Infinitely variable toroidal drive

US6935988B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG · DE

Inventors

• Bernhard Sich · Friedrichshafen, DE
• Axel Matheis · Sauldorf, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 28, 2001
• Grant date: Aug 30, 2005
• Expiry date: Nov 20, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F16H61/6648
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An infinitely variable toroidal drive with several drive units wherein each drive unit has an input disc with a toroidal inner surface disposed coaxially in relation to the input shaft and an output disc with a toroidal inner surface disposed coaxially in relation to the input shaft and several friction wheels which are pivotably situated between each pair of input disc and output discs and mounted on a carrier, respectively. The infinitely variable toroidal drive has a device for support of the reaction forces appearing on the friction wheels due to the pressure of the discs, simultaneously synchronizing the pivoting angle of the carriers. The device consists of respective traction elements; one being provided on both the upper ends and the lower ends of the two carriers, and encircling the ends of the carriers and respectively having the shape of an 8.