Meshing Assisters Patents (Class 74/339)
  • Patent number: 5105927
    Abstract: An improved single cone servo-action synchronizer apparatus having a hub fixed for rotation to a transmission shaft and an outer blocker ring and a ratio gear concentrically disposed on the transmission shaft. The blocker ring is formed with a plurality of longitudinally extending drive tangs which project into apertures formed in the hub. The drive tangs have an angled cam edge which converges outwardly at a first acute angle. The apertures have a complimentary angled side which is adapted for sliding engagement with the drive tang cam edge upon energization of the synchronizer apparatus. This sliding engagment causes the torque capacity of the synchronizer apparatus to be increased for a given input synchronizing force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1992
    Assignee: New Venture Gear, Inc.
    Inventor: Barry L. Frost
  • Patent number: 5103952
    Abstract: A pin-type, double-acting, one-way synchronizer mechanism (22) with friction clutches (24,36 and 26,38), jaw clutches (28,12c and 30,16b) and self-energizing ramps. The ramps act between a shaft (14) and a shift flange (32) which is rotataable relative to the shaft and jaw clutch members 28,30. Flange (32) includes radially inwardly extending teeth (32k) defining self-energizing ramps (32m,32n) which act against ramps (14d,14e) formed in shaft splines (14b). The angles of the self-energizing ramps may be varied to provide substantially the same synchronizing time for several or all of the ratio gears in a multi-ratio transmission. Two of the friction clutches (36,38) each include three circumferentially spaced pins (40,41) rigidly extending therefrom and through openings (32c,32d) in the flange (32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph D. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 5097726
    Abstract: A shift control system for an automatic transmission comprises: a gear train including a plurality of planetary gear sets having rotary components, an input shaft and an output shaft; a plurality of clutches for selectively connecting either the rotary components of the planetary gear sets with each other or the rotary components and the input shaft; and a plurality of brakes for holding the rotary components selectively in immovable states, any one of the planetary gear sets being adapted to take no part in the transmission of torque at one gear stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1992
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Asada
  • Patent number: 5097930
    Abstract: A pin-type, double-acting synchronizer mechanism (22) with friction clutches (24,36 and 26,38), jaw clutch (28,14b and 30,16b) and self-energizing ramps. The ramps act between a shaft (12) and a shift flange (32) which is rotatable relative to the shaft and jaw clutch members 28,30. Flange 32 includes radially inwardly extending teeth (32k) defining self-energizing ramps (32m,32n,32p,32s) which act against ramp (12d,12e,12f,12g) formed in shaft splines (12b). Three circumferentially spaced pins (40) include blocker shoulders (40c,40d), for preventing asynchronous engagement of the jaw clutches and pre-energizer surfaces (40e,40f) which each cooperate with a pre-energizer and neutral centering assembly (42). The angles of the self-energizing ramps may be varied to provide substantially the same synchronizing time for several or all of the ratio gears in a multi-ratio transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1992
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph D. Reynolds, Otis J. Olson
  • Patent number: 5090263
    Abstract: A gear coupler for coupling a gear to a shaft includes a first coupling member which is connected for rotation with the shaft and a second coupling member which is connected for rotation with the gear and engageable by the first coupling member. The second coupling member is capable of limited circumferential movement relative to the gear to allow the first and second coupling members to engage each other without the need to rotate the gear. The advantage of this arrangement is that gears can be engaged without the operator needing to exert excessive actuation force on any actuating system which controls the movement of the coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1992
    Assignee: Massey Ferguson Services N.V.
    Inventors: Roger M. Weyman, John R. Barton
  • Patent number: 5085303
    Abstract: The present invention, in its disclosed embodiment, is a strut-type synchronizer including a shift sleeve having a modified internal splined surface profile adapted to coact with the struts to counteract normal drag forces produced upon axial movement of the shift sleeve during shifting of gears. In a preferred form, the spline tooth "profile" modification includes the addition of two ramped surfaces circumferentially extending around the inner bore of the shift sleeve on opposite sides of the detent groove and which are in communication therewith. These ramped surfaces act to change the radially directed engagement force between the struts and the applied surface of the shift sleeve into an axially directed force for assisting axial sleeve travel to minimize frictional shift resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1992
    Assignee: New Venture Gear, Inc.
