Patent ID: 6327926
Filing Date: 2001-12-11
Classification: F16D,F16H,Y10T

Abstract:
A variable-speed transmission comprising:a first element rotatable about a first axis and having an annular guide centered on the first axis;a second element rotatable about a second axis parallel to the first axis and having a plurality of radially extending arms having edges forming respective angularly spaced and radially extending guides;respective coupling bodies angularly spaced about the axes and each having one part engaged with a respective one of the radial second-element guides and another part engaged with the annular first-element guide, the other parts being constructed such that they can slide in one angular direction relative to the annular guide but not in an opposite angular direction relative thereto; andmeans for radially displacing one of the elements relative to the other element into a position with the second and first axes offset from each other for, on relative rotation of the first element in the one direction relative to the second element, orbiting the bodies through a torque-transmitting zone close to the second axis and wedged on the annular first-element guide and through a free-running zone remote from the second axis and sliding on the annular first-element guide, whereby on traversing the torque-transmitting zone the bodies rotationally couple the first and second elements.