GB1376057A - Steplessly variable friction transmission gears - Google Patents

Abstract

1376057 Variable-speed gear ALLSPEEDS Ltd 1 Aug 1973 [3 May 1972] 20581/72 Heading F2D In a steplessly variable gear wherein flanges 12, 13 on aligned shafts 10, 11 are frictionally connected by three, six or other number of balls 16, 17 rotating about stationary axes which can be tilted to vary the ratio, at least one of the balls 16 is a control ball rotatable on a spindle 18, which can be tilted by a radially slidable rod 19, while at least one other 17 (two shown) of the balls is freely mounted. The inclination of the axis of rotation of the free ball 17 follows that of the control ball 16 so that all balls share the load. Two freely mounted balls 17 are carried in apertures in a fixed disc 27 which has a V-shaped aperture for the control ball 16, and guides for the control rod 19 and its ball-socket connection 21. Low friction material may be provided at the support surfaces of the balls and control rod, or the balls 16, 17 may be supported by additional balls. Traction pressure is provided by outer races 23, 24, backed by ball, roller or needle bearings, and loaded axially by coil or diaphragm springs 25, 26, hydraulically or pneumatically. The control rod 19 may be screw adjustable and operated by a handle or through a sprocket drive.