Torque transmitting apparatus

A power train between the engine and the wheels of a motor vehicle has a start-up component which receives torque from the engine and transmits torque to an infinitely variable transmission through a reversible torque transmitting apparatus. The transmitting apparatus comprises at least one planetary transmission, a first clutch which can be engaged to transmit torque from the start-up component and the planet wheel carrier of the planetary transmission to an input/output element, and a second clutch which can be engaged, when the first clutch is disengaged, to connect the internal wheel of the planetary transmission to a housing for the planetary transmission. The first clutch is mounted, at least in part, on the planet wheel carrier and the second clutch is mounted, at least in part, on the internal wheel of the planetary transmission.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention relates to improvements in torque transmitting 
apparatus. More particularly, the invention relates to improvements in 
torque transmitting apparatus which can be utilized with advantage in the 
power trains between the engines and the wheels of motor vehicles. Still 
more particularly, the invention relates to improvements in reversible 
torque transmitting apparatus which can be utilized between the output 
elements of engines and the differentials of motor vehicles. 
It is already known to utilize in motor vehicles reversible torque 
transmitting apparatus which employ planetary transmissions of the type 
having a sun gear or wheel, an internal gear or wheel, a rotary planet 
wheel carrier, and one or more planet pinions or wheels rotatably mounted 
on the carrier and mating with the sun wheel as well as with the internal 
gear. Reference may be had, for example, to German Pat. No. 34 24 856 C 2 
which discloses a start-up element serving to receive torque from the 
engine of a motor vehicle and to transmit torque to an input element of a 
reversible torque transmitting apparatus which employs a twin planetary 
transmission. The transmission is blocked while the vehicle is being 
driven in the forward direction. If the vehicle is to be driven 
rearwardly, the internal wheel of the transmission is braked to prevent 
rotation relative to the transmission housing, and the transmission then 
receives or transmits torque by way of its sun wheel. A drawback of the 
patented apparatus is that, when the vehicle is driven in a forward 
direction, the force which is to cause a clutch of the patented apparatus 
to block the planetary transmission, by connecting the planet wheel with 
the sun wheel, must be applied to a rotating shaft. This can be achieved 
by resorting, for example, to an antifriction ball or roller bearing or by 
resorting to a hydraulic rotary transmission. In either event, the 
patented apparatus operates with loss of power due to the development of 
drag torque. This results in a drop of the efficiency of the entire power 
train and contributes to higher fuel requirements of the engine of the 
motor vehicle. In addition, presently known reversible torque transmitting 
apparatus are rather bulky, expensive and prone to malfunction. 
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
An object of the invention is to provide a torque transmitting apparatus 
which is simpler and more reliable than heretofore known apparatus. 
Another object of the invention is to provide a reversible torque 
transmitting apparatus which can be utilized in the power trains of motor 
vehicles to increase the efficiency and reduce the energy requirements of 
the engines of such vehicles. 
A further object of the invention is to provide an apparatus which can be 
operated by simple, compact and inexpensive actuating means for its 
adjustable components. 
An additional object of the invention is to provide an apparatus which can 
be readily installed in the power trains of existing vehicles as well as 
in the power trains of new vehicles. 
Still another object of the invention is to provide novel and improved 
combinations of planetaries and clutches for use in the above outlined 
torque transmitting apparatus. 
A further object of the invention is to provide novel and improved clutches 
and combinations of clutches for use in the above outlined apparatus. 
Another object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved method 
of assembling certain constituents of the above outlined apparatus. 
An additional object of the invention is to provide novel and improved 
combinations of the above outlined novel reversible torque transmitting 
apparatus with start-up clutches and variable speed transmissions of motor 
vehicles. 
Still another object of the invention is to provide a reversible torque 
transmitting apparatus which can employ a simple, compact and inexpensive 
but highly reliable planetary transmission. 
A further object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved 
friction clutch for use in the above outlined apparatus. 
Another object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved 
multiple-disc clutch for use in the above outlined apparatus. 
An additional object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved 
method of transmitting torque from the engine to the front and/or rear 
wheels of a road vehicle. 
Still another object of the invention is to provide a power train which 
embodies the above outlined apparatus. 
A further object of the invention is to provide a motor vehicle which 
embodies the above outlined reversible torque transmitting apparatus. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
One feature of the present invention resides in the provision of preferably 
reversible torque transmitting apparatus which comprises at least one 
planetary transmission (hereinafter called planetary) including a rotary 
sun gear or wheel (hereinafter called sun wheel), an internal gear or 
wheel (hereinafter called internal wheel) which is coaxial with the sun 
wheel, at least one planetary gear or wheel (hereinafter called planetary 
wheel) in mesh with at least one of the parts including the sun wheel and 
the internal wheel, a rotary planet carrier (hereinafter called carrier) 
mounting the at least one planetary wheel and being coaxial with the sun 
wheel, and a rotary input/output element. The improved apparatus further 
comprises a first clutch, including means for coupling the carrier with 
the input/output element. The first clutch has engaged and disengaged 
conditions in which the first clutch respectively transmits torque between 
the input/output element and the carrier, and permits the input/output 
element and the carrier to rotate relative to each other. The apparatus 
also includes means for yieldably biasing the coupling means of the first 
clutch in the engaged condition, a housing which at least partially 
surrounds the planetary, and a fluid-operated second clutch including 
means for coupling the internal wheel with the housing. The coupling means 
of the second clutch can also assume engaged and disengaged conditions in 
which the second clutch respectively transmits torque between the internal 
gear and the housing and permits the internal gear to rotate relative to 
the housing. 
In accordance with a presently preferred embodiment, the housing at least 
partially surrounds the clutches and the second clutch further includes 
hydraulically operated means for actuating the coupling means of the 
second clutch. 
The apparatus can further comprise means for maintaining one of the 
coupling means in the engaged condition when the other coupling means is 
in the disengaged condition. The aforementioned biasing means can form 
part of such maintaining means. 
The maintaining means can include means for automatically disengaging one 
of the coupling means in response to engagement of the other coupling 
means, for example, for automatically disengaging the coupling means of 
the second clutch in response to engagement of the coupling means of the 
first clutch. 
At least a portion of the first clutch is or can be mounted on the carrier 
of the planetary, and at least a portion of the second clutch is or can be 
mounted on the internal wheel of the planetary. 
At least one of the clutches (e.g., the first clutch) can constitute or 
include a disc clutch, e.g., a multiple-disc clutch. 
The second clutch can constitute or include a friction clutch, and the 
coupling means of the second clutch can include two substantially 
disc-shaped members and a friction lining on at least one of the 
disc-shaped members. The two members can be coaxial with the sun wheel, 
and at least one of these members is preferably movable relative to the 
other member, at least in the direction of the common axis of the two 
members. The biasing means can be disposed between the two members (as 
seen in the direction of the common axis of the first and second members), 
and the biasing means can comprise at least one diaphragm spring. 
One of the members (e.g., the first member) can include means for 
transmitting bias from the biasing means to the coupling means of the 
first clutch, and the transmitting means can include a radially inner 
portion of the one member. 
The apparatus can also comprise means for axially movably and nonrotatably 
securing at least one of the members to the internal wheel. 
The two substantially disc-shaped members, the biasing means and the 
internal wheel can form part of, or can constitute, an assembly or module 
which is movable relative to the housing in the direction of the common 
axis of the two members. 
