GB667157A - An improved torque converter - Google Patents

Abstract

667,157. Variable-speed gearing. SALOMON, F. M. M. B. Dec. 23, 1949 [Dec. 24, 1948], No. 33003/49. Class 80 (ii). Variable-speed gearing comprises a cylindrical hub 4 pivoted about a pin 5 secured transversely in the driving shaft 1. A spherical body 11, journalled on the hub about an axis inclined to that of the hub, is driven at variable speed by a friction roller 12 from the shaft 1 via gears 22, 21, an adjustable friction disc 18 and bevel'. gears 16, 15, the roller 12 being urged against the body 11 by a spring 23. The disc 18 may be adjusted manually or automatically. A stirrup 26, Fig. 2, is pivotally connected between a sleeve 8a, journalled on the hub 4, and a crank 28 on an intermediate shaft 29a, which latter has a second crank 30, Fig. 3, connected by links 31a, 31b to members 36, 37 in one-way connection with the driven shaft 2. The latter may be co-axial with or parallel to the shaft 1. A second sleeve 8b, journalled on the hub 4, coacts with another stirrup, cranked intermediate shaft 29b and members 34, 35 in one-way connection with the shaft 2, the two shafts 29a, 29b being spaced 90‹ apart around the shaft 2. There may, however, be more than two sleeves &c., the intermediate shafts then being spaced equi-angularly around the shaft 2. In operation, the inertia and gyroscopic effects of the hub 4 and body 11 impart oscillating movements to the shafts 29a, 29b, and, through the members 34-37, drive in one direction is communicated to the shaft 2, the gear ratio depending on the adjustment of the friction disc 18. Overrunning of the shaft 2 is prevented by a oneway connection 60 with the shaft 1. Pivoted friction shoes, controlled by an axially-movable rod, may be provided for locking the body 11 to the hub 4 when desired. The body 11 may be driven by an electric motor or by fluid means instead of by friction means.