GB466353A - Improvements in epicyclic gearing - Google Patents

Abstract

466,353. Epicyclic variable speed gearing. LUTZ, E. C., and WALL, A. W. Nov. 23, 1935, No. 32521. [Class 80 (ii)] Relates to epicyclic gearing of the type in which the sun wheel and planet carrier form the driving and driven members, and the gearing is put into operation by contracting a brake band disposed around the periphery of the annulus. According to the invention, the brake band comprises a relatively stiff C- shaped member, one end of which is secured directly to the gear housing, while the other is acted on by a presser member sliding through the housing wall. As shown, the crankshaft 5 is supported in a sleeve 11 having an enlargement clamped to the crankcase 8. The shaft 5 carries a sun 10 engaging planets 22 rigid with planets 23 supported in a carrier 16, 21 supported by a bearing 18 on the sleeve 11 and carrying a gear 24 which engages a gear 25 on the driven shaft 26. The planets 22, 23 engage respectively annuli 27, 28 adapted to be arrested alternatively by brake-bands 29, 30. Each band is secured at one end to the casing by a screw 55, while its other end has an abutment 54 acted on by a plunger 53. When two bands are employed, the plungers 53 may be brought into action by springs permitted to operate alternatively by a rocking lever. If more than two bands are used, the plungers may be operated by a multiple camshaft. In a modification for a motor wheel, the driving-shaft of the gear is geared to the crankshaft and carried in an extension of the crank-case on which the planet carrier and the vehicle wheel attached thereto are journalled. Instead of the epicyclic train shown, two simple trains in parallel may be employed. The driven gear 24 may be connected to an ordinary 3 or 4-speed gear-box. Each annulus 27, 28 may be located against endwise movement by shoulders or rings in the casing, which rings may also centralize the annuli. The driving shaft may be axially slidable to bring in a direct-drive clutch.