OcAt. 23, 1951 E. R.

BURTNETT 2,572,007
VARIABLE- SPEED AND TORQUE TRANSMISSION MECHANISM
Filed Feb. l, 1946 3 Sheets-Sheet l

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Oct. 23,-1951 E. R. BURTNETT 2,572,007
VARIABLE SPEED AND TORQUE TRANSMISSION MECHANISM
Filed Feb. l, 1946 3 Sheets-Sheet 2

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Oct. 23, 1951 E. R. BURTNETT. 2,572,007
VARIABLE SPEED AND TORQUE TRANSMISSION MECHANISM
Filed Feb. l, 1946 3 Sheets-Sheet 3

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INVENTOR.
Patented Oct. 23, 1951
2,572,007

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE

2,572,007
VARIABLE-SPEED AND TORQUE
TRANSMISSION MECHANISM
Everett R. Burtnett, Inglewood, Calif.. assigner
to Borg-Warner Corporation, Chicago, Ill., a.
corporation of Illinois
Application February l, 1946, Serial No. 644,719
iz claims. (Cl. 'Z4-732)
l f
This invention relates to a variable speed and
2
in said rst portion of the gearing before delivery
torque transmission of power from a prime mover to the output shaft to form the second infinitely
to an operating shaft, sometimes referred to as variable torque speed range coupling the input
the driven. the output, or the load shaft, of the and output shaft. Fourthly, for selected coupled
type particularly adapted for use in automobiles condition of a portion of the gearing while con
and the like; and relates to drive mechanisms tinuing the division of input torque with the hy
which include a. hydrodynamic transmission unit drodynamic transmission unit and also the re
adapted to function either as a torque converter combining of the divided torque in said iirst por-
of the reaction type or as a uid coupling, and tion of the gearing to form a still higher driving
combined with a mechanical type, variable ratio 10 speed couplingr the inout and output shaft, so as
transmission system to give a plurality of for to obtain higher efficiencies in the fluid turbines
ward speeds and a reverse drive between the input formingr the hydrodynamic transmission unit
and output shafts. adapted to function either as a torque converter
The invention is more particularly directed to or fluid coupling and a `wide range of infinitely
change speed transmissions incorporating a hy 15 variable rate multiplication of the torque con
drodynamic type drive mechanism adapted to tributing to which the hydraulic torque converter
function either as a torque converter or as a fluid is more sensitive to variations in the load with
coupling and a nluralitv of epicyclic gear trains respect to operating as a. fluid coupling.
adapted to -be diiierentially established to yield In obtaining the preceding clciect` the invention
selection of different ratios for converting the 20 has as a further nhiect the provision in the multi
torque, wherein the overall arrangement is for ple speed gearing component of a plurality of
the torque output of the hydrodynamic trans epicyclic gear trains of the type including an
mission unit to be compounded by either of the annulus gear such as a ring or internal gear,
different tornue convertinu.r ratios or the epicyclic wherein the primary inout elements to torque
gearing whereby, a multiplied torque value ob 25 converting ratio, respectively, of a plurality oi
tained in the hydrodynamic transmission unit the epicyclic trains are separated for rotation
and compounded by the primary torque multi relative to each other: further., wherein such gear
plying ratio in the epicyclic gearing will yield the trains are compounded in parallel to form a dif
highest torque. lowest speed ratio oi the combina ferential gear mechanism between the relatively
tion and which compounded arrangement of 30 rotatable primary input gear elements of respec
power transmission systems will transitionally tive of said plurality of trains at the input point
change to the intermediate driving speed, ratio and the planet carrier ofthe final driven one
and the constant rate, multiplying the torque oi the plurality oi such gear trains at the load
yield of speed reduction in the gear exclusively,y shaft point, thus to obtain recombining of the
in response to gradual change in the hydrody 35 torques of said relatively rotatable input elements
namic transmission unit from torque converting of the different gear trains before delivery to the
function to operation as a iiuid coupling. load shaft; and still further, wherein the primary
The principal obiect of the invention is to pro input element of the ilnal driving gear train is
vide such a mechanism of improved combination, connected to be driven from the primary input
forms and arrangement wherein a multiple speed 40 shaft through the medium of the hydrodynamic
gearing group is coupled with a iluid coupling or transmission unit. The independently rotatable
torque converter adapted to be driven from a primary input element of other of such plurality
power source in such a manner that a low gear of epicyclic gear trains being connected to be
ratio drive may be obtained initiallv through a, driven from the primary input shaft independent
power train which derives all of its torque directly 45 ly of and parallel to the hydrodynamic transmis
from the turbine element of the torque converter sion unit, so that torque conversion driving on
and secondly for series-compoundingr multiplica the part of additional of the compounded plu
tion of the torque in a rst portion of the gearing rality oi epicyclic gear trains, augments the driv
forming the primary gear ratio to form the high ing on the part of a first portion of the plurality.
torque first speed range coupling between the 50 and results in division of the primary input shaft
input and output shafts. Thirdly, for torque torque with the hydrodynamic transmission unit.
multiplying gear ratio in a second portion of A particular advantage is better distribution of
the gearing drivingly parallel to the hydraulic the forces and allowing the hydrodynamic torque
torque converter to divide the inout torque there converter to attain l to 1 ratio under higher
with and for recombination of the divided torque 55 torque and load resistance conditions in conjunc
 2,572,007
3 4
tion with an established state of the gearing to bine torque converter with which the alternate
yield speed reducing ratio for an intermediate applications of a plurality of separate reaction
speed driving range. In addition, such provision braking units, such as contractable and releas
of the multiple speed plurality of gear trains lends able brake bands. will, by selection, condition the
itself to simpler and less costly means for control system for delivery of all the engine torque
thereover. through the fluid torque converter whereby it
In providing the multiple speed gearing com can function> either as a converter or fluid cou
- ponent, a. more specic object of the invention is pling, cr for division of theengine torque between
to arrange the elements of the iirst portion, which the setting of a gear train for multiplying torque
is adapted for selection either to high rate multi and the iiuid torque converter while continuing
plication of all the torque delivered wholly the condition whereby the -latter can function
through the hydraulic torque converter or to either as a converter or fluid coupling, with ad
recombine the torque divided between the lat vantages of control by alternate reaction braking
ter and the torque converting ratio of a sec-ond units as to whether the fluid torque converter is
portion of the gearing before delivery to the~out- apportioned for delivering therethrough the full
put shaft, so that the sun pinion gear acts as engine torque or only one portion in conjunction
the primary input element to torque multiplica with gear multiplication of the remaining portion.
