GB2219052A

GB2219052A - Torque distribution unit

Info

Publication number: GB2219052A
Application number: GB8812451A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jeffrey Robert Lucking
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1988-05-25
Filing date: 1988-05-25
Publication date: 1989-11-29
Also published as: GB8812451D0

Abstract

A device operationally similar to a conventional differential gear, comprises a number of roller elements 2 and 3 which are positioned in scallop within an outer drum 1, by frictional forces, governed by the demand of output shafts 9 or 10. The elements 2 or 3 transmit the torque from the outer drum 1 to inner hubs 4 and 5 via the reduced space within the scallops and the outer surface of the inner hubs 4 and 5. If either output shaft 10 or 9 increases rotational speed, the elements 2 or 3 associated with that shaft will travel to the clearance of the scallop and torque between outer drum 1 and relevant hubs 4 or 5 will cease with the torque then distributed to the output shaft 10 or 8, whereby output torque is distributed as required. <IMAGE>

Description

TORQUE DISTRIBUTION UNIT This invention relates to a Torque Distribution Unit.

A Torque Distribution Unit would replace a conventional free differential; a common example is used in the motor vehicle driving axle. The disadvantage of a free differential design is that if one drive shaft encounters no resistance it will spin freely and the other drive shaft will receive no torque.

A Torque Distribution Unit is essentially made up of five separate components.

A specific example of the unit consists of : One outer housing Two sets of elements Two internal hubs Explanation of components - refer to drawing 1/4 OUTER HOUSING 1 is a cylindrical drum with internal scallops. In the example described this component is to be driven.

TWO SETS OF ELEMENTS 2, 3 are of same number as number of scallops in outer housing. Each element will be spaced so that each is in the same position in its scallop as all others on the same side and the movement of each set in relation to each other will be controlled. In the example we have used a system of rollers and o - rings. Rollers of one set each has a spigot, while rollers of the other set each has a socket. The spigot is smaller than the socket to allow each roller half the overall movement. In the example each roller has an o - ring incorporated to initiate friction between the outer surface of rollers 2, 3 and scallop face 8. The friction will encourage the rollers to travel into the reduced space where the metal to metal surface will take full torque loading.

TWO INTERNAL HUBS 4, 5 are basically each a roller providing a means to connect to the output shafts 10 or 9 respectively.

THE PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION. The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to drawings in which FIGURE 1 shows a cross section through outer housing 1, rollers 2, 3, o - rings 7, inner hubs 4, 5 and scallop face 8.

FIGURE 2 shows an end view through outer housing 1, rollers 2, spacer blocks 6, inner hub 4 and scallop face 8.

FIGURE 3 shows part of outer housing 1, rollers 2, spacer blocks 6, scallop face 8, o - rings 7 and part of inner hub 4 in detail.

FIGURE 4 shows detail of rollers 2, 3 and o - rings 7.

Refer to figures 2/4 and 3/4. Torque is received by the outer housing 1 causing it to rotate in one direction, depending on the direction of torque received.

Friction between scallop face 8 and o - rings 7 will start the rollers 2 to travel into the reduced space between scallop face 8 and outer surface of internal hub 4. Drive is then transmitted to output shaft 10. In a similar way (refer to figure 1/4) rollers 3 interact with surface of inner hub 5 to drive output shaft 9. In addition output shafts 9, 10 are capable of transmitting torque to outer housing 1.

DISTRIBUTION OF TORQUE. During normal operation as above, full torque is applied from the outer housing 1, to both output shafts 9, 10 (refer to figure 1/4). Torque is reduced to either output shaft 9 or 10 should either move at a higher R.P.M than the other. When shaft 10 moves faster than shaft 9, torque is reduced to shaft 10 as follows. When output shaft 10 increases speed of rotation relative to output shaft 9 the friction of roller surface 2 and scallop face 8 will cause the roller 2 to travel towards the increased clearance thus losing its driving force. Torque is then distributed solely to the remaining output shaft 9, while the rollers 3 remain within the reduced space between roller face 3 and scallop face 8.

As the output shaft 10 reduces speed to the same as that of output shaft 9 the rollers 2 remain in the increased space of scallop face 8. The rollers 2 will be forced to return to the reduced space when the output shaft 9 increases rotational speed, thus calling for the torque to be redistributed to the output shaft 10. The process operates similarly when output shaft 9 moves faster than the output shaft 10.

Claims

1. A Torque Distribution Unit comprises an outer housing, two internal hubs, and a means for conveying the torque separately from the outer housing to each hub. The unit distributes torque from the outer housing to the two hubs equally when their speed is equal, and withdraws drive from either hub should it travel faster than the other hub. In a similar way torque can be transferred from hubs to the outer casing.

2. A Torque Distribution Unit as claimed in Claim 1 has scallops on the inside of the outer housing or on the outside of the internal hubs. For each hub each scallop contains an element small enough to be free when in its centre. When both hubs are restrained equally the elements on each side of the unit are forced into the narrow region of the scallops where they automatically lock to provide direct contact for transmission of torque equally to each hub.

3. A Torque Distribution Unit as claimed in any preceeding claims uses two sets of elements, one set between the outer casing and each hub, to transfer torque. The overall movement of each element is controlled to be less than the total available within the scallop.

4. A Torque Distribution Unit substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1 - 4 of the accompanying drawings.

4. A Torque Distribution Unit as claimed in any preceeding claim has a means, such as an o - ring in each element, to initiate friction between the inner surface of the outer housing and the outer surface of the hub.

This initiates the travel of the elements into the reduced space of the scallop so that full torque can be transferred.

5. A Torque Distribution Unit as claimed in any preceeding claim releases drive from a hub, should that hub travel faster than the other hub, by means of the elements driving it moving to the centre of their scallops.

6. A Torque Distribution Unit substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1 - 4 of the accompanying drawings.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows 1. A Torque Distribution Unit has scallops on the inside of the outer housing or on the outside of the internal hubs. For each hub each scallop contains an element small enough to be free when in its centre.

When both hubs are restrained equally the elements on each side of the unit are forced into the narrow region of the scallops where they automatically lock to provide direct contact for transmission of torque equally to each hub.

2. A Torque Distribution Unit as claimed in any preceeding claim has a means, such as an o - ring in each element, to initiate friction between the inner surface of the outer housing and the outer surface of the hub. This initiates the travel of the elements into the reduced space of the scallop so that full torque can be transferred.

3. A Torque Distribution Unit as claimed in any preceeding claim releases drive from a hub, should that hub travel faster than the other hub, by means of the elements driving it moving to the centre of their scallops.