CONTINUOUS TORQUE REGULATOR

Abstract: Continuous torque regulator formed by a transmission system and a regulating circuit, wherein the transmission system is formed by three epicycloid gears, in which each one is formed by a planetary gear, a series of satellite pinions and a crown wheel, wherein the second and third planetary gears are rigidly joined, and the satellite gears of the third train are double, the regulating circuit having a pressure pump (Bp) which is joined by means of a pinion to the crown wheel (C1), a control valve (Vc) which is joined by means of a pinion to the shaft of the planetary gear (A1) and a valve (N) which in the event of being actuated torque transmission ceases, the assembly permitting the regulation of torque in a continuous form without steps and without any need for interruption mechanisms, it being possible to interrupt the transmission at will.

Description: OBJECT OF THE INVENTION The object of the invention proposed herein refers to a continuous torque regulator which is an assembly of mechanisms the purpose of which is to implement a regulation of the torque in a continuous manner, that is without jumps or steps, in other words it is not discrete in form, wherein said regulation is implemented between two values, between zero torque and calculated maximum torque. Among the applications for continuous torque regulators is that of replacing clutches and gearboxes in transport vehicles like motor cars and trucks, being applicable in the machinery of heavy vehicles like tractors, civil works machinery like cranes and excavators, and in all those machines in which the torque to be applied has to be matched to an end job to be carried out. It is of special interest for those cases where the torque is applied in a manner that is not constant but variable and has to be applied in a form that is continuous and without steps. Thus the present invention falls within the scope of the mechanisms for machines that have to apply a torque and more specifically within the scope of the continuous torque regulators. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION Up to the present time, torque regulators are based on systems of clutches, converters and other couplings with all their actuating systems (pedals, levers, etc.). All these systems have the drawback of being of low efficiency and make poor use of the input torque, and also are limited to the torque to be transmitted and do not permit the torque to amplified to a sufficient degree. Hence the objective of the present invention is to overcome the foregoing drawbacks, achieving a torque transmission system which has a high efficiency and can be used to regulate high torque values, as well as to amplify the input torque in a sufficient manner, and in which said system does not require mechanisms to interrupt the transmission of torque in order to carry out actions such as increasing, diminishing or halting the transmission of torque, as well as having a final direction of rotation the same as or opposite to that of the input, it being possible to interrupt at will independently of the regulation which is being performed at the time and in which the transmission of torque is continuous by design, although the operation may be carried out in a stepped manner, and which as a result permits a better use of the final available power. It is known from the state of the Art the steeples transmission System disclosed in US 5472382 which has three epicyclic gear, where the first one of those epicyclic gear has a sun gear which is connected to an input shaft and messing with satellite pinions being carrier on a planet carrier engaging with the first ring, the second one has also a sun gear messing with satellite pinions which are carried on a second planet carrier engaging with a second ring gear and third one has a ring gear and a third sun gear joined to the second sun gear, it also has a set of satellite pinions carried on a third planet carrier engaging with the third sun gear. The transmission system has a blocking mechanism and hydraulic regulation. But this transmission system does not allow a continuous torque regulation having as features that the three planets carriers are connected so as to form one single planet carrier, and the second and third gears are firmly joined to the output shaft, regarding the regulation system a control valve is used being form of a vane pump with a rotor having movable vanes, a pressure pump, and a bypass in the hydraulic circuit operable by a valve. Neither of the previous mentioned features can be found in the steeples transmission system disclosed in US 5472382. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The proposed invention of a continuous torque regulator consists of a mechanism based on a series of epicyclic gears and comprises the features as defined in claim 1. An epicyclic gear mechanism is formed by a pinion termed sun gear which engages with two or three pinions arranged on its circumference, which are given the name of satellite pinions. The driving shafts of the satellite pinions are joined to each other through a planet carrier in such a manner that the relative position is maintained of the three satellite pinions. These satellite pinions are located inside a ring gear which, toothed on the inside, engages with these satellite pinions. The continuous torque regulator assembly is formed by three epicyclic gears in which the first and second epicyclic gears are tied by means of a planet carrier which joins the shafts of the satellite gears of the epicyclic gears. The third gear likewise has a sun gear, but which in this case is joined to the sun