GB575321A - Improvements relating to power transmission mechanisms - Google Patents

Abstract

575,321. Variable speed gearing. NORMANVILLE, E. J. DE. Nov. 30, 1943, No. 19980. [Class 80 (ii)] The combination of an epicyclic gear with a hydraulic torque converter comprises a toothed annulus m connected to the converter turbine b, a planet carrier p connected to the driven shaft q and a sun gear n con - nected through unidirectional clutches D, C to a stationary member z and to the converter reaction member c, the sun n being also connectible by a clutch member 2 to the converter impeller a. The connections between the converter and the gears include hollow shaft sections c, g, i. A sleeve r integral with the sun gear n carries the inner parts of the unidirectional clutches C, D, which are oppositely acting, and splined thereto is the clutch member 2 which can also engage a face 4 on the stationary casing z. The clutch member can be moved in one direction by pressure fluid acting on pistons 5, and in the opposite direction by springs 11. When the clutch 2 engages the fixed face 4, the mechanism is in low gear, the sun n is held fast, but the clutch C permits forward rotation but prevents backward rotation of the reaction member c. The gear is also effective to enable the engine to serve as a brake. In the high gear position, the clutch 2 is connected to a sleeve 3 fixed to the shaft section i connected to the impeller a. Thus, the sun n and member c are both driven forwardly at the speed of the impeller a, the member c acting as an additional impeller. An additional unidirectional clutch E, Fig. 2 (not shown), may be arranged between the sun pinion and the planet carrier so that in high gear a solid drive is obtained. Alternatively, the additional clutch may be placed between the sun pinion and the annulus.