Stepped, Torque Responsive Ratio Change Patents (Class 475/266)
  • Patent number: 11097386
    Abstract: A repositionable power wrench includes a housing, a motor arranged inside the housing, and an output shaft, which is rotationally connected to the motor and telescopically arranged with respect to the housing to allow axial movement of the output shaft with respect to the housing between a fully extended position (Emax) and a fully compressed position, with a resilient member being arranged to urge the output shaft towards the fully extended position (Emax). The power wrench also includes or is connectable to a positioning system arranged to monitor a position of the power wrench. The output shaft includes an output end arranged to interact with a fastener. A sensor is arranged to monitor a level of extension (E) of the output shaft with respect to the housing, such that the position of the output end of the output shaft may be determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: ATLAS COPCO INDUSTRIAL TECHNIQUE AB
    Inventors: Andris Danebergs, Rickard Sven Gunnar Molin
  • Patent number: 9115800
    Abstract: A planetary carrier includes a side plate having a front face and a shaft journal which is arranged on the front face of the side plate. A bearing seating is formed on an outer circumferential surface of the shaft journal on a front-face-proximal end of the shaft journal. The planetary carrier has an annular groove directly adjacent to the bearing seating in coaxial relationship to the shaft journal and undercutting the front face and the outer circumferential surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Thomas Boland, Alexander Kamps
  • Patent number: 9073603
    Abstract: A multi-ratio transmission system with parallel vertical and coaxial planet gears is provided, including: multiple planet gear sub-systems, a coupling assembly, a setting element, a setting element controller, an annular gear, a cylindrical casing, a sprocket and a central axle. The planet gear sub-systems are disposed coaxially in series along a first axis. Each of the planet gear sub-system includes a sun gear and at least one planet gear. The coupling assembly transmits the rotation between every two adjacent planet gear sub-systems. The setting element optionally engages with the sun gear. The annular gear is engaged to the planet gear and is installed onto a one-way clutch. The cylindrical casing encloses the planet gear sub-systems. The sprocket is installed onto the one-way clutch for connecting an external transmission system. The central axle enables the hollowed tube of the setting element controller to rotate around the central axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Inventor: Cheng Ho Chen
  • Patent number: 9027666
    Abstract: A power tool, in particular a hand-held power tool, preferably embodied as a cordless screwdriver, is equipped with a torque limiting unit in which the release torque is settable by way of a locking brace that is equipped with a spring brace for locking elements that abut axially against parts of a planetary drive, in particular the ring gear thereof or the planet carrier thereof as a last gear stage, the spring elements of the spring brace and the locking elements being located with a radial offset from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Joachim Hecht, Heiko Roehm, Martin Kraus
  • Patent number: 8989970
    Abstract: There is disclosed a continuously variable ratio transmission assembly (“variator”) comprising a roller which transmits drive between a pair of races, the roller being movable in accordance with changes in variator ratio, a hydraulic actuator which applies a biasing force to the roller, at least one valve connected to the actuator through a hydraulic line to control pressure applied to the actuator and so to control the biasing force, and an electronic control which determines the required biasing force and sets the valve accordingly, wherein the valve setting is additionally dependent upon a rate of flow in the hydraulic line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Torotrak (Development) Limited
    Inventor: Stephen William Murray
  • Patent number: 8857536
    Abstract: The invention describes a hand-held power tool having a drive train, which includes a motor with a rotor, a drive shaft, and a transmission. According to the invention, at least one flywheel mass is provided that is positionable rotationally symmetrical to the drive shaft and connectable to the drive shaft for co-rotation therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Jens Brennenstuhl, Ralf Windsheimer, Heiko Roehm
  • Patent number: 8398521
    Abstract: The invention discloses a mechanical torque converter (100) having a casing (6), an input shaft (2) entering casing (6) and rotatable within the casing (6). An output shaft (5) exits casing (6) and is rotatable within casing (6). A gearbox (1) is located within casing (6) and coupled to input shaft (2). An escapement device (3) is within casing (6) and coupled to gearbox (1) to brake gearbox (1) under low speed and a clutch (4) co-operates with output shaft (5) and gearbox (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Inventors: Hu Meng Bu, Xiao Ling Bu
  • Patent number: 8311712