tion ratio therein, and so that the -nnnulus gear Another object of the invention is to provide
serves as the reaction element, with the com a iiuid turbine torque converter and mechanical
pound advantages of the low pitch line velocity torque converter drive mechanism which by se
of the sun pinion gear handling the high torque lection can be controlled so that the reaction
output of the hydraulic torque converter, and the member for the hydraulic circuit will be reaction
complying pitch line contacts of the annulus gear sustained positively at rest'or driven at a fixed
with the planetary pinions handling the still rati-o of reduced speed relative to the speed' of
higher value reaction torque, and the desired the engine by a gear taking torque therefrom
speed reduction obtained from this relationship through positive drive, with advantages in that
within a low overall diameter of the unit. when the iluid torque converter is coupled to
In conjunction with the last preceding object, handle the full engine torque, full reaction will
another more speciiic ob-ect of the invention is to prevail for the hydraulic conversion, and when
provide the second portion of the multiple speed differentially coupled to handle only a portion of
gearing, the torque converting ratio of which is the engine torque, a complying slow speed drive
adapted to divide the input torque with the hy will sustain reaction for the hydraulic conver
draulic torque converter, with arrangements'such sion.
that the sun pinion gear, which is directly con Another object of the invention is to provide a
nected to the input shaft parallel to the hy 33 drive mechanism n which, upon establishing
draulic torque converter, acts as the primary in connection at a given point for reaction sustain
put element to torque converting ratio in this ing, a given gear ratio. of drive the mechanism
portion of the gearing, and so that the annulus will be conditioned drivingly to result in series
gear serves as the reaction element, with the same parallel splitting of the input torque between an
compound advantages as recited in connection all mechanical power transmitting train effective
with the last preceding object, plus the advan to multiply a portion of the torque in a gear
tage of`a lower speed underdriving gear ratio therein, and a fluid turbine unit the fluid drive
from the combination of the torque converting component of which, upon sufiicient speed of
ratio of this portion and the diierential ratio rotation of the fluid driving turbine wheel will
eiect on ilnal output speed by the iirst portion take and multiply the remaining portion, with
of the gearing acting to recombine divided torque. advantages of selection for a hydrodynamic
Another object of the invention is to provide power transmission unit to multiply only a por
a fluid turbine torque converter and a multiple tion of input torque for delivery through the
speed ratio gearing power transmitting system in mechanism.
which full engine torque will be delivered through Another object of the invention is to provide
the fluid torque converter driving a high rate a drive mechanism in which upon selectively
multiplication gear ratio for the torque, with establishing connections for reaction sustaining
which alternately in connection with obtaining gear drive at a given point, the mechanism will
another gear ratio for connecting the engine and be conditioned for an all mechanical power trans
the load a portion of the engine torque will be de mitting train to take and multiply a. portion of
livered through a torque multiplying gear ratio the torque of an input shaft with the result that
arranged drivingly in series-parallel coupling the hydraulic circuit of a hydrodynamic power
- with the iluid torque converter for the latter to transmission unit adapted to function either as a
deliver only the remaining portion, and in which torque converter or fluid coupling will, upon suf
reaction for the hydraulic circuit of the iluid tur ficient speed of rotation of the input shaft, take
bine torque converter will be sustained through and deliver the remaining portion, with advan
the same one-way coupling either by reaction tages of selection for a hydrodynamic power
brought into play for the gear which is adapted transmission unit, adapted either to multiply or
to multiply the full engine torque delivered non-multiply the torque in transmission there
through the fluid torque converter, or by reac 65 through, to be apportioned only a sub-ratio of
tion brought into play for the gear which is the full input torque.
adapted to multiply a portion of the engine Another object of the invention is to provide a
torque parallel to the fluid torque converter, with fluid torque converter and mechanical power
advantages of simplicity of connections, and in transmitting mechanism combined with a con
control apparatus for selection to one-way re- " nection where sustaining of reaction for conver
action conversion in the fluid turbine power sion of torque in a gear can take place, and fur
transmission unit either of the full engine torque ther combined with a clutch unit, such that
or only a portion. utilizing said connection, the gear taking and
Another object of the invention is to provide a multiplying only a portion of the input torque
power transmitting system including a fluid tur will-apportlon and depend upon the fluid torque
 2,572,007
converter taking and delivering the remaining
portion, and such that an engaged condition of
the clutch for conditioning the mechanism to
yield a different driving speed range will estab
lish a direct drive effective parallel to the fluid.
torque converter, with advantages of selection
drivingly to circumvent a fluid torque converter
by either gear eiected multiplication, or direct
drive delivery of torque.
With respect to the last preceding object, in a
broader aspect another object of the invention is
to provide a drive mechanism including a uid
turbine system .adapted to function either as a
torque converter or huid coupling combined with
a mechanical type of torque converter arranged
drivingly in parallel therewith, and in which re
action at a given point for a ratio of gear drive,
the mechanism will be conditioned for a portion
of the input torque to be multiplied in a gear and
for delivery of the remaining portion through
the fluid drive of the turbine system, and alter
nately as a result of an engaged condition of a
clutch unit, substituting for the eiect of the re
action at said given point, the mechanism will
be condition for a greater portion of the input
torque to be transmitted parallel to the turbine
system, and for the uid drive of the latter to
deliver the accordingly lesser portion, with ad
vantages of selection, the fluid turbine system be
ing enabled infinitely to vary between maximum
conversion and 1 to 1 ratio, when coupled, to take
only a portion of the input torque, or limited to
function solely as a fluid coupling when coupled
to take only a lesser portion.
