Compact retarder for heavy vehicle - with attached epicyclic gearing for improving retarder speed and reinforcing engine braking

摘要

The heavy vehicle is fitted with a retarder to support the normal braking. The retarder is coupled to the output of the vehicle transmission by an epicyclic gearing to increase the retarder shaft speed and provide a more compact retarder. This enable the retarder to act as a brake on service vehicles which perform repeated stops. In a second mode of operation the retarder gearing can be matched to the input speed of the transmission so that it reinforces the engine braking on long inclines. The retarder thus operates at a set speed band to provide a snatch-free operation.