Shifting mechanisms for split-pulley variable transmissions
US11732787B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 3, 2018 |
| Grant date | Aug 22, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 17, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16H55/56
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A variety of shifter mechanisms are provided for controlling the axial distance between half-pulleys of a split pulley variable transmission, thus controlling the transmission ratio of the variable transmission. Some of these embodiments include a differential such that a variable transmission can be driven and shifted differentially by two inputs. A torque or rotation difference between the inputs results in a change in the transmission ratio and in-common torque or rotation is transmitted through the transmission to an output. The same motors used to drive the output of the transmission are thus also able to effect shifts in the transmission ratio. Accordingly, motor mass that is not being used to effect high-speed shifts may be used to drive the transmission output, and vice versa. The provided shifter embodiments are well-suited to application to nested-pulley variable transmissions, including nested-pulley infinitely variable transmissions.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.