EP1831577A2

EP1831577A2 - Variable speed drive

Info

Publication number: EP1831577A2
Application number: EP05826449A
Authority: EP
Inventors: José Furtado; Albert Muller
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-12-24
Filing date: 2005-12-23
Publication date: 2007-09-12
Also published as: WO2006067763A3; US20080093191A1; WO2006067763A2

Abstract

The invention concerns a novel type of variable speed drive different from those of prior art in that it does not comprise any gear and in that the speed variations are continuous.

Description

Speed variator

Field of the invention

The present invention is in the field of mechanical systems for varying the speed of rotation of an output axis, said secondary axis relative to the rotational speed of an input motor axis, said primary axis.

State of the art

Mechanical systems are known, for example speed boxes, where the speed of rotation of a secondary axis with respect to a primary axis is adjusted by means of gears. In such a case, for example for the gearbox of a car, the user can choose, manually, the report that best corresponds to its speed of movement. With a manual gearbox, each gear is manually selected by the driver, disengaging in order to be able to change the speed by means of a lever and gear so that the vehicle can then be advanced by means of its engine. Although considered perfectly normal today, these maneuvers take time and require some concentration. Such maneuvers are also often difficult to carry out by young drivers or by the elderly which can make their driving dangerous. Finally, the parts needed to make gearboxes are rather complex and require maintenance. The clutch is typically a wear part that must be changed regularly.

It is also known in the automotive field to build automatic boxes that simplify the activity of the driver in that it no longer needs to worry about the choice of a report box. These automatic boxes either include a mechanism that handles automatically the clutch, which has the consequence that the architecture of the box is the same as a manual gearbox, or they contain a torque converter (hydraulic) that chooses the appropriate gear. A disadvantage of such boxes is their size quite large, in any case higher than traditional manual boxes and makes them heavier, hence generally higher fuel consumption.

There are still, in the state of the art, continuously variable speed boxes which use metal transmission belts mounted on two pulleys, one linked to the primary shaft, the other to the secondary shaft. By removing the two faces of the pulley, modifies the diameter around which the belts pass. Thus, by varying the relative diameters of the two pulleys, the relationships between the two shafts and the relative speed of rotation of the shafts can be changed continuously. A major disadvantage of this system is its fragility, especially in terms of transmission belts which limits the power it is able to transmit. Indeed, such boxes have been used only on small cars.

Summary of the invention

Thus, an object of the invention is to improve the known systems.

More particularly, an object of the invention is to provide a simple system that can easily be used manually or automatically to vary the speed between two elements.

For this purpose, the present invention relates to a new type of speed variator which differs from the state of the art in particular in that it does not include a gear.

The device according to the invention, when used as a gearbox, is designed to relieve the repetitive exercises of the lever maneuver. -18/22

speed, regardless of the mechanism used to manage speed (manual or automated).

The device according to the invention preferably comprises pistons, inclined planes, orifices, a primary axis, a secondary axis, and a casing adapted to contain a liquid, preferably a lubricant. It is easy to build and inexpensive.

More precisely, the device according to the invention comprises according to a first embodiment: a primary axis end comprising two inclined planes arranged obliquely with respect to the main direction of the primary axis, a secondary axis end disposed in the extension of the end of the primary axis, a block of cylinders arranged around the end of the primary axis and between said inclined planes, said block being secured to the secondary axis, each cylinder wall having the less an orifice connecting the inside of the cylinder with the outside, a set of pistons disposed in said cylinders, so that the race path of the pistons is limited by said inclined planes, - an annular element slidably mounted around the block of cylinders so as to momentarily close said orifices, means for moving said annular element along the block of cylinders so as to allow a total, partial or total opening of said orifices; all the aforementioned elements being contained in a casing adapted to contain a liquid, for example oil.

The device according to the invention can be used in various fields, in particular in the automotive industry. In this case, it has the following advantages: -17/22

Increase in speed without stopping until the vehicle has reached the maximum of its performance, and this, continuously;

It is not necessary to disengage;

There is no dead time, which results in a saving of energy; - He has no gear;

It can be mounted in addition to a standard speed box, or be integrated therein;

It can be manually controlled automatically, eg by an electronic brain operated on the steering wheel; - It can be used as a self-locking bridge.