    Inventor: Barry L. Frost
  • Patent number: 5083993
    Abstract: In a planetary gear (1) with an axially displaceable ring wheel (24), which can be coupled together with coupling rings (10,19) on either side of the planetary gear (1), synchronization rings (16,23) are arranged with external locking teeth. The ring wheel (24) is designed at its axial ends with a number of recesses (30), each accommodating locking bodies (31) which are spring-loaded in the radial direction and which bear against the synchronization rings (16,23) and which, during gear change movements, come to bear against shoulders (38) on the synchronization rings (16,23) in order to transmit axial force action to the synchronization ring (16,23) in question.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1992
    Assignee: Saab Scania Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Mikael Oun
  • Patent number: 5069079
    Abstract: A synchronizer of the pin type employing a friction cone on the gear to be engaged. The synchronizing ring employs pins positively drivingly engaging an axially movable dogged shifting clutch splined to the output shaft and axially engageable with the gear to be engaged. In one embodiment, the synchronizer ring has a plurality of sprag members circumferentially spaced about the ring and pivoted thereon with the radially outer surface thereof tapered to frictionally engage the friction cone upon axial force application to the ring by the shifting clutch. In another embodiment the synchronizer ring has a plurality of sprag members circumferentially spaced within the ring and pivoted thereon with the radially inner surface thereon tapered to frictionally engage the friction cone upon axial force application to the ring by the shifting clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1991
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: John R. Vandervoort
  • Patent number: 5052986
    Abstract: The gearing consists of a four-shaft toothed-gear planetary (epicyclic) transmission and a parallel, infinitely variable hydrostatic transmission, as well as additional gear wheels; toothed clutches achieve the various gears (speeds), whereas the hydrostatic transmission effectuates the infinitely variable adjustment of the infinitely variable transmission of the entire gearing; the gear shifting takes place at a synchronous speed of rotation, load-free, and without interrupting the tractive force. The special characteristic consists in the design of the toothed clutches and the control that has been provided for the shifting action, the effect being that the shifting into a new gear and out of the previous one is completely smooth and free of jolts. Apart from provding this comfortable and easy shifting action, the gearing also possesses an extensive range, overall, of transmission adjustment capability, as well as a good efficiency factor. Thus, it is very suitable for application in motor vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Assignee: Friedrich Jarchow
    Inventors: Friedrich Jarchow, Dietrich Haensel, Peter Dottger, Ulrich Blumenthal, Ulrich Luning, Bernhard Bouche
  • Patent number: 5038628
    Abstract: A synchronizer ring for a synchronous meshing type speed change gear has a substantially conical surface and is provided with a wet frictional material which covers a major portion of the conical surface axial length, having a small diameter end spaced from the small diameter end of the conical surface. The frictional material has at least one continuous groove formed on its frictional surface and communicating with opposite ends of the synchronizer ring for conducting a flow of lubricating oil, the groove being formed at a predetermined angle relative to the generatrix of the synchronizer ring. The ring is constructed such that upon frictional engagement with the speed change gear, the small diameter end of the conical surface projects axially outwardly from a corresponding end of a frictional engaging surface of the speed change gear by a predetermined amount, so as to facilitate receipt of oil into the groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Assignee: NSK-Warner K. K.
