Including One-way Clutch Or Brake Patents (Class 475/318)
  • Patent number: 12110950
    Abstract: A transmission comprises: a first planetary stage including a first ring gear defining first internal teeth; a ground component defining second internal teeth; a compound planetary stage including a one-way clutch with an inner race and an outer race, the outer race having a first tapered surface; and an adaptor defining external teeth and a second tapered surface, the adaptor being movable into at least a first position where the first tapered surface and the second tapered surface are connected with each other, and into a second position where instead the first internal teeth are gear coupled with the second internal teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2024
    Assignee: Atieva, Inc.
    Inventors: Balazs Palfai, Aravind Srinivasan, Sai Krishna Enabothula, Bela Hegedus, Jean-Philippe Gauthier
  • Patent number: 12031616
    Abstract: A power transmission device includes: a motor to drive a rotary shaft; a first reducer to receive torque from the rotary shaft; a second reducer to receive torque from the first reducer; and a first clutch disposed outside the second reducer to connect and disconnect the second reducer and an external component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2024
    Assignee: Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kyung Won Han
  • Patent number: 11149631
    Abstract: A front end accessory drive system is disclosed. The system includes a hub configured to drivingly engage with a crankshaft and a gear transmission system. A one-way clutch includes a first bearing ring connected to an end of a plurality of planet pins of the gear transmission system, and a second bearing ring connected to a sun gear of the gear transmission system. A pump configured to direct hydraulic fluid through a hydraulic fluid circuit. A clutch pack is in fluid connection with the hydraulic fluid circuit. The clutch pack includes at least one clutch plate supported by the gear transmission system, such that a portion of the gear transmission system is grounded via frictional engagement of the at least one clutch plate in an actuated state of the clutch pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO. KG
    Inventors: Nicholas Hrusch, Joshua Hixenbaugh
  • Patent number: 10823262
    Abstract: A drive assembly for use in a piece of home equipment is provided including a center shaft having a central axis. A first drive component has a cavity formed therein and is configured to rotate about the central axis. A second drive component is at least partially nested within the cavity. The second drive component is configured to rotate about the central axis. The first drive component is operably coupled to a first rotary coupling and the second drive component is operably coupled to a second rotary coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: SHARKNINJA OPERATING LLC
    Inventors: Charles S. Brunner, Colden Eldridge, Ross Douglas Arriens
  • Patent number: 9273774
    Abstract: A system producing force reactions in a transmission includes a case including front and rear surfaces, a reaction component, a gearset including a ring gear and a sun gear that transmits a forward force to the front surface, a first path for transmitting a rearward force from the ring gear to the rear surface, a second path for transmitting a forward force from the ring gear to the reaction component, and a third path for transmitting a rearward force from the sun gear to the reaction component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Steven G. Thomas, Gregory D. Goleski, Jeffrey E. Maurer
  • Patent number: 9109666
    Abstract: A dual ratio constant-mesh gearbox is provided that is suitable for use with an automobile, and particularly well-suited for an electric vehicle. The gearbox, which may be configured either as a manual or automatic gearbox, utilizes a planetary gear set and a pair of clutches to shift between under drive and direct drive modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: ATIEVA, INC.
