Power Flow In 3RD Gear Function

Fig 1: Power Flow In 3rd Gear Function

Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ OF NORTH AMERICA.

Principal of power transmission in 3rd gear

Torque from the torque converter is increased via the propeller shaft (1) and the center planetary gearset and transferred to the output shaft (5).

The following are not engaged:

• Front multi-disc brake (B1).
• Center multi-disc brake (B3).
• Freewheel F1.
• Freewheel F2.
• Rear multi-disc clutch (K3).

Front Planetary Gear Set 

The planet carrier (V3) and sun gear (V1) are rigidly connected to each other via the engaged front multi-disc clutch (K1). The planetary gearset is therefore blocked and turns as a closed unit at the input speed due to the mechanical connection of the ring gear (V4) and propeller shaft.

Rear Planetary Gear Set 

The center multi-disc clutch (K2) is engaged and transmits the input speed of the input shaft (1) to the planet carrier (H3) via the hollow gear (M4). The ring gear (H4) turns in the same way as the planet carrier (H3) due to the mechanical connection with the locked front planetary gearset. This planetary gearset is therefore locked and turns as a closed unit.

Center Planetary Gear Set 

The hollow gear (M4) rotates at input speed due to the engaged center multi-disc clutch (K2). The sun gear (M1) is supported in the housing via the multi-disc brake (B2). The planet gears (M2) roll over the fixed sun gear (M1) and provide an increase in torque between the internal gear (M4) and the planet carrier (M3). the output shaft (5) connected to the planet carrier (M3) turns at a reduced speed in the running direction of the engine.

1. Torque Converter, Location/Task/Design/Function
   
   See TORQUE CONVERTER, LOCATION/TASK/DESIGN/FUNCTION  .
2. Planetary Gear Set, Location/Task/Design/Function
   
   See PLANETARY GEAR SET, LOCATION/TASK/DESIGN/FUNCTION  .
3. Multiple-Disc Brake, Location/Task/Design/Function
   
   See MULTIPLE-DISC BRAKE, LOCATION/TASK/DESIGN/FUNCTION  .
4. Multi-Plate Clutch, Location/Task/Design/Function
   
   See MULTI-PLATE CLUTCH, LOCATION/TASK/DESIGN/FUNCTION  .