    Inventor: Shigeoki Kayama
  • Patent number: 5036719
    Abstract: An improved strutless synchronizer wherein a composite blocker ring is composed of fiber reinforced thermosetting resin. The blocker ring is uniquely designed with three radially extending external detent bumps equally spaced about the ring. The detent bumps provide interference to the passage of three sets of corresponding internal cam-like tall teeth formed on the synchronizer sleeve as the sleeve is moved axially to engage clutching teeth of a ratio gear. Initially the tall teeth contact their associated detent bumps loading the ring internal clutch cone surface on the ratio gear external clutch cone surface. As the sleeve continues to move, the tall teeth ride over the detent bumps and resiliently compress the blocker ring thereby generating the required break-through load of the synchronizer enabling the sleeve to pass the blocker ring and lockingly engage the ratio gear clutch teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1991
    Inventor: Syed T. Razzacki
  • Patent number: 5022506
    Abstract: A double synchronizer for two gear pinions (14A, 14B) freely mounted on each side of a hub (12) fixed to a shaft (10) and on which is axially slidably mounted a control sleeve (22) for the purpose of occupying a plurality of axial positions defined by locking means (26A, 40A) comprising a plurality of radial push means (26A) having balls (32A), each of the balls (32A) of the radial push means being elastically biased outwardly so as to cooperate with an inner notched axial track (40A) on the sleeve. According to the invention, the push means comprise two series of push means (26A) evenly and alternately spaced about the axis X--X of the hub (12), each of the two series being associated with a synchronizer of one of the two gear pinions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1991
    Assignees: Automobiles Peugeot, Automobiles Citroen
    Inventor: Chretien Philippe
  • Patent number: 5018404
    Abstract: A controlling arrangement for a motor vehicle gear shift transmission has a central component shift piece which interacts with several shift rails disposed next to one another and assigned to the individual transmission gears and with a shift rail lock mechanism that, when one shift rail respectively is moved, locks the remaining shift rails. A shift finger mounted on the shift piece has involute flanks on both sides, which flanks rest against plane V-surfaces of a V-shaped recess of the shift rail to be controlled. Locking cams of the locking mechanism rest against the V-surfaces of the other shift rails and are axially and radially offset with respect to the shift finger mounted on the shift piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1991
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AG
    Inventor: Robert Muller
  • Patent number: 5003834
    Abstract: A multi-range transmission for motor vehicles having a first gear and a second gear mounted side by side on a common shaft, and a synchronizing device, for matching the speed of the gears, located between the gears and movable axially relative thereto. An actuating element of the synchronizing device rotates with the first gear, the actuating element can be rotate with respect to the gearbox only through a limited angle of rotation and has a circumferential friction surface which can be brought into contact with an opposing friction surface of the second gear when axially moved. In order to permit synchronized shifting with a constant shift time, which is independent of the shift force applied manually, the actuator has a first inclined surface set at an angle to a radial plane which contacts a second inclined surface of with the first gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1991
    Inventors: Erich R. Muller, Gunther Priwitzer, Felix Martin
  • Patent number: 4998445
    Abstract: A synchronizer ring comprises a boss, three projections disposed on the peripheral surface of the boss at the angular interval of 120.degree., and a round elastic ring engaged with and supported by the three projections characterized in that, three protrusions are disposed at both sides or one side of the three projections and spaced apart from the projections and adjacent thereto for supporting the round elastic ring, the protrusions having the sectional diameter same as that of the round elastic ring. The protrusions may be integrally formed with and extending from the projections. Four to six projections can be disposed on the peripheral surface of the boss at the angular interval of 90.degree. to 60.degree. and a round elastic ring engaged with and supported by the projections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1991
    Assignee: Tanaka Seimitu Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hideaki Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 4989706
    Abstract: A pin-type synchronizer assembly (58) having blocker pins (74) with secondary ramps (80) effective after synchronizing is achieved to minimize "notchiness" is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 5, 1991
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Timothy J. Morscheck
  • Patent number: 4964313
    Abstract: A two-speed gear train (200) including a first gear (118) and a second gear (120) and drive members (11, 114, 106) for driving the second gear faster than the first gear. A double acting clutch (126) splined to a shaft (28A) has a first and second position for clutching either the first gear (118) or second gear (120) to the shaft (28A). The clutch teeth (134, 136, 138, 140) are provided with specially configured ramps (222) on certain edges (208, 210, 212, 214) to improve clutch engagement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1990
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Alan R. Davis
  • Patent number: 4957019
    Abstract: In a press machine provided with a power transmission device (1) for transmitting the driving force of the press body to a transfer feeder device, on the occasion of the recoupling of the power transmission device (1) at the exchange of a mold or the like, a motor (8) for rotating the shaft of the power transmission device (1) is driven in the forward or reverse direction so that the feeder angle (F) coincides with the crank angle (P) of the press. At the moment when the difference (P-F) between said angles enters within a predetermined range (A), the power transmission device (1) is coupled. Thus, it is possible to automatically couple the power transmission device simply and with high accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1990
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Komatsu Seisakusho
    Inventor: Kazuo Kubo
  • Patent number: 4938089
    Abstract: A forged gear for a transmission used in a motorcar, an agricultural machine, a construction machine or other industrial machine includes a gear body with spiral teeth and a dog member with dogs which is formed integrally with the gear body. Each dog has a body with a width which becomes greater in an axial direction of the gear and one end portion which is tapered in the same direction. Each dog projects both radially from an outer circumference of an annular portion of the dog member and axially from an inner side of one surface of an annular portion of the gear body. Only the spiral teeth of the gear body are formed and finished by machining, and all the other configurations and details of the gear, including the dogs of the dog member, are formed and finished only by forging a raw gear material. According to the preferred embodiment the foregoing inner side of one surface of the annular portion of the gear body is recessed as compared with an outer side of the same surface thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 3, 1990
    Assignee: Ohoka Forge Co Ltd.
