Torque converter and assembly utilizing same

Abstract

An inertial torque converter for converting a first torque into a second torque includes first and second unidirectional clutches which operate in opposite directions and which allow an output torque shaft to freewheel between received torque pulses. The converter includes a driving sun gear rotatable about a first axis, at least one planetary gear driven by the sun gear and a first eccentric mass mounted for rotation with the planetary gear about a second axis parallel to and radially spaced from the first axis. Preferably, two such planetary gears and masses are provided. The masses are connected through their journals to a carrier having a shaft portion which is connected to the first and second clutches. The second clutch is connected to the output torque shaft and the first clutch is connected to a housing of the converter to transmit the reaction torque of the converter thereto. A torque converter assembly includes a plurality of such serially connected torque converters, a common input driving shaft coupled to each of the driving sun gears and a common output torque shaft connected to one of the two unidirectional clutches of each of the torque converters. The masses of one converter have a predetermined phase relationship to the masses of the other torque converters for relatively smooth output torque generation wherein a number of torque pulses are generated for each revolution of the output torque shaft.