Ford Global Technolgoies, LLC

Ford Motor Company Limited

Rolf Lequis

Hartmut Deidewig

Gerd Adams

Ernie DeVincent

The invention relates to a power split drive train that includes a variable speed ratio path and a fixed speed ratio path. An epicyclic gearset, driven at two inputs, one input continually connected to the variable path, combines the power from the fixed path and variable path. A coupler driveably connects one of the gearset inputs alternately to the fixed path and the variable path. With the coupler connecting the fixed path and the gearset input, the speed ratio of the variable speed ratio path varies over a range that produces a stepless range of reverse speed ratios, geared neutral and a stepless range of forward speed ratios. With the coupler connecting the variable path and a gearset input, the speed ratio of the variable speed ratio path varies over a range that produces higher speed ratios in forward drive.

Power split transaxle for producing stepless reverse, forward and geared neutral speed ratios

In a change-speed gearbox or motor vehicles with a front molted transverse drive unit comprising a change-speed gearbox in line with an engine and a final drive (10) which is driven by the output gearwheel (9) of the change-speed gearbox and has its main axle mounted in the gearbox housings 1, 2, the final drive (10) is a bevel gear right-angle drive consisting of a crown wheel (11) and a pinion (12) and the crown wheel (11) is arranged on an axle member (13) consisting of the same material as the gearbox housings.

Growing community of inventors

Hennef, Germany

Rolf Lequis