In a broad aspect another object of the inven
tion is to provide a drive mechanism in which
changing the condition for drive therethrough,
of all mechanical connections providing a mul
tiple speed ratio torque path parallel to a first
torque path which includes the hydraulic circuit 40 speed driving range, and handling a lesser portion
drive coupling component of a system of turbine
wheels adapted to function either as a fluid
torque converter or fluid coupling, is accom
plished by the alternate engagement of one or
another of a plurality of units of frictionally en 45 only a portion of input torque drivingly parallel
gaging elements, wherein at least one such
effected change will result in changing the ratio
with respect to the full input torque which said
hydraulic circuit will be required to transfer, and
wherein said change will also include a differen 50 torque before delivery to a load shaft will oper
tial operation with respect to the connections
whereby the hydraulic circuit will either be sus
tained to function as a torque converter as well as
a fluid coupling, or will be coupled to function
solely in the latter capacity.
Another object of the invention is to provide a
drive mechanism in which shifting the point of
_reaction from that for a given gear ratio for
reducing speed to that to sustain another gear
ratio for reducing speed is accomplished by al
ternately engaging one unit or another unit of
frictionally engaging elements, and at the same
time will result in connections for the drive from
those which will require the transfer of a given
proportion of the full input torque to those which
will require the transfer of a different ratio pro
portion by the hydraulic circuit of a system of
turbine wheels, while in conjunction with the
establishment of either of said speed reducing
gear ratios providing connections whereby said
hydraulic circuit is adapted to function either as
a torque converter or fluid coupling, with advan
tages in that shifting between alternate of a
plurality of different gear ratio speed reducing
driving ranges in each of which infinitely variable 75 a greater speed ratio than that of the driven
rate multiplying of the torque governed by the
fluid turbine drive is accomplished without neces
sarily interrupting either the input or the output
torque.
Another object of the invention is to provide a
v drive mechanism in which a system of turbine
wheels is combined with controls such that the
hydraulic circuit of a system of turbine wheels is
enabled infinitely to vary between maximum ratio
conversion and 1 to l ratio transmission when by
selection of the mechanism in different settings,
the turbine wheels are coupled for the hydraulic
circuit to handle either the full driving torque or
only a portion of the full torque divided by a gear,
with advantages in greater range differential of
torque driving the load shaft.'
Another object of the invention is to provide a
drive mechanism in which a system of turbine
wheels, the hydraulic circuit of which is adapted
to function either as a torque converter or fluid
coupling, is combined with a multiple speed
gearing, and with a plurality of units of engage
able elements such that the engagement of a
given unit of elements and successively the en
gagement of another unit of elements, respective
ly, for changing the multiple speed gearing from
a given ratio to a higher speed ratio and suc
cessively from said higher speed ratio to a still
higher speed ratio will secure division of the in
put torque imparted to the uid driving wheel
of the turbine system for the hydraulic circuit
to handle only a portion, and successively a lesser
portion, with advantages in yielding scalar ranges
of efficiencies of the fluid turbines so combined
and adapted to function either as a torque con
verter or fluid coupling proportional to its han
dling the full torque imparted to its fluid driving
member in a selected low driving speed range,
handling only a portion in a selected intermediate
in a selected still higher driving speed range.
Another object of the invention is to provide a
drive mechanism in which as a result of estab
lishing reaction, for a gear to take and multiply
to a fluid turbine torque converter coupled to take
and either multiply or transmit at l to 1 ratio
the remaining portion, a coupling of two relatively
rotatable elements for recombining divided
ate to rotate the latter at an infinitely variable
differential of speed resulting from the reduced
speed of rotation of one of the two elements and
the infinitely variable rotation of the other of
55 the two elements by the fluid turbine drive as it
varies between maximum conversion and 1 to l
ratio delivering said remaining portion of the
input torque, with advantages in greater exi
bility in changing speed and torque driving ratio
responsive to variations in torque and load.
Another object of the invention is to provide a
drive mechanism which includes a hydrodynamic
power transmission unit adapted to function
either as a torque converter or fluid coupling,
combined with a system of all mechanical power
transmitting connections providing a torque path
parallel to the hydrodynamic transmission unit
connecting the engine shaft and a driven shaft
and adapted for positive drive connection with
the road wheels of a vehicle, in Which for park
ing the vehicle in gear to utilize the compression
of the engine as a brake, and said all mechani
cal connections can be established positively
effective to urge rotation of the engine shaft at
 2,572,007
shaft upon any tendency of _the latter to act as mediate shaft I4 and is rotatable independently
the driving member under the influence of any of the latter. A second tubular shaft 42 sur
tendency of the vehicle to move in either di rounding the assembly of shafts |4 and 40 and
rection. i independently rotatable relative thereto is fix
Other objects and advantages of the invention edly connected for rotation with the driving shaft.
will appear from the following description in It is splined at its forward end to a hub 44 se
the course of which reference is had to the draw cured, as by welding, as indicated by reference
ings, in which: character 45, to the pump member 25, which is
Fig. 1 is a vertical, longitudinal, axial sectional secured to the driving shaft.
view through an embodiment of the invention; 10 The planetary gear set 2| is coupled to the
Fig. 2 is a sectional view taken on line 2-2 of driven shaft I2. Itk includes a sun gear 5I!
Fig. 1 showing the details of a one-way coupling; splined to the intermediate shaft I4, an internal
Figs. 3 and 4 are fragmentary, sectional views ring gear 52, and a series of planet pinions 54,
taken generally on the lines 3-3 and 4-4 of Fig. each in mesh with the sun and ring gears and
l showing certain details of brake and brake ac 15 mounted for rotation around their respective
tuating mechanisms; axes on pins 56. The pins are supported by an
Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic view of the torque output planet carrier 58 which is xedly secured
transmission and reactance paths obtaining dur for rotation with the output shaft.
ing the primary speed and torque ratio range The ring gear 52 of planetary gear unit 2| is
for initiating the vehicle in motion, a single line 20 selectively restrained against rotation in the first
of arrows indicating the torque path, and the two forward speeds, i. e., the variable speed ratios
double line of arrows indicating the rezctance obtaining in accordance with variation in driving
paths; effect on the part of the hydrodynamic transmis
Fig. 6 is another diagrammatic view indicating sion unit, more particularly, whether operating
the power fiow and reactance paths obtaining 25 as a torque converter or as a iiuid coupling. by
during the second speed and torque ratio; un brake means 59 including a brake drum 6D and a
der these conditions the hydraulic transmission brake band 52 anchored to the housing 24 (see
unit is functioning as a fluid coupling; Fig. 4) as indicated by reference character 64.
