GB903513A - Improvements in torque converters - Google Patents

Abstract

903,513. Variable-speed ratchet gear. SOC. BERTIN ET CIE. Feb. 13, 1959 [Feb. 15, 1958], No. 5145/59. Class 80 (2). In an automatic variable-speed gear, for vehicles or winches, of the kind wherein cranks oscillated by an engine-driven crank 3 through links 4 drive an output shaft 8a through torsion shafts 6 and one-way clutches 5, there is provided a progressive starting clutch which may be controlled manually and/or automatically in response to engine load or input or output speed, such a speed controlled clutch being centrifugal, hydraulic, or electromagnetic. Where control is automatic a manuallycontrolled positive clutch may be provided. In Fig. 1, the torsion shafts 6 drive the output shaft 8a through gears 7 and a friction clutch 9 which may also function as a slip coupling for torque limiting and smoothing. The clutch 9 is disengaged by a pedal 10 as shown, or hand lever, and/or by a servomotor 11 responsive to inlet manifold depression to disengage the clutch automatically when depression is high, as at closed throttle. The pedal 10 may, at the end of its travel, operate the engine starter and may have locking means. In Fig. 2 (not shown), a fluid coupling is arranged between the engine and the gear which has a single torsion shaft connected to output through a one-way clutch and a bevel forward, neutral and reverse gear, the dog clutch control lever of which gear may, in neutral position, operate the engine starter. Torquelimiting means may be provided at the output side of the variable speed gear. Specification 843,549 is referred to.