    Abstract: A method of operating of a drivetrain, having at least a drive motor and an automatic transmission with at least five shift elements, to improve a shift speed such that during a first upshift or a first downshift, at least one required shift element is prepared such that, when a synchronization point is reached, the successive upshift or the successive downshift can be immediately carried out. The method comprises the steps of requiring, at most, two of the at least five shift elements be disengaged and a remainder of the shift elements be disengaged for each gear for transferring one of torque and force; and one of increasing and decreasing a torque of the drive motor, relative to a torque of the drive motor derived from a driver's wish, during one of the first upshift or downshift and the successive upshift or downshift to assist with an overlapped implementation of the successive upshifts or the successive downshifts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Klaus Steinhauser, Christian Popp
  • Patent number: 8298122
    Abstract: A method for controlling brakes of an automatic transmission including a first brake arranged in parallel with an overrunning brake between a planet pinion carrier and a housing, includes using the overrunning brake to provide brake torque equal to or less than a reference brake torque under positive torque conditions, increasing a torque capacity of the first brake when brake torque is greater than the reference brake torque, and fully engaging the first brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Gregory D. Goleski, Charles W. Suter, Bradley R. Heuver, Brad W. Probert, Kenneth L. Nowaczyk
  • Patent number: 8074735
    Abstract: A hand-held power tool has a handle, a least one two-speed transmission, at least one switch element for shifting the transmission between various gear ratios, wherein a distance between the switch element and a gripping region of the handle provided for placement of an operator's hand is less than or equal to a maximum finger extension range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Bruno Aeberhard, Felix Buehlmann
  • Patent number: 7983824
    Abstract: A method for operation of a drivetrain including a drive motor and an automatic transmission having at least five shift elements, of which, at least two elements are disengaged in each forward and reverse gear and the other shift elements are engaged. Two successive shifts are accomplished by two overlapped single gear shifts such that: a) during the first shift, a first shift element is engaged or disengaged while a second shift element is disengaged or engaged; b) during the first shift, second and third shift elements are prepared for either engagement or disengagement; and c) during the first and the second shifts at least one fourth shift element is kept engaged or nearly engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Klaus Steinhauser, Christian Popp
  • Publication number: 20110082003
    Abstract: A method for controlling brakes of an automatic transmission including a first brake arranged in parallel with an overrunning brake between a planet pinion carrier and a housing, includes using the overrunning brake to provide brake torque equal to or less than a reference brake torque under positive torque conditions, increasing a torque capacity of the first brake when brake torque is greater than the reference brake torque, and fully engaging the first brake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventors: Gregory D. Goleski, Charles W. Suter, Bradley R. Heuver, Brad W. Probert, Kenneth L. Nowaczyk
  • Patent number: 7801657
    Abstract: A control system for a vehicle having first and second wheels is provided that includes a differential apparatus adapted to distribute torque between the first and second wheels and a traction controller for controlling operation of the differential apparatus from vehicle launch up to a predetermined vehicle speed. The traction controller is configured to engage the differential apparatus in a first operating state according to at least one vehicle operating parameter indicative of a low traction operating condition and to further control engagement of the differential apparatus in a second vehicle operating state during the low traction operating condition according to a difference between an actual vehicle yaw rate and a predetermined target vehicle yaw rate. The control system also includes a stability controller for controlling engagement of the differential apparatus at or above the predetermined vehicle speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Eaton Corporation
    Inventors: Damrongrit Piyabongkarn, Jae Y. Lew, John A. Grogg, Robert J. Kyle
  • Publication number: 20090277658
    Abstract: The present invention has disclosed a variable speed tool and a variable speed control method. The tool includes a switch; a gearbox housing; a motor; an outputting shaft; a multistage transmitting gear train and a gearshift ring which are mated with the motor and the outputting shaft, the gearshift ring having inner teeth; a gearshift fork mated with the gearshift ring; a tension spring arranged between the gearbox housing and the gearshift fork; and a torque sensing ring provided with a sliding groove in which the gearshift fork is movably disposed. When the load of the outputting shaft has reached to a predetermined value, the torque sensing ring makes the gearshift fork move axially in the sliding groove under the action of the tension spring, thus bringing the gearshift ring to move axially. The variable speed tool of the present invention may automatically adjust the rotating speed and the torque of the outputting shaft according to a variation of the load torque.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2007
