Continuously variable speed transmission
AssigneeLuk Lamellen und Kupplungsbau GmbH
InventorOswald Friedmann
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A continuously variable speed transmission with first and second adjustable sheaves and an endless flexible element which is trained over the sheaves. A torque sensor is installed between a prime mover and the shaft for the first sheave to determine the axial position of the axially movable flange of the first sheave in dependency on the transmitted torque and the selected transmission ratio. The torque sensor employs an annulus of spherical rolling elements between the surfaces of two ramps one of which is movable axially of the shaft for the first sheave to initiate controlled radial and/or axial movements of the rolling elements. The surfaces of the ramps generate torque- and transmission ratio-dependent forces.
Claims20
A continuously variable speed transmission comprising:
- first and second sheaves rotatable about first and second axes, respectively, one of said sheaves comprising a first flange and a second flange coaxial with and movable axially toward and away from the first flange;
- means for applying torque to said first sheave;
- a tensionable endless flexible torque transmitting element trained over said sheaves;
- means for moving said second flange to change the ratio of the transmission, and
- means for varying the tension of said flexible element, said means for varying including a torque sensor rotatable about one of said axes and connected with said torque applying means, said torque sensor including
- first and second opposing surfaces having at least one rolling element arranged therebetween and in contact therewith so as to generate torque and transmission ratio-dependent forces, said surfaces being configured such that said at least one rolling element is movable relative to said surfaces at least radially of said one axis in response to changes of said transmission ratio.
A continuously variable torque transmitting speed transmission comprising:
- first and second sheaves rotatable about first and second axes, respectively, each of said sheaves comprising a first flange and a second flange coaxial with and movable axially toward and away from the respective first flange and at least one of said sheaves further having a shaft non-rotatably mounting the respective sheaves;
- means for applying torque to said first sheave;
- an endless flexible torque transmitting element trained over said sheaves;
- means for moving the second flange of said at least one sheave, including at least one fluid operated motor;
- means for supplying pressurized fluid to said motor as a function of the load and the ratio of the transmission, including a pump;
- and
- a torque sensor receiving fluid from said pump and having
- at least one pressure regulating valve, and
- first and second opposing surfaces having at least one rolling element therebetween and in contact therewith, said surfaces and rolling element being configured to generate load and transmission ratio-dependent forces, and at least one rolling element in contact with and movable relative to said surfaces at least radially of said one axis and arranged to transmit to said at least one sheave the entire torque to be transmitted by the transmission.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.