In-series automatic transmission modules directly responsive to torque
AssigneeAntonov Automotive North America B.V.
InventorRoumen Antonov
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
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.
Claims30
A transmission apparatus comprising at least two transmission modules arranged along distinct axes, control means for controlling operation of each of both said modules selectively in one and the other of at least two transmission ratios, and a mechanical power coupling means providing a connection between a rotary input of one of said modules and a rotary output of another one of said modules, whereby the modules are mounted mechanically in series, all rotary torque-transmitting elements of said one module, other than said rotary input, being disconnected from said other module, and wherein the control means are distributed in the modules and allow substantially autonomous shifting of each of the modules between one and the other transmission ratio on the basis of parameters which are available in the respective modules.
A power and transmission unit for a motor-vehicle comprising an engine and a transmission apparatus comprising at least two transmission modules arranged along distinct axes, control means for controlling operation of each of both said modules selectively in one and the other of at least two transmission ratios, and a mechanical power coupling means providing a connection between a rotary input of one of said modules and a rotary output of another one of said modules whereby the modules are mounted mechanically in series, all rotary torque-transmitting elements of said one module, other than said rotary input, being disconnected from said other module, and wherein the control means are distributed in the modules and allow substantially autonomous shifting of each of the modules between one and the other transmission ratio on the basis of parameters which are available in the respective modules.
A transmission apparatus comprising at least three transmission modules arranged side by side along parallel axes, control means for controlling operation of each of said three modules selectively in one and the other of at least two transmission ratios, a first mechanical power coupling means providing a connection between a rotary input of a second one of said modules and a rotary output of a first one of said modules, and a second mechanical power coupling means providing a connection between a third one of said modules and a rotary output of a second one of said modules, whereby the modules are mounted mechanically in series, and wherein the control means are distributed in the modules and allow substantially autonomous shifting of each of the modules between one and the other transmission ratio on the basis of parameters which are available in the respective modules.
A transmission apparatus comprising at least three transmission modules, control means for controlling operation of each of said three modules selectively in one and the other of at least two transmission ratios, a first mechanical power coupling means providing a connection between a rotary input of a second one of said modules and a rotary output of a first one of said modules, and a second mechanical power coupling means providing a connection between a rotary input of a third one of said modules and a rotary output of a second one of said modules, whereby the modules are mounted mechanically in series, wherein the control means are distributed in the modules and allow substantially autonomous shifting of each of the modules between one and the other transmission ratio on the basis of parameters which are available in the respective modules, and wherein two of the three modules are arranged along distinct axes and a third one of the three modules is coaxially connected to one of the said two modules.
A transmission apparatus comprising at least two transmission modules arranged along distinct axes, control means for controlling operation of each of both said modules selectively in one and the other of at least two transmission ratios, and a mechanical power coupling means providing a connection between a rotary input of one of said modules and a rotary output of another one of said modules, whereby the modules are mounted mechanically in series, wherein the control means are distributed in the modules and allow substantially autonomous shifting of each of the modules between one and the other transmission ratio on the basis of parameters which are available in the respective modules, and wherein at least one of the modules comprises:
- a differential gear having three rotary elements provided with intermeshed helical teeth;
- a free-wheel which prevents reverse rotation of one of the rotary elements;
- a friction clutch for selectively coupling together two of said rotary elements;
- a means for urging the clutch towards a coupled condition;
- and wherein one of the three rotary elements is axially movable for transmitting to the clutch a thrust originating from said helical teeth which intermesh under load when the clutch is in a released condition, said thrust tending to oppose movement of the clutch from the released condition into the coupled condition.
A power and transmission unit for a motor-vehicle, comprising an engine and a transmission apparatus comprising at least two transmission modules arranged along distinct axes, control means for controlling operation of each of both said modules selectively in one and the other of at least two transmission ratios, and a mechanical power coupling means providing a connection between a rotary input of one of said modules and a rotary output of another one of said modules whereby the modules are mounted mechanically in series, wherein the control means are distributed in the modules and allow substantially autonomous shifting of each of the modules between one and the other transmission ratio on the basis of parameters which are available in the respective modules, and wherein at least one of the modules comprises:
- a differential gear having three rotary elements provided with intermeshed helical teeth;
- a free-wheel which prevents reverse rotation of one of the rotary elements;
- a friction clutch for selectively coupling together two of said rotary elements;
- a means for urging the clutch towards a coupled condition;
- and wherein one of the three rotary elements is axially movable for transmitting to the clutch a thrust originating from said helical teeth which intermesh under load when the clutch is in a released condition, said thrust tending to oppose movement of the clutch from the released condition into the coupled condition.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.