    Inventor: Noboru Ohoka
  • Patent number: 4905806
    Abstract: In a clutch toothing of a shift clutch, mutually confronting tooth ends of the clutch teeth of two clutch rings are equipped, for the axial insertion of the clutch teeth, with two angled unequal length sloping faces, which sloping faces have an equal length along the direction of the clutch axis and a common vertex. One clutch ring and a synchronizing ring mounted on the clutch rings so as to be rotatably and axially movable to a limited extent are equipped with matching blocking faces. The blocking faces of the respective rings likewise have the same axial extent along the axial direction of the clutch axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1990
    Assignee: Daimler-Benz AG
    Inventors: Hans Hillenbrand, Gunter Worner
  • Patent number: 4901835
    Abstract: A shift inhibitor for a manual transmission synchronizer clutch positioned on the main shaft and operative to prevent down-shifting to engage a selected speed gear with the output shaft being driven above a predetermined speed. The synchronizer hub has one or more pairs of diametrically opposed radially extending keyways with each keyway having a blocking key slidably disposed therein. A C-shaped wire spring partially surrounds the main shaft and has hook portions at each of its free ends retaining an associated pair of keys. The spring urges the pair of keys inwardly to a rest position wherein the synchronizer sleeve may be shifted to engage an associated speed gear of the transmission. Upon reaching a predetermined drive shaft rotational speed the pair of keys move outwardly under centrifugal force to a determined extended location whereby the extended keys contact shoulder stop faces of the sleeve internal splines preventing the sleeve from engaging the associated speed gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1990
    Assignee: Chrysler Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Barry L. Frost
  • Patent number: 4889003
    Abstract: A manually operated automotive transmission has a cluster gear on which several forward drive input gears and the reverse drive input gear are formed integrally. An auxiliary coutershaft carries a fifth speed gear continuously engaged with a gear formed on the input shaft. A reverse idler slides on a stub shaft into engagement with a reverse pinion on the input shaft and a reverse output gear. The fifth gear synchronizer sleeve is moved away from the fifth gear when reverse gear is selected because the fifth gear selector position is in the same plane as the reverse drive position. A gearset brake is actuated by movement of the synchronizer sleeve to prevent rotation of the fifth speed gear relative to the input shaft during the initial movement of the selector shaft toward the reverse drive position. The brake mechanism is released as the selector shaft is moved fully to the reverse drive position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1989
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventor: Donald R. Rietsch
  • Patent number: 4876907
    Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle gearbox with two concentrically mounted input shafts (6,9), each driving an individual countershaft (12,15). The countershafts have gear wheels (16,18,17,19,41) in engagement with gear wheels (21,22,40) on an output shaft. The shafts are arranged in a V-configuration and one countershaft has a disengageable gear wheel (23) in engagement with a gear wheel (11) on the second countershaft to reverse the rotational direction of the latter for driving in reverse. One countershaft (12) has a central synchronizing device (30), by means of which the countershaft, which is drivingly coupled to the temporarily non-driven input shaft, can be accelerated up to a rotational speed determined by the gear speed selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1989
    Assignee: AB Volvo
    Inventors: Lars Andersson, Sven Andersson
  • Patent number: 4869353
    Abstract: In an inertia lock- and key-type synchronizing clutch assembly, engagement between conical clutch surfaces (29, 36) of a clutch gear (28) and synchronizer ring (35) is enhanced spontaneously under a servo action by a cam means disposed between the synchronizer ring (35) and a hub member (31). Two problems arising from the servo action are solved by additional structures provided to a key member (39) and to the synchronizer ring. That is, an unexpected spontaneous engagement of the clutch mechanism from a neutral condition thereof is prevented with certainty by a cooperation of the key member and a pair of stopper projection (48, 49) on the synchronizer ring. The key member includes at an inner surface thereof a recess (50) for permitting a rotational displacement of the sychronizer ring when a clutch-engaging operation is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1989
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Ohtsuki, Gen Yoshii, Toshiaki Okanishi
  • Patent number: 4862989
