HK1056764B - Continuously variable transmission - Google Patents

Description

Stepless speed change transmission device

Technical Field

The field of the invention relates to transmission devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to infinitely variable transmissions.

Background

In order to provide a continuously variable transmission, various traction roller transmissions have been developed in which power is transmitted between a torque input disc and an output disc through traction rollers supported in a housing. In such transmissions, the traction rollers are mounted on the support structures and engage the torque discs on circles of different diameters as the support structures rotate, with the different diameters being dependent upon the desired gear ratio.

However, the success of these conventional solutions has been limited, for example, in U.S. patent No.5236403 to Schievelbusch, which discloses a drive hub for a vehicle having a variable adjustable gear ratio. Schievelbusch teaches the use of two baffles, one on each side of the traction rollers, to skew the axis of rotation of each roller. However, the use of two spacers can be complicated because many elements are required to adjust the spacers during shifting of the transmission. Another difficulty with this transmission is that it has a guide ring that is configured to be primarily fixed with respect to each roller. Since the guide ring is fixed, it is difficult to move the rotation axis of each traction roller. Yet another limitation of this design is that it requires the use of two axle shafts, one on each side of the rollers, to create a gap in the middle of the two axle shafts. This clearance is necessary because the rollers are moved in rotation rather than in linear sliding. The use of two shafts is undesirable and requires a complex fastening arrangement to prevent the shafts from bending when the transmission is accidentally bumped, as is often the case when the transmission is used in a vehicle. Yet another limitation of this design is that it does not provide an automatic transmission.

Accordingly, there is a need for a continuously variable transmission having a simpler shifting method, a single shaft, and a support ring having a substantially uniform outer surface. Furthermore, an automatic traction roller transmission is required, which is designed for automatic shifting. Moreover, the practical commercialization of traction roller transmissions requires improvements in reliability, ease of shifting, function and simplicity of the transmission.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention includes a transmission for rotationally or linearly driven machines and vehicles. For example, the transmission may be used in machines such as drills, turbines and food processing equipment, and in vehicles such as automobiles, motorcycles and bicycles. The transmission may be driven, for example, by a power transmission mechanism such as a sprocket, gear, pulley or rod, optionally driving a one-way clutch attached to one end of the main shaft.

In one embodiment of the invention, a transmission comprises: a rotatable drive member; three or more power adjusting devices, wherein each power adjusting device rotates around a rotating shaft positioned at the inner center of each power adjusting device; a support member providing a support surface in frictional contact with each of the power modulating devices, wherein the support member rotates about an axis centrally located within the support member; at least one platform for actuating axial movement of the support member and for actuating translation of a rotational shaft of the power modulating device, wherein the platform provides a convex surface; at least one stationary support non-rotatably surrounding an axis of rotation defined by the support member, wherein the at least one stationary support provides a concave surface; and a plurality of spindle supports, wherein each spindle support is in sliding engagement with the convex surface of the platform and the concave surface of the stationary support, and wherein each spindle support adjusts the rotational shaft of the power adjustment device in response to axial movement of the platform.

In another embodiment, a transmission comprises: a rotatable drive member; three or more power adjusting devices, each of which rotates about a rotation axis that is the center of each power adjusting device, respectively; a support member providing a support surface in frictional contact with each power modulating device, a rotatable drive member for rotating each power modulating device; a bearing disk having a plurality of inclined ramps for actuating rotation of the drive member; a coil spring for biasing the rotatable drive member against each of the power modulating devices; at least one locking pawl ratchet rigidly connected to the rotatable drive member, the at least one locking pawl operatively connected to a coil spring; and at least one locking pawl for locking the locking pawl ratchet in response to the rotatable drive member being disengaged from the power modulating device.

In yet another embodiment, a transmission comprises: a rotatable drive member; three or more power adjusting devices, wherein each power adjusting device rotates around an axis that is the center of each power adjusting device; a support member providing a support surface in frictional contact with each of the power modulating devices, wherein the support member rotates about an axis centrally located within the support member; a bearing disk having a plurality of inclined ramps for actuating rotation of the drive member; a screw member coaxially and rigidly connected to the rotatable drive member or bearing disc; and a nut coaxially and rigidly connected to the bearing disk if the screw is connected to the rotatable drive member or to the rotatable drive member if the screw is rigidly connected to the bearing disk, wherein the inclined ramp of the bearing disk has a greater lead (lead) than the screw.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of the transmission of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the transmission of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of two stationary supports of the transmission of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional end view of the transmission of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a drive plate, bearing cage, threaded member and ramp bearing of the transmission of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a ratchet and pawl subsystem of the transmission of FIG. 1 for engagement and disengagement with the transmission;

FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of the transmission of FIG. 1 with a rotatable drive disc particularly removed;

FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of the transmission of FIG. 1 with the hub shell particularly removed;

FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view of the transmission of FIG. 1 in which shifting is performed automatically;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a shifter handle mechanically coupled to the transmission of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is an end view of a thrust bearing of the transmission shown in FIG. 1 for use in automatic shifting of the transmission;

FIG. 12 is an end view of the weight structure of the transmission shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a transmission bolted to a planar surface;

FIG. 14 is a side cross-sectional view of the transmission shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a schematic end view of the transmission of FIG. 1 showing cables across a distribution line of spacer extensions of the automatic portion of the transmission;

fig. 16 is a schematic end view of the cabling of the transmission shown in fig. 13.