The device according to the invention has been designed to spare the driver both physically and mentally in his maneuvers to change gears, allowing him to focus more on the driving of the vehicle instead of having to search, think and choose which position to operate with the control lever, which is never at the same point.

The present invention is not strictly speaking an automatic transmission gearbox, even if such an object has been designed for the same purpose. In automatic transmission gearboxes, hydraulic torque converters have the drawbacks of taking the driver away from mastering the regulation of the engine speed and the free choice of the gear he would like to engage, as well as the demand and consumption of the engine. a lot of energy each time you start. In addition, this type of automatic transmission can not be adapted to a vehicle with clutch and traditional mechanical gearbox.

The invention also aims to allow simple and quick adaptation to any conventional box and clutch vehicle, and to let the driver control the engine speed and the free choice of the report to engage, pledges a greater finesse in exploiting the power of the engine -16/22

and greater flexibility in shifting, while preserving the natural existence of the engine brake.

By this device, the driver, even tired, does not hesitate to make the most of the power available by choosing the appropriate gear, while he often gives up the change of the traditional lever leaving the engine to trouble or turn a which power is only 50% exploited.

Variations may be made depending on the type of vehicle to be equipped, the desired degree of automation and the desired gearshift maneuvering process.

In aeronautical construction, the device according to the invention can serve as a reduction gear of the turbine relative to the propellers, thus replacing traditional gearbox noisy with its chains and gears. It can be said that it is a kind of silent reducer.

In the industrial field in general, it can be used as a reducer for electric motors and / or as a multi-application accessory for the development and equipment of conventional machines. Depending on the degree of automation desired and the process to be applied, it offers another productive capacity.

The invention can also be used as a self-locking mechanism, for example in a vehicle. By mounting it on each transmission shaft of a wheel can thus act on the ratio between said shaft and the wheel. If one of the wheels slips (a behavior conventionally measured through rotation sensors, for example the so-called ABS system), it is possible to reduce the ratio or even to eliminate any transmission of torque to this wheel and to transfer the torque to another wheel (or other wheels in the case of a 4-wheel drive vehicle or more). -15/22

The dimensions of the device according to the invention will always be determined according to the power of the engine. Likewise, the viscosity of the liquid, for example oil, can be chosen according to the application.

The control can be manual, through a simple lever acting on the annular element, or use an assisted device. By way of non-limiting example, the assisted device may comprise an electric control (for example manual as a potentiometer) placed on the steering wheel and associated with an actuator acting on the annular element, either by an electric control, or pneumatic or still hydraulic.

The device can operate: with one or more pistons, - with a single rod, double or more, with one or more inclined planes, by elliptical rotation, or eccentric, in a bath of oil or other liquid.

Brief description of the figures

The invention will be better understood below by means of the description of non-limiting embodiments illustrated by a series of figures in which

Figure 1 shows a schematic side sectional view of the variator according to the invention.

Figure 2 shows another sectional view of the variator according to the invention.

Figures 3A and 3B show two views of the cylinder block.

Figures 4A and 4B show two views of the end of the secondary axis. -14/22

Figure 5 shows a side view of the end of the primary axis.

Figure 6 shows a sectional view of an inclined plane of the primary axis.

Figure 7 shows a side view of a piston.

Figure 8 shows a sectional side view of a locking ring.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate an exemplary flange of the variator.

Figures 10A and 10B illustrate the drive housing.

Figs. 11A and 11B show two views of a portion of the drive control.

Figure 12 shows an overall plan of the speed control.

Figure 13 shows a partial sectional side view of the drive control.

Figure 14 shows a front view of the drive control lever.

Figures 15 to 24 are perspective views of the variator according to the invention.

Figure 25 illustrates a second embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 26 illustrates a third embodiment of the invention.