    Abstract: A two-wheel and four-wheel drive transfer device includes a reciprocating fork shaft having a shift fork engagable with a sliding dog clutch so as to reciprocate the dog clutch and provide either two-wheel and four-wheel drive operating conditions. A motor is provided so as to rotate a worm gear assembly which is relatively rotatable with an output shaft supported in a casing. This worm gear is connected to and rotates a plate concurrently with rotation of the worm gear. A spring support plate is provided to be secured to the output shaft and two spiral springs, each spring being wound in a different direction and having a different rotating torque, are fixed to the output shaft and have ends brought into contact with the rotating plate and the spring support plate so that the rotating torque of the worm wheel is transmitted to the output shaft through the spiral springs depending on the direction of rotation of the worm gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Junichi Kano, Kongoh Aoki
  • Patent number: 4856361
    Abstract: In a manual transmission for a vehicle, the reverse gear train is also provided with a synchronizer. The reverse synchronizer has a synchronization capacity smaller than that of the forward speed synchronizer for a given operating force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1989
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corporation
    Inventor: Toshiharu Shinmoto
  • Patent number: 4848531
    Abstract: An electronic system for monitoring the operation of a vehicle friction clutch assembly and for generating an indication when the clutch brake of the assembly is frictionally engaged is disclosed. The system generates an electrical signal which is representative of the rotational speed of the clutch brake. To accomplish this, a plurality of magnets or a plurality of radially outwardly extending teeth are secured to the clutch brake. A sensor is disposed near the clutch brake which is responsive to the passage of the magnets and teeth rotating thereby. The sensor generates an electrical pulse train signal having a frequency which is proportional to the rotational speed of the clutch brake. An electronic control circuit is provided for generating an indication when the value of the clutch brake rotational speed signal approaches zero, indicating that the clutch brake is frictionally engaged. A similar sensor be provided for determining the rotational speed of the flywheel of the friction clutch assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1989
    Assignee: Dana Corporation
    Inventors: Larry O. Gray, Wendell C. Lane, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4844218
    Abstract: A blocker-clutch assembly (10) includes an openly porous, pyrolytic carbon composite friction material (74) configured for optimum performance and, therefore, prevention or substantial prevention of nonsynchronous engagement of positive clutch members (12,14) due to premature unblocking of blocker tooth ramps (48-54). The composite friction material is formed to be resilient in direction normal to its friction surface (76b), is cut into segments (76), is bonded to a frustonconical surface (62) in a manner preserving the resiliency and with the segments circumferentially spaced apart, and is configured to control engagement force thereon in a range of 150-300 pounds per square inch (10-20 Kg/cm.sup.2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1989
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas A. Genise
  • Patent number: 4842112
    Abstract: In a gear synchronizer, a clutch sleeve has internal splines in continual engagement with external splines of a hub member fixed to a shaft and is axially shiftable to be engaged at its internal splines with external splines of a spline piece integral with a gear member rotatable on the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1989
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masaki Inui
  • Patent number: 4836348
    Abstract: A synchronizing mechanism for clutches comprises a gearshift sleeve provided with locking teeth coacting with locking teeth of a synchronizer ring and with separate coupling teeth coacting with the coupling teeth of clutch bodies. The locking teeth of the gearshift sleeve are provided with undercuts whose flanks exhibit substantially the same angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the teeth as the wedge surfaces formed on the ends of the coupling teeth of the clutch bodies. Once synchronism has been reached, these undercuts enable the unit formed by the clutch body and the synchronizer ring to be rotated relative to the gearshift sleeve so that the coupling teeth of the gearshift sleeve can be introduced without any resistance between the coupling teeth of the clutch body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1989
    Assignee: Getrag Getriebe und Zahnradfabrik GmbH
    Inventors: Gunter Knodel, Helga Henzler
  • Patent number: 4836041
    Abstract: A motor vehicle gearbox includes a main shaft and a driven shaft carrying respective meshed gears, and an intermediate reversing shaft carrying an idle reverse gear which is slidable to couple corresponding gears carried by the main shaft and the driven shaft for the engagement of reverse. A device for synchronizing the engagement of reverse are provided, which are carried by the intermediate shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1989
    Assignee: Fiat Auto S.p.A.