gear of the second epicyclic gear. This third gear also has satellite gears but with the particularity that they are double pinions in a single body, in which the larger pinion is that which engages with the sun gear. The shafts of these gears are joined to each other by means of a planet carrier which, at the same time, is the planet carrier which ties the satellite pinions of the second and of the third gears, the entire assembly being enclosed by a ring gear which encloses the double satellite pinions but which engages with the smaller of the satellites. On the shaft which drives the sun gear of the first epicyclic gear is mounted a pinion which serves to transmit the motion to the control valve. In turn, on the ring gear of the first epicyclic gear, is mounted another pinion which serves to transmit the motion to the pressure pump. On the outside face of the ring gear of the second and third epicyclic gears are grooves such that by means of mechanisms which can be inserted at will, it is possible to stop one or the other of the two ring gear can be achieved. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Further characteristics and benefits of the present invention shall become more clear in the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment, made with reference to the drawings attached, in which: Figure 1. - Shows a representation of an epicyclic gear. Figure 2. - Shows the torque transmission system of the continuous torque regulator. Figure 3. - Shows the continuous torque regulator and the path followed in the transmission of the motion. Figure 4. - Shows the operating principle of the continuous torque regulator system. Figure 5.- Shows the regulating process of the control valve and the pressure pump bypass valve. Figure 6.- Shows the mechanical links between the pressure pump and control valve with the transmission system. PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION With reference to the foregoing figures, it can be seen from figure 1 how an epicyclic gear is formed, the same consisting of a sun gear (A) on which is arranged each of the satellite pinions (B) and around these a ring gear (C) which internally meshes with the satellite pinions (B). The relative position of said satellite pinions (B) is maintained thanks to the shafts thereof being joined by means of a planet carrier (D). In figure 2 can be seen how the transmission system of the regulator mechanism is formed, the same being formed by three epicyclic gears. The first gear is formed by a sun gear (A1) on which are arranged some satellite pinions (B1) which are meshed with the inner part of a ring gear (C1) mounted externally. The second epicyclic gear is likewise formed by a sun gear (A2) on which are arranged some satellite pinions (B2) which are engaged on the inner part of a ring gear (C2). The first and the second gears are tied by the planet carrier that joins the shafts of the satellite pinions. The third gear is formed by a sun gear (A3) which is united with the sun gear (A2) of the second epicyclic gear, also having satellite pinions (B3) but in this case the pinions are double pinions in a single body, in such a manner that the larger part of the satellite pinions (B3) is that which engages with the sun gear (A3), whilst the smaller part of the satellite pinions (B3) is that which engages with the ring gear (C3) and which is extended radially to form a plate. On the shaft which drives the sun gear (A1) is mounted a pinion (Vc) which serves to transmit the motion to the control valve. On the ring gear (C1) is mounted another pinion (Dp) which serves to transmit the motion to the pressure pump. It can be observed that on the outside part of each of the ring gear (C2) and (C3) are grooves into which the pieces (F2) and (F3) can be inserted at will since the latter are joined to the casing that encloses the transmission system, blocking and halting said ring gears. In figure 3 can be seen the different paths that the motion can follow in which in condition a) the input and the output have the same direction of rotation, in b) the transmission is interrupted and in c) the direction of rotation is reversed. Whether the direction of rotation is the same or reversed, depends on how the mechanisms (F2) and (F3) are arranged. It is pointed out that it is not possible to carry out simultaneous blocking of the ring gears (C2) and (C3) since, if this occurred, blocking of both would take place and as the directions of rotation are opposite, the mechanism would be destroyed. When the motion reaches the shaft of the planetary gear (A1 ), the latter transmits the motion to the satellite pinions (B1) and, since the ring gear (C1) engages with satellite pinions (B1) and is governed by the pinion that joins it to the pressure pump, two situations can arise: a) The ring gear (C1) turns freely moved by the satellite pinions (B1) whereby the frame which supports said pinions (B1) remains still and does not pass the motion to the other gear trains. b) The ring gear (C1) can turn more or less quickly or be completely stopped, whereby the satellite gears (B1) shall run on the inside of the ring gear (C1) driving the planet carrier (D) which supports them. Then the motion transmitted through the frame (D) reaches the second and third epicycloid gears, in which case three different situations can arise: the first: that the ring gear (C2) is halted by the mechanism (F2), in which case the satellite pinions (B2) run on the inside, transmitting the motion to the planetary gear (A2). The shaft that drives the sun gear (A2) shall rotate in the same direction as the sun gear (A1). In addition, the motion reaches