
  • Patent number: 6309322
    Abstract: A power train of automatic transmission constructed to arrange a transfer drive gear and an over drive clutch before a planetary gear set and to arrange an under drive clutch, an reverse clutch second speed brake, a low reverse brake, one-way clutch low, while a double pinion planetary gear set is assembled to an input shaft receiving a rotating power from engine for rotation to thereby embody a speed shift of four advance speeds and one reverse speed, the power train comprising: an under drive clutch connected to a rear of under drive sun gear via a first power transmission member; a reverse clutch connected to a rear of reverse sun gear via a second power transmission member; a second speed brake mounted at a transmission house for restraining rotation of the second power transmission member; a one-way clutch connected to a rear of long pinion via a third power transmission member and disposed at the transmission housing: a low reverse brake branched from the third power transmission member to be connected
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Hyu-Tae Shim
  • Publication number: 20010004617
    Abstract: A motor wheel for driving the driving wheel of an industrial vehicle and the like, comprising upstream of a two-stage rotary-ring reduction unit, a gearbox with fixed-ring epicyclic gear train, with at least two positions which respectively correspond to the high or travel speed and to the low or working speed. A parking brake is further provided downstream of the gearbox with respect to the motion input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Publication date: June 21, 2001
    Applicant: S.O.M. S.p.A.
    Inventors: Gianni Massaccesi, Stefano Pivetti
  • Patent number: 6234931
    Abstract: A driving force transmission apparatus achieves a high speed ratio and has a compact and inexpensive structure. The apparatus includes speed change elements including a cam portion, a gear, an internal gear and a correction plate, a connecting arrangement including a second clutch plate, a third clutch plate, an electromagnetic coil and a coil spring, and a first clutch plate, all arranged on a common shaft. This arrangement achieves both a high speed ratio and a compact and inexpensive structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazunori Kanekura
  • Patent number: 6217475
    Abstract: A vehicle driveline system includes a planetary gear arrangement that cooperates with a flywheel member to provide a dual mass variable inertia flywheel assembly. The planetary gear arrangement preferably includes an automated actuator that selectively engages different portions of the planetary gear arrangement to provide at least two operating positions that each have an associated effective mass and a corresponding moment of inertia. Choosing an operating position selectively controls the inertia of the flywheel assembly and greatly reduces or eliminates torsional vibrations that may otherwise occur. The first and second operating positions also provide high and low range transmission operation, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: ZF Meritor
    Inventor: Shan Shih
  • Patent number: 6217474
    Abstract: A powertrain has a multi speed power transmission including a planetary gear arrangement with three simple planetary gear sets and six selectively engageable, fluid operated, friction torque transmitting mechanisms. A one-way torque transmitting mechanism is disposed in parallel drive relation with one of the friction torque transmitting mechanisms. The selective engagement of the friction torque transmitting mechanisms will establish seven forward drive ratios, a neutral condition and a reverse drive ratio. All of the forward ratio interchanges are single transition shifts and all of the single ratio skip shifts are single transition shifts. The seven forward drive ratios include four underdrive ratios, a direct drive ratio, and two overdrive ratios. The planetary gear arrangement can be controlled to establish six forward drive ratios with either one overdrive ratio and four underdrive ratios or two overdrive ratios and three underdrive ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher Brian Ross, Michael Colby Sefcik
  • Patent number: 6176802
    Abstract: A reduction in the weight and size of a speed-change mechanism is obtained by shortening a high-torque transmission system. The speed-change shock is attenuated by reducing an inertia torque in a muilti-stage vehicular automatic transmission. The vehicular automatic transmission is equipped with a planetary gear set that receives a decelerated rotation and a non-decelerated rotation as inputs and outputs a plurality of speed-change rotations, a reduction planetary gear, an input shaft that passes through an inner side of the planetary gear set, first and third clutches that couple the input shaft to two different speed-change elements of the planetary gear set respectively through the reduction planetary gear in an engageable and disengageable manner, and a second clutch that couples the input shaft to the other speed-change element of the planetary gear set in an engageable and disengageable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Aisin AW Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoru Kasuya, Tomochika Inagaki, Kazumasa Tsukamoto, Masahiro Hayabuchi, Masaaki Nishida, Kenji Gotou