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: POSITEC POWER TOOLS (SUZHOU) CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chengzhong Chen
  • Patent number: 7510495
    Abstract: Helical gears, which are provided for a sun gear, planet gears, and an internal gear, have helix angles ? of not less than 25 degrees and not more than 45 degrees. Pawls provided for lock sections and internal gear lock receiving sections of the internal gear have rising angles ?, respectively, that satisfy the relational expression, 0 ?tan ?<(?·di)/{dp·tan(90??)}, wherein ? is the helix angle of the sun gear, ? is the screw efficiency of the sun gear as a sliding screw, dp is the pitch circle diameter of the sun gear, and di is an outer diameter of the internal gear defining a center of application of torque of the pawls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shigekazu Nagai, Akio Saitoh, Ryuichi Masui, Masaki Imamura
  • Patent number: 7121973
    Abstract: A planetary gear system includes a planetary gear assembly having a first planetary gear, a second planetary gear rotatable relative to the first planetary gear, and a torquing mechanism. The torquing mechanism generates a torsional spring force of the planetary gear assembly to cause the first planetary gear to rotate along a first direction and the second planetary gear to rotate along a second direction, opposite to the first direction. As a result, the teeth of the first planetary gear contact teeth of a corresponding first stationary ring gear and the teeth of the second planetary gear contact teeth of a corresponding second stationary ring gear. The torquing mechanism, along with the configuration of the planetary gear assembly, minimizes or eliminates the presence of gaps between the contacting teeth of the planetary assembly and the stationary gear rings and minimizes backlash within the planetary gear system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: HR Textron, Inc.
    Inventors: Ted Lumpkin, Tom Wolf
  • Patent number: 6824491
    Abstract: A power transmission device that is capable of automatic speed switching according to external load is disclosed, including a frame in which a transmission mechanism and a torque feedback mechanism are received. The torque feedback mechanism includes a torque resistant member so that when the load torque is smaller than its resistant torque, the speed reduction mechanism of the transmission mechanism is retained at a first, high-speed low-torque stage. When the load torque is larger than its resistant torque, a sliding ring of the torque feedback mechanism pushes a shifting gear so that the sped reduction mechanism is shifted to a second, low-speed high-torque stage. The speed reduction mechanism automatically shifts the speed reduction mechanism when the load torque increases or reduces so that the mechanical efficiency of the transmission device can be increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Power Network Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ting-Kuang Chen
  • Patent number: 6758783
    Abstract: An automatic speed shifting device includes a frame having a transmission device and a torque feedback device received therein. The torque feedback device has a torque resistant member so that when the load torque is smaller than its resistant torque, the speed reduction mechanism of the transmission device is remained at the first stage speed status. When the load torque is larger than its resistant torque, a pushing wheel devices a clamp to compress a shifting gear so that the speed reduction mechanism is shifted to another stage of speed. The speed reduction mechanism of the transmission device automatically shifts the speed reduction mechanism when the load torque increases or reduces such that the mechanical efficiency of the transmission device can be increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Power Network Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ting-Kuang Chen
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6354980
    Abstract: A shiftable bicycle transmission (30) is automatically shifted by automatically sensing output power torque of the transmission (30) automatically converting sensed output power torque to transmission shifting motion, and automatically shifting the shiftable transmission (30) with that transmission shifting motion. A shiftable bicycle (10) driving power transmission has a transmission shifting element (47, 49), a bicycle output power torque sensor (51), and an output power torque-to-transmission shifting motion converter (1, 2, 3) having an output power torque input coupled to that output power torque sensor (51) and having a transmission shifting motion output. Such transmission shifting element (47, 49) is coupled to the transmission shifting motion output of that converter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Inventor: Frederic Francis Grant
  • Patent number: 6155952
    Abstract: A clutch engaged by means of flyweights and a spring directly meshes an input sun gear and an output planet gear carrier. When engagement pressure is insufficient for torque to be transmitted, a crown wheel slows down and is stopped by a free wheel, while an axial thrust (Pac) produced by helical teeth releases the clutch, so that the device functions as a step down device. A control unit accelerates the onset of the procedure. The device enhances the comfort and reduces stresses of the transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Anthonov Automotive Technologies B.V.