The internal wheel of the planetary can be mounted for movement between two 
end positions in the direction of the common axis of the sun wheel and the 
internal wheel. Such apparatus can further include means for at least 
substantially centering the internal wheel relative to the sun wheel in at 
least one of the two end positions of the internal wheel. The centering 
means can be designed to engage an external surface of the internal wheel, 
at least in the one end position of the internal wheel. The external 
surface can include a conical portion which is engaged by the centering 
means in the one end position of the internal wheel. A portion of the 
centering means can be provided on the carrier of the planetary, and such 
portion of the centering means can be of one piece with the carrier. The 
just mentioned portion of the centering means can include a centering 
surface on the carrier. 
In accordance with a presently preferred embodiment, the centering means 
comprises a centering surface on the carrier and resilient means for 
urging the internal wheel against such internal surface. The resilient 
means can comprise one or more diaphragm springs, and such resilient means 
can be disposed between the two substantially disc-shaped members (as seen 
in the direction of the common axis of the two members). The arrangement 
can be such that the resilient means reacts against at least one of the 
two members and urges the internal wheel against the carrier. 
The input/output element of the improved apparatus is rotatable in first 
and second directions, and the apparatus can further comprise a retainer 
which is engaged by the resilient means of the centering means, at least 
while the input/output element rotates in one of the first and second 
directions. The retainer can be connected with the carrier, and the 
resilient means is preferably arranged to engage the retainer only while 
the input/output element rotates in one of two directions. The resilient 
means of the centering means can be mounted in such a way that it reacts 
against each of the two members, at least in the direction of the common 
axis of the members. 
The coupling means of the second clutch can include at least one first 
friction lining, at least one second friction lining which engages the at 
least one first friction lining in the engaged condition of the coupling 
means of the second clutch, and resilient means for disengaging the first 
and second linings from each other in response to engagement of the 
coupling means of the first clutch. 
The first clutch can be disposed at a first radial distance and the second 
clutch can be disposed at a second radial distance from the axis of the 
sun wheel. For example, and if the construction of the two clutches is 
such that the coupling means of the first clutch includes first friction 
surfaces and the coupling means of the second clutch includes second 
friction surfaces, the first friction surfaces are disposed at a first 
radial distance and the second friction surfaces are disposed at a greater 
second radial distance from the axis of the sun gear. 
The improved apparatus further includes actuating means for engaging and 
disengaging the first and second clutches, and such actuating means can 
include a common hydraulically-operated cylinder and piston unit. The 
arrangement can be such that the cylinder and piston unit is disposed at a 
first radial distance and at least one of the clutches is disposed at a 
lesser second radial distance from the axis of the sun wheel. The friction 
surfaces of the coupling means forming part of the second clutch can be 
disposed at a third radial distance from the axis of the sun wheel, and 
the third distance can equal or at least approximate the first distance. 
The cylinder and piston unit can include a cylinder which is rigid with 
the housing, a piston which is reciprocable in the cylinder between first 
and second positions, and means for biasing the piston to one of the first 
and second positions. The biasing means can comprise one or more coil 
springs. 
The input/output element of the improved apparatus is rotatable in first 
and second directions, and the coupling means of the first clutch is 
engageable to transmit torque between the input/output element and the 
carrier to rotate the input/output element in the first direction. Such 
apparatus can further comprise means for transmitting torque between the 
carrier and the internal wheel of the planetary while the input/output 
element is being rotated in the first direction. 
The arrangement can be such that the coupling means of the second clutch is 
engaged when the input/output element is rotated in the first direction. 
Such apparatus can further comprise means for transmitting torque between 
the carrier and the sun wheel when the input/output element is rotated in 
the second direction. 
The apparatus is preferably constructed and assembled in such a way that it 
is devoid of idling positions. 
In accordance with a presently preferred embodiment, the improved apparatus 
can be put to use in the power train of a motor vehicle. The input/output 
element of such apparatus is rotatable in a first direction to drive the 
vehicle in a forward direction, and in a second direction to drive the 
vehicle in a rearward direction. The prime mover of the vehicle drives the 
internal wheel by way of the carrier. 
As mentioned above, the cylinder of the cylinder and piston unit forming 
part of the actuating means for the coupling means of the first and second 
clutches can be rigid with the housing, and the piston of such unit is 
preferably movable in the cylinder in response to admission of oil or 
another suitable hydraulic fluid into the cylinder by way of the housing. 
Another feature of the present invention resides in the provision of a 
power train which can be used in a motor vehicle and comprises a start-up 
element, an infinitely variable transmission including two sheaves or 
pulleys and an endless flexible element trained over the sheaves, at least 
one output element for transmission of torque to the front and/or rear 
wheels of the vehicle, and the aforedescribed reversible torque 
transmitting apparatus which can be installed to transmit torque to the 
output element by way of the infinitely variable transmission. The 
reversible torque transmitting apparatus of such power train can comprise 
at least one planetary including a rotary sun wheel, an internal wheel 
which is coaxial with the sun wheel, at least one planetary wheel in mesh 
with at least one of the parts including the sun wheel and the internal 
wheel, a rotary planet carrier rotatably supporting the at least one 
planetary wheel and being coaxial with the sun wheel, and a rotary 
input/output element. The torque transmitting apparatus further comprises 
a first clutch including means for coupling the carrier with the 
input/output element and having engaged and disengaged conditions in which 
the first clutch respectively transmits torque between the input/output 
element and the carrier and permits the input/output element and the 
carrier to rotate relative to each other, means for yieldably biasing the 
coupling means of the first clutch to the engaged condition, a housing 
which at least partially surrounds the planetary, and a fluid-operated 
second clutch including means for coupling the internal wheel with the 
housing. The coupling means of the second clutch can also assume engaged 
and disengaged conditions in which the second clutch respectively 
transmits torque between the internal wheel and the housing and permits 
the internal wheel to rotate relative to the housing. 
The start-up element of the improved power train can comprise a friction 
clutch, e.g., a disc clutch. Alternatively, the start-up element can 
comprise a hydrodynamic clutch, e.g., a clutch including or constituting a 
torque converter. The power train can also comprise a lock-up clutch for 
the hydrodynamic clutch. 
A further feature of the invention resides in the provision of a motor 
vehicle which comprises a start-up element and an infinitely variable 
speed transmission. The transmission includes two adjustable sheaves or 
pulleys and an endless flexible element (such as one or more endless 
chains or belts) trained over the sheaves, at least one rotary output 
element, and a reversible torque transmitting apparatus. 
The torque transmitting apparatus comprises at least one planetary 
including a rotary sun wheel, an internal wheel which is coaxial with the 
sun wheel, at least one planet wheel in mesh with at least one of the 
parts including the sun wheel and the internal wheel, a rotary planet 
carrier which rotatably supports the at least one planet wheel and is 
coaxial with the sun wheel, and a rotary input/output element. Such torque 
transmitting apparatus further comprises first and second clutches and a 
housing. The first clutch includes means for coupling the carrier with the 
input/output element and has engaged and disengaged conditions in which 
the first clutch respectively transmits torque between the input/output 
element and the carrier and permits the input/output element and the 
carrier to rotate relative to each other. A biasing means yieldably biases 
the coupling means of the first clutch to the engaged condition. The 
housing at least partially surrounds the planetary. The second clutch is 
fluid operated and includes means for coupling the internal wheel with the 
housing. The coupling means of the second clutch can assume engaged and 
disengaged conditions in which the second clutch respectively transmits 
torque between the internal wheel and the housing and permits the internal 
wheel to rotate relative to the housing. 
