Roller variator for actuating continuously variable transmissions

• Main Authors: MANES ENRICO N, RUMLEY BENJAMIN J, STARKEY JOHN M
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 19.07.2011
• Subjects: BLASTING; ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GEARING; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVEFUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; HEATING; LIGHTING; MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL; WEAPONS

A continuously variable transmission (CVT) with a roller variator as an actuator for adjusting the speed ratio of the CVT. The CVT is of the variable-diameter pulley type and has first and second variable-diameter pulleys mechanically linked by a drive belt or other flexible drive member, the pulleys each having first and second relatively axially movable pulley portions. A roller variator is operatively connected to the first pulley, preferably the drive pulley, for control of its effective diameter. The roller variator has first and second disks mounted on the axis of the first pulley, a roller interconnecting the disks, and a roller support adapted to tilt the spin axis of the roller so as to change its points of contact with the disks and thereby change the speed ratio of the variator. The first disk is rotatably fixed with respect to the first pulley portion of the first pulley, for example, the pulley portion fixed to an engine shaft. In certain embodiments, the second disk directly drives the second pulley portion relative to the first, and, in other embodiments, the second disk drives the second pulley portion through a threaded connection, for example, one having directly engaging male and female threaded parts, or a ball screw.