GB458842A - Improvements in or relating to driving means, more particularly for plant involving frequent change of speed - Google Patents

Abstract

458,842. Momentum power - storing apparatus; flywheels. VOITH, W., VOITH, H., and VOITH, H., (trading as VOITH, J. M., [Firm of]), Heidenheim-on- Brenz, Germany. June 27, 1935, No. 18434. Convention date, June 27, 1934. [Classes 10 and 122 (i)] In driving means for a plant involving frequent changes of speed, comprising an energy-storing mass or fly-wheel F, a turbo-gear G for coupling it at will to the driving-shaft B, and a turbogear C for coupling the shaft B to the driven shaft E, the turbo-gear G consists only of a turbo-clutch or coupling, without stationary guide vanes, as distinguished from a turbo torque-transformer. The turbo-gear C may be a torque-transformer, as indicated, or a turboclutch, or a change-speed gear comprising both a clutch and a transformer for alternative use. Further, a supplementary gear D may be employed which is used in place of the turbogear to provide a step-up in speed from the shaft E to the shaft B for braking purposes by transfer of momentum from the driven plant or vehicle to the mass F. The epicyclic gear D shown in Fig. 6 comprises a sun-wheel d<1> on the shaft B, planetary pinions d<2>, and an outer gear ring d<3> which is held stationary by a brake d<4> when the gear is in use, the turbo-gear being then rendered inoperative by withdrawal of the fluid. When the turbo-gear is in operation, the brake d<4> is released, the shaft E being then driven by the turbo-gear via the planetary wheels d<2>. The engine A preferably drives the shaft B through direct or epicyclic speedraising gears. Means are preferably provided for controlling the braking effect by control of the admission of liquid to the clutch G and means, such as mechanical brakes, may be provided for further retarding the shaft E after disconnecting it from the driving shaft B. The inertia mass may then be further accelerated by the engine to provide ample energy for restarting. The successive operations involved in braking may be performed in correct sequence by automatic means, and automatic means may also be employed to uncouple the inertia mass F from the shaft B by withdrawal of fluid from the clutch G when either the driving or driven shaft attains a predetermined speed. To avoid gyroscopic effects, two inertia masses F<1>, F2 rotating in opposite directions, as shown in Fig. 4, may be employed, and two driven shafts E<1>, E<2> may be employed as shown. A modification is shown in which a driving shaft is provided at each end of the engine. The inertia mass F may be structurally united with the turbo-clutch G, as shown in Fig. 7.