An additional feature of the present invention resides in the provision of 
an apparatus which comprises coaxial first and second clutches. The first 
clutch constitutes a disc clutch (e.g., a multiple-disc clutch) and 
includes an axially fixed input component constituting a planet wheel 
carrier of a planetary for use as a means for reversing the direction of 
advancement of a motor vehicle having an engine. The first clutch further 
comprises an axially fixed rotary output component, a first substantially 
disc-shaped member which is axially movably installed between the input 
and output components, a diaphragm spring having a first portion serving 
to move the first member axially, and discs which serve to establish a 
torque-transmitting connection between the input and output components in 
response to axial movement of the first member under the bias of the 
spring. The second clutch constitutes a brake and includes a second 
substantially disc-shaped member serving to connect an internal wheel of 
the planetary with a housing which at least partially surrounds the brake 
so that the internal wheel is held against rotation relative to the 
housing and against axial movement at least in the direction of the bias 
of the spring upon the first member. The diaphragm spring includes a 
second portion which bears against the second member. The internal wheel, 
the first clutch and the second substantially disc-shaped member together 
constitute an assembly or module which is stressed by the spring and is 
movable in the direction of the common axis of the first and second 
clutches. The clutch of the assembly (i.e., the first clutch) is engaged 
and the internal wheel of the assembly bears against an axially movable 
portion of the first clutch. The spring is disposed between the first and 
second members (as seen in the direction of the common axis of the first 
and second clutches) and each of the two members has a friction surface 
which faces away from the spring. The friction surface of the first member 
confronts a friction surface of a piston which is reciprocable in the 
direction of the common axis of the first and second clutches, and the 
friction surface of the second member confronts and is spaced apart from a 
friction surface of the housing. The piston is movable toward the friction 
surface of the housing in one direction of the common axis to thereby 
reduce the distance of the friction surface of the second member from the 
friction surface of the housing against the opposition of the spring until 
the friction surface of the second member engages the friction surface of 
the housing. The piston is thereafter movable in the same direction (i.e., 
in one of the directions of the common axis of the first and second 
clutches) against the opposition of the spring to thereby move the first 
member away from the discs of the first clutch with attendant 
disengagement of the first clutch. 
The apparatus further comprises a start-up clutch which connects the first 
clutch with the output element of the engine of the motor vehicle, and a 
variable-speed transmission which is connected with the output component 
of the first clutch. The piston is preferably movable against the 
opposition of the spring to a position in which the second clutch is acted 
upon exclusively by a hydraulic fluid in a cylinder which can form part of 
the housing for the planetary and confines the piston.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
Referring first to FIG. 1a, there is shown a portion of a power train 1 
which can be utilized in a motor vehicle to transmit torque from the 
rotary output element 2 (e.g., a crankshaft) of a combustion engine E to 
the input element of a variable speed transmission, here shown as an 
infinitely variable transmission including two adjustable sheaves 9, 12 
and an endless flexible element 16 (comprising, e.g., one or more belts or 
chains) which is trained over the sheaves. An infinitely variable 
transmission with two adjustable sheaves and an endless flexible element 
is disclosed, for example, in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 5,169,365 
granted Dec. 8, 1992 to Oswald Friedmann for "Power Train". The disclosure 
of the patent to Friedmann is incorporated herein by reference. 
The output element 2 of the engine can be said to constitute (or is 
connected with) the input element of the power train 1, and such input 
element serves to transmit torque to a start-up component 3 which can 
constitute a friction clutch or a disc clutch. It is also possible to 
employ a fluid-operated clutch, e.g., a hydrodynamic clutch (e.g., a 
Fottinger clutch or a torque converter). In such a case, illustrated in 
FIG. 1b, the start-up component 3 would further comprise a lock-up clutch 
which can establish a mechanical connection between the input and output 
elements of the torque converter to thus enhance the efficiency of the 
component 3. Still further, it is possible to employ a start-up component 
3 which includes or constitutes a magnetic coupling or any other start-up 
component which can be utilized to effect the transmission of torque from 
the output element of a prime mover (such as the engine E) to the input 
element of a reversible torque transmitting apparatus 4 which is shown in 
FIGS. 1a and 1b and serves to transmit torque from the component 3 to one 
of several gears forming part of a gear train 5. The purpose of the 
apparatus 4 is to transmit torque to the first gear 6 of the power train 5 
in a clockwise or in a counterclockwise direction, depending upon whether 
the motor vehicle is to be driven in a forward direction or in a rearward 
direction. The details of a presently preferred torque transmitting 
apparatus 4 (which can be assembled with the start-up component 3 to 
transmit torque from the engine E to the gear 6) will be fully described 
with reference to FIGS. 2a through 6. 
The illustrated gear train 5 comprises the aforementioned first gear 6 and 
a second gear 7 which mates with the gear 6 and transmits torque to a 
torque monitoring device 8. The gears 6 and 7 of the illustrated gear 
train 5 are spur gears; however, it is equally possible to employ a gear 
train having bevel gears or helical gears. Still further, it is possible 
to omit the gear train 5 or an equivalent torque transmitting unit, i.e., 
to transmit torque from the output element of the apparatus 4 directly to 
the torque monitoring device 8 or directly to the adjustable sheave 9 of 
the variable speed transmission that includes the sheaves 9, 12 and the 
flexible element 16. 
The torque monitoring device 8 employs a set of spherical elements flanked 
by ramps and can be constructed, assembled and operated in a manner as 
disclosed, for example, in published German patent application Serial No. 
42 34 294.5. 
The adjustable sheave 9 of the variable speed transmission which is shown 
in FIGS. 1a and 1b includes a fixedly mounted flange 10 and a second 
flange 11 which is coaxial with and is movable toward and away from the 
flange 10 as indicated by a double-headed arrow X. The flange 10 shares 
the rotary movements of the flange 11. The other sheave 12 also comprises 
an axially fixed rotary flange 13 and a second flange 14 which is coaxial 
and rotates with but is movable axially toward or away from the flange 13 
(note the arrow Y). The reference character 15 denotes the output element 
of the variable speed transmission and the output element of the 
illustrated portion of the power train 1. 
The endless flexible element 16 can comprise one or more endless V-belts, 
one or more endless chains or one or more endless belts assembled of links 
or the like. The ratio of the transmission including the sheaves 9, 12 and 
the element 16 can be changed by moving the axially movable flanges 11 or 
14 toward or away from the respective fixedly mounted flanges 10 or 13 to 
thus change the effective radius of the element 16. 
The power train 1 of FIGS. 1a and 1b renders it possible to infinitely vary 
the ratio of the RPM of the element 2 to the RPM of the element 15 within 
a desired range. Furthermore, the apparatus 4 renders it possible to 
reverse the direction of rotation of the element 15, i.e., to drive the 
motor vehicle in a forward direction or rearwardly. Such change in the 
direction of rotation of the element 15 can be achieved without changing 
the direction of rotation of the element 2. 
FIGS. 2a and 2b show a unit 17 which includes one presently preferred 
embodiment of the reversible torque transmitting apparatus 4 and one 
presently preferred embodiment of the start-up component 3. FIG. 2a 
illustrates the parts of the apparatus 4 in positions which they assume 
when the element 15 is to be driven in a first (forward or main) 
direction. The start-up component 3 is then open, i.e., it is idling. FIG. 
2b illustrates the parts of the apparatus 4 in the positions they assume 
when the element 15 is driven to rotate in a second (rearward) direction. 