    Inventor: Jean-Philippe Gauthier
  • Patent number: 8702557
    Abstract: A method and device for controlling a shiftable planetary gear set in a belt drive of an internal combustion engine in a motor vehicle having a sun gear which is fixedly connected to a belt pulley, a ring gear which can be connected fixedly with respect to the housing by means of a brake which is activated by an electrically operated actuator which is effective along a distance which is monitored by a relative distance sensor, as well as a web which is connected to a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine and rotatably accommodates planetary gears, wherein situated between the sun gear and the web is a free wheeling mechanism which can be switched and rolled over in both directions and is switched by the same actuator along the travel distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Lukas Holzer, Martin Dilzer, Mathias Goeckler
  • Patent number: 8690723
    Abstract: A method for controlling a belt drive of a drivetrain of a motor vehicle, with a planetary gear set which shifts a transmission ratio between a starter-generator and a combustion engine, the planetary gear set having a ring gear which can be connected fixedly with respect to a housing by a brake, a web which is connectible to a crankshaft of the combustion engine of the drivetrain, having planet gears arranged around the circumference, and a sun gear which is connected in a rotationally fixed connection to a rotor of the starter-generator and to at least one ancillary unit, as well as having a first switchable free-wheeling mechanism which blocks in the direction of torque from the rotor to the crankshaft and having a second switchable free-wheeling mechanism which blocks in the direction of torque from the crankshaft to the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Martin Dilzer, Dierk Reitz
  • Patent number: 8574116
    Abstract: A compressor includes a housing, a compression mechanism, an input shaft rotatable on an axis thereof, an output shaft for driving the compression mechanism, a transmission for transmitting torque from the input shaft to the output shaft and also changing the rotating speed of the input shaft and a control device for controlling the operation of the transmission. The transmission includes a plurality of planetary rollers, a carrier rotatably supporting the respective planetary rollers and being integrally rotatable with the input shaft, a sun roller engaged with the respective planetary rollers and integrally rotatable with the output shaft and a ring roller engaged with the respective planetary rollers. The ring roller can be fixed to the housing or rotatable relative to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Jidoshokki
    Inventors: Yoshio Kimoto, Masaki Ota, Masahiro Kawaguchi, Nobuaki Hoshino, Toru Onishi
  • Publication number: 20130281254
    Abstract: A method for controlling a belt drive of a drivetrain of a motor vehicle, with a planetary gear set which shifts a transmission ratio between a starter-generator and a combustion engine, the planetary gear set having a ring gear which can be connected fixedly with respect to a housing by a brake, a web which is connectible to a crankshaft of the combustion engine of the drivetrain, having planet gears arranged around the circumference, and a sun gear which is connected in a rotationally fixed connection to a rotor of the starter-generator and to at least one ancillary unit, as well as having a first switchable free wheeling mechanism which blocks in the direction of torque from the rotor to the crankshaft and having a second switchable free wheeling mechanism which blocks in the direction of torque from the crankshaft to the rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: Martin Dilzer, Dierk Reitz
  • Patent number: 8506445
    Abstract: A torque transmitting device includes a first race, a second race, and a biasing member. The torque transmitting device selectively transmits a torque in a rotational direction between a first member and a second member. The second member includes a surface that defines an annular bore having a decreasing diameter in an axial direction. The second race opposes the first race and includes a surface that opposes the second member and has the decreasing diameter in the axial direction. The first race and the second race define a predetermined torque limit. The biasing element biases the second race against the second member with a predetermined force that contributes to a predetermined holding torque between the surface of the second race and the surface of the second member that is less than the predetermined torque limit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Scott H. Wittkopp, James M. Hart, Clinton E. Carey
  • Patent number: 8469855
    Abstract: A multi-speed transmission module is provided that can passively and automatically upshift and downshift between two speed ratios, even if the speed of the output member does not decrease. The transmission module includes a planetary gear set. A torque-transmitting mechanism is engageable to connect the two members of the planetary gear set for common rotation. A centripetal member is configured to apply a first axial force urging engagement of the torque-transmitting mechanism. The first axial force increases as the speed of the output member increases. A torque-to-thrust actuator, such as a ball screw actuator, is connected for rotation with the input member and is configured to apply a second axial force opposing engagement of the torque-transmitting mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Andrew W. Phillips
