Patent GB-1296827-A (GB)
IPC: F16H57/04
Filed: 1968-12-06
Abstract: 1296827 Lubrication system; variable-speed gear NATIONAL RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT CORP 2 Dec 1969 [6 Dec 1968] 58217/68 Headings F2A and F2D The lubrication system of a rotary machine is provided with a sump comprising an annular channel shaped member 39 having side walls 40, 41 directed radially inwardly from a generally cylindrical base portion the member being coupled to a rotating part of the machine, there being means for picking up lubricant from the member when it is rotating regardless of the angular attitude of the casing. The invention provides means for replenishing the sump, there being a supply duet 88 opening between the side walls at a predetermined distance from the base portion, the pressure in the duct being regulated to maintain a predetermined pressure at the opening so that lubricant flows into the sump only when the centrifugal head of fluid in the sump is less than the predetermined pressure. Systems having rotating sumps may be used in machines liable to take up momentarily an attitude other than with the axis horizontal. In a variable rolling friction device an input shaft 3 is supported in casing 1 by bearings 4 and by bearings 5 in a recess in an output shaft 6 which is supported in the casing by bearing 7. A disc 10 is carried on the input shaft and has its rotation limited by a cam shaped member 11 secured to the shaft which engages with a complementary cam shaped surface on the disc. Relative rotation between disc 10 and ring 11 causes the disc to move to the right to load it against the rollers 15 which are also in rolling engagement with the output disc 16. When the input shaft rotates the ring 11 turns to an extent proportional to the torque transmitted thereby exerting a force in an axial direction on the disc 10 to ensure driving engagement between the rollers 15 and the discs 10 and 16. Each roller is rotationally mounted on a rocker lever 25 which defines a ratio-change axis for each roller. The ratio of the whole transmission unit may be changed by rotating sleeve 30 which displaces the roller carriers 22. Lubricant is supplied from the rotating sump 39 via intake 50 to a pump 51 which comprises a cylinder 52 integral with a strap 53 surrounding an eccentric outer surface of a boss 14 on the shaft 3. A piston 54 slides within the cylinder 52 and rocks about a pivot comprising a sleeve 55 on a bolt 56. Lubricant is forced through the non-return valve 58 via a circumferential groove 59 to ducts 60 and 61 which distribute it to the transmission unit. Lubricant is retained in the rotating sump by centrifugal force acting on the lubricant. Transverse web 62 may be provided to facilitate that the lubricant rotates with the sump. After lubricating the lubricant is returned to the rotating sump. Lubricant which enters the part of the casing surrounding the sump may be forced back into the sump by means of ribs or grooves 39A which impart an axial momentum to the lubricant to carry it around the outer surfaces of flanges 44 and 45 to the cavity of the sump. The shape of the pick-up nozzle 50 is such that no wake is formed in the lubricant in the sump. In a machine embodying the invention, the sump is replenished via a pipe 88 to which lubricant is supplied under a constant pressure, there being a relief valve 100 which bleeds off excess pressure. Lubricant is thus supplied to the sump only when the pressure in the sump falls below the pressure in the supply pipe. Lubricant may be collected from the machine, by a scavenge pump 95, passed through a cooler 96 and recirculated to the supply pipe 88.