Operation

OPERATION





The annulus gear (1) and sun gear (3) elements of a planetary gear system are alternately driven and braked by the actuating elements of the multi-plate clutch and multiple-disc brake. The planetary pinion gears (2) can turn on the internal gearing of the annulus gear (1) and on the external gearing of the sun gear (3). This allows for a variety of gear ratios and the reversal of the rotation direction without the need for moving gear wheels or shift collars. When two components of the planetary gear set are locked together, the planetary gear set is locked and turns as a closed unit.

The torque and engine speed are converted according to the lever ratios and the ratio of the number of teeth on the driven gears to that on the drive gears, and is referred to as the gear ratio. The overall ratio of a number of planetary gear sets connected in series is obtained by multiplying the partial ratios.