Figure 27 illustrates a variant of the third embodiment of the invention. -13/22

The first embodiment illustrated in Figure 1 (simplified diagram) and Figures 2 to 24 comprises a housing 1 in which is housed the end of a primary axis 3, the end of a secondary axis 4 located in the extension of the primary axis 3 and a cylinder block 13 fixed at the end of the secondary axis 4. The end of the primary axis 3 comprises a first inclined plane 11 and a second inclined plane 12.

The second inclined plane 12 is secured to the primary axis 3 by means of a set of orifices 21, 22 and a rod (not shown) connecting them.

Each cylinder of the block 13 comprises a chamber 7 in which a piston 8 can move. The first end of the piston 9 is located on the side of the first inclined plane 11 and the second end of the piston is on the side of the second inclined plane 12.

Each chamber 7 is in communication with the casing 16 via one or two orifices 6, 18. An annular element 5 is slidably mounted around the cylinder block 13. Its displacement is effected by actuating a handle 2 moving on a support 15. Alternatively, the displacement of the annular element 5 can be achieved by means of an electronic brain (not shown).

Depending on the position of the annular element 5, the orifice or orifices 6, 7 are open, partially open or closed.

The housing 16 and the chambers 7 of the cylinder block 13 contain a liquid, eg oil.

The device works as follows:

When the orifices 6.18 of the cylinder block 13 are closed, the liquid present in the chambers 7 can not leave the cylinders. The liquid being incompressible, the pistons can not move in the chambers 7. As a result, the assembly formed by the primary axis 3, the inclined planes 11, 12, the cylinder block 13 and the secondary axis 4 form a whole that is driven by the primary axis 3. In this case, therefore, the rotation speed of the secondary axis 4 is identical to the speed of rotation of the primary axis 3. -12/22

When the orifices 6.18 of the cylinder block 13 are completely open, the liquid can flow freely between the chambers 7 of the cylinders and the chamber of the casing 16. The pistons 8 can therefore move freely in the chambers 7. When a turn of primary axis 3, the pistons 8 make a complete round trip. As a result, the cylinder block 13 is no longer driven by the primary axis 3. In this case, therefore, the rotational speed of the secondary axis is zero.

When the orifices 6,18 of the cylinder block 13 are partially open, the liquid present in the chambers 7 of the cylinders still offers some resistance to the movement of the pistons 8. This resistance is even higher when the orifices are almost closed .

As a result, the cylinder block 13 is only partially driven by the primary axis 3. More precisely, like a soap that slides between the hands, the first inclined plane 11 "slides" on the first ends 9 pistons 8.

Depending on the opening level of orifices 6.18, the sliding is more or less accentuated.

In this case, therefore, the speed of rotation of the secondary axis 4 is less (but not zero) to the speed of rotation of the primary axis 3. The greater the opening of the orifices 6.18, the greater the rotation speed of the secondary axis

4 is weak.

The speed variations are therefore linear.

Expressed differently, the pistons are actuated in the cylinders through the primary axis and inclined planes. These have inclinations in proportion to the stroke of the pistons in the compression chamber. This determines the speed of rotation of the drive to the other axis. The variation of compression is determined with respect to the opening or closing of the orifices of the cylinder chamber. -11/22

In Figure 2, a variant of the first embodiment is shown with corresponding numerals. In this variant, a ball bearing 23 and a plate 24 have been added to the inclined plane 11. This makes it possible to reduce the wear on the surface of the inclined plane 11 and the first end of the pistons 9 by friction. In this variant also, the handle support 15 can slide at its two ends in openings 25 in each flange 26 of the housing 1 containing the drive, in which openings can be provided bearings. Each of these flanges 26 supports a bearing 27 through which pass the primary shaft 3 and the secondary shaft 4.

In FIGS. 3A and 3B, there is shown, respectively, a sectional view and a front view of the cylinder block 13. This block therefore comprises a series of cylinder chambers 5 (six in FIG. 3B) distributed around its axis. It is clear that this number can be varied, that is to say that one can use less than six rooms or more. This FIG. 3B also shows the threaded orifices 19 enabling the end 14 of the secondary axis 4 to be screwed onto the cylinder block 13.

