Controlling a transmission with segmented wheels by means of electronic control elements
AssigneePraxis Works LLC
InventorGregor Schuster
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A control device for controlling a transmission ratio between a traction means and a sprocket set rotatable about an axle may include at least two sprockets alternatively wrapped around by the traction means. At least one of the sprockets may include several independently adjustable rim segments. Adjustment of the rim segments in relation to a fixed plane may be effected by a control device in a direction substantially transverse to the plane. The control device includes at least one electrically actuatable control element, e.g., a servomotor. The at least one control element is configured to rotate with the sprockets.
Claims20
A method of shifting a gear cluster, the method comprising:
- rotating a gear cluster comprising a first gear and a coaxial second gear, wherein the gear cluster is operatively coupled to a traction device, wherein the traction device defines a plane and is wrapped partially around the first gear, and wherein the first gear includes a plurality of gear segments independently movable into and out of the plane;
- rotating a plurality of actuators in tandem with the gear cluster, wherein each of the actuators is coupled to a corresponding one of the gear segments of the first gear;
- and
- causing the traction device to wrap at least partially around the second gear by sequentially moving each of the gear segments of the first gear out of the plane of the traction device using the respective actuator.
A method for shifting a segmented gear, the method comprising:
- rotating a gear cluster comprising a first gear and a coaxial second gear using a traction device, wherein the traction device defines a plane and is wrapped partially around the first gear, and wherein the first gear has a plurality of gear segments independently pivotable into and out of the plane;
- rotating a plurality of actuators in tandem with the first gear, wherein each of the actuators is coupled to a corresponding one of the gear segments of the first gear;
- and
- sequentially moving each segment of the first gear out of the plane of the traction device using the respective actuator, such that the traction device wraps at least partially around the second gear.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.