US 6,390,945 B1Granted

Friction gearing continuously variable transmission

AssigneeRatio Disc Corp.

InventorJames Robert Young

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Abstract

Continuously variable transmission consists of two rolling friction planetaries with a transversely mounted disk interposed between wheels of the planetaries. Varying the position of the disk varies the speed ratio. Transmitted forces urge an idler wheel into a converging space between the internal ring and the wheel in contact with the disk so as to establish contact forces as a function of transmitted torque. Ratio change is made easy by temporarily moving the disk laterally and utilizing the resultant change in contact position to establish a velocity vector which urges the disk toward a new position using only the power being transmitted. Well-known gear systems are used to extend the ratio range. Well-known tractants, or friction enhancing lubricants are used as lubricants to prevent wear yet maximize capacity.

Claims15

Dependent claims

A friction gearing transmission, comprising:

driving and driven means;
a friction gearing planetary;
said planetary includes a rotatable ring, a rotatable sun wheel and at least two rotatable planet wheels, a support for said sun wheel, and a support for said planet wheels;
a disc interposed between the sun wheel and a first planet wheel of said at least two planet wheels;
said disc being rotatably mounted about an axis transverse to the axes of the sun wheel and the at least two planet wheels, and in friction contact with said sun wheel and said first planet wheel;
means to cause normal forces to exist between adjacent rotatable members of said planetary and of said disc;
and,
whereby, power may be transmitted in either direction between the ring and the disc, and in either direction of rotation, at a ratio substantially determined by the size of the ring and the position of the disc.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.