At such time, the start-up component 3 is closed. Thus, a vehicle which 
embodies a power train 1 including the structure of FIGS. 2a and 2b can be 
driven in a forward direction when the parts of the unit 17 assume the 
positions shown in FIG. 2a but the vehicle is driven or can be driven 
rearwardly if the parts of the unit 17 assume the positions shown in FIG. 
2b. 
The apparatus 4 of FIGS. 2a and 2b comprises a housing 18 which further 
accommodates the start-up component 3 as well as the gear 6 of the gear 
train 5. The housing 18 includes a main portion or section and a cover 19 
which is affixed to the main portion by bolts 19a or other suitable 
fasteners. A sealing element 20 (e.g., an O-ring) is interposed between 
the main portion of the housing 18 and its cover 19 to seal the interior 
of the housing from the surrounding atmosphere. The radially innermost 
portion 21 of the cover 19 of the housing 18 surrounds an antifriction 
bearing 22 on the input element 2. The illustrated bearing 22 is an 
annular ball bearing with a single row of rolling elements and its inner 
race surrounds the corresponding portion of the input element 2. The outer 
race of the bearing 22 is held against axial movement relative to the 
element 2 by an internal shoulder or collar 23 of the cover 19 and by a 
split ring 24 which is received in an internal groove of the cover portion 
21. The inner race of the bearing 22 is also held against axial movement 
relative to the input element 2. To this end, the element 2 is provided 
with an external groove for a split ring 25 which is adjacent the 
left-hand axial end of the inner race (as viewed in FIGS. 2a and 2b), and 
the element 2 carries a dished retainer 26 which abuts the right-hand end 
face of the inner race of the bearing 22. The retainer 26 is held against 
any axial movement relative to the input element 2. A sealing element 27 
is provided to seal the space for the bearing 22 from the engine E (such 
engine is assumed to be located to the left of the unit 17 which is shown 
in FIGS. 2a and 2b). The illustrated sealing element 27 is a radial lip 
seal which is adjacent the split ring 25 and sealingly engages the 
corresponding portion of the element 2 as well as the adjacent portion of 
the cover 19. 
That end portion of the input element 2 which is remote from the engine E 
is surrounded by a movable bearing 28 and this movable bearing, in turn, 
is mounted in the adjacent part of the main portion of the housing 18. The 
bearing 28 which is actually shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b comprises a single 
annulus of cylindrical rolling elements between an inner race which 
surrounds the adjacent portion of the element 2 and an outer race axially 
movably received in the adjacent part of the main portion of the housing 
18. A split ring 29 is anchored in a groove in the external surface of the 
element 2 and abuts the right-hand end face of the inner race of the 
bearing 28. A further ring 68 is adjacent the left-hand end face of the 
inner race of the bearing 28 and is also mounted on the element 2 without 
any freedom of axial movement relative thereto. The outer race of the 
bearing 28 is snugly fitted into, but is free to move axially within, the 
adjacent part of the main portion of the housing 18. 
The input element 2 further carries a cupped driving or input flange 30 
which forms part of the start-up component 3 and is non-rotably affixed to 
the element 2 in such a way that the element 2 and the input member 30 
cannot rotate relative to each other. The member 30 is mounted in such an 
orientation that its bottom wall is remote from the engine E, i.e., its 
open end faces the cover 19 of the housing 18. The bottom wall of the 
member 30 includes a recessed central portion 31 which extends away from 
the engine E, as seen in the axial direction of the input element 2. The 
recessed portion 31 of the bottom wall of the member 30 is provided with a 
central opening for the corresponding portion of the input element 2; such 
portion of the input element 2 is welded or otherwise non-rotatably 
affixed to the member 30. The latter further includes a substantially 
cylindrical shell or wall 32 which extends from the bottom wall of the 
member 30 in a direction toward the cover 19 (i.e., toward the engine E) 
and is provided with axially parallel slots 33 alternating with axially 
parallel prongs 34. The prongs 34 of the shell 32 extend into recesses 35 
provided in the input discs or laminations 36 of the start-up component 3. 
The latter constitutes a multiple-disc clutch and the afore-described 
interdigitation of the prongs 34 and laminations or discs 36 renders it 
possible to ensure that the discs 36 can move axially of, but cannot turn 
relative to, the input member 30 of the start-up component 3. The 
reference character 37 denotes a lamination or disc which is remotest from 
the engine E, and the radially innermost portion of such disc abuts an 
external shoulder 38 on the shell 32 of the member 30. 
The input or driving discs 36 of the component 3 alternate with output 
discs or laminations 39 (as seen in the axial direction of the input 
element 2), and each lamination 39 carries two friction linings 40, one 
facing toward and the other facing away from the cover 19. It is equally 
possible to provide friction linings on the discs 36, 37 or to provide 
such friction linings on the laminations 39 as well as on the discs 36, 
37. 
The radially outer portions of the laminations 39 are provided with slots 
41 for the axially parallel prongs 42 of a cupped output member 45 of the 
component 3. The prongs 42 alternate with axially parallel slots 43 which 
are provided in the substantially cylindrical wall or shell 44 of the 
output member 45. The member 45 is similar to the member 30 and is 
dimensioned in such a way that it surrounds at least the major part of the 
member 30 in the radial and axial directions of the corresponding portion 
of the input element 2. The output member 45 further includes a 
substantially radially inwardly extending bottom wall with a centrally 
located recessed portion surrounding the adjacent portion of the input 
element 2. Such recessed portion of the bottom wall of the output member 
45 also extends axially of the element 2 in a direction away from the 
engine E, and the bottom wall of the member 45 is non-rotatably affixed to 
a rotary planet wheel carrier 47 by a set of bolts 46 or other suitable 
fasteners. The carrier 47 forms part of a planetary transmission 60 
(hereinafter planetary) which is installed in the main portion of the 
housing 18. 
An actuator 48 for the start-up component 3 is installed between the 
retainer 26 and the input member 30, and more specifically between the 
retainer 26 and the recessed portion 31 of the bottom wall of the member 
30 (as seen in the axial direction of the input element 2). The actuator 
48 includes a washer-like radially outer portion 49 which is slotted to 
receive the prongs 34 in such a way that the actuator 48 and the member 30 
cannot rotate relative to each other but are free to move relative to each 
other in the axial direction of the element 2. The actuator 48 further 
includes an axially extending portion or wall 50 which is located radially 
inwardly of the washer-like portion 49 and within the axially extending 
shell 32 of the input member 30. The portion 50 of the actuator 48 is 
provided with radially extending bores or holes 51 and extends from the 
portion 49 in a direction away from the engine E to merge into a radially 
inwardly extending portion 52 of the actuator 48. The portion 52 merges 
into an axially extending substantially cylindrical portion 53 which, in 
turn, merges into a radially inwardly extending washer-like portion 54 of 
the actuator 48. The portion 53 extends axially of the element 2 and away 
from the engine E, i.e., from the radially extending portion 52 to the 
radially extending portion 54, and the latter merges into a cylindrical 
portion 55 which extends from the portion 54 toward the engine E and 
surrounds the corresponding portion of the element 2. A sealing element 56 
(e.g., an O-ring) is installed in an external groove of the element 2 and 
sealingly engages the internal surface of the cylindrical portion 55. The 
aforedescribed mounting of the actuator 48 ensures that it is free to move 
axially of, as well as rotate on, the input element 2. 
The cylindrical portion 53 of the actuator 48 surrounds an annular cylinder 
chamber 57 which is bounded in part by the retainer 26, in part by the 
input element 2, in part by the cylindrical portion 55 of the actuator 48, 
in part by the radially extending portion 54 of the actuator 48, and in 
part by the axially extending portion 53 of the actuator 48. The chamber 
57 is sealed by the aforementioned sealing element 56 and a second sealing 
element 58 (e.g., an O-ring) which is installed in an external recess of 
the retainer 26 and sealingly engages the internal surface of the adjacent 
cylindrical portion 53 of the actuator 48. 
