Infinitely variable ratio transmission
US5971880A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 7, 1998 |
| Grant date | Oct 26, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 7, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16H3/722
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
In a broad aspect, the invention is an infinitely variable ratio transmission that may include an input shaft connected to a carrier plate. The input shaft is disposed within the bore of a sun gear. At least one planetary gear is rotatably attached to the carrier plate. A ring gear is connected to an output shaft. The at least one planetary gear is disposed between and meshed with the ring gear and the sun gear. A pump having a first and second gear enclosed within a housing is disposed about the input shaft. The second gear is attached to the sun gear. A pump oil pickup passageway connects an inlet port on the pump to a pump oil reservoir. A pump oil return passageway connects an outlet port of the pump to the reservoir. A control valve is provided to regulate fluid flow through the pump. Various clutch arrangements are disclosed to provide a reverse mode.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.