GB493387A - Improvements in or relating to variable speed power transmission mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

493,387. Variable - speed epicyclic gearing. FALCO, M. DE. July 27, 1937. No. 20775. Convention date, Aug. 5, 1936. [Class 80 (ii)] Sun-wheels r<1>, r<2>, fast respectivsly on driving and driven shafts A, C, are connected by stepped planets r<3>, r<4>, supported in a loose carrier S, which is prevented from reverse rotation by a one-way detent U, so as to provide a positive reduced speed, which persists until, by temporarily retarding the driving shaft A, as by closing the throttle of a driving engine, the planet - carrier S is caused to rotate forwardly, thus causing masses P<1>, P<2>, carried by the planet-spindles B, to move to an unbalanced position relatively to the spindles, whereupon when the engine throttle is reopened, the gearing will automatically assume a direct solid-drive. When the load is sufficient to overcome the centrifugal force of the masses, the gearing will automatically revert to the fixed-ratio reduced drive and restore the masses P<1>, p<2> to balance about their spindles B. Each planet-spindle B carries one two-part mass P<1> fixed thereto, and other equal mass P<2> loose on an eccentric Q, fixed to the spindle at 180‹ to the mass P<1>. In the positive reduceddrive position, with the spindle-axes stationary, the masses assume a balanced symmetrical position, Figs. 1 and 4, whereas, when the carrier rotates in direct-drive, the mass P<2> turns to the same side of the spindle as the mass P', Fig. 5, to an extent limited by a stop a, thus unbalancing the spindle and applying a torque thereto. Several such gear trains may be arranged in series. The Specification as open to inspection under Sect. 91 describes also a modification in which the planet-spindles carry mercury capsules, provided with a single internal radial partition, and states also that, as applied to a motorvehicle, the throttle of the driving engine may be automatically closed at a predetermined speed for change to direct-drive. This subjectmatter does not appear in the Specification as accepted.