If the disc clutch which constitutes the start-up component 3 is to be 
closed or engaged, the chamber 57 receives pressurized fluid (preferably a 
hydraulic fluid, such as oil) so that the actuator 48 is moved axially of 
the input element 2 and away from the engine E until the radially 
outermost portion 49 of the actuator comes into abutment with the adjacent 
output disc or lamination 39. As the pressure of fluid in the chamber 57 
continues to rise, the portion 49 of the actuator 48 urges the laminations 
39 against the adjacent laminations or discs 36 and 37. As already 
described above, the disc 37 which rotates with the input member 30 bears 
against the external abutment 38 of the input member 30 so that the disc 
37 cannot move away from the engine E beyond the axial position which is 
shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b. When the component 3 is engaged, it can transmit 
torque from the input member 30 to the actuator 48 and hence to the output 
member 45. 
The component 3 is disengaged or deactivated in response to a reduction of 
fluid pressure in the chamber 57. This enables an energy storing element 
59 (which is stressed during admission of pressurized fluid into the 
chamber 57) to dissipate energy in order to return the actuator 48 to a 
starting position in which the input member 30 can turn relative to the 
output member 45 of the component 3. At the same time, the energy storing 
element 59 (here shown as a diaphragm spring) causes the actuator 48 to 
expel fluid from the chamber 57. The illustrated energy storing element 59 
is surrounded and preferably centered by the internal surface of the 
cylindrical shell 32 of the input member 30 and reacts against the bottom 
wall in the region surrounding the recessed portion 31. The radially inner 
portion of the element 59 bears against the adjacent surface of the 
radially extending portion 52 of the actuator 48 to urge the latter in a 
direction toward the engine E. FIG. 2a shows the component 3 in the open 
or disengaged condition, and the closed or engaged condition of such 
component is shown in FIG. 2b. Thus, that portion of the chamber 57 which 
is shown in FIG. 2b is filled with a pressurized fluid which causes the 
element 59 to store energy sufficient to ensure that the actuator 48 is 
pushed back to the axial position shown in FIG. 2a as soon as the pressure 
of fluid in the chamber 57 is reduced accordingly. 
The aforementioned planetary 60 forms part of the reversible torque 
transmitting apparatus 4 and the latter further comprises a first clutch 
61 and a second clutch 62. The first clutch 61 of the apparatus 4 which is 
shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b is a multiple-disc clutch, and the second clutch 
62 is a friction clutch which can be said to perform the function of a 
brake. The friction surfaces of the clutch 62 which is shown in FIGS. 2a 
and 2b are located radially outwardly of the friction surfaces of the 
clutch 61 and are provided in part on the main portion of the housing 18. 
The planetary 60 further comprises a sun gear or wheel 63 which, in the 
embodiment of the apparatus 4 shown in FIG. 2a and 2b, is of one piece 
with the first gear 6 of the gear train 5. The teeth of the gear 6 are 
spaced apart from the teeth of the wheel 63, as seen in the axial 
direction of the input element 2. FIGS. 2a and 2b show that the sun wheel 
63 and the gear 6 constitute two axially spaced-apart portions of a hollow 
tubular member or shaft 64 which is coaxial with and surrounds the 
adjacent portion of the input element 2. 
The shaft 64 is rotatable on needle bearings 65 and 66 (or other suitable 
antifriction bearings) which surround the input element 2. The arrangement 
is such that the bearing 65 is surrounded by the gear 6 and the bearing 66 
is surrounded by the sun wheel 63 of the shaft 64. The inner races of the 
bearings 65 and 66 are of one piece with the input element 2, and the 
outer races of these bearings are of one piece with the gear 6 and the 
wheel 63, respectively. 
A further needle bearing 67 (or another suitable antifriction bearing) 
surrounds the element 2 and is installed between the aforementioned ring 
68 and the adjacent end face of the gear 6 to act as a thrust bearing for 
the shaft 64. The ring 68 constitutes or includes one race and the shaft 
64 constitutes or includes the other race for the rolling elements of the 
needle bearing 67. Still another needle bearing 69 (which acts as a thrust 
bearing) is interposed between the left-hand end face of the hollow shaft 
64 and an annular member 70 which has a substantially L-shaped 
cross-sectional outline and surrounds a needle bearing 71. The latter 
surrounds the adjacent portion of the input element 2 to the left of the 
sun wheel 63, as viewed in FIGS. 2a and 2b. A further needle bearing 72, 
which performs the function of a thrust bearing, is interposed between the 
member 70 and a collar of the element 2. The needle bearing 72 surrounds 
the element 2 and the member 70 is rigidly connected to the carrier 47 of 
the planetary 60. 
The needle bearings 69, 71 and 72 do not comprise discrete pairs of races. 
Thus, one race for the thrust bearing 69 is of one piece with the shaft 64 
and the other race for this bearing is of one piece with the member 70. 
One race of the bearing 71 is of one piece with the input element 2 and 
the other race of this bearing is of one piece with the member 70. One 
race of the bearing 72 is of one piece with the member 70, and the other 
race of this bearing is of one piece with the aforementioned collar of the 
element 2. The member 70 and the parts (including the carrier 47 and the 
output member 45) which are connected thereto can rotate relative to the 
input element 2 as well as relative to the hollow shaft 64. 
A further needle bearing 73 (or any other suitable antifriction bearing) is 
interposed between the carrier 47 and the adjacent portion of the shaft 64 
to constitute a radial bearing between the sun wheel 63 and the gear 6. 
The races for the aforediscussed radial and thrust bearings can be of one 
piece with the parts between which the bearings are mounted, or such races 
can constitute films of suitable wear-resistant material which is applied 
to selected portions of the aforementioned parts. For example, the inner 
race for the radial bearing 71 can constitute a film of wear-resistant 
(metallic or plastic) material on the input element 2, and the outer race 
of the bearing 71 can constitute a film of wear resistant material on the 
internal surface of the member 70. Still further, it is possible to employ 
separately produced inner and/or outer races for the aforediscussed radial 
bearings and first and/or second races for the aforediscussed thrust 
bearings without departing from the spirit of the invention. A discrete 
left-hand race is shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b for the thrust bearing 72, and 
a discrete outer race is shown for the radial bearing 73. 
The carrier 47 of the planetary 60 supports several shafts 74 for planet 
pinions or wheels 76 and 77. Each shaft 74 is mounted in the carrier 47 as 
well as in the output member 45. To this end, the parts 47 and 45 are 
provided with recesses or bores for the respective end portions of the 
shafts 74. Each such shaft is surrounded by a needle bearing 75 for the 
respective planet wheel 76 or 77. The axes of the shafts 74 are parallel 
to the axis of the input element 2. Suitable disc-shaped distancing 
members (not referenced but shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b) are interposed 
between the ends of the bearings 75 on the one hand and the carrier 47 and 
output member 45 on the other hand. The illustrated needle bearings 75 do 
not have separately produced inner and/or outer races, i.e., the needles 
of such bearings are installed directly between the external surfaces of 
the respective shafts 74 and the internal surfaces of the respective 
planet wheels 76, 77. The aforementioned distancing members need not 
constitute separately produced parts; for example, they can be replaced by 
films of wear resistant material on the end faces of the planet wheels 76 
and 77, output member 45 and carrier 47. 