the third epicyclic gear from two sides, via the frame that unites the satellite pinions (B1) and (B3) and via the sun gear (A2) since its shaft is firmly joined to the shaft of the sun gear (A3), and, since the ring gear (C3) can rotate freely, the entire train shall turn without affecting its transmission system. The output rotation is in the same direction as the input rotation. The second situation that can occur is that of the third ring gear (C3) having its rotation blocked by the mechanism (F3), in which case the ring gear (C2) has to turn freely. The motion is applied to the third epicycloid gear through the frame which holds the satellite pinions (B3). As satellite pinion (B3) is double and it is the smaller part which engages with the ring gear (C3) which is blocked, then the rotation of said pinion (B3) occurs which, by having its larger part engaged with the sun gear (A3), causes the latter to rotate, which in this case is in the opposite direction. Under these circumstances the second epicyclic gear, by having the ring gear (C2) free, does not interfere with the motion of the third gear. The third situation is that in which both ring gear (C2) and ring gear (C3) rotate freely, in which case the motion to the second and third epicycloid gears arrives via the planet carrier (D), the sun gears (A2) and (A3) being stopped due to the inherent resistance of the output shaft. Given that ring gears (C2) and (C3) are free, each satellite and crown of the eplicyclic trains shall rotate as per its design but shall not transmit any motion to the output shaft. From figure 4 it can be seen how the continuous torque regulator system is comprised of: Pressure pump (Bp) which is moved by the ring gear (C1), is formed of two gear assemblies which engage with each other and has an inlet and an outlet orifice. Control valve (Vc) which is a rotor with some longitudinally milled grooves wherein the blades of said rotor have some elastic elements mounted inside them which push the blades outwards. The rotor, together with its vanes, are housed inside a circular chamber and can be moved at will. The control valve is moved by the shaft that drives the sun gear (A1) of the first epicyclic gear. Hydraulic circuit which is formed by a series of channels that connect the control valve (Vc) with the pressure pump (Bp), there being a bypass on the pressure pump (Bp) which is actuated by the valve (N). The regulation process consists in making the operation of the pressure pump (Bp) vary and therefore that of the ring gear (C1) of the first epicyclic gear. When the motion reaches the shaft of the sun gear (A1), said motion is transmitted to the satellite gears (B1) which, in turn, transmit it to the ring gear (C1) and the latter to the pressure pump (Bp).The pressure pump (Bp) drives the oil to the control valve (Vc) in order that it move the shaft of the sun gear (A1), that is, it behaves like a valve that once again transfers the oil to the pressure pump (Bp). If the control valve (Vc) transfers the same oil to the pressure pump (Bp) then the ring gear (C1) rotates freely. As the circular chamber of the control valve can be made to vary by displacing it with respect to the rotor, then an eccentric cavity can be established, whereby the quantity of oil is altered that is transferred to the pressure pump (Bp).Thus, if the circular chamber of the control valve (Vc) is displaced towards the centre, the oil flowing to the pressure pump (Bp) is less, therefore the latter shall rotate more slowly and consequently the ring gear (C1), for which reason the satellite pinions (B1) shall be compelled to run on its inside displacing the planet carrier (D) which is the element that transmits the motion to the other epicyclic gears. In the degree that the circular chamber of the control valve (Vc) is brought closer to the centre of its rotor, the slower shall the pressure pump (Bp) and the ring gear (C1) turn, whilst the planet carrier (D) which holds the satellite pinions (B1) shall, on the contrary, turn faster. If the circular chamber of the control valve (Vc) is moved to the centre, no oil is allowed to pass and therefore the pressure pump (Bp) is unable to impel any oil and is stopped together with the ring gear (C1), it being the satellite pinions (B1) which by means of the planet carrier (D) transmit the motion to the other gears. In the event that valve (N) is open, a bypass is formed such that the pressure pump (Bp) turns freely without there being any torque transmitted, it being possible to actuate this valve at will during any of the regulation phases. In figure 5 can be seen the control valve (Vc) and the different positions it can adopt, in which: Position a) is that which permits maximum passage of oil. Position b) is an intermediate position. And position c) in which the circular chamber in which the rotor and its vanes are housed is in a central position and impedes the passage of oil. In the lower part can be seen the open and closed position of the bypass valve (N). Figure 6 shows how the mechanical link is formed of the control valve (Vc) and the pressure pump (Bp) with the transmission system for which use is made of each of the pinions mounted on the shaft of the sun gear (A1) and of the ring gear (C1) respectively. The invention, within its essential nature, can be implemented in practice in other forms of embodiment which differ in detail from that indicated by way of example in the description, and which shall likewise be covered by the protection claimed. Likewise it can be constructed in any form and size with the most appropriate materials and still remain within the scope of the claims.

