192 clutches and power-stop control – Clutches – Fluent material
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-14
2001-02-20
Lorence, Richard M. (Department: 3681)
192 clutches and power-stop control
Clutches
Fluent material
C192S049000, C074S66500G, C180S246000, C180S383000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06189668
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The field of the present invention is mechanisms for controlling and transmitting rotational motion and power.
Mechanisms for controlling rotational output using a fluid as a force transmitting means have been widely used as fluid couplings. Other designs are known where pumps generate fluid pressure and flow which is then converted to rotational output through fluid motors. Continuously variable ratios are even possible with some systems.
A difficulty with the use of fluid for power transmission is that fluid flow can introduce substantial inefficiencies to such systems. Efforts have been made to reduce such losses by increasing the pressure with a corresponding decrease in flow rate. However, by increasing the pressure, leakage and/or cost can become a significant factor.
Techniques are also known for mechanically locking up couplings once velocities across the coupling are matched. By augmenting the system with a mechanical lock, fluid losses can be greatly reduced.
Gear pumps are also well known. Such pumps typically include a gear set. An inlet provides fluid in the area of the pinch where the gear wheels are separating. An outlet is provided to the other side of the pinch where the gear wheels are coming into engagement. Such pumps are frequently used for system lubrication and the like.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to mechanical systems for controlling the rotational output of a driving element and applications thereof.
Regarding the mechanical systems, a gear pump is employed with at least one gear set including at least one gear wheel mounted to the inlet and at least one gear wheel mounted to the outlet. A fluid circuit associated with the gear pump selectively controls flow from the output of the gear pump. With such control, the pump may be configured to be effectively locked up, disengaged, controlled by the fluid circuit to provide degrees of torque transfer between the input and the output and/or combinations thereof.
Accordingly, a first, separate aspect of the present invention is to provide a rotational output control system employing a gear pump and a fluid circuit with valve control of the fluid circuit to selectively lock the inlet and outlet together.
A second, separate aspect of the present invention is to provide a rotational output control system employing a gear pump and a fluid circuit with the fluid circuit including valving elements associated with each of the input and the output. In addition to locking up the device through closure of the output valve element, closure of the input valve element can starve the gear pump and effect an uncoupled system.
A third, separate aspect of the present invention is to provide a structure in association with either the first or the second aspect. The structure includes a housing having a body with a cavity open at one end and closed by a cap. One of the gear wheels of the gear pump is rotatably mounted to the housing while the other is fixed to a shaft.
In a fourth, separate aspect of the present invention, a rotational output control system is contemplated which has a gear pump and a fluid circuit contained within a housing. A gear wheel is associated with a shaft rotatably mounted relative to the housing. Multiple planetary gear wheels mesh with the gear wheel fixed to the shaft. Inlets and outlets are positioned adjacent each meshing point of the planetary gears with the gear wheel on the shaft.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide rotational output control systems using the fluid circuit control of gear pumps to define operation.
Regarding applications of the rotational output control systems, use of multiple such devices, special arrangements and attachments can provide a variety of useful devices and applications.
In a fifth, separate aspect of the present invention, a rotational output control system includes a plurality of gear pumps with one gear pump providing pressurized fluid to a plurality of gear pumps driven by the pressure. The driven pumps include one-way clutches. A fluid circuit includes valving to selectively close inputs to the driven pumps. A progressive ratio transmission is thus defined.
In a sixth, separate aspect of the present invention, attachment of the housing of a rotational output control system may provide utility. When fixed, a brake mechanism is provided. When rotationally mounted in a drive train, a clutch or limited slip mechanism results. When combined in a housing with a second rotational output control system and coupled by multiple gear sets, a forward/reverse variable speed clutch may be defined without backlash during reversal.
In a seventh, separate aspect of the present invention, the housings of multiple rotational output control systems may be combined to provide differential drive. A drive shaft may include one or more rotary clutches to selectively control axle shafts which can extend to wheel discs.
In a eighth, separate aspect of the present invention, rotational output control systems may replace complicated mechanisms for multi wheel drive control.
In a ninth, separate aspect of the present invention, rational combinations of the foregoing are contemplated.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide applications of a rotational output control system which can particularly use characteristics thereof to advantage. Other and further objects and advantages pertaining to such applications will appear hereinafter.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1450679 (1923-04-01), Grafenstatt
patent: 2420305 (1947-05-01), Donahew et al.
patent: 2704141 (1955-03-01), Doshier
patent: 2839889 (1958-06-01), McGill
patent: 2961481 (1960-01-01), Colmerauer
patent: 3262512 (1966-07-01), O'Brien
patent: 3869013 (1975-03-01), Pagdin et al.
patent: 5221101 (1993-06-01), Okubo et al.
Lorence Richard M.
Lyon & Lyon LLP
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