Continuously variable transmission unit, preferably for a bicycle
AssigneeClassified Cycling B.V.
InventorRoëll Marie VAN DRUTEN
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The disclosure relates to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) unit. The CVT unit comprises a first drive element that is rotatable about a first axis and a second drive element that is rotatable about a second axis parallel to the first axis, wherein the first drive element and the second drive element are movable relative to each other in a direction transverse to the first and second axis. The CVT unit further comprises first coupling elements provided at a constant first radius from the first axis and at a variable second radius from the second axis, for transferring torque between the first drive element and the second drive element.
Claims44
Continuously variable transmission unit, comprising:
- a first drive element that is rotatable about a first axis;
- a second drive element that is rotatable about a second axis parallel to the first axis, wherein the first drive element and the second drive element are movable relative to each other in a direction transverse to the first and second axis;
- and
- first coupling elements provided at a constant first radius from the first axis and at a variable second radius from the second axis,
- for transferring torque between the first drive element and the second drive element.
The transmission unit of any preceding claim, wherein the second drive element comprises first radial guides extending radially with respect to the second axis, wherein the first radial guides are arranged for guiding movement of the first coupling elements in radial direction and for transmitting torque in tangential direction.
The transmission unit of any preceding claim, wherein the continuously variable transmission comprises:
- a third drive element that is rotatable about a third axis parallel to the second axis wherein the third drive element and the second drive element are movable relative to each other in a direction transverse to the third and second axis;
- and
- second coupling elements provided at a constant third radius from the third axis and at a variable fourth radius from the second axis, for transferring torque between the third drive element and the second drive element.
The transmission unit of any preceding claim, wherein the first axis and the third axis coincide.
The transmission unit of any preceding claim, wherein the second drive element is pivotally movable about a pivot axis that extends parallel to the first and second axes, for being pivotally moved relative to the first drive element in a direction transverse to the first and second axis, and/or wherein the first drive element is pivotally movable about a pivot axis that extends parallel to the first and second axes, for being pivotally moved relative to the second drive element in a direction transverse to the first and second axis.
Hub assembly for a bicycle, comprising a continuously variable transmission unit of any preceding claim.
Gearless transmission unit, such as for a bicycle, providing at least two discrete selectable transmission ratios, wherein a first of the at least two transmission ratios is provided by a first endless drive member, and wherein a second of the at least two transmission ratios is provided by a second endless drive member.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.