In the section of Figure 3A, each cylinder chamber 7 comprises two orifices 6 and 18 which allow the evacuation of the liquid according to the operating principles of the invention described above. The invention can also operate with a single orifice per chamber or more than two. At the bottom of the chambers 5 are openings 28 for the passage of the second piston ends 10 (see also Figures 1 and 2) in which O-ring type gaskets (not shown) are provided for sealing.

In FIGS. 4A and 4B, there is shown a front view (FIG. 4A) and a sectional view (FIG. 4B) of the end 14 of the secondary axis 4. This end 14 is formed of a sort of cage comprising a plurality of orifices 17 intended to receive screws fixing this end to the cylinder block 13 (by the -10/22

threads 19). In this cage is also preferably a ball bearing 29 in which rests the end of the primary axis.

In Figure 5, there is illustrated a side view of the primary axis according to the invention. On one side (on the right of the figure), this axis comprises for example a fluted portion and then (going to the left of the figure) an inclined plane 11.

As indicated above, a bearing 11 is preferably added in this plane.

23 and a plate 24 to reduce the wear of the ends of the pistons 9 and the inclined plane. At the other end, this axis ends with a contact zone 20 between the axis and the second inclined plane 12 which is fixed to the axis 3 by a pin cooperating with an oblong hole 21.

FIG. 6 shows an example of a second inclined plane 12 intended to be mounted on the primary axis 3 on the contact zone 20 (see FIG. 5).

An exemplary embodiment of the piston 8 is illustrated in FIG. 7. This comprises a first end which is intended to come into contact with the inclined plane 11 or the plate 24, a body and a second end 10 which is intended to come into contact with each other. contact with the second inclined plane 12. In the central part of the body, at least one groove 30 is provided for receiving a sealing means, for example an O-ring (not shown).

FIG. 8 shows in section an embodiment of the locking ring 5 of the orifices 1, 18. This ring notably comprises a groove 31 in which a control element is housed by which the displacement of said ring 5 is carried out. In addition, an inner groove 32 may be provided to house a sealing means such as an O-ring (not shown).

Figures 9A and 9B illustrate examples of flange 26 for closing the housing 1 of the drive (see Figures 10A and 10B). These flanges 26 comprise a series of holes 35 on their circumference which allow their attachment to the housing by means of screws. Flanges include -9/22

also an opening 25 for receiving the end of the handle support 15 (see Figure 2 for example). The center of the flanges 26 is open and can receive a ball bearing 27, as shown in FIG.

An example of housing 1 is shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B (front view in FIG. 10A and partial side view in FIG. 10B). This casing 1 comprises a series of tapped holes 36 corresponding to the holes 35 of the flanges 26 for fixing them by screwing, for example on the casing 1.

Figures 11A and 11B illustrate two views of an example of an actuating element 33 of the ring 5. This element 33 has the shape of a horseshoe and is intended to fit into the groove 31 of the locking ring 5. Means for fixing the element 33 to the ring 5 may be provided.

Figure 12 shows a front view in partial section of the mounted device. In the housing 1 there is the cylinder block 13 containing pistons 8 in the chambers 7, around the block 13 the locking ring and its actuating element 33.

Figure 13 shows a schematic side view in partial section of the drive controller control system. It comprises at least one handle support 15 with a socket 34 to which the control handle 2 is fixed. The support 15 is attached to the actuating element 33 which itself is inserted in the groove 31 of the ring 5 which allows the displacement of the ring on the cylinder block 13 and the opening or closing of the orifices 6, 18.

Figure 14 schematically shows the control handle 2 which has the shape of an "L" and which fits into the handle support 15 (see Figures 2 and 13).

Figures 15 to 24 are perspective views of the variator according to the first embodiment. In these views, the elements corresponding to the elements -8/22

described above in relation to FIGS. 1 to 14 are identified with the same reference numerals.

In Figures 15 and 16 in particular, the locking ring is not mounted in the clear view of the orifices for the passage of the fluid. In the figure, the secondary axis and its end will be assembled on the cylinder block 13.

In FIG. 17, the locking ring has been mounted on the cylinder block and it blocks the orifices. Only the orifices corresponding to the orifices 6 are open. This would correspond to a median position between the fully open and fully closed position.