    Inventors: GianLuigi Falzoni, Valter Pastorello
  • Patent number: 4830158
    Abstract: A gear synchronizer assembly includes a clutch sleeve formed at its inner periphery with an internal radial projection, and a radially contractible annular resilient member supported by engagement with the inner circumference of an outer cylindrical hub portion of a hub member fixed to a transmission shaft. The resilient member has an axial leg extending therefrom toward the internal radial projection of the clutch sleeve and having a radial projection which is arranged to be engaged with the internal radial projection in shifting operation of the clutch sleeve toward a spline piece and arranged to abut against and urge a synchronizer ring toward the spline piece upon engagement with the internal radial projection of the clutch sleeve thereby to effect frictional engagement between the synchronizer ring and spline piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1989
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Makoto Uno, Kazuhito Ikemoto, Yukio Terakura
  • Patent number: 4830159
    Abstract: A multi-disk synchronizer is provided wherein the complicated portions of the elements required for the neutral detent mechanism, the blocking mechanism and to prevent overtravel of the shift collar all are provided in a blocking insert held in a slot in the shift collar. The blocking insert preferably is cast, and this mechanism can be used with any type of synchronizer. In addition, the synchronizer rings for the multi-disk synchronizer is formed by stamping and pressing heavy sheet metal rather than by casting and machining a part. The combination of the blocking insert and the stamped synchronizer rings significantly reduces the machining required to manufacture the synchronizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1989
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Douglas R. Johnson, Randy P. Kruse
  • Patent number: 4828087
    Abstract: An inertia lock type synchronous clutch mechanism wherein a shifting sleeve is splined to a clutch hub and has circumferentially spaced cam portions on each axial side for engaging axially convex portions of an elastic ring on each side which convex portions fit within circumferentially spaced notches formed in the rim of the clutch. The convex portions of the elastic ring engage a blocking ring to cause frictional engagement with the selected gear and synchronize the rotation of that gear and the clutch hub for smooth engagement between the shifting sleeve and that gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1989
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Satoru Kudo, Sadanori Nishimura
  • Patent number: 4823631
    Abstract: In a gear type transmission, a pair of gears are provided on input and output shafts always in mesh with each other with one gear being fixedly mounted on the input or output shaft and the other gear being rotatably mounted on the other shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1989
    Assignee: Mazda Motor Corp.
    Inventor: Minoru Kishimoto
  • Patent number: 4821591
    Abstract: The invention relates to a planetary gear type auxiliary gearbox intended to be inserted between a main gearbox and a transmission to the driving wheels in a motor vehicle. The input shaft of the planetary gear is rigidly connected to a sun wheel, while the output shaft of the planetary gear is rigidly connected to a planet wheel carrier carrying a plurality of planet wheels meshing with the sun wheel.The planetary gear further includes a clutch ring non-rotatably connected to the gearbox housing and a clutch ring non-rotatably connected to the input shaft. The invention is distinguished in that the ring gear of the planetary gear is formed with engagement teeth at its axial ends, in that the clutch rings are arranged on either side of the planet wheels and in that the ring gear is axially movable to enable alternative engagement with the clutch rings by its engagement teeth. The invention results in favorable load distribution with regard to both torque and bending stresses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1989
    Assignee: Saab-Scania Aktiebolag
    Inventor: Horst F. Adler
  • Patent number: 4817773
    Abstract: In synchronizing mechanisms for clutches having arranged between the clutch body (10) and the axially displaceable gear shift sleeve, each of which are provided with a toothing, a synchronizing ring (14) with teeth (33) having inclined check faces (35, 36) provided on their ends facing the gear shift sleeve, which check faces (35, 36) coact with matching check faces (37, 38) on the ends of the teeth (34) of the gear shift sleeve, it is provided for the purpose of reducing cold scratch that the check faces on the ends of the teeth (34) of the gear shift sleeve are designed asymmetrically in such a manner that the check faces (37) leading in the sense of rotation (28) have a greater axial extension than the check faces (38) trailing in the sense of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1989
    Assignee: Getrag Getriebe-und Zahnradfabrik GmbH
    Inventors: Gunter Knodel, Wolfgang Lees
  • Patent number: 4817470
    Abstract: A gear-shift mechanism for motor-vehicle multi-step transmissions with interruption of traction is designed in the manner of a semi-automatic transmission. Manual control switched 80, 81 connected to a control unit 82 serve to actuate shift forks via servo systems 90. Sensors coact with rotating marks on the power take-off shaft and with marks on the speed gears which are driven by the drive shaft. The relative phase position .phi. between the speed gears and the gearshift sleeves driven by the power take-off shaft is determined by a phase detector 75. When a pre-determined phase position is reached, these elements are brought into engagement with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1989