FIGS. 2a and 2b merely show a single planet wheel 76. Each planet wheel 76 
meshes with one planet wheel 77 (one indicated in FIGS. 2a and 2b by 
broken lines). The planet wheels 76 mate with the sun wheel 63 and the 
planet wheels 77 mate with the internal wheel 78 of the planetary 60. 
The carrier 47 includes a radially outwardly extending portion which merges 
into a frustoconical portion 79 which tapers toward the axis of the input 
element 2 in a direction away from the cover 19 of the housing 18. The 
frustoconical portion 79 of the carrier 47 merges into a cylindrical 
portion 80 which extends toward the cover 19 (i.e., toward the engine E 
which is assumed to be located to the left of the unit 17). The 
cylindrical portion 80 of the carrier 47 is provided with axially parallel 
prongs which alternate with axially parallel slots for the input discs or 
laminations 81 of the clutch 61. The cylindrical portion 80 of the carrier 
47 can be said to constitute the input member of the disc clutch 61. The 
clutch 61 further comprises output discs or laminations 82 which alternate 
with the laminations 81 provided in a substantially cylindrical portion 83 
of a substantially cup-shaped output member 84 of the clutch 61. The 
cylindrical portion 83 of the output member 84 surrounds the cylindrical 
portion 80, i.e., the input member, of the clutch 61. The cylindrical 
portion 83 of the output member 84 is also provided with axially parallel 
prongs which alternate with axially parallel slots, the same as the 
cylindrical portion 80. 
The output member 84 of the clutch 61 surrounds the planetary 60 as well as 
the remaining constituents of the clutch 61. The bottom wall of the 
substantially cup-shaped output member 84 includes several portions having 
different diameters, and this bottom wall tapers toward the axis of the 
input element 2 in a direction away from the cover 19, i.e., away from the 
engine E. The radially innermost portion of the bottom wall of the output 
member 84 of the clutch 61 is welded or otherwise reliably affixed to the 
hollow shaft 64, i.e., the member 84 shares all angular movements of the 
sun wheel 63 and gear 6. Such radially innermost portion of the bottom 
wall of the output member 84 is disposed between the gear 6 and the 
bearing 73, as seen in the axial direction of the input element 2. 
The internal wheel 78 of the planetary 60 is provided with a conical 
external centering surface 85 which tapers toward the axis of the element 
2 in a direction away from the cover 19 of the housing 18 and cooperates 
with the complementary conical internal centering surface 79 of the 
carrier 47 when the parts of the unit 17 assume the positions which are 
shown in FIG. 2a. 
The internal wheel 78 of the planetary 60 comprises an axially extending 
portion 86 which starts at the internal teeth of this wheel and extends 
toward the cover 19. A part of the portion 86 is provided with axially 
parallel prongs 87 alternating with axially parallel slots and being 
engaged by the adjacent portions of two substantially disc-shaped members 
88, 89 which extend radially outwardly from the portion 86. The members 88 
and 89 are shiftable axially of the input element 2, i.e., relative to the 
internal wheel 78, and the radially outer portions of these members flank 
a resilient element 90 here shown as a diaphragm spring. The radially 
inner portion of the spring 90 is centered by the member 89 and the 
radially outer portion of this spring bears against the adjacent radially 
outer portion of the member 88. The latter is further engaged by the 
radially outer portion of a second diaphragm spring 91. The distance of 
the radially outer portion of the spring 91 from the axis of the element 2 
equals or approximates the distance of the radially inner portion of the 
spring 90 from the element 2. A radially median portion of the spring 91 
abuts the adjacent portion of the member 89, and the radially inner 
portion of the spring 91 engages a stop 92 on the output member 45 of the 
component 3. FIG. 2a shows the radially inner portion of the spring 91 in 
actual abutment with the stop 92 of the output member 45 which can be 
considered to constitute a retainer for the spring 91. 
A split ring 93 is received in an internal groove of the axially extending 
portion 86 of the internal wheel 78 to determine the axial positions of 
the members 88, 89 and diaphragm springs 90, 91. 
Those surfaces of the substantially disc-shaped members 88 and 89 which 
face away from the diaphragm spring 90 are provided with friction linings 
94. In other words, those surfaces of the members 88, 89 which face away 
from each other and from the spring 90 can be said to constitute friction 
surfaces. The member 88 includes a pressure transmitting annular portion 
88a which can be of one piece with the member 88 or can constitute a 
separately produced part welded or otherwise affixed to the member 88. The 
annular portion 88a is adjacent the left-most lamination of the clutch 61 
to bias the laminations of the clutch 61 against each other (i.e., to 
engage the clutch 61) when the member 88 is biased in a direction to the 
right, as viewed in FIGS. 2a and 2b. The package of laminations forming 
part of the clutch 61 includes the laminations 81 and 82. 
The annular portion 88a of the disc-shaped member 88 also transmits the 
bias of the spring 90 to a lamination 95 of the clutch 61, i.e., the 
spring 90 can shift the lamination 95 axially of the input element 2 and 
away from the cover 19 of the housing 18. The axial movement of the 
lamination 95 away from the cover 19 is terminated when its radially inner 
portion reaches and abuts a stop 96 which is provided on the internal 
wheel 78 of the planetary 60. At such time, the conical external surface 
85 of the internal wheel 78 engages and is centered by the complementary 
conical internal surface of the frustoconical portion 79 of the carrier 
47. The internal wheel 78 is then centered relative to the carrier 47, 
hollow shaft 64 and input element 2. It will be seen that the internal 
wheel 78 is automatically centered in response to engagement of the clutch 
61, i.e., when the clutch 61 is in a condition to transmit torque to the 
output member 84. 
The clutch 62 which is shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b is a friction clutch having 
a counterpressure plate or disc 97 with a friction surface confronting the 
friction surface (lining 94) on the adjacent disc-shaped member 89. The 
counterpressure plate 97 is disposed between a stop of the housing 18 and 
an outer portion 98 of the cover 19 so that it is maintained in a 
predetermined axial position relative to the housing 18. In addition, the 
counterpressure plate 97 is held against rotation in the housing 18 by 
axially parallel pins or studs 99 each of which extends through the plate 
97 and each of which has an end portion extending into a blind bore or 
hole in the radially outer portion 98 of the cover 19. Each of the pins 99 
can be a press fit in the counterpressure plate 97 and in the radially 
outer portion 98 of the cover 19. The latter is non-rotatably affixed to 
the main portion of the housing 18. 
The friction clutch 62 further comprises an axially movable pressure plate 
or disc 100 having a friction surface confronting the friction surface 
(lining 94) of the disc-shaped member 88. The illustrated pressure plate 
100 is of one piece with a piston 101 forming part of an actuating device 
which serves to engage and disengage the clutches 61 and 62. The piston 
101 has an annular shape and is reciprocable in the adjacent portion of 
the housing 18, i.e., the main portion of the housing 18 constitutes a 
cylinder for the piston 101 and is part of the aforementioned actuating 
device which can engage and disengage the clutches 61 and 62. 
The piston 101 and the main portion or cylinder of the housing 18 define an 
annular cylinder chamber 102 which is filled with oil or another suitable 
hydraulic fluid and is sealed by two sealing elements 103, 104. These 
sealing elements prevent uncontrolled escape of hydraulic fluid from the 
cylinder chamber 102. The piston 101 is movable relative to the main 
portion or cylinder of the housing 18 in the axial direction of the input 
element 2 but cannot rotate in the cylinder. To this end, the piston 101 
(which has a substantially S-shaped cross-sectional outline)is provided 
with axially parallel extensions 105 which are reciprocable in 
complementary openings (e.g., windows or slots) of the counterpressure 
plate 97. 