Fig. 7 is another diagrammatic view indicating The drum is preferably formed at the outer sur
the power flow and reactance paths obtaining 30 face of ring gear 52.
during the third speed and torque ratio range; The secondary planetary gear set 22 of the pair
Fig. 8 is another diagrammatic view indicating of epicyclic gear trains used in the forward speeds
the power flow paths obtaining during a direct receives its input power from the input shaft l0
drive fourth speed range; and independently of the hydrodynamic transmission
Fig. 9 is still another diagrammatic view in unit, and it is arranged to drive primarily the
dicating the power flow and reaction paths ob ring gear 52 of the epicyclic gear train 2|. The
taining during reverse drive. second gear set comprises a sun gear 68 splined
With reference now to the drawings, it may be to the outer tubular shaft 42, a ring gear 10, and
noted that the mechanism o_f the present inven a series of planetary pinions 12 mounted to rotate
tion connects a driving shaft I5 to a driven shaft around their own axes on pins 14. These pins
I2. The driving shaft Il) is the power or torque are supported by a planet carrier 1B which is
input member and may be the engine crank splined to the ring gear 52 of set 2 I.
shaft or may be connected with a suitable source The planetary gear unit 22 is selectively ren
of power. The driven shaft I2 is the output dered effective to couple the driving shaft to the
member or may be referred to as the operating or 45 ring gear 52 of planetary gear unit 2| uoon re
load shaft and may be connected to propel a straint of rotation of the ring gear 10 or upon the
load, such as with the driving wheels of a motor coupling of ring gear 1I] to the driving shaft, or
vehicle (not shown). An intermediate shaft I4 more particularly to the tubular shaft 42.
is arranged in axial alignment with and between The ring gear 10 is selectively restrained
the input shaft and the output shaft. It is 50 against rotation by a brake 11 including a brake
rotatably supported by a bearing I6 carried in a drum 18 preferably formed at the outside of the
recess formed in the driving shaft and bearings ring gear 10 and a brake band 19.
I1 and I8 carried in a recess formed in the driven The planetary gear unit 22 is adapted to ro
shaft I2. tate the ring gear 52 of planetary gear unit 2|
The system of the present invention includes a 55 at engine speed when the ring gear 1U of the
hydrodynamic transmission unit 20 operable former is connected to the shaft 42. The ring
either as a torque converter or as a fluid coupling gear 10 is adapted to be connected to the shaft
and a pair of epicyclic gear trains or units 2| and by a. clutch indicated as a Whole by reference
22 selectively controllable to provide a plurality character 80 and which will be described in
of forward speed and torque driving ratios. The 60 greater detail hereinafter.
system disclosed by the accompanying drawings The selective operation of the brake 11 and
illustrating one embodiment of the present in clutch 8U establishes and controls the proportion
vention further includes a third epicyclic gear of torque transmitted in parallel with the hydro
unit 23 utilized in reverse drive. These elements dynamic transmission unit through the plan
are all mounted within a housing 24 secured in etary gearing 22. When the brake 11 is engaged,
suitable manner to a vehicle. \ subsequent to disengagement of brake 59, torque
The hydrodynamic transmission unit consists is transmitted at a multiplied rate obtaining in
of an impeller or pump member 25 xed to the unit 22 from the driving shaft I0 first to the
input shaft by bolts 25, a disc 28 secured by bolts ring gear 52 of gear unit 2| and thence through
30 to the input shaft; a driven turbine wheel or 70 the planet pinions 54 to the driven shaft while
runner 32 having a hub 34 splined to the forward a portion of the torque is transmitted through
end of the intermediate shaft; and a vaned re the hydrodynamic unit 20 rst to the sun gear
action member or wheel 35 having a hub 38 50 of the gear unit 2| and thence through the
splined to a first tubular or sleeve shaft 40 which planet pinions 54 to the driven shaft. When the
-encircles an intermediate portion of the inter clutch 8D is engaged and the brake 11 disengaged,
 2,572,007
9 l0
the planetary gear unit 22 is rotated at engine
speed due to locking of sun 68 to ring gear 10 secure to the ring gear, side and end plates |34
with the result that ring gear 52 is rotated at and |36, the latter of which has a hub |38. The
engine speed. As a result, the driven shaft I2 clutch includesalso a stationary lottom plate
is rotated at higher speed, more particularly at |40I and a movable forward clutch plate |42, both
substantially engine speed because both the sun connected to rotate with the ring gear 70.
and ring gears of unit 2| are rotated through The clutch is adapted to be engaged when the
direct drive ratio from the driving shaft, the sun movable clutch plate |42 is moved toward the
gear 50 through the hydrodynamic unit acting stationary clutch plate |40. The movable plate
as a fluid coupling and the ring gear 52 through 10 is actuated preferably by hydraulic means in
the locked planetary gear unit 22. cluding a series of cylinders |44 (only one of
As heretofore indicated, the hydrodynamic which has been illustrated) inside of which are
transmission unit 20' operates either as a torque located pistons |46.- The pistons are moved in
converter or as a fluid coupling. It is opera clutch engaging direction when fluid pressure is
tively connected to the planetary gear unit 2| 15 admitted to the cylinders through the conduit
in such manner that the driven element 32 drives |48 in the closure plate |35 and a pipe |50 which
the sun gear and the reaction element 36 drives may be connected to a suitable source of fluid
the ring gear 52, preferably through a one-way pressure to be described shortly. The clutch is
clutch 82. The clutch 82 is disposed between the normally maintained in its disengaged condition
by a plurality of springs |52.
central tubular shaft 40 and ring gear 52 (and 20
also brake drum 60 of unit 2| and planet carrier The brakes may be actuated by suitable means.
