Infinitely variable-speed transmission

US6123634A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• LuK Getriebe-Systeme GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Hartmut Faust · Bogen, DE
• Richard Stark · Älekulla, SE

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 7, 1997
• Grant date: Sep 26, 2000
• Expiry date: Oct 7, 2017

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F16H55/32
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An infinitely variable-speed transmission for use in the power train of a motor vehicle has two rotary sheaves and an endless flexible element trained over the sheaves to transmit torque from the flanges of one of the sheaves to the flanges of the other sheave when the one sheave is driven by the prime mover of the vehicle. The flanges have exposed conical surfaces which are frictionally engaged by the exposed end surfaces of pintles forming part of the flexible element when the latter transmits torque. The flanges are hardened, cushioned, roughened and/or otherwise treated at their exposed surfaces to promote the ability of the sheaves to eliminate or reduce noise on contact with the pintles, to stand long periods of use without extensive wear, and/or to transmit pronounced and variable torques.