The extensions 105 of the piston 101 serve as supports for coil springs 
107. These coil springs surround the respective extensions 105 at that 
side of the counterpressure plate 97 which faces away from the disc-shaped 
member 89, i.e., which faces toward the engine E. The illustrated coil 
springs 107 can be replaced with other types of resilient energy storing 
elements without departing from the spirit of the invention. Each spring 
107 is at least partially confined in a blind bore or hole 106 provided 
therefor in the radially outer portion 98 of the cover 19. These springs 
store energy or store additional energy when the piston 101 of the 
hydraulic actuating means for the clutches 61 and 62 is caused to move in 
a direction to the left, i.e., toward the cover 19 and the engine E. In 
other words, the springs 107 tend to move the piston 101 toward the 
right-hand end position which is shown in FIG. 2a. At such time, the 
cylindrical right-hand portion 108 of the piston 101 abuts an internal 
stop 109 in the main portion or cylinder of the housing 18. 
The manner in which the cylinder chamber 102 can receive pressurized 
hydraulic fluid from a pump or another suitable source through one or more 
passages in the main portion of the housing 18 and in which hydraulic 
fluid can be expelled from the chamber 102 is not specifically shown in 
FIGS. 2a and 2b. 
The unit 17 which is shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b operates in such a way that 
when the engine E drives the input element 2, the element 2 transmits 
torque to the start-up component 3. If the component (clutch) 3 is 
engaged, it transmits torque to the reversible torque transmitting 
apparatus 4 which, in turn, transmits torque to the gear 6 of the gear 
train 5. The gear 6 drives the gear 7 which transmits torque to the sheave 
9. 
It is also within the purview of the invention to reverse the positions of 
the start-up component 3 and the apparatus 4 in the power train 1 of FIG. 
1a and 1b, e.g., in such a way that the element 2 transmits torque to the 
apparatus 4 which then transmits torque to the gear 6 through the start-up 
component 3. The gear 6 drives the gear 7 which transmits torque to the 
output element 15 through the parts 9, 12 and 16 of the infinitely 
variable transmission shown in the right-hand portion of FIGS. 1a and 1b 
or another suitable transmission. 
It is further possible to utilize the gear 7 as an input element which 
transmits torque to the gear 6 of the gear train 5 and the gear 6 
transmits torque to the (output) element 2 through the start-up component 
3 and reversible apparatus 4. 
Still further, it is possible to install the unit 17 at another point in 
the power train 1, for example, downstream or behind the infinitely 
variable transmission including the adjustable sheaves 9 and 12. It is 
also possible to break up the unit 17 into a discrete start-up component 3 
and a discrete reversible torque transmitting apparatus 4. Moreover, the 
component 3 and the apparatus 4 need not be directly connected with each 
other. 
The manner in which the power train 1 of FIGS. 1a and 1b is to be operated 
in order to change the direction of rotation of the output element 15 
without changing the direction of rotation of the input element 2 will be 
described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6 and also with continuous 
reference to the unit 17 of FIGS. 2a and 2b. 
The start-up component (clutch) 3 is assumed to be engaged, i.e., it can 
transmit torque from the input element 2 to the output element 45 which, 
in turn, transmits torque to the carrier 47 of the planetary 60. 
FIG. 3 illustrates certain parts of the unit 17 in the positions they 
assume when the input element 2 is to drive the output element 15 in a 
forward direction, namely in a direction to move the vehicle utilizing the 
power train 1 forwardly. The mutual positions of the parts shown in FIG. 3 
correspond to those in FIG. 2a but with the start-up component 3 in the 
engaged condition. FIG. 6 shows certain parts of the unit 17 in positions 
which they assume when the input element 2 drives the output element 15 in 
the opposite direction, i.e., in a direction to move the vehicle 
rearwardly. The positions of the parts shown in FIG. 6 correspond to those 
shown in of FIG. 2b. 
Referring now to FIG. 3 in detail, the cylinder chamber 102 is or can be 
filled with a hydraulic fluid but such fluid is not pressurized so that 
the axially extending portion 108 of the piston 101 abuts the stop 109 at 
the internal surface of the main portion or cylinder of the housing 18. 
The bias of the coil springs 107 suffices to ensure that the piston 101 
remains in contact with the stop 109 whereby the pressure plate 100 (which 
is shown as being of one piece with the piston 101 ) maintains its 
(left-hand) friction surface out of contact with the friction surface 
(lining) 94 at the right-hand side of the disc-shaped member 88 which 
forms part of the clutch (brake) 62. Such construction of the unit 17 
ensures that the pressure plate 100 and the disc-shaped member 88 are kept 
out of frictional engagement with one another, i.e., one can avoid the 
development of drag torque. 
The diaphragm spring 90 tends to move the disc-shaped members 88 and 89 
axially of the input element 2 and away from each other. Thus, the 
radially inner portion of the spring 90 reacts against the member 89 and 
its radially outer portion biases the member 88 in a direction to the 
right, i.e., away from the member 89. This causes the pressure- or 
bias-transmitting portion 88a of the disc-shaped member 88 to bear against 
the adjacent package of laminations forming part of the clutch 61 so that 
the neighboring laminations of the package frictionally engage each other 
and the right-most lamination 95 is caused to bear against the internal 
stop 96 of the internal gear 78. The clutch 61 is ready to transmit 
torque. The split ring 93 secures the internal gear 78 to the disc-shaped 
member 88 so that the polygon of forces is closed. 
It will be seen that the disc-shaped member 89, the diaphragm spring 90, 
the disc-shaped member 88, the clutch 61 (with its lamination 95) and the 
internal gear 78 of the planetary together constitute a balanced assembly 
or module which is movable, in its entirety, in the axial direction of the 
input element 2. The means for moving the assembly or module in the axial 
direction of the element 2 includes the diaphragm spring 91. The radially 
inner portion of the spring 91 reacts against the stop 92 of the output 
member 45 and the radially outer portion of this spring bears against the 
radially inner portion of the disc-shaped member 88 to urge the member 88 
axially of the element 2 and away from the engine E. This causes the 
aforementioned assembly or module to move in the direction of the arrow I 
until the conical surface 85 of the internal gear 78 reaches and is 
arrested by the complementary conical surface of the frustoconical portion 
of the carrier 47. This entails automatic centering of the internal gear 
78 and of the entire module relative to the carrier 47, hollow shaft 64 
and input element 2. At such time, the diaphragm spring 91 is spaced apart 
from the disc-shaped member 89 in the axial direction of the element 2, 
i.e., the parts 89 and 91 cannot contact each other. 
When the aforementioned assembly or module reaches its right-hand end 
position (upon completion of the movement in the direction of the arrow 
I), the friction surface (lining) 94 of the disc-shaped member 89 and the 
friction surface of the counterpressure plate 97 are disengaged from each 
other. This prevents the development of friction between the member 89 and 
the counterpressure plate 97 which, in turn, prevents the development of 
drag torque. 