'I6 of unit 22). The one-way coupling restricts For example, fluid actuated means such as those
illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4 may be utilized. It
backward rotation, i. e., backward rotation im is preferred that the brake 59 be normally en
parted to member 36 by the fluid being expelled
from the forward drive rotating turbine wheel 25 gaged, thereby conditioning the mechanism to
32. The backward rotation is prevented by the initiate the forward low speed ratio. The brake
clutch 82 and either the brake 59 or the forward band 62 is normally maintained in braking en
drive of the planet carrier '16, which occurs when gagement with the brake drum l60 by a spring
brake 'll is engaged and brake 59 disengaged. |54 (see Fig. 4) forming part of brake actuating
The one-way clutch 82 comprises an externally 30 means |56 and operatively connected to the
cammed hub or inner member 84 splined to the brake band through a piston |57 and a rod |58.
rear end of shaft 60, a concentric outer member
The piston and spring are mounted within a cyl
86 having an inner bearing race and fixedly se inder |60 within which fluid may be supplied
under pressure through a conduit |62.
cured to the planet carrier i6 by cap screws 68,
and a plurality of roller clutch members 90 dis The brakes il and |22 are preferably normal
posed between the inner and outer clutch mem ly disengaged by springs | 04 (see Fig. 3) forming
bers as best illustrated in Fig. 2. The previously part of the brake actuating means |66 and |63
referred to backward direction of rotation of the associated with the two brakes respectively. The
reaction element 36 is indicated by the arrow |0| pistons and springs are mounted within cylin
in this figure. ders |70 supplied with uid through conduits |72.
The third epicyclic gear unit 23 utilized in The uid pressure can be provided by a pump
reverse drive is located immediately to the rear |76 consisting of a pinion gear |76, keyed to the
of unit 2|. It includes a sun gear |04 xed for shaft d2 whereby it may rotate with the primary
rotation with the ring gear 52 of the gear unit input shaft i0, and a driven gear |718, both of
2| by a disc |06 splined to rotate with both the which are contained in a housing |80.
ring gear 52 and sun gear |04. It includes also The output side of the pump is suitably con
a ring'gear |08, and a series of planet pinions | |0 nected to the various conduits leading to the
mounted to rotate around their respective axes brake and clutch actuating pistons heretofore
on pins ||2, supported by a planet carrier H4 described.
splined to output shaft I2. The operation of the system will now be de
50 scribed, the various operating sequences being
rIhe ring gear |08 is rotatably supported by a
disc ||6 having a hub ||8 surrounding the axially taken up in order:
extending portion of the planet carrier ||4. The Neutral
peripheral portion of the disc ||6 is splined to
the ring gear and the ring gear is additionally A neutral condition obtains when the three
secured to the disc by a plate |20 Welded to the brakes 62, '11, |22 and clutch 80 are disengaged.
gear and to the hub ||8. Under these conditions, the sun gears 50 and 68
The rotation of the ring gear |08 of the reverse of planetary gear units 2| and 22 will be rotated
planetary unit 23 is restrained to render the re through the hydrodynamic transmission device
verse drive effective. It is restrained by a brake 60 and the tubular shaft 42, respectively. How
indicated as a Whole by reference character |22 ever, no appreciable torque is transmitted to the
and including a brake drum |23 formed at the driven shaft, the various gears of the planetary
gear units being idly driven. _ y
exterior of the ring gear |08 and a brake band
|24 secured to the housing 24, in a manner also Alternatively, the brake 59 may be, as hereto
indicated in Fig. 3. fore indicated, normally engaged. Even under
The clutch 80 to which brief reference was had these conditions, no substantial torque is trans
earlier, includes aplurality of relatively movable mitted to the driven shaft |2 until the engine is
clutch plates |26 and |28, the former of which is accelerated above its idling speed. Some torque
connected to rotate with the outer tubular shaft would however be transmitted to the driven
|12 and the latter of which is connected to rotate 70 shaft, this constituting aslight drag resulting
with the ring gear `|0 of planetary gear unit 22. from the low rate of circulation of working fluid
The clutch plates |26 are splined to a hub |30 in the hydrodynamic transmission unit.
surrounding and splined to the shaft 42. The Starting or first forward speed range
clutch plates |28 are, in effect, splined to bolts
|32 secured to the ring gear 70 and which bolts The system is conditioned for a first or start
75 ing forward speed by the engagement of the
 2,872,007
~ il 12
brake 59, as indicated in Fig. 5. Under these Fourth Jorward `speed
conditions the ring gear 52 of the planetary gear The fourth forward speed is a direct drive, and
unit 2| is prevented from rotating and reaction is it is placed into eect by the release of brake 11
applied in the reaction element 36 of the hydro and the engagement of clutch 80, as indicated
dynamic transmission unit thereby effecting op in Fig. 8. When the clutch 80 yis. engaged. the
` eration of the latter as a torque converter. The planetary gear unit 22 is locked for unitary rota
driving shaft torque is thus multiplied through tion and driven at engine speed so that the ring
the unit 20 to the sun gear 5|) with the result that gear 52 of unit 2| is rotated at engine speed and
the planetary carrier 58 and driven shaft I2 are the same is substantially true of the sun gear 50.
rotated in the forward driving direction of the Power is again transmitted from the driving
vehicle. The reaction element 36 of unit 20 is shaft to the driven shaft through two parallel
prevented from rotating backward by the one paths, but by virtue of the stepped-up rotation
way clutch 82 now acting as a brake, the latter in of the ring gear 52 of unit 2| a lesser percentage
turn securing reaction at the engaged brake 59. of the torque is now transmitted through the
As heretofore explained, no appreciable drive 15 hydraulic transmission unit. The drive is sub
other than a slight dragging effect occurs until stantially a direct drive, although some slippage
the engine is accelerated sumciently above idling may occur in the hydraulic transmission unit.
