GB305155A - A variable speed gear or torque converter - Google Patents

Abstract

305,155. Democratis, A. J. Nov. 1, 1927. Variable-speed and reversing gearing comprises planetary centrifugal masses such as W<2>, Fig. 5, which shift bodily across a driven disc A<x> so that as the centrifugal force reverses, instead of being applied at C, it is applied at D. Its effect is thus added in driving the disc. An arrangement is shown in Fig. 9 having a single such mass e, the bearing block c of which moves in a cross slot b in driven disc. Torque is applied at d through a flexible driving-shaft. An impulse N has just been given to the disc at the foot of the slot acting towards the left. When mass e moves far enough for an eccentric boss i to pass a retainer g, the block c passes by centrifugal force to the top of slot b, and the mass e exerts an impulse to the right turning the disc in the same direction as before. A pair of masses such as W<1>, W<2>, Fig. 5, geared to rotate oppositely are preferably used as such a pair produces a reversing impulse along a straight line. Fig. 3 shows the scheme of the embodiment shown in Figs. 10, 12, and 13. Masses B<2>, B<2> rotate in opposite directions about point C which reciprocates in an arc about pivot C<2> as centre, which arc corresponds to the cross slot in Fig. 5. The inertia effect is to push link C' when C is raised and to pull that link when C is depressed. In Fig. 10 the revolving mass system is duplicated and each comprises a pair of masses 28 connected by a gear train 26, 27 so as to rotate in opposite directions. The system is journaled in a U- shaped oscillator 14 corresponding to link C<1> of Fig. 3 which is pivoted at 13 and 16 upon revoluble driven disc member or casing 3. Secured to driving-shaft 1 is a crank-shaft 6, Fig. 13, with a crank 6<a> connected by a double link 11, Fig. 10, to two cranks 9 which through gears 18, 19 drive the two pairs of masses. The oscillation of the U-members 14 is effected by eccentrics 36, 37, Fig. 12, which act through links 51 upon arms 52 of the oscillators 14. The eccentrics 36, 37 are connected to the driving- shaft in two opposite phases for forward and reverse driving respectively by means shown in Fig. 13. A clutch head 43, having a square sliding connection 42 with shaft 6 can be engaged alternatively with two opposite recesses 44, 45 when a rod 46 is displaced by a collar 49, Fig. 10, sliding on the driven shaft 5. The gear ratio varies automatically, and if the resistance is low enough, the gearing turns solid. The crank linkage 6a, 11, 9 may be replaced by toothed wheels.