  • Patent number: 8460152
    Abstract: A pulley assembly with an auto-selecting multi-speed transmission that can be operated in at least two modes depending on the manner in which rotary power is transmitted through the pulley assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Litens Automotive Partnership
    Inventors: Scott Parsons, Gary J. Spicer
  • Patent number: 8449423
    Abstract: A selectable overrunning clutch and breakaway, i.e., energy absorbing, cone clutch is disposed in series between two elements of a planetary gear automatic transmission. An annular piston is received within a complementary cylinder and includes a male cone clutch member that mates with a stationary female cone clutch member. Also carried by the annular piston is an annular drive ring which engages a planetary gear assembly element such as a ring gear. Disposed between the drive ring and the piston is a selection ring having a plurality of circumferential apertures or ports that receive a like plurality of struts. The face of the annular piston includes pockets or recesses that receive the struts and the face of the drive ring includes notches or surfaces against which the struts engage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Daryl A. Wilton, James M. Hart
  • Patent number: 8439792
    Abstract: A planetary gear mechanism for a bicycle, and more particularly to a planetary gear mechanism comprising a first planetary mechanism connected coaxially in series to a second planetary mechanism, which second planetary mechanism is connected coaxially in series to a third planetary mechanism, the second planetary mechanism output is a step up in speed from the first planetary mechanism output, the third planetary mechanism output is a step up in speed from the second planetary mechanism output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: The Gates Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander Serkh, Dean Schneider
  • Publication number: 20130056694
    Abstract: A gear reduction assembly may include a main input shaft, a carrier coupled to the main input shaft, and at least one carrier shaft coupled to the carrier and spaced from the main input shaft. The gear reduction assembly may also include at least one spur gear pair including a first spur gear coupled to the carrier shaft, and a second spur gear, wherein the first and second spur gears are coupled to one another such that they rotate together. The gear reduction assembly also includes a first internal gear engaged with the first spur gear, a second internal gear engaged with the second spur gear, and a hub associated with the first internal gear. The first internal gear has a first number of teeth, the second internal gear has a second number of teeth, and the first and second numbers of teeth differ by from one to five teeth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventors: Stephen P. Wilkins, Larry C. Wilkins
  • Patent number: 8376900
    Abstract: A clutch assembly for transmitting a first torque between a first member and a second member includes a first clutch and a second clutch. The first clutch is disposed between the first member and the second member and has a predetermined design torque. The second clutch is disposed in series with the first clutch between the first member and the second member and has a predetermined holding torque that is less than the predetermined design torque. The second clutch allows rotation between the first member and the second member when the first torque is greater than the predetermined holding torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Scott William Heitzenrater, John A. Diemer, Douglas John Dwenger, Larry D. Diemer
  • Patent number: 8303459
    Abstract: A forward-reverse switching device for a vehicle includes a planetary gear set and a one-way clutch coupled to any two rotating elements among first, second and third rotating elements, each corresponding to any one of a ring gear, a carrier and a sun gear, of the planetary gear set. The first rotating element is coupled to a driving force source. The third rotating element is coupled to a drive wheel. Rotation of the second rotating element is prohibited to rotate the third rotating element in a direction opposite to the rotational direction of the first rotating element. The first to third rotating elements are integrally rotated to rotate the third rotating element in the same direction as the first rotating element. The one-way clutch is engaged when the rotational speed of the third rotating element exceeds the rotational speed of the first rotating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yasuhiro Kawai
  • Patent number: 8152669
