Multi-speed countershaft transmission with a planetary gear set and method
US7604561B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 25, 2007 |
| Grant date | Oct 20, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 2, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/19233
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A transmission is provided that combines first and second shaft members in a countershaft configuration with a planetary gear set and first and second head gear sets to provide ratios. Each of the shaft members includes gears in no more than four co-planar, intermeshing gear sets (and in some embodiments no more than three co-planar, intermeshing gear sets) and two sets of radially nested clutches, thus minimizing the overall length of the shaft members. At least one gear concentric with each shaft member is supported by a bearing on the adjacent gear rather than on the shaft member, thereby minimizing the weight of each shaft member. The transmission provides at least seven forward speed ratios and a reverse speed ratio and utilizes at most eight torque-transmitting mechanisms. A method of reducing the length and weight of a transmission package is also provided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.