Link chain for a continuously variable transmission
US6406396B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 18, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jun 18, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 18, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16G5/18
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An endless loop transmission chain balances the differences in moments and stresses on its inner and outer links. The chain is comprised of a plurality of links that are pivotally connected in stacks and in overlapping series. The links are fashioned with holes perpendicular to the link faces, and the links are either “robust” or “thin”. Robust links may be made of material of greater tensile strength, they may be formed by mating at least two thin links, and/or they may be made of thicker material. A plurality of pins serially connects and stacks the links. The pins fit though the holes in each link perpendicular to the link face. Robust and thin links are alternated in stacks in a pattern that balances link tension when the chain is under tension. Fewer links carry the tension between any set of adjacent pins. When it is used in a transmission, this chain has at least 10% higher torque-carrying capacity than the prior art.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.