Patent ID: 6056659
Filing Date: 2000-05-02
Classification: F16D,F16H

Abstract:
A multiple-ratio transmission mechanism for transferring power from a vehicle engine to a torque output shaft comprising torque delivery gear elements in a transmission housing defining plural torque delivery paths;a motion clutch connecting selectively the engine to each of multiple torque delivery elements of the transmission mechanism;at least one first multiple roller coupling selectively connecting the torque delivery elements to a torque output side of the motion clutch;at least one second roller coupling connecting selectively the torque delivery elements to the housing, thereby providing a torque reaction brake for the transmission mechanism for each torque-multiplying torque delivery path;each coupling comprises concentric inner and outer coupling races, the inner and outer races for each coupling having rollers disposed between them the outer race having an inner surface with external, peripherally spaced recesses formed therein and the inner race having an outer surface with external, peripherally spaced recesses formed therein, the inner race surrounding one of the torque delivery elements; the internal and external recesses defining ramps that are engageable by the rollers; the inner race being split to define split ends with a gap therebetween;a fluid pressure chamber partly defined by each inner race; andfluid pressure actuators communicating with each pressure chamber to selectively pressurize the pressure chamber to establish and disestablish frictional engagement of the inner race and the torque delivery element, thereby selectively locking and releasing the torque delivery element as the inner and outer races shift angularly, one with respect to the other, causing the rollers to engage the ramps.