    Inventor: Roumen Antonov
  • Patent number: 5897454
    Abstract: An automatic transmission (30) for a power tool includes reduction gearing (42-58) coupled between a motor (24) and an output member (28). A mechanism for adjusting speed (60) of the output member (28) is coupled with the reduction gearing (42-58). The mechanism for adjusting speed (60) is slidably biased such that upon change in torque, the mechanism for adjusting speed (60) moves which, in turn, engages and disengages the reduction gearing (42-58) to vary the speed of the output member (28) between a first and second speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventor: Mike F. Cannaliato
  • Patent number: 5514044
    Abstract: The transmission apparatus comprises serially mounted two-speeds modules. Each module is responsive to speed and torque for shifting up when speed is relatively high and/or torque relatively low, and for shifting down in the contrary case. Speed sensitivity is provided by flyweights tending to engage a direct drive clutch. Torque sensitivity for shifting down is provided by the clutch having a limited torque capability, depending upon the force produced by the flyweights. Torque sensitivity for shifting up is provided by the helical gear teeth inducing an axial thrust which is able, or not, to oppose engagement of the clutch by the flyweights. Such a transmission apparatus can dispense with a centralized control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Assignee: Antonov Automotive North America B.V.
    Inventor: Roumen Antonov
  • Patent number: 5263906
    Abstract: A multi-speed mechanical automatic transmission has two planetary gear trains, each including a sun gear, planet gears mounted in a planet carrier, and a ring gear. The first planetary gear train provides low gear and direct drive; the second train modifies low gear operation of the first train to provide an intermediate gear operation. The first sun gear is fixed to an input shaft, and the first planet carrier drives an output shaft. The second planet carrier is coupled to rotate the first ring gear in one direction, and free wheels or selectively actuated friction brakes prevent rotation of the first and second ring gears in the opposite direction. The first planetary train has helical gears, and a direct drive clutch selectively couples the first ring gear to the first planet carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Assignee: Antonov Automotive North America B.V.
    Inventor: Roumen Antonov
  • Patent number: 5083990
    Abstract: A two-speed power transmission for a power tool comprises a housing (10), an input shaft (20), an output shaft (15), a planetary gear (18) and a torque responsive gear shift mechanism (19) for directing torque through the planetary gear (18) in a high torque/low speed drive mode or past the planetary gear (18) in a low torque/high speed drive mode. The gear shift mechanism (19) comprises a driving member (26) connected to the sun wheel (21) of the planetary gear (18), a driven member (27) connected to the output shaft (15), and a number of axially movable coupling elements (30) arranged to intercouple in a first position the driving member (26) and the driven member (27) and intercouple in a second position the planet wheel carrier (24) of the planetary gear (18) and the driven member (27). The coupling elements (30) are continuously supported in the radial direction by an axially extending coupling sleeve (28) formed in one piece with the planet wheel carrier (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1992
    Assignee: Atlas Copco Tools AB
    Inventor: Erik R. Rahm
  • Patent number: 4898249
    Abstract: A rotary electric tool in which a differential gear mechanism is mounted within a gear case fixed to a housing for example; projections are formed on the outer peripheral surface of an internal gear of a final planetary gear mechanism in the differential gear mechanism, the said projections being brought into engagement with a projection-formed surface of a torque adjusting cam; the internal gear and the torque adjusting cam can be changed in relative position axially by reaction force of the internal gear; and the rotation of an output shaft is changed over between high and low speed conditions according to an axial displacement of the internal gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1990
    Assignee: Olympic Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshitaka Ohmori