Continuously variable transmission
US4327604A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 27, 1979 |
| Grant date | May 4, 1982 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 27, 1999 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16H3/74
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A continuously variable ratio power transmission for a motor vehicle consists of two planetary gear sets and overrunning clutches to continuously modify said transmission reduction ratio as a function of the output shaft load conditions. A continuously variable ratio power transmission for a motor vehicle wherein one planetary gear set divides the input shaft torque and speed between two driven members of said planetary gear set which comprise the driving members of a second planetary gear set whose direction of angular motion is determined by overrunning clutches to limit the maximum reduction ratio range possible. A transmission of the aforementioned configuration allows a continuous change of reduction ratio as the magnitude of the torque delivered to the input shaft approaches the magnitude of the torque demanded by the output shaft load. The continuous change of reduction ratio allows the input shaft, and hence, the engine, to operate at nearly constant load conditions.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.