US3765270A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Multiple ratio power transmission mechanism with an infinitely variable overdrive range
Assignee: Ford Motor Co
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Filing: 1971-04-26
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Granted: 1973-10-16
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Expires: 1991-04-26
Abstract
Abstract A multiple ratio power transmission mechanism for use in an automotive vehicle driveline comprising planetary gear units and clutch and brake structure for controlling the relative motion of the elements of the gear units to establish multiple torque ratios including a direct drive ratio and an underdrive ratio, and an infinitely variable overdrive unit having an input portion connected to one element of said gearing, an output portion connected to the power output shaft for the transmission mechanism and a reaction portion adapted to be selectively braked whereby the output shaft may be overdriven with respect to the input shaft throughout a predetermined range of ratios, the lower ratio of the range being close to unity whereby the driveline may be adapted to accommodate varying road loads without frequency upshifting and downshifting between the overdrive range and the direct-drive range.
Inventors
- 👤 G Lemieux
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 11:29
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16H; F16H37/00; F16H37/02; F16H37/06; F16H37/08; F16H37/0833; F16H37/084; F16H37/086; F16H2037/0866
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
125 words
A power transmission mechanism having multiple underdrive speed ratios, a direct drive ratio and an overdrive range comprising planetary gear units having power input portions, power output portions and torque reaction portions, clutch means for connecting selectively the power input portions of the gear units to a driving shaft, the power output portions of the gear units being connected to a driven shaft, brake means for selectively anchoring said reaction portions, an infinitely variable overdrive unit comprising a torque input member connected to said torque reaction portions and a torque output member connected to said driven shaft, a third member of said infinitely variable overdrive unit being adapted to absorb torque reaction, and overdrive brake means for anchoring said third member of said overdrive unit.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
125 words
A power transmission mechanism having multiple underdrive speed ratios, a direct drive ratio and an overdrive range comprising planetary gear units having power input portions, power output portions and torque reaction portions, clutch means for connecting selectively the power input portions of the gear units to a driving shaft, the power output portions of the gear units being connected to a driven shaft, brake means for selectively anchoring said reaction portions, an infinitely variable overdrive unit comprising a torque input member connected to said torque reaction portions and a torque output member connected to said driven shaft, a third member of said infinitely variable overdrive unit being adapted to absorb torque reaction, and overdrive brake means for anchoring said third member of said overdrive unit.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
223 words
The combination as set forth in claim 1 wherein said gear units first and second simple planetary gear units each has a ring gear, a sun gear, a carrier and planet pinions journalled on said carrier in meshing engagement with said sun and ring gears, said clutch means including two separately operable clutches, a first of said clutches being adapted to establish a driving connection between said driving shaft and the ring gear of a first of said gear units, a second of said clutches being adapted to selectively establish a driving connection between the sun gears of said gear units and said driving shaft, said sun gears being connected together, the carrier of said first gear unit being connected to said driven shaft, the ring gear of said second gear unit being connected to the torque output portion of said overdrive unit, the input portion of said overdrive unit being connected to said sun gears, said torque output portion of said overdrive unit being connected to said driven shaft, means for selectively anchoring the carrier of said second gear unit during low speed ratio operation, and other brake means for anchoring the sun gears during intermediate speed ratio operation, both clutches being applied during direct drive operation, the second clutch being released and said overdrive brake means being applied during overdrive operation.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
73 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, inner races and outer races frictionally contacting said balls, a carrier journalling said balls for rotation about their axes, said carrier for said overdrive unit being connected to said driven shaft and means for varying the radial position of the points of contact of said races with said balls.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
73 words
The combination as set forth in claim 2 wherein said overdrive unit comprises a ball friction drive having a series of torque transmitting balls, inner races and outer races frictionally contacting said balls, a carrier journalling said balls for rotation about their axes, said carrier for said overdrive unit being connected to said driven shaft and means for varying the radial position of the points of contact of said races with said balls.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-10-15 | 1977-04-16 | 1977-10-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-10-15 | 1981-04-16 | 1981-10-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-10-15 | 1985-04-16 | 1985-10-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |