Patent · US Expired

Infinitely variable speed transmission

US6361456B1 · kind B1 · utility

13Cited by
9References
4Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateNov 15, 1999
Grant dateMar 26, 2002
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 15, 2019

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
  • CPC primaryF16H63/065
  • WIPO fieldMechanical elements
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

An infinitely variable transmission including a torque sensor, wherein torque is transmitted from a rotary input shaft to a rotary output shaft. The transmission includes adjustable sheaves for axial movement on the input and output shafts of the transmission and that are controlled by hydraulic piston and cylinder units. The torque sensor shifts the adjustable sheaves, which are urged towards each other by a force dependent upon the transmitted torque, into frictional engagement with an endless flexible element that drives the output shaft of the transmission. Retaining elements retain the hydraulic piston and cylinder units and adjustable sheaves on the input and output shafts of the transmission in a predetermined axial position when pressure is applied in a first direction during operation of the transmission, and permit the components to be shifted axially in the opposite direction to simplify assembly/disassembly procedures of the transmission and to reduce manufacturing costs.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.