speed to provide an effective transmission of
torque through the unit 20. Reverse drive
Initially the torque transmitted through the 20 The system is conditioned for reverse drive by
hydrodynamic transmission unit 2D may obtain the engagement of brake |22 when the other
multiplication therein approximating 1.0 to 1.5 brakes and clutch 8U are disengaged, as illus
ratio, and sequentially will approach 1.0 to 1.0 trated in Fig. 9. The reverse drive is effected
ratio either as the speeds of the driving and through the hydraulic transmission unit and the
driven members increase, or upon a sufficient re 25 planetary gear units 2| and 23, the ring gear
duction in the ratio of the load resistance. rela of the latter being restrained against rotation by
tive to the primary torque, or upon a division of the brake |22. YA minor ratio of the reverse drive
the torque taking place resulting from the appli torque delivered from the planetary gear unit 23
cation of the brake 11. Assuming, bv way of to the driven shaft |2 is absorbed by the planet
example, a gear reduction ratio of 2.454 to 1.00 30 carrier 58 in providing therein the restraint re
obtaining between the sun 5D and the carrier 58, quired to obtain reverse drive of the ring gear 52
secured when the ring gear 52 is held stationary, of unit 2l relative to the direction of rotation1 `
the multiplied torque ratio for initiating rota of the sun gear 50 through the planet pinions 54.
tion 'of the driven shaft I2 will attain a value Two-way positive drive
between 1.00 to 2.454 and a maximum of ap 35
proximately 1.00 to 3.67. The system may be conditioned to provide a
two-way positive drive between the input shaft
Second forward speed comprising the outer tubular shaft 42 and the
The second forward speed may be made to impeller 25 of the hydrodynamic transmission
take place automatically simply by maintaining 40 unit connected to the vehicle engine crankshaft
brake 59 engaged until the unit 20 operates as a I0 and the output shaft |2, which is adapted for
fluid coupling, as indicated above, this drive positive drive connection with the driving wheels
being illustrated in Fig. 6. When this occurs, of the vehicle in a motor vehicle by employing
the reaction member 3B overruns in the one-way any suitable means of energizing disengagement
coupling 82. Under the assumed conditions, a 45 of brake 59 and simultaneous application of the
second speed of about 2.454 to 1.00 ratio can be brakes 11 and |22. Under this condition (re
obtained from the continued drive through the straining rotation of the ring gears |08 and 10)
gear unit 2| alone and which unit also multiplies any tendency of the driven shaft |2 and the
the torque. planet carrier III fixed therewith to rotate in
Third forward speed 50 either direction will urge the planet pinions H0
To condition the system for forward operation to track in the same direction around within
at a third speed, the brake 58 is released and the ring gear |08 and thus urge the sun gear |04
brake 11 engaged, as illustrated in Fig. '1, thereby to rotate at greater speed than that of the driven
to place the gear unit 22 in operation to drive the shaft |2 in the same direction. In turn, the
ring gear 52 of unit 2|, the fluid drive continu 55 greater speed urge manifested in the sun gear
ing to rotate the sun gear 50 of unit 2|. |04 will also be manifested in the planet carrier
In the third forward speed the drive from the 16 fixed therewith and thus tend to urge the.
driving shaft to the driven shaft extends through planet pinions 12 to track around within the ring
two parallel paths, one comprising the original gear 10 thereby at a compound ratio urge the
path through the hydraulic transmission unit 60 sun gear 68 and the vehicle engine crankshaft I0
and the other including the gear unit 22. The fixed therewith to rotate at a still greater speed
torque is combined in the planet pinions 54 and than but in the same direction as the driven
transmitted to the driven shaft through the shaft |2. Thus it will be seen that in this con
dition of the epicyclic gearing a two-way posi
planet carrier 58.
Thus it will be seen that the application of the 65 tive gear drive ratio is established by which the
second brake coincident with release of the first vehicle may be braked against the vehicle en
brake shifts the position and ratio of reaction gine compression effectively and independently
and will result in the division of the torque with of the hydrodynamic transmission unit.
in the hydrodynamic transmission unit. Assum It is to be understood that although the in
ing that the reduction ratio of the gear unit 22 vention has been described in connection with a
is also approximately 2.454 to 1.00. as between specific embodiment, numerous other applications
the sun gear 58 and carrier 16 obtaining when which will readily occur to those familiar with
the ring gear 10 is held stationary, then the re the art may be made without departing from the
duction in third speed will be approximately 1.55 spirit thereof, or from the statements of the in
to 1.00.
vention in the appended claims.
 2,572,007
14
Having thus described my invention, what I to be rotated at a differential of speed resulting
claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Pat from the rotation imparted by said sun pinion
ent of the United States is: and by the rotation imparted by said annulus
, 1. A power transmitting system i'or intercon gear, said output carrier connected to rotate said
necting driving and driven shafts including, in load shaft, reaction braking means for restrain- y
combination, a pair of planetary gear units each ing rotation of said annulus gear, a hydrodynamic
including a sun gear, an internal gear, planet power transmission unit including a driving ele
pinions, and a planet carrier, means i'lxedly ment connected with said engine shaft, a driven
securing the planet carrier of a first of said element xedly secured to and'rotatable with
units to the driven shaft, means fixedly securing - said sun pinion and a vaned reaction element,
the planet carrier of the second of said units to means including a one-way coupling device con
the internal gear of said first unit, a three ele necting said vaned reaction element to said an
ment hydrodynamic transmission unit having a nulus gear, whereby said hydrodynamic trans
driving element xedly secured to the driving mission unit may function either as a torque con
shaft, a driven element ilxedly secured to the verter obtaining direct sustaining reaction from
sun gear of said first planetary gear unit and a an engaged condition of said braking means or
reaction element, means including a one-way as a uid coupling, and multiple speed drive
clutch connecting said reaction element to the transmitting means in parallel with said hydro
internal gear of said first planetary gear unit and dynamic transmission unit and forming means
to the planet carrier of said second planetary 20 to selectively rotate said annulus gear from said
gear unit, means fixedly securing the sun gear engine shaft either at a reduced speed ratio rela
of said second planetary gear unit to the driv tive to, or at the same speed as, said engine shaft,
ing shaft, and means for restraining rotation of whereby to divide the engine shaft torque with
the internal gear of said rst planetary gear unit. said hydrodynamic transmission unit in either
2. A power transmitting system for intercon of plural higher driving speed ratios connecting
necting driving and driven shafts including, in said engine and load shafts.
