Variator
US7951041B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 7, 2005 |
| Grant date | May 31, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 2, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16H15/38
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A continuously variable ratio device (“variator”) is disclosed in which a pair of rotary races (252, 254) is mounted for rotation about a common variator axis (218). Drive is transferred from one race to the other through at least one roller (200) running upon them. The drive ratio is variable by virtue of precession of the roller about a precession axis (228). Precession results in a change in angle between the roller axis and the variator axis and a corresponding change in drive ratio. In accordance with the invention, the roller (200) is coupled to a carrier (214) in a manner which permits it to precess relative to the carrier (214). The carrier itself is rotatable about a carrier axis (226) which is non-parallel to the precession axis. Rotation of the carrier (214) about the carrier axis serves to change the orientation of the precession axis (228) and is accompanied by a change in variator drive ratio.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.