Abstract:
Turbocharger drive having planetary gear units in a gear train between an engine crankshaft and a compressor rotor, which rotates to supply air to an engine for combustion. The reaction member of a planetary unit of the gear train is connected to the pump of a hydrodynamic unit while the turbine member is grounded so that the stall torque of the unit retards rotation of the reaction member to permit the engine crankshaft to drive the rotor through the gear train. The hydrodynamic unit having an infinite number of spring rates provides an infinitely flexible device for reducing transmission of engine torsionals and shock loads through the gear train. The mechanical drive is assisted by a gas drive from the engine exhaust which progressively increases as the engine approaches full load and the rotor becomes fully driven by the engine exhaust gases. When the gas drive speed and load equals the rotor needs, the mechanical system reaches a noload condition.
Abstract:
Turbocharger drive having planetary gear units in a gear train between an engine crankshaft and a compressor rotor, which rotates to supply air to an engine for combustion. The reaction member of a planetary unit of the gear train is connected to the pump of a hydrodynamic unit while the turbine member is grounded so that the stall torque of the unit retards rotation of the reaction member to permit the engine crankshaft to drive the rotor through the gear train. The hydrodynamic unit having an infinite number of spring rates provides an infinitely flexible device for reducing transmission of engine torsionals and shock loads through the gear train. The mechanical drive is assisted by a gas drive from the engine exhaust which progressively increases as the engine approaches full load and the rotor becomes fully driven by the engine exhaust gases. When the gas drive speed and load equals the rotor needs, the mechanical system reaches a noload condition.