In FIG. 18, the means for controlling the position of the locking ring as described above have been mounted.

In the position of Figure 20, the orifices corresponding to the orifices 6 are substantially completely closed by the locking ring.

It goes without saying that the invention is not limited to the embodiment described above. Thus, by way of nonlimiting examples, FIGS. 25 to 27 illustrate two other embodiments of the invention with a variant.

In Figure 25, this second mode works with a connecting rod system. More specifically, in this system, the primary axis 40, ends in the form of crankshaft 41, the latter being connected to pistons 42 on connecting rods. The pistons move in cylinders 43, each end of which has an opening

44. These openings 44 can be closed by a locking ring 45 which is actuated by a handle 46. The locking ring also comprises holes 47 intended to cooperate with the openings 44 of the cylinders 43 to ensure the open position of the openings 44. The operation is similar to that of the first execution mode. When the -7/22

holes 47 and openings 44 are aligned, the liquid can escape under the effect of the displacement of the pistons 42. Thus, the rotation of the primary axis 40 does not cause the secondary axis 47. In contrast, when the openings 44 are closed, the liquid can no longer escape the cylinders 43 and the position of the pistons 42 is blocked. In this case, the rotational movement of the primary axis 40 drives the secondary axis at the same speed. In an intermediate position, the openings 44 are not completely closed and the pistons can move but not entirely freely, the liquid offering some resistance to their movement. This will result in some sliding between the two axes and the secondary axis 47 will have a rotational speed lower than that of the primary axis 40.

It is possible to provide an opening 44 per cylinder or several (for example two as shown in FIG. 3A). Their shape can be any, for example cylindrical, rectilinear or "banana".

In Figure 26, this third mode uses an elliptical shaped shaft. In this mode, the primary axis 50 has an end 51 whose profile is elliptical. The secondary axis 52 is attached to a cylinder block 53 comprising a plurality of cylinders 54 distributed in the circumference. The block 53 also comprises a plurality of channels 55 allowing the passage of the liquid from the internal chambers 56 (situated between the end 51 and the inside of the block 53) to the outer chamber (situated between the outside of the block 53 and the inside the case). A channel locking ring 57 closes the channels 55. The pistons 58 are placed in the cylinders 54 and are connected at one end to the end 51 of the primary axis 50, for example by a system similar to a cam. If the channels 55 are open, the liquid circulates freely between the internal chamber 56 and the outer chamber and the primary axis 50 rotates freely without causing the secondary axis 52 since no liquid is opposed to the movement of the pistons 58 in the 54. As soon as the channels 55 are closed, the movement of the pistons 58 is blocked and the secondary axis is rotated by the primary axis 50. If the opening of the channels is in -6/22

an intermediate position, the liquid will dampen and slow the movement of pistons 58: there will be a sliding of the drive of the secondary axis 52 relative to the primary axis 50 and the ratio will be less than 1 while being non-zero, according to the principles of the present invention.

In the variant of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 27, the channels 55 have been eliminated and replaced by the channels 65 which are in the cylinders 54. More particularly, this variant comprises, as the third mode, a primary axis 60 has an end 61 whose profile is elliptical. The secondary axis 62 (not shown) is attached to a cylinder block 63 comprising a plurality of cylinders 64 distributed in the circumference. The block 63 also comprises a plurality of channels 65 allowing the passage of the liquid from the cylinders 54 to the outside. A channel locking ring 67 makes it possible to close the channels 65. The pistons 68 are placed in the cylinders 64 and are connected at one end to the end 61 of the primary axis 60, for example by a system similar to a cam. If the channels 65 are open, the liquid flows freely between the cylinder 64 and the outside and the primary axis 60 rotates freely without causing the secondary axis 62 since no liquid opposes the movement of the pistons 68 in the cylinders 64. As soon as the channels 65 are closed, the movement of the pistons 68 is blocked and the secondary axis is rotated by the primary axis 60. If the opening of the channels 65 is in an intermediate position, the liquid will dampen and slow down the movement of pistons 68: there will be a sliding of the drive of the secondary axis 62 relative to the primary axis 60 and the ratio will be less than 1 while being non-zero, according to the principles of the present invention. Of course, in this variant, one can provide a single channel 65 per cylinder 64 or more (for example two).

