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US 6,575,047 B2Granted
Torque sensor for a continuously variable transmission
AssigneeWK Lamellen und Kupplungsban Beteiligungs KG
InventorsWolfgang Reik, Ulrich Mair, Wolfgang Haas
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A torque sensor for producing a torque-dependent pressing force. The sensor includes at least one input member and at least one output member. A power-transmitting element is arranged between the input and output members. The torque sensor can be utilized in a continuously variable transmission.
Claims26
A continuously variable transmission, said transmission comprising:
- a first set of coaxial conical disks adapted for relative axial movement to vary the axial spacing between the first set of disks;
- a second set of conical disks adapted for relative axial movement to vary the axial spacing between the second set of disks, wherein the second set of disks is spaced from and opposite to the first set of disks so an axial space between the first set of disks is radially opposite from an axial space between the second set of disks;
- a power transmission member positioned to engage and to pass between the first and second sets of disks to transmit torque therebetween;
- and
- a torque sensor connected with at least one of the first and the second set of disks for sensing a torque level applied to the transmission and for generating a torque-dependent pressing force on a torque-transmitting member, said torque sensor including:
- at least one torque-receiving input member and at least one torque output member;
- a torque-transmitting member disposed between the at least one input member and the at least one output member, wherein the torque-transmitting member receives a pressing force from the input member to transmit power between the input and the output members, and
- wherein the torque-transmitting member positioned between the input member and the output member is movable radially, relative to an axis of rotation about which the input and output members can rotate, to impart a pressing force to the output member when an input torque is applied to the input member.
5 more elements
A method for controlling a torque sensor carried by a continuously variable transmission, said method comprising the steps of:
- generating a signal indicative that the transmission ratio of the continuously variable transmission is to be changed;
- changing the transmission ratio of the continuously variable transmission by changing axial distances between pairs of axially-movable conical disks, between each of which an endless, torque-transmitting means passes to transmit torque between the pairs of disks to shift the radial position of the torque-transmitting means within each pair of disks;
- and
- providing a torque sensor having an axis of rotation and at least one power transmitting element between an input member of the torque sensor carried by the continuously variable transmission and an output member of the torque sensor, wherein the power transmitting element is movable radially relative to the torque sensor axis for transmitting torque between the torque sensor input and output members.
1 more element
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.