Detailed Description

The following detailed description is directed to certain specific embodiments of the invention. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms as defined and encompassed by the claims. In the description, reference is made to the drawings wherein like parts are designated with like numerals throughout. Furthermore, embodiments of the invention may include several novel features, more than one of which is individually determining its claimed characteristics or which is essential to the practice of the invention described herein.

The present invention comprises a continuously variable transmission that may be used in conjunction with any type of machine requiring a transmission. For example, the transmission may be used in (i) a motorized vehicle such as an automobile, motorcycle, or watercraft, (ii) a non-motorized vehicle such as a bicycle, tricycle, scooter, exercise equipment, or (iii) industrial equipment such as a drill press, power equipment, or textile machinery.

Referring to fig. 1 and 2, a continuously variable transmission 100 is disclosed. The transmission 100 is housed within the hub shell 40 covered by the hub cover 67. At the center of the transmission 100 are three or more power modulating devices 1a, 1b and 1c, which are spherical and equally circumferentially spaced around the centerline or axis of rotation of the transmission 100. As is more apparent from fig. 2, the spindles 3a, 3b and 3c are inserted through the centers of the power adjusting devices 1a, 1b and 1c to define the rotational axes of the power adjusting devices 1a, 1b and 1 c. In fig. 1, the rotation shaft of the power adjusting device is shown in the horizontal direction. Spindle supports 2a-2f are vertically attached and connected to each exposed end of spindles 3a, 3b and 3 c. In one embodiment, each spindle support has a hole to receive an end of one of the spindles 3a, 3b and 3 c. The spindles 3a, 3b and 3c also have spindle rollers 4a-4f coaxially and slidingly positioned on the exposed ends of the spindles 3a, 3b and 3c outside the spindle supports 2a-2 f.

When the axis of rotation of the power adjusting devices 1a, 1b and 1c is changed by tilting the spindles 3a, 3b and 3c, each of the spindle rollers 4a-4f follows the grooves 6a-6f cut in the fixed supports 5a, 5 b. Referring to fig. 1 and 3, the fixed supports 5a, 5b are substantially in the form of parallel discs having an axis of rotation along the centre line of the transmission 100. The grooves 6a-6f extend from the outer periphery of the fixed supports 5a, 5b in the direction of the centre line of the transmission 100. Although the sides of the grooves 6a-6f are substantially parallel, the bottom surfaces of the grooves 6a-6f form decreasing radii as they extend toward the centerline of the transmission 100. When the transmission 100 is shifted to a lower or higher gear by changing the rotational axis of the power adjusting devices 1a, 1b and 1c, each pair of spindle rollers 4a-4f on a single spindle 3a, 3b and 3c moves in opposite directions along their respective grooves 6a-6 f.

Referring to fig. 1 and 3, the central holes 7a, 7b in the fixed supports 5a, 5b allow a hollow shaft 10 to be inserted through the fixed supports 5a, 5 b. Referring to fig. 4, in one embodiment of the invention, one or more of the fixed bearing holes 7a, 7b may have a non-cylindrical shape 14 that fits onto a corresponding non-cylindrical body 15 along the hollow shaft 10 to prevent any relative rotation between the fixed bearings 5a, 5b and the hollow shaft 10. If the stiffness of the fixed supports 5a, 5b is insufficient, additional structure may be employed to minimize any relative rotation or bending of the fixed supports 5a, 5 b. Such movement of the fixed supports 5a, 5b results in binding of the spindle rollers 4a-4f as they move along the grooves 6a-6 f.

As shown in fig. 4 and 7, the additional structure may take the form of spacers 8a, 8b and 8c connected between the fixed supports 5a, 5 b. Spacers 8a, 8b and 8c increase the stiffness between the fixed supports 5a, 5b and, in one embodiment, are located near the outer periphery of the fixed supports 5a, 5 b. In one embodiment, the fixed supports 5a, 5b are connected to the spacers 8a, 8b and 8c by means of bolts or other fastening devices 45a-45f inserted through holes 46a-46f in the fixed supports 5a, 5 b.

Referring again to fig. 1 and 3, the stationary support 5a is fixedly connected to a stationary support sleeve 42 that coaxially surrounds the hollow axle 10 and extends through the wall of the hub shell 40. The fixed support member sleeve 42 extends through one end of the hub shell 40 to connect to the frame support and preferably has a non-cylindrical shape to enhance subsequent connection of a torque rod 43. As shown more clearly in fig. 7, the torque rod 43 is placed over the non-cylindrical end of the fixed support sleeve 42 and held in place with a torque nut 44. The torque rod 43 is rigidly connected at its other end to a strong stationary part, for example a frame (not shown). A fixed support bearing 48 supports the hub shell 40 and allows the hub shell 40 to rotate relative to the fixed support sleeve 42.

Referring again to fig. 1 and 2, the shift is manually operated by axially sliding a rod 11 that is positioned within a hollow shaft 10. One or more pins 12 are inserted through one or more transverse holes in the rod 11 and also extend through one or more longitudinal slots 16 (not shown) in the hollow shaft 10. Slots 16 in the hollow shaft 10 allow the pin 12 and rod 11 assembly to move axially within the hollow shaft 10. When the rod 11 slides axially in the hollow shaft 10, each end of the transverse pin 12 projects into and is connected to a coaxial sleeve 19. The sleeve 19 is fixedly attached at each end thereof to a substantially planar platform 13a, 13b, the platforms 13a, 13b forming a recess around the periphery of the sleeve 19.

As can be seen more clearly in fig. 4, the planar platforms 13a, 13b each contact and push a plurality of wheels 21a-21 f. The wheels 21a-21f fit into grooves in the spindle supports 2a-2f and are held in place by the axles 22a-22 f. The axles 22a-22f are supported at their respective ends by spindle supports 2a-2f and allow rotation of the wheels 21a-21 f.

Referring again to fig. 1 and 2, the substantially planar platforms 13a, 13b transition into a convex surface at their outer periphery (furthest from the hollow shaft 10). This area allows clearance to be cleared when the transmission 100 is shifted while the spindle supports 2a-2f and the power adjusting devices 1a, 1b and 1c are tilted. A cylindrical support member 18 is located in the recess formed between the planar platforms 13a, 13b and the sleeve 19 and thus moves in unison with the planar platforms 13a, 13b and the sleeve 19. The support member 18 rides on contact bearings 17a, 17b at the intersection of the planar platforms 13a, 13b and the sleeve 19 to allow the support member 18 to rotate freely about the axis of the transmission 100. Thus, when the transmission 100 is shifted, the bearings 17a, 17b, the support member 18 and the sleeve 19 all slide axially with the planar platforms 13a, 13 b.

Referring now to fig. 3 and 4, rollers 30a-30l of the fixed bearing are connected in pairs to each mandrel leg 2a-2f by roller pins 31a-31f and held in place by roller clamps 32a-32 l. The roller pins 31a-31f allow the rollers 30a-30l of the fixed bearing to rotate freely about the roller pins 31a-31 f. The rollers 30a-30l of the fixed bearing roll on a concave radius in the fixed bearing 5a, 5b along a path substantially parallel to the grooves 6a-6 f. The rollers 30a-30l of the fixed bearing neither allow the ends of the spindles 3a, 3b and 3c nor allow the spindle rollers 4a-4f to contact the bottom surfaces of the grooves 6a-6f as the spindle rollers 4a-4f move back and forth within the grooves 6a-6f to maintain the position of the spindles 3a, 3b and 3c and minimize any frictional losses.

Fig. 4 shows rollers 30a-30l, roller pins 31a-31f and roller clips 32a-32l of the fixed bearing, as can be seen from fixed bearing 5a for ease of viewing. For clarity, many of the reference numbers for rollers 30a-30l, roller pins 31a-31f, and roller clamps 32a-32l of the fixed bearing of FIG. 1 are not labeled in FIG. 1.

Referring to fig. 1 and 5, a concave driving disk 34 is positioned adjacent to the fixed support 5b, partially enclosing but not in contact with the fixed support 5 b. The drive disk 34 is rigidly connected by its centre to a screw 35. The screw 35 is coaxial to the hollow shaft 10 adjacent to the fixed support 5b and forms a sleeve around the hollow shaft 10 and faces a driving member 69. The drive plate 34 is rotatably connected to the power adjusting devices 1a, 1b and 1c along a peripheral bearing surface on the lip of the drive plate 34. A nut 37 is screwed onto the screw 35 and is rigidly connected around its periphery to a bearing disk 60. One face of the nut 37 is also connected to a drive member 69. Also rigidly attached to the surface of the bearing disc 60 are a plurality of ramps 61 which face the drive disc 34. For each ramp 61, a ramp bearing 62 is provided, held in place by a bearing cage 63. The ramp bearing 62 contacts the ramp 61 and the drive disc 34. A spring 65 is connected at one end to the bearing cage 63 and at the other end to the drive plate 34 or, in another embodiment, to the bearing plate 60 to bias the ramp bearing 62 against the ramp 61. The bearing disk 60 contacts a hubcap bearing 66 on its side opposite the ramp 61 and on approximately the same circumference. The hubcap bearing 66 contacts the hubcap 67 and the bearing disk 60 so that they can move relative to each other. The hub cap 67 is screwed to the hub shell 40 or pressed into the hub shell 40 and fixed with an inner ring 68. A sprocket or pulley 38 is rigidly connected to the rotating drive member 69 and is held in place externally by a tapered bearing 70 secured with a tapered nut 71 and internally by a drive bearing 72, with the drive bearing 72 contacting the drive member 69 and hub cap 67.

In operation, an input rotation from the sprocket or pulley 38 fixedly connected to the drive member 69 rotates the bearing disc 60 and the plurality of ramps 61 to roll the ramp bearings 62 on the ramps 61 and press the drive disc 34 against the power modulating devices 1a, 1b and 1 c. At the same time, the nut 37 is rotated to engage the screw 35 and the nut 37, wherein the lead of the nut 37 is smaller than that of the ramp 61. This structure gives rotation of the driving disc 34 pressed against the power adjusting devices 1a, 1b and 1 c. The power adjusting devices 1a, 1b, and 1c contact the hub shell 40 and rotate it when rotating.

When the transmission 100 is coasting, the sprocket or pulley 38 stops rotating and the hub shell 40 and the power adjusting devices 1a, 1b, and 1c continue to rotate. This causes the driving disk 34 to rotate to screw the screw 35 into the nut 37 until the driving disk 34 no longer contacts the power adjusting devices 1a, 1b, and 1 c.

Referring to fig. 1, 6 and 7, a coil spring 80 coaxial with the transmission 100 is located between the bearing disk 60 and the drive disk 34 and is connected to the bearing disk 60 and the drive disk 34 at each end of the coil spring 80 by means of pins or other fasteners (not shown). During operation of the transmission 100, the coil spring 80 ensures contact between the power adjusting devices 1a, 1b and 1c and the drive disc 34. A pawl support 83 engages the helical spring 80 which is connected with its central spiral to the pawl support 83 by means of a pin or standard fastener (not shown). Since the ratchet bracket 83 is connected to the middle coil of the coil spring 80, it rotates at half the speed of the driving disk 34 when the bearing disk 60 is not rotated. This may cause one or more locking pawls 81a, 81b and 81c to engage the drive disc ratchet 82, wherein each locking pawl 81a, 81b and 81c is connected to the pawl bracket 83 by means of one or more pins 84a, 84b and 84c, the ratchet 82 being coaxial with the drive disc 34 and rigidly connected to the drive disc 34. One or more of the locking pawls 84a, 84b, and 84c are preferably asymmetrically spaced about the drive disk ratchet 82. Once engaged, the coil spring 80, which resists loading, presses the drive disc 34 against the power modulating devices 1a, 1b and 1 c. Therefore, since the drive plate 34 is not in contact with the power adjusting devices 1a, 1b, and 1c, the transmission 100 is in neutral and the ease of shifting is improved. The transmission 100 may also be operated while shifting gears.

When the transmission 100 resumes operation by rotating the sprocket or pulley 38, one or more release pawls 85a, 85b and 85c are in contact with the opposing bearing disk ratchet 87, the release pawls 85a, 85b and 85c each being connected to one of the locking pawls 81a, 81b and 81c by a pawl pin 88a, 88b and 88 c. The bearing disk ratchet 87 is coaxial with the bearing disk 60 and is rigidly connected to the bearing disk 60. Since the release pawls 85a, 85b, and 85c are connected to the pawl holder 83 via the locking pawls 81a, 81b, and 81c, the bearing disk ratchet 87 actuates the release pawls 85a, 85b, and 85 c. In operation, the release pawls 85a, 85b and 85c rotate at half the speed of the bearing disk 60 because the drive disk 34 is not rotating and the disengagement of the locking pawls 81a, 81b and 81c from the drive disk ratchet 82 allows the coil spring 80 to rotate the drive disk 34 against the power modulating devices 1a, 1b and 1 c. One or more pawl tensioning devices (not shown), one on each release pawl 85a, 85b and 85c, ensure that the locking pawls 81a, 81b and 81c are pressed against the drive disk ratchet 82 and ensure that the release pawls 85a, 85b and 85c are pressed against the bearing disk ratchet 87. The pawl tensioning device is connected to the pawl holder 83 at one end and is in contact with the release pawls 85a, 85b and 85c at the other end. An assembly hole 93 (not shown) through the hub cap 67, bearing plate 6 and drive plate 34 allows an assembly pin (not shown) to be inserted into the loaded coil spring 80 during assembly of the transmission 100. The assembly pin prevents loss of tension in the coil spring 80 and is removed after assembly of the transmission 100 is complete.

Referring to fig. 1, 11, 12 and 15, automatic shifting of transmission 100 is accomplished by means of spindle cables 602, 604 and 606, which are connected at one end to a stationary transmission 100 component, such as hollow shaft 10 or stationary support 5 a. The spindle cables 602, 604 and 606 then pass over spindle pulleys 630, 632 and 634, which are all coaxially positioned on spindles 3a, 3b and 3 c. Spindle cables 602, 604, and 606 also pass around spacer pulleys 636, 638, 640, 644, 646, and 648, which are all connected to a spacer extension 642, which extension 642 may be rigidly connected to spacers 8a, 8b, and 8 c. As more clearly shown in fig. 11 and 12, the other ends of the spindle cables 602, 604, and 606 are connected to a plurality of holes 620, 622, and 624 in a non-rotating annular bearing race 816. A plurality of weight cables 532, 534, and 536 are connected at one end to a plurality of holes 610, 612, and 614 in the rotating annular bearing race 806. The annular bearing 808 is positioned between the rotating annular bearing race 806 and the non-rotating annular bearing race 816 such that they can move relative to each other.

Referring to FIG. 15, a transmission 100 including cable wiring for automatic shifting is shown.

As shown in fig. 1, 9, 11 and 12, the weight cables 532, 534, 536 also pass around the hub shell pulleys 654, 656 and 658, through holes in the hub shell 40 and into the hollow spokes 504, 506 and 508 (best seen in fig. 12), where they are connected to the weights 526, 528 and 530. Weights 526, 528 and 530 are connected to and receive support from weight aids 516, 518 and 520, which weights aids 516, 518 and 520 are connected at their opposite ends to a wheel 514 or other rotating body. As the wheel 514 increases its rotational speed, the weights 526, 528 and 530 are pulled radially away from the hub shell 40, axially pulling the rotating annular bearing race 806 and the non-rotating annular bearing race 816 toward the hub cap 67. The non-rotating annular bearing race 816 pulls the spindle cables 602, 604, 606, which pull the spindle pulleys 630, 632, 634 closer to the hollow shaft 10 and thus shift the transmission 100 into a higher gear. As the rotational speed of wheel 514 decreases, one or more tensioning members 9 positioned inside hollow shaft 100 and held in place with shaft cover 92 push spindle pulleys 630, 632 and 634 away from hollow shaft 10 and thus shift transmission 100 into a lower gear.

Alternatively, or in conjunction with tension members 9, a plurality of tension members (not shown) may be connected to spindles 3a, 3b, and 3c opposite spindle pulleys 630, 632, and 634.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the transmission 100 may also be manually shifted to skip over or replace an automatic shifting mechanism. A rotatable shifting device 50 has internal threads that are threaded onto external threads of a shifting device threaded member 52, the threaded member 52 being attached to the hollow axle 10. The shifting device 50 has a cover 53 with a hole that fits over the rod 11, the rod 11 being inserted into the hollow shaft 10. The rod 11 is threaded at a point protruding from the hollow shaft 10 so that the nuts 54, 55 can be screwed onto the rod 11. Nuts 54, 55 are positioned on both sides of the cover 53. A shift lever 56 is rigidly connected to shifter 50 and provides a moment arm for lever 11. The shift cable 51 is connected to the shift lever 56 through slots 57a, 57b, 57c in the lever. The slots 57a, 57b, 57c on the multiple levers provide speed variation and ease of shifting.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 10, shift cable 51 is routed to a handle 300 and coaxially wound thereon. When the handle 300 is rotated in a first direction, the shifting device 50 is axially wound or unwound on the hollow shaft 10 and pushes the rod 11 into the hollow shaft 10 or pulls it out of the hollow shaft 10. When handle 300 is rotated in the second direction, shift spring 58, which is coaxially positioned on shifter 50, returns shifter 50 to its original position. Each end of the shift spring 58 is coupled to the shifter 50 and a stationary member, such as a frame (not shown).

As can be seen more clearly in fig. 10, the handle 300 is positioned on a handle bar (not shown) or other rigid member. The handle 300 includes a twist grip 302 that includes a cable attachment 304 for attachment of the shift cable 51 and a channel 306 that allows the shift cable 51 to be wrapped around the twist grip 302. A flange 308 is also provided to prevent a user from interfering with the routing of the shift cable 51. The handle ratchet teeth 310 are located on the rotating handle 302 at their interface with a rotating clamp 314. When the rotating handle 302 is rotated in a first direction, the handle ratchet teeth 310 lock onto the opposite set of clamp ratchet teeth 312. The clamp ratchet teeth 312 form a loop and are connected to a rotating clamp 314, and when the handle ratchet teeth 310 and the clamp ratchet teeth 312 are locked together, the rotating clamp 314 rotates with the rotating handle 302. The force required to rotate the rotating clamp 314 may be adjusted with a set screw 316 or other fastener. When the rotating handle 302 is rotated in the second direction, the handle ratchet teeth 310 and the clamp ratchet teeth 312 disengage. Referring again to FIG. 1, when the rotating handle 302 is rotated in the second direction, the tension of the shift spring 58 increases. A non-rotating clamp 318 and a non-rotating grip 320 prevent excessive axial movement of the components of the handle 300.

Referring to fig. 13 and 14, another embodiment of a transmission 900 is disclosed. For simplicity, only the differences between the transmission 100 and the transmission 900 will be discussed.

Instead of the rotating hub shell 40, there is a stationary housing 901 and an outer shell 902 which are joined together with one or more set screws 903, 904 and 905. The set screws 903, 904, and 905 can be removed to provide access to service the transmission 900. Housing 901 and outer casing 902 have coplanar flanges 906, 907 with a plurality of bolt holes 908, 910, 912 and 914 for inserting a plurality of bolts 918, 920, 922 and 924 to fixedly mount transmission 900 to a stationary component, such as a frame (not shown).

Spacer extensions 930 are compressed between stationary housing 901 and outer shell 902 with set screws 903, 904, and 905, and extend toward and rigidly attach to spacers 8a, 8b, and 8 c. The spacer extensions 930 prevent rotation of the fixed supports 5a, 5 b. The fixed support 5a does not have a fixed support sleeve 42 as in the transmission 100. The fixed supports 5a, 5b hold the hollow shaft 10 in a fixed position. The hollow shaft 10 terminates at one end in a fixed support 5a and at its other end in a screw 35. An output drive disk 942 is added and supported against the housing 901 with a housing bearing 944. The output drive disk 942 is connected to an output drive member such as a drive shaft, gear, sprocket, or pulley (not shown). Similarly, the drive member 69 is connected to an input drive component, such as a motor, gear, sprocket, or pulley.

Referring to fig. 16, shifting of transmission 900 is accomplished with a single cable 946 that is wound around each of the spindle pulleys 630, 632, and 634. A single cable 946 is connected at one end to a stationary component of the transmission 900, such as the hollow shaft 10 or the stationary support 5 a. After passing around each spindle pulley 630, 632, and 634 and spacer pulleys 636, 644, a single cable 946 exits the transmission 900 through an aperture in the housing 902. Alternatively, a lever (not shown) connected to one or more of the spindles 3a, 3b, 3c may be used to shift the transmission 900 in place of the single cable 946.

The foregoing description details certain embodiments of the invention. However, it should be understood that the invention can be embodied in many ways, no matter how detailed the above is. Also as noted above, it should be noted that the use of particular terminology when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being re-defined herein to be restricted to including any specific characteristics of the features or aspects of the invention with which that terminology is associated. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with any equivalents thereof.

Claims (74)

1. A continuously variable transmission, comprising:

a rotatable drive member (34);

three or more power adjusting devices (1), wherein each power adjusting device (1) rotates around a rotating shaft positioned at the inner center of each power adjusting device (1);

a support member (18) providing a support surface in frictional contact with each power modulating device (1), wherein the support member (18) rotates about an axis centrally located within the support member (18).

At least one platform (13) for actuating the axial movement of the support member (18) and for actuating the displacement of the rotational axis of the dynamic adjustment device (1), wherein the platform (13) provides a convex surface;

at least one fixed support (5) which is not rotatable about an axis of rotation defined by the support member (18), wherein the at least one fixed support (5) provides a concave surface; and

a plurality of spindle supports (2), wherein each spindle support (2) is operably engaged with a convex surface of the platform (13) and a concave surface of the stationary support (5), and wherein each spindle support (2) adjusts the axis of rotation in response to axial movement of the platform (13).

