Self-regulating variable mechanical transmission, for automobiles, uses differential gear to connect input shaft to epicyclic gear train driving output shaft

摘要

The input shaft drives (L) in rotation the cage (J) of the differential. The cage-mounted differential bevel wheels (M,N) drive two gear trains, one (A,F,C) having 3 pinions, the other (B,D), 2 (giving rotation reversal). These trains form the inputs to the sun-wheel (E) and the outer toothed ring (K), of the epicyclic gear, respectively. A freely rotating satellite carrier (G) supports one or more satellite pinions (I); these mesh with both the sun-wheel and the toothed ring. The axle of each satellite pinion carries a second pinion (H) that drives a toothed wheel (S) on the output shaft which passes concentrically through the axle of the toothed ring (K) and its associated drive pinion (D). The propulsive effort, distributed between the two output gear trains driven by the differential, is automatically recombined by the epixyclic gear, with suitable adjustment to speed and torque. The gear trains are enclosed in a suitable case to facilitate lubrication and cooling.