US3688600A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Infinitely variable overdrive transmission mechanism
Assignee: Ford Motor Co
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Filing: 1971-04-26
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Granted: 1972-09-05
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Expires: 1991-04-26
Abstract
Abstract A planetary gear mechanism having multiple ratios, at least one of which is an underdrive ratio, including an overdrive unit acting in cooperation with the gearing to provide an overdrive range wherein the overdrive unit is located at the power input side of the gearing where it is adapted to provide a torque delivery path between the torque input elements of the gearing and the power input portions of the mechanism with an infinitely variable speed ratio, the overall speed ratio of the gear system during operation in one limiting ratio in the overdrive range being close to the direct drive ratio of unity.
Inventors
- 👤 Allan S Leonard
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 14:08
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16H; F16H37/00; F16H37/02; F16H37/06; F16H37/08; F16H37/0833; F16H37/084; F16H37/086; F16H47/00; F16H47/06; F16H47/08; F16H2037/088
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
207 words
A multiple ratio power transmission mechanism having an infinitely variable overdrive capability comprising planetary gear elements; a driven shaft connected to a power output gear element; brake means for anchoring a second gear element to provide torque reaction during underdrive ratio operation; first clutch means for connecting a power input shaft to a power input gear element; an overdrive unit comprising a reaction member, a torque output member and a torque input member; means for distributing a portion of the torque of said power input shaft to the torque input member of said overdrive unit; an auxiliary gear unit comprising a ring gear, a sun gear and a planet carrier; means for anchoring the sun gear of said auxiliary gear unit during overdrive operation; a torque output element of said overdrive unit being connected to the ring gear of said auxiliary unit; the carrier of said auxiliary unit being connected to a second power input gear element during overdrive operation thereby increasing the overall speed ratio, and means for varying the torque ratio of said overdrive unit between a first operating value which results in an overall speed ratio close to unity and a second operating value which results in overall speed ratios substantially greater than unity.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
207 words
A multiple ratio power transmission mechanism having an infinitely variable overdrive capability comprising planetary gear elements; a driven shaft connected to a power output gear element; brake means for anchoring a second gear element to provide torque reaction during underdrive ratio operation; first clutch means for connecting a power input shaft to a power input gear element; an overdrive unit comprising a reaction member, a torque output member and a torque input member; means for distributing a portion of the torque of said power input shaft to the torque input member of said overdrive unit; an auxiliary gear unit comprising a ring gear, a sun gear and a planet carrier; means for anchoring the sun gear of said auxiliary gear unit during overdrive operation; a torque output element of said overdrive unit being connected to the ring gear of said auxiliary unit; the carrier of said auxiliary unit being connected to a second power input gear element during overdrive operation thereby increasing the overall speed ratio, and means for varying the torque ratio of said overdrive unit between a first operating value which results in an overall speed ratio close to unity and a second operating value which results in overall speed ratios substantially greater than unity.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
100 words
The combination as set forth in claim 1 wherein said overdrive unit comprises a ball friction drive having a series of torque transmitting balls; a carrier registering with said balls; said carrier being adapted to function as said torque input member for said overdrive unit; adjustable outer races frictionally contacting said balls at locations spaced radially inwardly from the points of contact between said balls and said outer races; and brake means for anchoring the outer races during overdrive operation whereby the inner races are overdriven, said inner races being connected directly to the ring gear of said auxiliary unit.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
90 words
The combination as set forth in claim 1 wherein the torque input member of said overdrive unit is connected directly to said power input shaft; the driving connection between said power input shaft and said power input gear element including a hydrokinetic turbine situated in parallel disposition with respect to the driving connection between said power input shaft and the carrier of said overdrive unit whereby parallel input torque delivery paths are provided; one of which is a hydrokinetic path and the other of which is a solid mechanical path.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
90 words
The combination as set forth in claim 2 wherein the torque input member of said overdrive unit is connected directly to said power input shaft, the driving connection between said power input shaft and said power input gear element including a hydrokinetic turbine situated in parallel disposition with respect to the driving connection between said power input shaft and the carrier of said overdrive unit whereby parallel input torque delivery paths are provided; one of which is a hydrokinetic path and the other of which is a solid mechanical path.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-09-05 | 1976-03-06 | 1976-09-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-09-05 | 1980-03-06 | 1980-09-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-09-05 | 1984-03-06 | 1984-09-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |