Patent ID: 6146308
Filing Date: 2000-11-14
Classification: F16H,Y10T

Abstract:
An infinitely variable transmission for use with an output shaft of an engine, comprising:an input shaft connected with the output shaft of the engine;an output member connected with wheels and coupled to a planetary gear;a belt type continuously variable transmission including a first pulley associated with said input shaft, a second pulley coupled to said planetary gear, a belt movable on the first and second pulleys, and axial force actuating means for applying axial forces to said first and second pulleys to change a rotational ratio of said first and second pulleys, said belt type continuously variable transmission and said planetary gear operative to provide a first pulley ratio that provides a gear neutral state such that the RPM of said output member is substantially 0, and a second pulley ratio that does not provide a gear neutral state such that the RPM of the output member is not substantially 0, the first and second pulleys being structured such that the second pulley ratio is provided when the axial forces being applied to the first and second pulleys by the axial force actuating means are substantially equal;said planetary gear including at least first, second and third rotary elements associated with said input shaft, said second pulley and said output member, respectively, so that a torque transmission direction may be changed between said first and second pulleys, and so that the output torque direction of said output member may be changed on the basis of a change in the pulley ratio of said belt type continuously variable transmission; andcreep torque generating means for generating a creep force, such that, when said belt type continuously variable transmission is initially directed toward said second pulley ratio from said gear neutral state, axial forces are applied by the axial force actuating means to said first and second pulleys, the axial forces being set to predetermined values such that the continuously variable transmission may subsequently be directed toward the first pulley ratio from the second pulley ratio.