Claims: Continuous torque regulator, which has an input shaft and an output shaft, in which torque regulation is continuous, and which is constituted by a transmission system and a hydraulic regulation system, said transmission system comprises three epicyclic gear trains, in which the first epicyclic gear train has a first sun gear (A1) connected to said input shaft and meshing with a set of first satellite pinions (B1) which are carried on a planet carrier (D) and which engage with a first ring (C1). the second epicyclic gear train has a second sun gear (A2) meshing with a set of second satellite pinions (B2) which are carried on a second planet carrier (D) and which engage with a second ring gear (C2), and the third epicyclic gear train has a third ring gear (C3), a third sun gear (A3) firmly joined to the second sun gear (A2), and a set of third satellite pinions (B3) which are carried on a third planet carrier (D) and which engage with said third sun gear (A3) and said third ring gear (C3), whereby on the outside surface of each of the second and third ring gears (C2, C3) recesses are formed so as to cooperate with an associated locking mechanism (F2, F3) so as to block rotation of the associated ring gear (C2 or C3), said hydraulic regulation system comprises a hydraulic circuit in which a control valve (Vc) and a pressure pump (Bp) are arranged to cooperate with elements of said first epicyclic gear train so as to result in a regulated output rotation of said output shaft, characterised in that said three planet carriers are connected to one another so as to form one single planet carrier (D), said second and third sun gears (A2,A3) are firmly joined to said output shaft, said third satellite pinions (B3) are formed as double pinions (B3) with a broader and a narrower part, whereby said broader part engages with said third sun gear (A3) and said narrower part engages with said third ring gear (C3), said control valve (Vc) is in the form of a vane pump with a rotor having movable vanes, said vane pump is arranged rotatably in a circular chamber which can be displaced continuously with respect to said rotor from a centric to an eccentric position or vice-versa, on said input shaft is mounted a pinion to transmit rotary motion to said rotor of said control valve, on said first ring gear (C1) is provided a pinion to rotate therewith and to transmit rotary motion to said pressure pump (Bp), whereby the quantity of hydraulic fluid supplied from said control valve to said pressure pump is altered due to the chosen eccentricity between the displaceable circular chamber and the rotor, whereby no hydraulic fluid is supplied from said control valve to said pressure pump when the centric position is chosen between the displaceable circular chamber and the rotor resulting in stopping rotation of said first ring gear (C1), and whereby a bypass is provided in said hydraulic circuit operable by a valve (N) during any of the regulation phases such that said pressure pump turns freely so that no torque is transmitted. Continuous torque regulator in accordance with claim 1, characterised in that said pressure pump (Bp) of the regulation system is formed by two pinions which engage with each other and are enclosed in a casing which has an inlet orifice and an outlet orifice. Continuous torque regulator in accordance with claim 1, characterised in that on said rotor of said control valve (Vc) are mounted some vanes which by means of some elastic elements are outwards, and in which the circular chamber is movable in a direction transversal to said rotor, said control valve (Vc) being moved by said first sun gear (A1) by means of a pinion. Continuous torque regulator in accordance with claim 1, characterised in that said hydraulic circuit of the regulation system is formed by a series of channels which connect said control valve (Vc) with said pressure pump (Bp), wherein the hydraulic circuit can be filled with any liquid.

Inventors: GUTIERREZ VESGA EDUARDO, GUTIERREZ VESGA, EDUARDO
Applicants: GUTIERREZ VESGA EDUARDO, GUTIERREZ VESGA, EDUARDO
Application year: 2001
Main classification: F16H3
IPC codes: F16H47