    Abstract: Various embodiments of electrically-variable transmissions are provided that have a first and a second motor-generator, a first and a second planetary gear set, and two torque-transmitting mechanisms, including a rotating-type clutch and a stationary-type clutch. An input member is connected for common rotation with a ring gear of the first planetary gear set. Carriers of both of the planetary gear sets are connected for common rotation with one another, and with an output member. The first motor/generator is connected for common rotation with the sun gear of the first planetary gear set. The second motor/generator is connected for common rotation with the sun gear of the second planetary gear set. The rotating-type torque-transmitting mechanism is a dog clutch with a synchronizer. The stationary-type torque-transmitting mechanism may be either a dog clutch with a synchronizer or a selectable one-way braking clutch (SOWBC).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Joel M. Maguire, James M. Hart, Edward W. Mellet, Daryl A. Wilton, Scott H. Wittkopp, Clinton E. Carey
  • Patent number: 8105199
    Abstract: A power transmission mechanism transferring a power output from an engine to a propeller includes a transmission planetary gear train that transforms the output power of the engine before it is transferred to the propeller. The transmission planetary gear train includes a transmission sun gear, a transmission double planetary gear set, and a transmission internal gear, in which the transmission sun gear is connected via the first clutch to the input end shaft extending into the engine, and the transmission sun gear is also connected via the second one-way clutch to the housing. In addition, the transmission double planetary gear set is connected via the second clutch to the input end shaft extending into the engine, and the transmission double planetary gear set is also connected via the first one-way clutch to the housing. Further, the transmission internal gear is connected to the output end shaft extending toward the propeller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yoshihiko Okabe
  • Patent number: 8029403
    Abstract: A multi-speed transmission for a vehicle is provided with a selectable one-way braking clutch (SOWBC). The transmission has an input member connected for common rotation with one of the members of four planetary gear sets and an output member connected for common rotation with another of the members of the planetary gear sets. Four interconnecting members connect different members of the planetary gear sets for common rotation. A first brake is selectively engagable to ground the first member of the first planetary gear set to the stationary member. A first, a second, and a third rotating clutch are each selectively engagable to connect a different respective pair of the members of the planetary gear sets for common rotation. A selectable one-way braking clutch is configured to brake in one rotational direction and is selectively reversible to brake in an opposite rotational direction, and freewheels in some speed ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Chunhao J. Lee, Farzad Samie, Chi-Kuan Kao
  • Patent number: 7942777
    Abstract: A continuously variable, automatic transmission for a motor driven vehicle including heavy trucks, buses and light automobiles, wherein the vehicle includes an internal combustion engine and driving wheels. The automatic transmission includes a hydraulic torque converter or other hydraulic device and at least one but preferably a plurality of at least two planetary gear assemblies wherein two corresponding portions thereof are operatively interconnected by a free wheeling connector assembly. As such, torque generated by the engine of the vehicle is variably transmitted from the at least one of the planetary gear assemblies to the driving wheels of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Inventor: Manuel Meitin
  • Patent number: 7905441
    Abstract: The disclosed seat belt tensioner is for a seat belt safety system that may comprise a seat belt spindle, a drive motor for driving the seat belt spindle, and a gear connected to the drive motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Takata Corporation
    Inventors: Walter Scherzinger, Roland Schnabl, Thomas Schwer
  • Patent number: 7871351
    Abstract: The present invention provides an eight speed automatic transmission for motor vehicles having three planetary gear sets, four friction clutches, a friction brake, a band brake and an optional overrunning clutch. The eight speed transmission according to the present invention exhibits good gear ratio progression and high efficiency due to its excellent gear mesh efficiency, low spin losses and low pinion speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Andrew W. Phillips
  • Publication number: 20100261570
    Abstract: A multi-speed internal bicycle hub transmission assembly includes a stationary hub axle, a driver, a hub shell, a power transmission mechanism and a shift control mechanism. The stationary hub axle includes a positioner that is movable in a radial direction. The driver and the hub shell are rotatably supported to the hub axle. The power transmission mechanism is operably disposed between the driver and the hub shell for transmitting rotational power from the driver to the hub shell through a plurality of power transmission paths. The shift control mechanism includes a pawl control member movable in rotational directions relative to the hub axle to a plurality of orientations. Each orientation corresponds to selection of a corresponding one of the plurality of power transmission paths of the power transmission mechanism. The positioner is disposed to urge the pawl control member to remain the selected orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventor: Tetsuya HINO
  • Patent number: 7758465