2. Transmission according to claim 1, characterized in that the support surface is at a uniform distance from the axis of rotation of the support member (18).

3. The system of claim 1, further comprising two bearings (17), each bearing (17) contacting one of the ends of the support member (18).

4. The transmission of claim 1, further comprising:

a plurality of spindles (3) respectively positioned at the inner center of each power adjusting device (1); and

wherein each spindle support (2) comprises a hole for receiving an end of one of the spindles (3).

5. Transmission according to claim 1, wherein each spindle support (2) comprises at least one wheel (21) in rolling engagement with a convex surface of the platform (13).

6. A transmission according to claim 3, wherein each spindle support (2) comprises at least one fixed support roller (30) for rolling engagement with a concave surface of the fixed support (5).

7. The transmission of claim 1, further comprising at least one outwardly extendable weight (526, 528, 530) for actuating adjustment of the rotational axis of each power adjustment device (1).

8. The transmission of claim 7, further comprising a rotating device (514), wherein the at least one outwardly extendable weight (526, 528, 530) is operatively connected to the rotating device (514), wherein the speed of the rotating device (514) is controlled by the transmission, and wherein the spatial position of the at least one outwardly extendable weight (526, 528, 530) is influenced by the rotational speed of the rotating device (514).

9. The transmission of claim 8, further comprising:

a rotating annular bearing race (806) operatively connected to extendable weights (526, 528, 530);

a non-rotating annular bearing race (816); and

an annular bearing (808) in frictional contact with the rotating annular bearing race (806) and the non-rotating annular bearing race (816).

10. The transmission of claim 9, further comprising a plurality of spindle cables (602, 604, 606), each spindle cable (602, 604, 606) attached at a first end to a non-rotating annular bearing race (816) and operatively attached at a second end to a respective spindle (3).

11. The transmission of claim 10, further comprising a plurality of weight cables (532, 534, 536), each weight cable (532, 534, 536) attached at a first end to the rotating annular bearing race (806) and at a second end to at least one outwardly extendable weight (526, 528, 530).

12. The transmission of claim 11, further comprising a plurality of spindle pulleys (630, 632, 634), each spindle pulley (630, 632, 634) positioned on the spindle (3) and supporting a spindle cable (602, 604, 606).

13. The transmission of claim 12, further comprising at least one weight tensioning member (516, 518, 520), the weight tensioning member (516, 518, 520) operably connected to the at least one weight (526, 528, 530), the weight tensioning member (516, 518, 520) radially biasing the at least one weight (526, 528, 530) away from the transmission.

14. The transmission of claim 1, further comprising a rotatable hub shell (40), wherein each power modulating device (1) is in frictional contact with the hub shell.

15. The transmission of claim 1, further comprising a bearing disk (60) having a plurality of inclined ramps (61) for actuating rotation of the drive member (34).

16. The transmission of claim 15, further comprising:

a hub cap (67); and

a hubcap bearing (66), wherein the hubcap bearing (67) is in frictional contact with both the hubcap (67) and the bearing disk (60).

17. Transmission according to claim 16, wherein the hubcap bearing (66) absorbs axial forces generated by the ramps (61) of the bearing disc (60) and prevents axial movement of the bearing disc (60).

18. The transmission of claim 16, further comprising a rotatable bearing cage (63), wherein the rotatable bearing cage (63) maintains the spacing of the plurality of ramp bearings (62), the bearings (62) being in frictional contact with the bearing plate (60).

19. The transmission of claim 18, further comprising a spring (80), the spring (80) attached at a first end to the bearing cage (63), the spring (80) attached at a second end to either the bearing plate (60) or the rotatable drive member (34), the spring (80) preloading the ramp bearing (62) onto the ramp (61).

20. The transmission of claim 15, further comprising a plurality of ramp bearings (62), the ramp bearings (62) being positioned on a ramp (61) between the rotatable drive member (34) and the bearing plate (60).

21. The transmission of claim 15, further comprising:

a screw (35) coaxially and rigidly attached to the rotatable drive member (34) or the bearing disc (60); and

a nut (37) coaxially and rigidly attached to the bearing disk (60) if the threaded member (35) is attached to the rotatable drive member (34) or to the rotatable drive member (34) if the threaded member (35) is rigidly attached to the bearing disk (60).

22. Transmission according to claim 21, characterized in that the inclined ramp (61) of the bearing disc (60) has a higher lead than the screw (35).

23. Transmission according to claim 21, characterized in that the screw (35) is a left-hand screw and the bearing disc (60) rotates clockwise.

24. Transmission according to claim 21, characterized in that the screw (35) is a right-hand screw and the bearing disc (60) rotates anticlockwise.

25. A transmission according to claim 20, wherein in response to a stop of rotation of the bearing disc (60), the power adjustment device (1) winds a screw (35) or nut (37) rigidly attached to the rotatable drive member (34) away from the power adjustment device (1), thereby disengaging the transmission.

26. The transmission of claim 15, further comprising a coil spring (80) for biasing the rotatable drive member (34) against the power modulating device (1).

27. The transmission of claim 15, further comprising:

at least one locking pawl (81); and

at least one locking pawl ratchet (82), wherein the locking pawl ratchet (82) is rigidly attached to the rotatable drive member (34), and the at least one locking pawl (81) is operatively attached to the coil spring (80).

