Planetary transmission
View Patent ↗A planetary transmission comprising an input member, an output member, a planetary gear assembly mechanically disposed between the input member and the output member, a centrifugal clutch mechanically disposed between the input member and the output member, a one-way clutch mechanically disposed between the input member and the output member, the one-way clutch for directly coupling the input member and the output member from zero rotational speed up to a first rotational speed, the centrifugal clutch for directly coupling the input member and the output member from a second rotational speed greater than zero rotational speed to a third rotational speed which is in excess of the first rotational speed, and a brake member for selectively controlling rotation of the planetary gear assembly.
1. A planetary transmission comprising:
an input member;
an output member;
a planetary gear assembly mechanically disposed between the input member and the output member;
a centrifugal clutch mechanically disposed between the input member and the output member;
a one-way clutch mechanically disposed between the input member and the output member;
the one-way clutch for directly coupling the input member and the output member from zero rotational speed up to a first rotational speed;
the centrifugal clutch for directly coupling the input member and the output member from a second rotational speed greater than zero rotational speed to a third rotational speed which is in excess of the first rotational speed; and
a brake member for selectively controlling rotation of the planetary gear assembly.
2. The planetary transmission as in claim 1 further comprising a sun gear disposed on the output member.
3. The planetary transmission as in claim 1 , wherein the planetary gear assembly comprises a ring gear, the ring gear stoppable by the brake member.
4. The planetary transmission as in claim 1 , wherein the centrifugal clutch comprises:
a first mass and a second mass, each mass is moveable radially outward from an axis of rotation;
a friction member comprising a stretchable material and having a circular shape; and
the first mass and the second mass urging the friction member radially outward as the centrifugal clutch rotates.
5. The planetary transmission as in claim 1 further comprising an inertial member fixedly connected to the input member.
6. The planetary transmission as in claim 1 , wherein the brake member comprises a band brake.
7. The planetary transmission as in claim 6 , wherein the band brake is vacuum actuated.