Patent ID: 8113981
Filing Date: 2012-02-14
Classification: F16H

Abstract:
1. A multi-speed transmission comprising: an input shaft; an output shaft; a first power transmission module driven by said input shaft; a second power transmission module driven by said first power transmission module; and a third power transmission module driven by said second power transmission module and driving said output shaft, each power transmission module including an actuation mechanism and a planetary gearset, each actuation mechanism being operable to control the output of its respective planetary gearset to one of a first gear ratio and a second gear ratio, wherein one of said actuation mechanisms includes a rotary plate, a clutch and a spring, the spring biasing the rotary plate to rotate and cause a corresponding actuation of said clutch, said clutch causing two members of said respective planetary gearset to rotate at substantially the same speed and provide said first gear ratio, said actuation mechanism further being operable to selectively restrict said rotary plate from rotating and prevent actuation of said clutch to provide said second gear ratio.