    Assignee: ZWN Zahnradwerk Neuenstein GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Erich Muller, Edmund Volkert, Wolfgang Rienecker
  • Patent number: 4811825
    Abstract: Dog clutch with locking synchronization for gear shifts, wherein a synchronizer body (1) and a gear (2) turning with a different rotational speed are coupled together form-lockingly with the aid of an axially displaceable, annularly shaped sliding sleeve (3) when synchronized, whereby an inner toothing (31) of the sliding sleeve (3) engages in one respective external toothing (11, 12) of the synchronizer body (1) and the gear (2) with a locking pin and or plunger (4) located between the synchronizer body (1) and the sliding sleeve (3), which in the uncoupled stage engage in a recess (32) on the inside of the sliding sleeve (3) and have axially displaceable compression surfaces (41) which cooperate with the compression surfaces (51) on the synchro ring (5, 6) arranged between synchronizer body (1) and the gear (2), whereby at least two synchro rings (5, 50; 6, 60) are mutually connected via entrainment devices (52, 520; 62, 620) and are in entrainment connection with the synchronizer body (1) in both circumfer
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1989
    Assignee: Zahnradfabrik Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Klaus Christian, Fuhrer Gerd
  • Patent number: 4799399
    Abstract: A multiple speed ratio manually controlled transmission mounted transversely with respect to the fore and aft axis of the automotive vehicle in which it operates includes a power input shaft having four forward drive gears and a reverse drive gear formed integrally therewith. A fourth speed ratio gear of the input shaft is continuously engaged with a fourth speed pinion journalled on a countershaft and a fifth speed pinion journalled on an auxiliary countershaft. The first, second and third forward speed gears of the input shaft are continuously engaged with corresponding pinions journalled on the countershaft. A first final drive gear fixed to the countershaft and a second final drive gear fixed to the auxiliary countershaft are each continuously engaged with a final drive gear that transmits power to the differential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1989
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventor: Robert W. Bruce
  • Patent number: 4793202
    Abstract: A vehicular transmission with a main speed change mechanism that has plural speeds and a sub speed change mechanism for establishing a very low speed. Shift forks for selectively changing gear trains mounted on shift fork shafts with the sub speed shift fork mounted on the same shaft as the shift fork for the lowest speed of the main speed change mechanism. The shift fork shafts supported on one end by the transmission case and on the other end by the clutch case. A lever forms part of the sub speed change mechanism and is pivotally mounted on the transmission case by a pivot pin installed from the outside of the transmission case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1988
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kiyokazu Okubo
  • Patent number: 4785681
    Abstract: A gear-change apparatus for a vehicle transmission having multiple forward speed gear trains and one reverse gear train that is established by a slide meshing action of a reverse idler gear. A cam mechanism between the reverse gear shift fork and one of the forward gear shift forks causes that forward gear shift fork to move a small stroke toward gear engagement to engage the synchronizing mechanism to stop or reduce inertial rotation of components within the transmission without actually causing engagement of that forward gear, which function occurs just prior to actual engagement of the reverse gear train. A recess in the interlocking plate permits the small stroke of movement of the forward shift fork. In one embodiment the cam mechanism includes a one-way device to eliminate any substantial resistance to shifting the apparatus out of reverse gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1988
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideki Kuratsu, Yoshihiro Yoshimura, Noboru Sekine, Yasuo Kima
  • Patent number: 4782929
    Abstract: A locking synchronizer for a motor vehicle gear transmission having a shift sleeve with an inner cone that is displaceable lengthwise on a guide sleeve, a synchronizing ring with an outer cone and an annular projection with teeth mounted on the loose gear to be engaged. During synchronization and shifting, claws mounted internally on the synchronizing ring engage tooth gaps in the annular projection. The shifting motion is opposed by a snap ring which is guided radially movably in an annular groove of the annular projection and is tensioned by the conical inner circumferential surfaces of the claws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1988
    Assignee: Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Robert Muller
  • Patent number: 4776228
