Transmission with continuously variable speed ratio

Abstract

Each stage of the transmission includes a composite ring gear for operatively connecting spaced coplanar drive and idler gears on engine and idler shafts, respectively. The ring gear comprises a plurality of rotationally offset element assemblies, each of which includes first and second ring gear sectors, each mounted on a different end of a rotatable element. In this manner, as one gear sector engages the drive gear, the other sector engages the idler gear. Means operably connected to each element assembly of the composite ring gear are provided for varying the position of the axis of rotation of each of the assemblies relative to the drive and idler gears so as to change the ratio of the distances between the axes of rotation of the element assemblies and that of the drive and idler gears, respectively, and thus the speed transfer ratio of the stage. A plurality of such stages are connected in tandem such that the net effect on the final idler shaft equals the product of the speed transfer ratios of the several stages. The means for simultaneously controlling the means for varying the position of the axes of rotation of the element assemblies in each composite ring gear are connected to the throttle and can be varied in minute increments in response to the actuation thereof. In this manner, the speed transfer ratio of the transmission is continuously variable throughout a given range. A differential gear system, controlled by the gear shift lever, is interposed between the engine shaft and the drive gear associated with the first composite ring gear such that the engine shaft is conditionally connected to that drive gear for rotation thereof in a selected direction.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.