GB538783A - An improved mechanical torque-conversion mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

538,783. Variable-speed gearing. ISHERWOOD, N. April 24, 1940, No. 7342. [Class 80 (ii)] In torque conversion mechanism of the type in which driving and driven members 7, 8 are interconnected by a swashplate and one or more masses which oscillate (or reciprocate) with constant amplitude but at a rate proportional to the difference in speed of the driving and driven members, an inertia mass is provided which under minimum load conditions is retained automatically by centrifugal action in the position for transmission of direct drive. As shown, one member 9 of the swashplate mechanism is fixed to the driving shaft 7, and the other member 27 is journalled in a casing 21 pivoted at 25 to the driven shaft. The casing 21 has integral weights 26, and when the shafts 7, 8 rotate at different speeds it oscillates between the full line and dotted line positions. Under minimum load conditions when the two shafts 7, 8 are rotating solidly the weights 26 occupy the dotted line position, centrifugal force acting on the weights tending to keep the weights in this position. In a modification oscillating weights are pivoted to the driven shaft and linked to the swash-plate. In another modification weights which reciprocate on the driven shaft are used. In the latter modification centrifugally acting weights are also mounted on the swash-plate at the connection of the links joining the swash-plate to the reciprocating weights. The driving and driven shafts may be locked together for direct driving by a clutch of known type.