    Abstract: A damped planetary transmission comprising an input member, an inertial member connected to the input member, a planetary gear assembly connected to the input member, the planetary gear assembly comprising a carrier member that is directly and fixedly connected to the input member, a brake member engaged with a ring gear of the planetary gear assembly, the planetary gear assembly connected to an output member, a one-way clutch operationally disposed between the input member and the output member, and a vibration isolator directly connected for torque flow between the input member and the one-way clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: The Gates Corporation
    Inventors: Alexander Serkh, Peter Alan Ward
  • Publication number: 20090036262
    Abstract: A bicycle hub transmission basically includes a hub axle, a driver, a hub shell, a power transmission mechanism and a shift mechanism. The driver is rotatably supported relative to the hub axle. The hub shell is rotatably supported relative to the driver. The power transmission mechanism includes a downstream planetary gear unit and an upstream planetary gear unit disposed between the driver and the hub shell to selectively transmit rotational power from the driver to the hub shell through one a plurality of power transmission paths. The shift mechanism is operatively coupled to the power transmission mechanism to select one of the power transmission paths. The downstream planetary gear unit includes at least a first sun gear, a second sun gear and a planetary gear carrier that meshes with planetary gears of the upstream planetary gear unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventor: Tetsuya HINO
  • Publication number: 20090036261
    Abstract: An internal transmission hub assembly includes a shift control sleeve, a sleeve guide and a shifting key guide. The shift control sleeve is disposed for limited circumferential movement about the axis of rotation of a stationary hub shaft. The shift control sleeve includes a base sleeve and at least one pawl control arm, the base sleeve having a first end and a second end. The sleeve guide supports the first end of the base sleeve of the shift control sleeve about the stationary hub shaft. The first end of the base sleeve is welded to the sleeve guide. The shifting key guide supports the second end of the base sleeve of the shift control sleeve about the stationary hub shaft. The second end of the base sleeve is welded to the shifting key guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Tetsuya HINO
  • Publication number: 20090023542
    Abstract: A bicycle hub transmission includes a hub axle, a driver, a hub shell, a power transmission mechanism and a shift mechanism. The driver and the hub shell are rotatably supported relative to the hub axle. The power transmission mechanism is disposed between the driver and the hub shell to selectively transmit rotational power from the driver to the hub shell through one a plurality of power transmission paths. The shift mechanism operatively couples the power transmission mechanism to select a power transmission path. The downstream planetary gear unit includes a planetary gear carrier that meshes with planetary gears of the upstream planetary gear unit or with a linking member coupled to the planetary gears of the upstream planetary gear unit. The planetary gear carrier of the downstream planetary gear unit is coupled with a brake unit to transmit a reverse rotational power from the driver to the brake unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventor: Tetsuya HINO
  • Publication number: 20090005211
    Abstract: A bicycle hub transmission basically includes a hub axle, a driver, a hub shell, a power transmission mechanism and a shift mechanism. The driver is rotatably supported relative to the hub axle. The hub shell is rotatably supported relative to the driver. The power transmission mechanism includes a downstream planetary gear unit and an upstream planetary gear unit disposed between the driver and the hub shell to selectively transmit rotational power from the driver to the hub shell through one a plurality of power transmission paths. The shift mechanism is operatively coupled to the power transmission mechanism to select one of the power transmission paths. The downstream planetary gear unit includes at least a planetary gear carrier that meshes with planetary gears of the upstream planetary gear unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventor: Tetsuya HINO
  • Patent number: 7442146
    Abstract: An internally geared bicycle hub is provided with a hub axle, a hub body, a drive member and a gear mechanism for transmitting a rotational drive force from the drive member to the hub body. The hub body and the drive member are mounted in a radially uncoupled manner to the hub axle, so as to be coupled to the gear mechanism. The drive member is supported by axially spaced bearing assemblies, positioned on the inner side of the drive member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Okouchi
  • Patent number: 7344471
