Infinitely variable ratio automatic transmission - has two torque converters in series and connected by epicyclic gearing

摘要

The automatic vehicle gear change mechanism comprises an input shaft (1) connected through a first torque converter (2) to a sun gear (5). Planet gears (6) meshing with the sun gear are supported by a carrier (7) connected by a freewheel (4) to stationary structure. At low input speeds the planets rotate an internally toothed gear connected to the housing (9) of a second torque converter to which housing is secured an output shaft (10). The planets have a carrier connected to the rotor (13) of the second converter. As input speed rises the speeds of the rotor and housing of latter converter tend to equalise and thereby establish 1:1 transmission ratio.