The engaged clutch 61 which is shown in FIG. 3 establishes a torque 
transmitting connection between the carrier 47 and the cup-shaped or 
drum-shaped output member 84. Thus, when the input element 2 drives the 
carrier 47, the engaged clutch 61 serves as a means for transmitting 
torque from the carrier 47 directly to the output member 84, i.e., to the 
pinion 6 which is welded or otherwise non-rotatably connected to the 
member 84. Accordingly, the RPM of the input element 2 then matches the 
RPM of the start-up component 3, planetary 60, clutches 61, 62, hollow 
shaft 64 and pinion 6 of the gear train 5. In other words, the sun wheel 
63, the planet wheels 76, 77 and the internal wheel 78 of the planetary 60 
cannot rotate relative to each other. Since the friction lining or linings 
94 on the disc-shaped member 88 are spaced apart from the pressure plate 
100 of the piston 101, and since the friction linings 94 on the 
disc-shaped member 89 are also spaced apart from the counterpressure plate 
97, the unit 17 operates with a high degree of efficiency because it 
prevents the development of drag torque. 
FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate two successive stages of the reversing procedure, 
and FIG. 6 illustrates certain parts of the unit 17 in the positions which 
they assume when the reversal of the direction of rotation of the output 
element 15 is completed, i.e., when the output element 15 rotates in a 
counterclockwise or in a clockwise direction if the engine E causes the 
input element 2 to rotate in a clockwise or in a counterclockwise 
direction. As can be seen in FIG. 4, pressurized fluid (e.g., oil) which 
fills the cylinder chamber 102 has caused the piston 101 to leave the 
axial position of FIG. 3 and to advance in the direction of the arrow II, 
i.e., the cylindrical right-hand portion 108 of the piston 101 is moved 
away from the internal stop 109 of the main portion or cylinder of the 
housing 18. As the piston 101 moves away from the stop 109 and toward the 
engine E, the coil springs 107 are caused to store energy or to store 
additional energy. The friction surface of the pressure plate 100 of the 
piston 101 engages the friction surface (linings) 94 at the right-hand 
side of the disc-shaped member 88. The positions of the member 88, clutch 
61, internal wheel 78, planet wheel carrier 47 and disc-shaped member 89 
relative to each other are still the same as shown in FIG. 3. Moreover, 
the bias of each of the diaphragm springs 90, 91 shown in FIG. 4 is the 
same as the bias of such springs when the parts of the unit 17 are held in 
the positions which are shown in the aforedescribed FIG. 3. 
If the admission of pressurized hydraulic fluid into the cylinder chamber 
102 continues, the parts of the unit 17 assume the positions which are 
shown in FIG. 5. Thus, the friction lining 94 of the disc-shaped member 89 
engages the adjacent friction surface of the washer-like counterpressure 
plate 97 but the mutual positions of parts in the assembly including the 
clutch 61, the internal wheel 78, the members 88, 89 and the diaphragm 
spring 90 still remain unchanged. However, the entire assembly or module 
has been shifted in the direction of arrow II beyond the axial position 
which is shown in FIG. 4. Such shifting of the assembly takes place 
against the opposition of the diaphragm spring 91 and the internal wheel 
78 is no longer centered because its surface 85 no longer contacts the 
complementary conical surface on the portion 79 of the carrier 47. This 
ensures that the internal wheel 78 is not centered at two different 
locations but is centered only by the clutch 62. The clutch 61 remains 
engaged due to the bias of the diaphragm spring 90. 
If the admission of pressurized hydraulic fluid into the chamber 102 
continues, the parts of the assembly 17 ultimately assume the mutual 
positions which are shown in FIG. 6. The piston 101 has been shifted 
axially of the input element 2 in the direction of the arrow II beyond the 
position which is shown in FIG. 5. This results in stressing of the 
diaphragm spring 90 because the disc-shaped member 88 has been moved 
toward the disc-shaped member 89. The flattened or substantially flattened 
diaphragm spring 90 stores a maximum amount of energy and permits a 
disengagement of the clutch 61. This interrupts the transmission of torque 
between the carrier 47 and the output member 84. The radially outer 
portion of the diaphragm spring 90 is moved toward the engine E due to 
axial movement of the member 88 toward the member 89 and a radially median 
or intermediate portion of the spring 90 comes into contact with the 
member 89 shortly before the member 88 reaches the axial position of FIG. 
6. The last stage of axial movement of the member 88 in the direction of 
the arrow II to the end position of FIG. 6 results in simultaneous 
stressing of the diaphragm spring 91 by the member 88 as well as by the 
member 89 so that the radially inner portion of the spring 91 moves away 
from the stop 92 of the output member 45. This is desirable and 
advantageous because such deformation of the spring 91 prevents the 
development of friction and hence the development of drag torque. This is 
due to the fact that the clutch (brake) 62 cannot establish a torque 
transmitting connection between the spring 91 and the housing 18 while the 
output member 45 rotates with the planet carrier 47. 
When the parts of the unit 17 assume the positions which are shown in FIG. 
6, i.e., when the vehicle embodying the illustrated power train is ready 
to move rearwardly, the planet carrier 47 rotates with the output member 
45, the clutch 61 is disengaged and the internal wheel 78 is held against 
rotation relative to the housing 18 because the clutch 62 is engaged. The 
transmission of torque takes place from the engine E and input element 2 
to the carrier 47 and thence to the planet wheels 76 and 77 which mate 
with each other. As the planet carrier 47 rotates about the axis of the 
element 2, the planet wheel or wheels 77 roll along the stationary 
(braked) internal gear 78 and drive the planet wheel or wheels 76 which 
transmit torque to the sun wheel 63. The rotating sun wheel 63 causes the 
gear 6 (which shares all angular movements of the sun wheel) to drive the 
gear 7 and the gear 7 drives the adjustable sheave 9 in a manner as 
already described with reference to FIGS. 1a and 1b. The gear 6 is driven 
to rotate in a direction counter to that when the parts of the unit 17 
assume the positions which are shown in FIG. 3. 
The ratio of the RPM of the gear 6 to the RPM of the same gear while the 
gear 6 is caused to rotate in the first (FIG. 3) and second (FIG. 6) 
directions, respectively, depends upon the transmission ratio of the 
planetary 60. All that is necessary to change the direction of rotation of 
the output element 15 (without changing the direction of rotation of the 
input element 2) is to regulate the pressure of hydraulic fluid in the 
cylinder chamber 102. Thus, if the pressure of fluid in the chamber 102 is 
reduced, the springs 107 are free to push the piston 101 from the axial 
position of FIG. 6 back to the axial position of FIG. 3, i.e., the 
movements of various parts of the assembly 4 are reversed until the 
clutches 61, 62 are respectively engaged and disengaged as shown in FIG. 
2a and in FIG. 3. Thus, one of the clutches 61, 62 is automatically 
engaged when the other of these clutches is disengaged. 
The improved torque transmitting apparatus 4, the improved unit 17 and the 
improved power train 1 are susceptible of numerous additional 
modifications without departing from the spirit of the present invention. 
As already mentioned above, the components of the power train 1 need not 
be assembled in the same sequence as shown in FIGS. 1a and 1b, and the 
unit 17 can be broken up into a discrete torque transmitting apparatus 4 
and a discrete start-up component 3. Still further, the illustrated 
planetary 60 can be replaced with any other suitable planetary. 
The member 84 can be said to form part of the clutch 61 and/or of the 
planetary 60. In the appended claims, the member 84 will be referred to as 
a discrete part of the reversible torque transmitting apparatus 4 or an 
equivalent apparatus. When engaged, the clutch 61 transmits torque between 
the input/output element 84 and the planet carrier 47. 
Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of 
the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, 
readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, 
from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential 
characteristics of the generic and specific aspects of my contribution to 
the art and, therefore, such adaptations should and are intended to be 
comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalence of the appended 
claims.