    Abstract: An automatic transmission comprises a planetary gear train (PG) including a sun gear (S) connected to a first main shaft (3), a carrier (C) and a ring gear (R); a first gear train (G1) including a first drive gear (6) connected to the ring gear (R), and a first driven gear (7) disposed rotatably over a countershaft (5) and meshed with the first drive gear (6); a third gear train (G3) including a third drive gear (10) disposed rotatably with respect to the carrier (C), and a third driven gear (11) connected to the countershaft (5) and meshed with the third drive gear (10); a first brake (B1) for holding the ring gear (R) stationary, a first clutch (C1) for engaging/disengaging the first driven gear (7) to/from the countershaft (5); a third clutch (C3) for engaging/disengaging the third drive gear (10) to/from the carrier (C); and a fourth clutch (C4) for bringing the sun gear (S) and the ring gear (R) into engagement/disengagement with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Soichi Sugino, Tsukasa Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20070287574
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a bicycle hub speed-change assembly having a planetary gear set disposed therein, a speed-change gear wheel separately disposed on both left and right sides of the planetary gear set, and a first ratchet jacket and a second ratchet jacket respectively disposed on the external side of the speed-change gear wheels, such that control ratchets of the first ratchet jacket and second ratchet jacket are selectively hidden or driven by an external ring of the planetary gear set to couple the first ratchet jacket with a hub, so as to provide three different speeds and the invention features the advantages of stable speed, simplified components, and light weight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Chun-Hsung Chen
  • Patent number: 7101306
    Abstract: A bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly employed in connection with a reduced capacity low friction clutch to provide low and reverse gears in a transmission. The clutch assembly including an inner race, an outer race, and engagement members supported therebetween. The inner race is operatively coupled to the transmission casing and the outer race is operatively coupled to the ring gear of the gear set as well as the inner race of the friction clutch assembly. The clutch assembly further includes at least one actuating cam. The actuating cam operates to actuate the engagement members to provide four separate modes of operation between the inner and outer races of the clutch assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher E. Blair, John M. Kremer, R. Keith Martin, Melissa Koenig, Brian Stefina
  • Patent number: 7059986
    Abstract: A powertrain having a fuel cell prime mover, an electronic control unit, two motor/generator units, two planetary gearsets, and a plurality of torque-transmitting mechanisms is operable to provide three ranges of operation. During one range of operation, the power take-off unit operates at a constant speed. During the second range of operation, the power take-off unit, one of the motor/generator units, and the output shaft operate at a same speed, and during the third range of operation, both motor/generator units, the output shaft, and the power take-off unit operate at a same speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Michael R. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7004874
    Abstract: An on-demand power take-off unit is equipped with a dual-mode bi-directional overrunning clutch and a shift mechanism to establish on-demand and part-time four-wheel drive modes. Further, the power take-off unit includes a disconnect clutch that is controlled by the mode shift mechanism to establish a two-wheel drive mode in addition to the four-wheel drive modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Mizon, Dale L. Pennycuff
  • Patent number: 6837822
    Abstract: An improved structure of a gear cluster for a bicycle having a crankset mounted with a crankshaft provided with a planetary gear module, wherein the planetary gear module includes a big wheel and a small wheel section and the planetary gear module drives an inner gear module mounted onto a gear plate, One lateral side of the crankshaft is provided with a driving structure including a second driving wheel and a third driving wheel engageable with the big and small wheels and the crankshaft is provided with a regulating structure for the positioning of the driving structure. The regulating structure includes two sets of a second and a third ratchet blocks for the positioning or free rotating of the second and the third driving wheels. The regulating structure is provided with a triggering structure to act on different ratchet block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Inventor: Chin Fu Wu
  • Patent number: 6830531
    Abstract: Pursuant to the control strategy of the present invention, torque load may be shared between the low/reverse friction clutch and a one-way clutch to effect low and reverse gear ratios in a transmission. This may be accomplished by engaging the friction clutch during vehicle launch and keeping it engaged until the peak torque has passed. Once the peak torque has been passed, the load capacity of the friction clutch can be reduced to zero. In this operational mode, the one-way clutch is acting to support the remaining drive torque. Thus, with only the one-way clutch carrying a load at the time of the up-shift from first to second gear, a non-synchronous shift can be affected. In this way, the control strategy acts to share the torque load between the low/reverse brake and the low one-way clutch, thereby allowing a reduced capacity, lower spin-loss one-way clutch design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: BorgWarner, Inc.
