US 4,428,740 A · Infinitely variable ratio transmission apparatus

Abstract

A variable ratio transmission apparatus for converting an input torque at a first RPM to an output torque at a second RPM includes a pair of driving discs disposed on an input drive shaft and in spaced parallel relationship thereto, a pair of driven discs disposed on an output drive shaft and a continuous length of metal link chain extending around and in direct contact with each pair of discs so as to create a high frictional force at the discs and chain interface sufficient to transmit motion from the driving discs to the driven discs. The link chain is arranged as a continuously repeating pattern of link plates which are interconnected by pins and a plurality of U-shaped drive members assembled relative to the link plates and pins. The outwardly facing surfaces of each drive member are contoured so as to conform to the surface shape of the driving and driven discs such that the chain is able to move in and out according to disc spacing, thereby realizing different radii. Each drive member includes a pin-receiving groove and each is arranged to be slidably removed when a right-angle bend is placed in the chain.

Claims9

Dependent claims

A variable ratio transmission apparatus for converting an input torque at a first RPM to an output torque at a second RPM, said variable ratio transmission apparatus comprising:

a frame housing including an input shaft and an output shaft;
a pair of driving discs disposed on said input shaft;
a pair of driven discs disposed on said output shaft;
and
a continuous length of chain extending around and between each pair of discs, said length of chain comprising:
(a) a plurality of pins arranged in a row and having a uniform pin center-to-pin center spacing between adjacent pins;
(b) a plurality of link plates pinned together by said plurality of pins, the ends of said pins extending beyond the sides of said link plates;
and
(c) a plurality of U-shaped drive members, each having a center opening extending from a front edge to a rear edge of the corresponding drive member and a pin groove extending from said front edge to said rear edge of the corresponding drive member, said link plates being disposed within said center openings and said grooves receiving the ends of said pins said plurality of U-shaped drive members each having a front edge to rear edge width dimension along a line coincident with the transverse centerline of its corresponding pin that is substantially equal to said pin center-to-pin center spacing.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Infinitely variable ratio transmission apparatus

Life of this patent

Infinitely variable ratio transmission apparatus

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims9