Continuously adjustable transmission

Abstract

A continuously adjustable transmission comprises a number of arms (18), one end of each of which is pivotably connected to a rotatably arranged driven first member (17) and of which the other end cooperates with a second rotatably arranged member (15). The axes of rotation (20) of the arms (18) are parallel to the axes of rotation of the members (15, 17) and are evenly distributed about a circle. The part of the second member (15) acted upon by the arms lies at a radial distance from the circle in which the axes of rotation (20) of the arms (18) are situated. Both members (15, 17) are movable in relation to each other between a concentric position in which the transmission ratio is 1:1 and an eccentric position for obtaining another transmission ratio. The arms (18) are situated in a common radial plane and the end of each arm which cooperates with the second member (15) has an elongated clamping member (19) pivotably connected with the arm (18) through an axially extending shaft (21). Each clamping member (19) is accommodated in a ring-shaped slot (22) in the second member (15). A spring (24) acts between each arm and the corresponding clamping member (19) in a direction such that opposite ends of the clamping member (19) will be urged to engage two opposite, substantially cylindrical walls (23) of the slot (22). The distance between the points where one clamping member (19) engages the opposite walls (23) is greater than the radial distance between the walls (23).

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.