In these modes, one can use the same command (manual or assisted) to move the locking ring, as described above in relation to the first embodiment. -5/22

The number of pistons can be varied according to the mode of execution used and the intended application of the variator.

As indicated, one can not only use the system of the invention as a gearbox, but also as any element to transmit a rotational movement from a primary axis to a secondary axis, where it is desired to be able to vary the ratios speed of rotation between the axes.

One can also imagine an eccentric configuration in which the primary and secondary axes are eccentric with respect to the axes in the variator. This solution can be achieved by adding means such as gears, which can be used to change the rotational speed ratios between the axes.

The system according to the invention is therefore useful as a reducer for any type of engine (eg aeronautical, electric), self-locking bridge etc.

It can be used in many areas, as indicated above, in the automobile, aeronautics, boats, lifts etc. One can even imagine its use in toys. In this case, it can be made of plastic, if the stresses are not too great, and the liquid could be water.

-4/22

Numerical references used in the figures:

1. Case

2. Handle 3. Primary axis

4. Secondary axis

5. Orifice lock ring

6. Orifice for liquid

7. Cylinder chamber 8. Piston

9. First piston end

10. Second end of piston

11. First inclined plane

12. Second inclined plane 13. Cylinder block

14. Secondary axis end

15. Handle support

16. Carter chamber

17. Hole for screw of the end of the secondary shaft 18. Hole for liquid

19. Screw hole on the end of the cylinder block

20. Primary axis-second inclined plane contact zone

21. Orifice

22. Orifice 23. Ball bearing

24. tray

25. openings

26. flaccid

27. bearing 28. openings

29. ball bearing

30. piston groove -3/22

31. groove of the ring

32. internal groove of the ring

33. actuating element of the ring

34. socket

35. holes in the flange 26

36. holes in the box 1

40 primary axis

41 crankshaft

42 pistons

43 cylinders

44 openings in the cylinders

45 locking ring

46 handle

47 holes in the locking ring

48

49

50 primary axis

51 end of the primary axis

52 secondary axis

53 cylinder block

54 cylinders

55 channels in the cylinder block

56 internal room

57 locking ring

58 pistons

60 primary axis

61 primary axis end

62 secondary axis

63 cylinder block

64 cylinders -2/22

canals

Piston locking ring

Claims

-1 / 22Revendications

A speed variator between a primary axis having an end and a secondary axis, wherein:

a secondary axis end is disposed in the extension of the end of the primary axis, said variator comprising

a block of cylinders arranged around the end of the primary axis, said block being made integral with the secondary axis, each cylinder wall comprising at least one orifice connecting the inside of the cylinder with the outside,

a set of pistons disposed in said cylinders, said pistons being displaced by the end of the primary axis,

an annular element slidably mounted around the cylinder block so as to momentarily close said orifices; means for moving said annular element along the block of cylinders so as to allow total or partial closure or total opening of said orifices, all the aforementioned elements being contained in a housing adapted to contain a liquid and the opening of said orifices regulating the speed of rotation of the secondary axis relative to the primary axis.

2. Variable speed drive according to claim 1, wherein the block comprises at least three cylinders with three pistons.

3. Variable speed drive according to claim 1, wherein each cylinder wall contains two orifices.

4. Drive according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid is oil.

5. Drive according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the end of the primary axis comprises two parallel inclined planes arranged 0/22

obliquely with respect to the main direction of the primary axis surrounding the pistons, said pistons being displaced by the rotation of said inclined planes and the race path of the pistons being limited by said inclined planes.

6. Drive according to the preceding claim, wherein at least one of the inclined planes further comprises a bearing and a turntable parallel to said inclined plane.

7. Drive according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the end of the primary axis comprises a crankshaft to move the pistons through connecting rods.

8. Drive according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the end of the primary axis has an elliptical shape.

9. Drive according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the means for moving the annular element are manual means.

10. Drive according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the means for moving the annular element are assisted by an electric or electronic control and by an actuator.