Patent ID: 6361457
Filing Date: 2002-03-26
Classification: F16H

Abstract:
A variable speed pulley assembly for use with a drive belt having a V-shaped cross-sectional configuration for transmitting driving force to said pulley assembly and a driven belt having a V-shaped cross-sectional configuration for transmitting driving force from said pulley assembly, said pulley assembly being supported on a support member, said pulley assembly comprising:a shaft supporting said pulley assembly on said support member for rotation with said shaft relative to the support member about an axis; an outer drive pulley half fixed for rotation with said shaft on a first portion of said shaft having a first diameter; an outer driven pulley half fixed for rotation with said shaft on a second portion of said shaft spaced apart axially from said first portion and having said first diameter; a sleeve on a third portion of said shaft axially intermediate said outer drive pulley half and said outer driven pulley half, said sleeve being movable axially in opposite directions along said third portion of said shaft between said outer drive pulley half and said outer driven pulley half, said third portion of said shaft having said first diameter; and a center pulley fixed for rotation with said sleeve, said center pulley comprising an inner drive pulley half and an inner driven pulley half fixed for rotation with each other, said center pulley being rotatable with said outer drive pulley half and said outer driven pulley half about said axis; said inner drive pulley half and said outer drive pulley half defining between them a drive pulley groove, the drive belt being received in said drive pulley groove and being movable radially in said drive pulley groove between a radially innermost position and a radially outermost position; said inner driven pulley half and said outer driven pulley half defining between them a driven pulley groove, the driven belt being received in said driven pulley groove and being movable radially in said driven pulley groove between a radially innermost position and a radially outermost position.