28. A transmission according to claim 27, wherein the locking pawl ratchet (82) rotates at twice the speed of the at least one locking pawl (81) when the bearing disc (60) is not rotating and when the rotatable drive member (34) is rotating.

29. The transmission of claim 27, further comprising:

at least one release pawl (85); and

at least one release pawl ratchet (87) operatively attached to the at least one locking pawl (81), wherein the release pawl ratchet (87) is rigidly attached to the bearing disk (60).

30. A transmission according to claim 29, wherein the release pawl ratchet wheel (87) rotates at twice the speed of the at least one release pawl (85) when the rotatable drive member (34) is not rotating and the bearing disc (60) is rotating.

31. A transmission according to claim 29, wherein after disengagement of the rotatable drive member (34) from the power modulating device (1), and in response to rotation of the bearing disc (60), the release pawl ratchet (87) engages at least one release pawl (85) which is disengaged from at least one locking pawl (81), the locking pawl (81) releasing the helical spring (80) to press the rotatable drive member (34) against the power modulating device (34).

32. The transmission of claim 27, wherein the locking pawl (81) engages a locking pawl ratchet (82) in response to disengagement of the drive member (34) and the bearing disc (60) to prevent the coil spring (80) from biasing the rotatable drive member (34) against the power modulating device (1).

33. Transmission according to claim 27, characterized in that at least one locking pawl (81) is operatively attached to the helical spring (80) at a middle helix of the helical spring (80).

34. The transmission of claim 1, further comprising:

a rotating handle (302) having ratchet teeth (310); and

a rotating chuck (314) with ratchet teeth (312) that ratchet with the handle (302).

35. The transmission of claim 34, wherein the ratchet teeth (310) of the rotating handle (302) face in a first direction and the ratchet teeth (312) of the rotating gripper (314) face in a second direction.

36. The transmission of claim 34, wherein rotation of the rotatable knob (302) in a first direction rotates the rotatable clamp (314), and rotation of the rotatable knob (302) in a second and opposite direction does not rotate the rotatable clamp (314).

37. The transmission of claim 34, further comprising:

a non-rotating handle (320); and

a non-rotating clamp (318), wherein the non-rotating clamp (318) and the non-rotating handle (320) prevent axial movement of the rotating handle (302) and the rotating clamp (314).

38. The transmission of claim 1, further comprising:

a hollow shaft (10) having at least one slot (16);

a sleeve (19) slidingly and coaxially positioned on the hollow shaft (10);

a pin (12) passing through a slot (16) in the hollow shaft (10) to contact the sleeve (19); and

wherein the platform (13) contacts the sleeve (19) and moves axially in response to axial movement of the sleeve (19) and the pin (12).

39. Transmission according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one fixed support (5) comprises two fixed supports (5), wherein each fixed support (5) is rigidly connected to each other by means of a plurality of spacers.

40. The transmission of claim 1, further comprising a rotatable driven member (40) in frictional contact with each power modulating device (1).

41. The transmission of claim 40, further comprising a non-rotatable hub shell (901, 902) enclosing the transmission.

42. The infinitely variable transmission of claim 1, further comprising:

a bearing disk (60) having a plurality of inclined ramps (61) for actuating rotation of the drive member (34);

at least one locking pawl (81);

a coil spring (80) for biasing the rotatable drive member (34) against the power modulating device (1);

at least one locking pawl ratchet (82), wherein the locking pawl ratchet (82) is rigidly attached to the rotatable drive member (34), wherein the at least one locking pawl (81) is operatively attached to the coil spring (80); and wherein at least one locking pawl (81) locks the locking pawl ratchet (82) in response to the rotatable drive member (34) becoming disengaged from the power modulating device (1).

43. The infinitely variable transmission of claim 1, further comprising:

a bearing disk (60) having a plurality of inclined ramps (61) for actuating rotation of the drive member (34);

a screw (35) coaxially and rigidly attached to the rotatable drive member (34) or the bearing disc (60); and

a nut (37) coaxially and rigidly attached to the bearing disk (60) if the screw (35) is attached to the rotatable drive member (34) or to the rotatable drive member (34) if the screw (35) is rigidly attached to the bearing disk (60), wherein the inclined ramp (61) of the bearing disk (60) has a higher lead than the screw (35).

44. The system of claim 6, further comprising two bearings (17), each bearing (17) contacting one of the ends of the support member (18).

45. The transmission of claim 6, further comprising:

a plurality of spindles (3) respectively positioned at the inner center of each power adjusting device (1); and

wherein each spindle support (2) comprises a hole for receiving an end of one of the spindles (3).

46. Transmission according to claim 6, characterized in that each spindle support (2) comprises at least one wheel (21) in rolling engagement with a convex surface of the platform (13).

47. The transmission according to claim 6, further comprising at least one outwardly extendable weight (526, 528, 530) for actuating the adjustment of the rotational axis of each power adjustment device (1).

48. The transmission of claim 47, further comprising a rotating device (514), wherein the at least one outwardly extendable weight (526, 528, 530) is operatively connected to the rotating device (514), wherein the speed of the rotating device (514) is controlled by the transmission, and wherein the spatial position of the at least one outwardly extendable weight (526, 528, 530) is influenced by the rotational speed of the rotating device (514).

49. The transmission of claim 48, further comprising:

a rotating annular bearing race (806) operatively connected to extendable weights (526, 528, 530);

a non-rotating annular bearing race (816); and

an annular bearing (808) in frictional contact with the rotating annular bearing race (806) and the non-rotating annular bearing race (816).