    Abstract: An improved strutless synchronizer has an annular spring interposed between an internally splined sleeve, mounted for axial sliding movement on a main shaft, and an associated blocking ring. Selected ones of the sleeve splines are formed at the extremities with radially inwardly extending teeth. Each of the teeth has a dual chamfered face portion in opposed relation with the annular spring. The blocking ring has three equally spaced lugs each formed with a transverse groove sized to axially capture the annular spring so as to allow the spring freedom to rotate in its grooves relative to the blocking ring. Each time the sleeve is moved toward meshed engagement with an associated main shaft ratio gear its spline teeth chamfered faces compress the spring at random points thereby minimizing spring wear. Also, the grooves, by positively retaining the spring, insure instant unloading of the blocking ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1988
    Assignee: Chrysler Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Syed T. Razzacki, Gerald L. Holbrook
  • Patent number: 4770280
    Abstract: A spring-assisted transfer case fork assembly for shifting a synchronizer clutch sleeve from its neutral position to complete lockup of its internal splines with external splines on a transmission shaft speed-change gear. The invention uniquely arranges a dual spring biased bracket on the fork shift rail allowing subsequent lagging travel of the shifting mechanism. The shift fork assembly is affixed to a tube member with forward and aft tube portions adapted to slide on the rail for reciprocal travel between its neutral and complete lock-up positions. A first compression spring operates to constantly bias the bracket's one flange in predetermined space relation with the tube member's opposed end. A second weaker compression spring biases the bracket aft flange forwardly into abutment with the tube member's other end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1988
    Assignee: Chrysler Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Barry L. Frost
  • Patent number: 4750597
    Abstract: A gear synchronizer mechanism includes a gear member rotatable on a shaft, a hub member arranged adjacent the gear member and fixed to the shaft, and a clutch sleeve encircling an outer cylindrical portion of the hub member. The clutch sleeve is formed at its inner periphery with a plurality of circumferentially spaced radial projections axially movable in the corresponding axial grooves formed in the cylindrical portion of the hub member. A radially contractible C-letter shaped spring is supported in place by engagement with circumferentially spaced inner walls of the cylindrical portion of the hub member. The spring has an intermediate ring portion integrally formed with a plurality of circumferentially spaced axial legs extending therefrom toward the respective radial projections of the clutch sleeve, the axial legs each having a radial projection to be engaged with each of the radial projections of the clutch sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1988
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuhito Ikemoto, Yukio Terakura
  • Patent number: 4742723
    Abstract: A support for a synchronizing ring for the synchronization of gears, in which the stops for coupling to the clutch are formed from lugs which are bonded integrally to the sprocket ring or ring-shaped core. The support has a simple structure and can be produced economically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1988
    Assignee: Borg-Warner Automotive, Inc.
    Inventors: Gunter Lanzerath, Helmut Patzer, Rudolf Muller
  • Patent number: 4736643
    Abstract: A blocked jaw clutch assembly (156) having a second positive stop member (200,202) to limit axial movement of a second jaw clutch member (116) away from the first stop member (134) is provided. During initiation of a shifting operation, if the first (164) and second (116) jaw clutch members are not at substantially synchronous rotation, the second stop member will limit axial movement of said first jaw clutch member (108, 164) to a preselect position (FIG. 9B) axially intermediate the neutral axial position (FIG. 9A) and fully engaged axial position (FIG. 9C) thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1988
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventor: Elmer A. Richards
  • Patent number: 4735109
    Abstract: A compound change gear semi-blocked transmission (10) of the splitter type is provided. The transmission comprises a multi-speed main section (12) connected in series with an multi-speed auxiliary section (14). The main section utilizes manually engaged, non-blocked, nonsynchronized jaw clutch assemblies (56, 58, 60) while the auxiliary section utilizes resiliently shifted blocked jaw clutch assemblies (114, 116, 118, 120). The blocked jaw clutch assemblies are provided with ramps (176, 178, 180, 182) which will cause unblocking during a clutching operation if the main section is not engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1988
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Elmer A. Richards, Russell C. Holmes
  • Patent number: RE33551
    Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle gearbox with two concentrically mounted input shafts (6,9), each driving an individual countershaft (12,15). The countershafts have gear wheels (16,18,19,41) in engagement with gear wheels (21,22,40) on an output shaft. The shafts are arranged in a V-configuration and one countershaft has a disengageable gear wheel (23) in engagement with a gear wheel (11) on the second countershaft to reverse the rotational direction of the latter for driving in reverse. One countershaft (12) has a central synchronizing device (30), by means of which the countershaft, which is drivingly coupled to the temporarily non-driven input shaft, can be accelerated up to a rotational speed determined by the gear speed selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1991
    Assignee: AB Volvo
    Inventors: Lars Andersson, Sven Andersson