    Inventors: Melissa Koenig, R. Keith Martin, John M. Kremer
  • Publication number: 20040171454
    Abstract: An internal hub transmission for a bicycle comprises a drive member rotatably supported around a hub axle, a hub body rotatably supported around the hub axle, a planetary gear mechanism disposed in a force transmission path between the drive member and the hub body that communicates rotational force from the drive member to the hub body through a plurality of power transmitting paths, and a clutch member that controls the planetary gear mechanism. A one-way clutch mechanism is disposed in a force transmission path between the drive member and the clutch member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2004
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Applicant: SHIMANO, INC.
    Inventors: Minoru Itou, Tetsuya Hino
  • Patent number: 6719109
    Abstract: A method for the control of a bi-directional overrunning clutch assembly (10) disposed within a vehicle transmission, including the steps of initiating a drive function control routine (112) within an electronic control unit and sensing the commanded gear ratio within the transmission. The method steps further include determining whether a first gear function (132) should be initiated based on the commanded gear ratio and determining whether a second gear function (150) should be initiated based on the commanded gear ratio. The method also includes sensing whether the reverse engagement members (24B) and the forward engagement members (24A) of the bi-directional clutch (10) are engaged when neither the first gear function (132) nor the second gear function (150) are initiated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Jin Li, Mark Buchanan
  • Publication number: 20040043859
    Abstract: The hill-holding mechanism of the present invention comprises an apparatus and methodology for actuating a transmission control element to prevent the output shaft of an automatic transmission in a hybrid vehicle from rotating under certain predetermined circumstances.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventors: James R. Yurgil, David Gordon Evans
  • Patent number: 6609992
    Abstract: An automotive alternator includes: a stator core 1 having a stator winding 2; front and rear brackets 3 and 4 holding the stator core 1; a rotor core 5 attached to a rotation shaft 7 rotatably mounted on the brackets; a one-way clutch 13 having a driving member 16 and a driven member 14, the driven member 14 fixed to the rotation shaft 7; an overdrive planetary gear mechanism 17 having a sun gear 22, a planet gear 21, and an outer ring gear 24, the sun gear 22 fixed to the rotation shaft, the planet gear 21 attached to the driving member 16, the outer ring gear 24 rotatably supported; an input shaft 19 to which an end of the support shaft 20 of the planet gear 21 is fixed; and an electromagnetic brake 26 blocking rotation of the outer ring gear 24 by energization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Katsuhiko Kusumoto, Tatsuhiko Mizutani, Yoshinobu Utsumi
  • Patent number: 6592489
    Abstract: In a transmission with a built-in planetary gear mechanism which has an element to be fixed to a casing of the transmission, inner elements are sub-assembled by mounting a plurality of transmission constituting members inclusive of the planetary gear mechanism. After containing the inner elements inside the casing, the element to be fixed is arranged to be fixable to the casing from a peripheral wall portion of the casing. The element to be fixed is fixed to the cylinder portion of a hydraulic brake to be built in the transmission. The cylinder portion is fixed to the casing by means of fixing members which are inserted into the casing from an outside of the peripheral wall portion of the transmission casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shigeru Tajima, Masahiro Imamura, Yasuhiro Morimoto
  • Patent number: 6558288
    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: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Shimano, Inc.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Okochi
  • Publication number: 20020142878
    Abstract: A two-speed full-time transfer case includes an input shaft, first and second output shafts, a planetary gearset, an interaxle differential, and first and second clutch mechanisms. The planetary gearset includes a sun gear integral with the input shaft, an annulus gear, and pinion gears rotatably mounted on a carrier and which are meshed with the sun and annulus gears. The interaxle differential has an input driven by the carrier, a first output driving the first output shaft and a second output driving a transfer mechanism coupled to the second output shaft. The first clutch mechanism is a fluid-actuated bi-directional overrunning clutch operable for selectively braking the annulus gear. The second clutch mechanism is a fluid-released bi-directional overrunning clutch for selectively releasing the input shaft from coupled engagement with the carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventors: Eric A. Bansbach, Sankar K. Mohan, James S. Brissenden