50. The transmission of claim 49, further comprising a plurality of spindle cables (602, 604, 606), each spindle cable (602, 604, 606) attached at a first end to a non-rotating annular bearing race (816) and operatively attached at a second end to a respective spindle (3).

51. The transmission of claim 50, further comprising a plurality of weight cables (532, 534, 536), each weight cable (532, 534, 536) attached at a first end to the rotating annular bearing race (806) and at a second end to at least one outwardly extendable weight (526, 528, 530).

52. The transmission of claim 51, further comprising a plurality of spindle pulleys (630, 632, 634), each spindle pulley (630, 632, 634) positioned on the spindle (3) and supporting a spindle cable (602, 604, 606).

53. The transmission of claim 52, further comprising at least one weight tensioning member (516, 518, 520), the weight tensioning member (516, 518, 520) operably connected to the at least one weight (526, 528, 530), the weight tensioning member (516, 518, 520) radially biasing the at least one weight (526, 528, 530) away from the transmission.

54. A transmission according to claim 6, further comprising a rotatable hub shell (40), wherein each power modulating device (1) is in frictional contact with the hub shell.

55. The transmission of claim 6, further comprising a bearing disk (60) having a plurality of inclined ramps (61) for actuating rotation of the drive member (34).

56. The transmission of claim 55, further comprising:

a hub cap (67); and

a hubcap bearing (66), wherein the hubcap bearing (67) is in frictional contact with both the hubcap (67) and the bearing disk (60).

57. Transmission according to claim 56, characterized in that the hubcap bearing (66) absorbs axial forces generated by the ramps (61) of the bearing disc (60) and prevents axial movement of the bearing disc (60).

58. The transmission of claim 56, further comprising a rotatable cage (63), wherein the rotatable cage (63) maintains the spacing of the plurality of ramp bearings (62), the bearings (62) being in frictional contact with the bearing plate (60).

59. The transmission of claim 58, further comprising a spring (80), the spring (80) attached at a first end to the bearing cage (63), the spring (80) attached at a second end to either the bearing plate (60) or the rotatable drive member (34), the spring (80) preloading the ramp bearing (62) onto the ramp (61).

60. The transmission of claim 55, further comprising:

a screw (35) coaxially and rigidly attached to the rotatable drive member (34) or the bearing disc (60); and

a nut (37) coaxially and rigidly attached to the bearing disk (60) if the threaded member (35) is attached to the rotatable drive member (34) or to the rotatable drive member (34) if the threaded member (35) is rigidly attached to the bearing disk (60).

61. Transmission according to claim 60, characterized in that the inclined ramp (61) of the bearing disc (60) has a higher lead than the screw (35).

62. A transmission according to claim 59, wherein in response to a stop of rotation of the bearing disc (60), the power adjustment device (1) causes a screw (35) or nut (37) rigidly attached to the rotatable drive member (34) to be wound off the power adjustment device (34) thereby disengaging the transmission.

63. The transmission of claim 55, further comprising a coil spring (80) for biasing the rotatable drive member (34) against the power modulating device (1).

64. The transmission of claim 55, further comprising:

at least one locking pawl (81); and

at least one locking pawl ratchet (82), wherein the locking pawl ratchet (82) is rigidly attached to the rotatable drive member (34), and the at least one locking pawl (81) is operatively attached to the coil spring (80).

65. The transmission according to claim 64, characterized in that when the bearing disc (60) is not rotating and when the rotatable drive member (34) is rotating, the locking pawl ratchet (82) rotates at about twice the speed of the at least one locking pawl (81).

66. The transmission of claim 64, further comprising:

at least one release pawl (85); and

at least one release pawl ratchet (87) operatively attached to the at least one locking pawl (81), wherein the release pawl ratchet (87) is rigidly attached to the bearing disk (60).

67. The transmission of claim 65, wherein after the rotatable drive member (34) is disengaged from the power modulating device (1) and in response to rotation of the bearing disc (60), the release pawl ratchet (87) engages at least one release pawl (85) which is disengaged from at least one locking pawl (81), the locking pawl (81) releasing the coil spring (80) to press the rotatable drive member (34) against the power modulating device (34).

68. The transmission of claim 64, wherein the locking pawl (81) engages the locking pawl ratchet (87) in response to disengagement of the drive member (34) and the bearing disc (60) to prevent the coil spring (80) from biasing the rotatable drive member (34) against the power modulating device (1).

69. The transmission of claim 1, further comprising:

a rotating handle (302) having ratchet teeth (310); and

a rotating chuck (314) with ratchet teeth (312) that ratchet with the handle (302).

70. The transmission of claim 69, wherein the ratchet teeth (310) of the rotating handle (302) face in a first direction and the ratchet teeth (312) of the rotating clamp (314) face in a second direction.

71. The transmission of claim 69, wherein rotation of the rotatable knob (302) in a first direction rotates the rotatable clamp (314), and rotation of the rotatable knob (302) in a second and opposite direction does not rotate the rotatable clamp (314).

72. The transmission of claim 6, further comprising:

a hollow shaft (10) having at least one slot (16);

a sleeve (19) slidingly and coaxially positioned on the hollow shaft (10);

a pin (12) passing through a slot (16) in the hollow shaft (10) to contact the sleeve (19); and

wherein the platform (13) contacts the sleeve (19) and moves axially in response to axial movement of the sleeve (19) and the pin (12).

73. The transmission of claim 6, further comprising a rotatable driven member (40) in frictional contact with each power modulating device (1).

74. The transmission of claim 73, further comprising a non-rotatable hub shell (901, 902) enclosing the transmission.