Patent · US Expired

Transmission and constant speed accessory drive

US7086981B2 · kind B2 · utility

177Cited by
42References
10Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 18, 2004
Grant dateAug 8, 2006
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 18, 2024

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
  • CPC primaryF16H63/062
  • WIPO fieldMechanical elements
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

An infinitely variable speed ratio planetary ball transmission comprising planetary members in rolling contact with moveable inner and outer races and a constant speed accessory drive system utilizing the transmission. The transmission is infinitely variable between ratios of approximately 0.3 and 1.0. A transmission input shaft is connected to a prime mover such as a vehicle engine crankshaft by a drive belt. The transmission comprises at least one output shaft that is coaxial with the input shaft. An output pulley is attached to the output shaft. A belt is engaged between the output pulley and various engine accessories. A second end of the transmission output shaft may be directly coupled to an engine accessory mounted on the transmission. An included control system senses a crankshaft speed. A processor analyses the crankshaft speed and accordingly adjusts the transmission ratio using a stepper motor connected to a worm drive to maintain a constant output speed regardless of crankshaft speed.

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