  • Publication number: 20020049112
    Abstract: An automotive alternator includes: a stator core 1 having a stator winding 3; front and rear brackets 3 and 4 holding the stator core 1; a rotor core 5 attached to a rotation shaft 7 rotatably mounted on the brackets; a one-way clutch 13 having a driving member 16 and a driven member 14, the driven member 14 fixed to the rotation shaft 7; an overdrive planetary gear mechanism 17 having a sun gear 22, a planet gear 21, and an outer ring gear 24, the sun gear 22 fixed to the rotation shaft, the planet gear 21 attached to the driving member 16, the outer ring gear 24 rotatably supported; an input shaft 19 to which an end of the support shaft 20 of the planet gear 21 is fixed; and an electromagnetic brake 26 blocking rotation of the outer ring gear 24 by enegization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Publication date: April 25, 2002
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI DENKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Katsuhiko Kusumoto, Tatsuhiko Mizutani, Yoshinobu Utsumi
  • Patent number: 6109122
    Abstract: A starter motor assembly is provided. A motor housing encloses an electric motor having a rotatable armature shaft. A planetary gear assembly is provided in a pinion housing, including planetary gears, a planet carrier, and a drive shaft. A pinion is engageable with the drive shaft for turning a flywheel of an engine. A non-load-bearing overrunning clutch assembly is provided, including an outer clutch piece removably fixed with respect to the pinion housing to be non-rotatable, and a rotatable inner clutch piece engaged with the planetary gears. Structure provided between the outer and inner clutch pieces allows rotation of the inner clutch piece in one direction and locks up the inner clutch piece in the other direction. When the starter motor assembly is energized, rotation of the armature shaft and planetary gears at a first rotational velocity rotates the inner clutch piece in the lockup direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Delco Remy International, Inc.
    Inventors: Laszlo Bori, Attila Lepres
  • Patent number: 6095941
    Abstract: An overrunning clutch assembly for an automatic transmission having a plurality of planetary gear sets. The overrunning clutch assembly includes an inner race and an outer race. The outer race radially surround the inner race. The overrunning clutch assembly further includes a plurality of rollers disposed between the inner race and the outer race for permitting relative rotation between the inner race and the outer race in a first direction and limiting relative rotation between the inner race and the outer race in a second direction. The outer race includes a radially extending portion extending radially inward beyond an outer periphery of the inner race. The radially extending portion cooperates with the inner race to react a thrust load generated by the plurality of gear sets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Berthold Martin, John C. Collins, Charles K. Streetman
  • Patent number: 5928104
    Abstract: A structure for supporting a one-way clutch between a planetary gear mechanism and the casing of an automatic transmission. The one-way clutch prevents reverse rotation of a speed-change gear. In the one-way clutch, an outer race and the planetary gear mechanism are integrally fixed to each other. An inner race and the casing are in meshing engagement with each other through a spline formed therebetween. Further, a meshing clearance is formed in the spline such that the inner race can move radially relative to the casing within a range of maintaining the meshed state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takao Kimura, Tadashi Takemura, Seiji Hiroshima
  • Patent number: 5895336
    Abstract: An apparatus for changing power direction for a bicycle is provided. The apparatus for changing power direction roughly including a shaft housing, a change ring, a carrier, a sun gear and a sprocket cap is located between a pedal shaft and a driving sprocket. The shaft housing supports the rotating pedal shaft and controls the carrier by using a plurality of pawls to be released from and inserted into a plurality of openings formed at the inside of a rim of a right cap of the shaft housing when pedaling rearward. The change ring releases and inserts the pawls from and into the shaft housing when pedaling rearward, and the carrier having a first ratchet and a second ratchet at the outside and inside of a left portion thereof, respectively, and a plurality of planetary gears to be rotatably set at a right portion maintains or changes the direction of power from the pedal shaft, thereby transmitting the power to a driving sprocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Inventor: Mun-Su Yoo