Planetary gear transmission systems or components – Fluid drive or control of planetary gearing – Fluid pump and motor in one of plural paths to or from...
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-16
2001-03-20
Wright, Dirk (Department: 3681)
Planetary gear transmission systems or components
Fluid drive or control of planetary gearing
Fluid pump and motor in one of plural paths to or from...
Reexamination Certificate
active
06203463
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates generally to a transmission and more particularly to a transmission which provides continuously variable ratio operability utilizing a planetary gearing mechanism including three planetary gear sets, five members, a variable speed pump, and a variable speed motor and an associated method for operatively connecting components associated therewith.
BACKGROUND ART
In a machine, such as a wheel loader or a track type tractor, for example, an engine supplies power for propelling the machine in the forward and reverse directions, and for powering machine implements. A transmission is coupled to the engine and transmits power from the engine to the drive train to propel the machine. It is desirable to utilize a continuously variable transmission and manage the transmission ratio to save engine power for the implements and also to provide a continuously variable power flow through the transmission to improve machine productivity. Because machines operate at relatively low speeds and in cyclical work routines, there is a need to control speed precisely and for the speed to be infinitely adjustable throughout the full range of the transmission. One of the problems associated with such an arrangement is to provide a transmission that will operate at high efficiencies over a wide variety of operating conditions. Another problem associated with such an arrangement is to provide a desirable number of output ranges without requiring large hydraulic components and large gear ratios.
The present invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems as set forth above.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect of the present invention, a transmission is disclosed. The transmission includes an input, an output, a motor, a generator or pump drivingly connected to the motor, and a planetary gearing mechanism. The planetary gearing mechanism includes a first, a second and a third planetary gear set, each of the first, second and third planetary gear sets having a sun gear, a carrier with planet gears and a ring gear. A first member of the planetary gearing mechanism is connected to the motor and connectable to the output, a second member of the planetary gearing mechanism is selectably connectable to the output, a third member of the planetary gearing mechanism is connected to the input, a fourth member of the planetary gearing mechanism is selectably connectable to the output, and a fifth member of the planetary gearing mechanism is connected to the pump or generator.
In another aspect of this invention a method for operably connecting components of a transmission that includes an input, an output, a motor, a pump or generator, and a planetary gearing mechanism including a first, a second and a third planetary gear set, the first, second and third planetary gear sets each having a sun gear, a carrier with planet gears and a ring gear is disclosed. The method includes the steps of fluidly connecting the pump to the motor, connecting a first member of the planetary gearing mechanism to the motor and to the output, connecting a second member of the planetary gearing mechanism to the output, connecting a third member of the planetary gearing mechanism to the input, connecting a fourth member of the planetary gearing mechanism to the output, and connecting a fifth member of the planetary gearing mechanism to the pump or generator.
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Casey Kent A.
Stemler Eric D.
Caterpillar Inc.
Haverstock Garrett & Roberts
Wright Dirk
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