combination, a pair of planetary gear units each 5. In a power transmitting system, the combi
including a sun gear, an annulus gear, planet nation including an input shaft, an output shaft,
pinions each in mesh with both the sun and an an epicyclic gearing group including a sun pin
nulus gears of the respective epicyclic gear units, ' ion gear and an annulus gear, means including
and a planet carrier, means iixedly securing the a system of planetary pinion gears interconnect
planet carrier of a first of said units to the driven ing said sun and annulus gears for recombination
shaft, means xedly securing the planet carrier of their torques to urge rotation of said output
of the second of said units to the annulus gear shaft at a differential of speed resulting from
of said first unit, a three element hydrodynamic power rotation imparted to said sun gear at one
transmission unit having a driving element fixed speed and from power rotation simultaneously im
ly secured to the driving shaft, a driven element parted to said annulus gear at a speed at variance
xedly secured to the sun gear of said first plane with that of said sun gear, a second epicyclic
tary gear unit and a reaction element, means gear unit comprising a sun pinion gear fixedly
including a one-Way clutch connecting said reac 40 secured with the annulus gear of said gearing
tion element to the annulus gear of said second group, an output planet carrier rotatable with
planetary gear unit, means xedly securing the said output shaft and supporting planetary gears
sun gear of said second planetary gear unit to the rotatable thereon and in mesh with said sun pin
driving shaft, and means for selectively restrain ion, and an annulus gear in mesh with the same
ing rotation of said annulus gears. n planetary gears meshing With said sun pinion, re
3. A power transmitting system for intercon action braking means for selectively restraining
necting driving and driven shafts including, in rotation of said annulus gears, a hydrodynamic
combination, a pair of epicyclic gear units each transmission unit including a driving element
including a sun gear, an annulus gear, planet pin connected individually to be rotated by said in
ions each in mesh with both the sun and annulus 50 put shaft, a driven element connected with said
gears of the respective epicyclic unit, and a planet sun pinion of the first-named epicyclic gearing
carrier, said sun gears mounted for rotation rel group and a vaned reaction element, means in
ative to each other in either direction; means cluding a one-way clutch connecting said reac
ilxedly securing th planet carrier of the first of tion element to said annulus gear of the rst
said units to the driven shaft, means fixedly se 65 named epicyclic gearing group, whereby said hy
curing the planet carrier of the second of said drodynamic transmission unit may function
units to the annulus gear of said first unit, a either as a torque converter obtaining sustaining
three element hydrodynamic transmission unit reaction from an engaged condition of the reac~
including a driving element fixedly secured to tion braking means associated with said annulus
the sun gear of said second unit, a driven ele 60 gear or as a fiuid coupling, multiple speed ratio
ment fixedly secured to the sun gear of said means in parallel with said hydrodynamic trans
first unit, and a reaction element, means includ mission unit and adapted for individually rotat
ing a one-way clutch connecting said reaction ing the annulus gear of the first-named epicyclic
element to the annulus gear of said first epicyclic gearing group from said input shaft in either of
unit, selectively operable brake means for re 85 a plurality of forward driving speeds each divid
straining rotation of said annulus gears, and se ing the torque of said input shaft with said ny
lectively operable clutch means between the sun drodynamic transmission unit, actuation means
and annulus gears of said second unit for locking forsaid last-mentioned means, and control means
the elements of said second planetary gear unit for said actuation means arranged to select low
for unitary rotation. 70 and higher speeds of said multiple speed ratio
4. In `drive transmitting mechanism for mo means sequentially and alternately with the
tor vehicles, the combination including an engine braking means associated with said annulus gear
shaft, a load shaft, an epicyclic gearing group in of the rst-mentioned said gearing group.
cluding an input sun pinion gear, an annulus gear 6. In a power transmitting system, in combi
and an output planet carrier, the latter coupled 75 nation, a first shaft, a first tubular shaft concen
 2,272,001
l5 16'
trically encompassing an intermediate portion of and the annulus gear of said second epicyclic
said first shaft, a second tubular shaft concen unit intermediate said two units, and an outer
trically encompassing an intermediate portion of second tubular shaft encompassing an intermedi
said first tubular shaft,- said three shafts normally ate portion of said first tubular shaft and ccn
separated for rotation relative to each other, a neeted to rotate the sun pinion of said first epi
. pair of epicyclic gear units each having a sun cyclic unit, a clutch unit, the driving clutch ele
pinion gear and an annulus gear and a planet ment of which is fixedly rotatable with said outer
carrier supporting planetary gears rotatable tubular shaft and the driven clutch element oi'
thereon and meshing with both the sun pinion which is rotatable with the annulus gear of said
and annulus gears of the respective epicyclic unit, . first epicyclic unit.
the sun pinions of said gear units being separated 9. A variable speed drive mechanism compris
for rotation relative to each other, the sun pin ing coaxial first and second power transmitting
ion of the first of said epicyclic units rotatable shafts, said second shaft adapted for connection
with the inner of said shafts, the sun pinion of to the load, a power operated fiuid torque con
the said second epicyclic unit rotatable with the .. verter having impeller, reaction and driven mem
outer said tubular shafts, the planetary carrier bers, said driven member being fixed to rotate
of said second epicyclic unit rotatable with the with said first shaft, a sleeve-shaft mounted to
annulus gear of said first epicyclic unit, and rotate relative to and arranged encompassing an
means directly connecting the first tubular shaft intermediate portion of said rst shaft, a one
to the said fixed connection of the planetary car way coupling the first element of which is fixed
rier of said second epicyclic unit to the annulus to rotate with said sleeve-shaft, said sleeve-shaft
gear of said first epicyclic unit intermediate said and one-way coupling forming a train of abut
pair of units. ment connections connected at its inner end with
7. In a power transmitting mechanism, in said reaction member, first and second epicyclic
combination, a first shaft and a first tubular gearing groups each having an input element to
shaft concentrically encompassing an intermedi torque converting ratio therein, an output ele
ate portion of said first shaft and a second tu ment, a reaction element and a system of plane
bular shaft concentrically encompassing an in tary pinions, said input elements of said first
termediate portion of said first tubular shaft, `and second gearing groups separated for rota
said three shafts being each free to rotate rela tion relative to each other, the input element of
tive to each other, a planetary gear unit having the first of said gearing groups fixed to rotate
a sun gear fixedly secured to the outer tubular with said first shaft through which individually
shaft, and a carrier supporting planetary gears to be rotated by said driven member of said fluid
rotatable thereon and in mesh with said sun torque converter, means connecting the input
gear, a second epicyclic gear unit having an an 35 element of said second gearing group directly
nulus gear rotatable With the carrier of said first to said impeller in parallel to the driven mem
planetary gear unit and having a sun gear nor ber of said Suid torque converter, the reaction
mally free to rotate relative to the sun gear of element of said first gearing group connected
said first planetary gear unit and the second individually to be rotated from the output ele
tubular shaft, said sun pinion of the second ment of said second gea-ring group independently
epicyclic gear unit secured to the inner shaft, se of said first shaft, the output element of said
lective reaction braking means effective to hold first gearing group connected to rotate said sec
the planetary carrier of said first planetary gear ond shaft, said train of abutment connections
unit and annulus gear of said second epicyclic connected at its outer end with said connection
gear unit against rotation, means directly con 45 between the reaction element of said first gearing
necting the said first tubular shaft to the fixed group and the output element of said second
connection of the planetary carrier of said first gearing group, abutment means operable to hold
planetary gear unit and the annulus gear of said or release either the reaction member of said
second epicyclic gear unit intermediate said two first gearing group and said train of abutment
units, and a hydrodynamic power transmission 50 connections including the reaction member of the
unit having an impeller element directly con fiuid torque converter against rotation, or the re
nected with said second tubular shaft, said hy action member of said second gearing group, and
drodynamic unit further having a driven turbine means including a clutch operable to lock said
element directly connected with the said first train of abutment connections up to said second
shaft and a vaned reaction member connected 55 element of said one-way coupling to rotate with
rotatable at least in one direction with the inter said impeller while continuing said input ele
mediate tubular shaft. ments of the first and the second gearing groups
8. In a power transmitting system, in combina for rotation relative to each other unless the hy
tion, a pair of epicyclic gear units each having a draulic torque transmitting component coupling
sun pinion gear, an annulus gear and a carrier 60 said impeller and driven members of the fluid
supporting planetary gears rotatable thereon and torque converter attains absolute 1 to 1 ratio.
in mesh with both the sun pinions and the an 10. In compound power transmission systems,
nulus gears of the respective epicyclic unit, the the combination of a driving shaft, a driven
planetary carrier of the first of said epicyclic shaft, first and second epicyclic gear units each
units rotatable with the annulus gear of the 65 having revolvable input, output, and reaction
second of said epicyclic units, the sun pinion elements, the output element of the first of said
gears of each of said pair of epicyclic units units being fixed to rotate with the reaction ele
being normally uncoupled and free to rotate rel ment of said second unit, the input elements of
ative to each other, three normally uncoupled said two units being separated normally to ro
relatively rotatable concentric shafts comprising 70 tate relative to each other, means operatively
an inner first shaft rotatable with the sun pinion connecting the input element of said first unit to
of said second epicyclic unit, a first tubular shaft said driving shaft, brake means for selectively
encompassing an intermediate portion of said restraining the reaction element of one or the
first shaft and connected to the xed connection reaction element of the other of said two units
of the planetary carrier of said first epicyclic unit 76 against rotation, a hydrodynamic power trans
 2,572,007
17 18
mission unit having a vaned reaction member bine element and a reaction element, means se
and adapted to function either as a uid torque curing said impeller element to said driving shaft
converter or iiuid coupling, means including a in driving relationship, a differential gear unit
one-way coupling device connecting said vaned having a rotary output element and rst and
reaction member to the output element of said second rotary input elements, means operatively
first gear unit and the reaction element of said connecting> said output element and driven shaft
second gear unit, and means operable at will to in driving relationship, a one-way clutch op
connect the elements of said first gear unit to eratively connecting said reaction element to
rotate as a unit without so effecting the elements said first input element in driving relationship,
of said second gear unit. l0 means operatively connecting said turbine ele
11. In a power transmitting system, in com ment to the other of said input elements in driv
bination, a driving shaft, a driven shaft, a fluid ing relationship, a second differential gear unit
coupling including an impeller element, a turbine having a rotary output element and first and sec
element and a reaction element, means securing ond rotary input elements, means_operatively con
said impeller element to said driving shaft in 15 necting the output element of said second dif
driving relationship, a differential gear unit ferential gear unit to the first input element of
having a rotary output element` and first and said first differential gear unit, means operative
second rotary input elements, means operatively ly connecting said driving shaft to the first in
connecting said output element and driven shaft put element of said second differential gear unit,
in driving relationship, a one-way clutch op 20 means for selectively holding the first input ele
eratively connecting said reaction element to ment of said first differential gear unit and the
said first input element in driving relationship, second input element of said second differential
means operatively connecting said turbine ele gear unit against rotation, and means selectively
ment to the other of said input elements in operable at will for connecting the input elements
driving relationship, a second differential gear 25 of said second differential gear unit for rota
unit having a'rotary output element and first tion in unison.
and second rotary input elements, means op EVERETI R. BUR'I'NETT.
eratively connecting the output element of
said second differential gear unit to the first REFERENCES CITED
input element of' said first differential gear 30 The following references are of record in the
unit, means operatively connecting said driving file of this patent:
shaft to the first input element of said second
differential gear unit, and means for selectively UNITED STATES PATENTS
holding the rst input element of said first differ Number Name Date
ential gear unit and said second input element 35 2,127,655 Stromquist ______ __ Aug. 23, 1938
of said second differential gear unit against ro 2,135,246 Yoxall ___________ __ Nov. 1, 1938
tation. 2,162,785 Neracher _______ __ June 20, 1939
12. In a power transmitting system, in com- 2,176,138 Kelley __________ _- Oct. 17, 1939
bination, a driving shaft, a driven shaft, a fluid 2,324,713 McFarland ______ __ July 20, 1943
coupling including an impellerl element, a tur 40 2,353,905 Kelley __________ __ July 18, 1944